阅读说明：本技术 用于可移除地附着物品的紧固装置和用于可移除地附着物品的方法 (Fastening device for removably attaching an article and method for removably attaching an article ) 是由 H·吴 于 2020-03-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及紧固装置(1)和将物品可移除地附接到材料表面的方法,该紧固装置(1)包括基座(3),该基座可围绕旋转轴线(7)沿至少一个方向旋转；支撑框架(2),其布置成机械地支撑基座(3),其中基座(3)被配置为相对于支撑框架(2)旋转并且基座(3)的旋转轴线(7)是横向于支撑框架(2)的基准平面(16)的；至少一个开口环状穿刺构件(5)包括固定端(12)和穿刺端(13),该固定端(12)附接到基座(3),而该穿刺构件(5)配置成使得当基座(3)旋转时,穿刺构件(5)的穿刺端(13)跟随第一弯曲轨迹；以及第一支座(4a),其被布置在支撑框架(2)上并且被配置成当与穿刺构件(5)接触时,使穿刺构件(5)的穿刺端(13)跟随第二弯曲轨迹；使得第二轨迹的平面与第一轨迹的平面偏移一偏离角。(The present invention relates to a fastening device (1) and a method for removably attaching an article to a surface of a material, the fastening device (1) comprising a base (3) rotatable in at least one direction about a rotation axis (7); a support frame (2) arranged to mechanically support the base (3), wherein the base (3) is configured to rotate relative to the support frame (2) and the axis of rotation (7) of the base (3) is transverse to a reference plane (16) of the support frame (2); the at least one open annular piercing member (5) comprises a fixed end (12) and a piercing end (13), the fixed end (12) being attached to the base (3), and the piercing member (5) being configured such that the piercing end (13) of the piercing member (5) follows a first curved trajectory when the base (3) is rotated; and a first abutment (4a) arranged on the support frame (2) and configured to cause the piercing end (13) of the piercing member (5) to follow a second curved trajectory when in contact with the piercing member (5); such that the plane of the second track is offset from the plane of the first track by an offset angle.)

1. A fastening device (1) for removably attaching an article to a material surface, the fastening device (1) comprising:

-a base (3) rotatable in at least one direction about a rotation axis (7);

-a support frame (2) arranged to mechanically support the base (3), wherein the base (3) is configured to rotate with respect to the support frame (2) and a rotation axis (7) of the base (3) is transverse to a reference plane (16) of the support frame (2);

-at least one open annular piercing member (5) comprising a fixed end (12) and a piercing end (13), the fixed end (12) being attached to the base (3) and the piercing member (5) being configured such that the piercing end (13) of the piercing member (5) follows a first curved trajectory when the base (3) is rotated; and

-a first abutment (4a) arranged on said support frame (2) and configured to cause said piercing end (13) of said piercing member (5) to follow a second curved trajectory when in contact with said piercing member (5);

such that the plane of the second track is offset from the plane of the first track by an offset angle.

2. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the piercing end of the piercing member is caused to pierce and engage the surface at a first piercing point when the base is rotated from an initial position to a first piercing position; and is

Wherein when the base is rotated to a final rotational position, the piercing member is configured to reach a releasable locking position at an end of the second trajectory.

3. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the fastening device further comprises:

-a second abutment arranged on said support frame and configured for keeping said piercing member under mechanical stress when in contact with said piercing member, such that a translational movement of the part of said piercing member in contact with the second abutment is prevented in a vertical direction with respect to said reference plane of the support frame.

4. A fastening device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening device further comprises:

-a housing comprising the support frame and the holder and enclosing the base and the piercing member, the housing having a coupling side arranged to interface with the surface, the coupling side comprising a first opening provided thereon such that when the base is rotated from the initial position to a first rotational position the free piercing end of the piercing member protrudes through the first opening and when the base is rotated from the first rotational position to a second rotational position the free piercing end of the piercing member reaches a height peak relative to a reference plane of the support frame and when the base is further rotated from the second rotational position to a third rotational position the free piercing end of the piercing member is enabled to enter a second opening arranged on the coupling side and arranged at a distance from the first opening,

wherein the piercing member is configured to reach the releasably locked position when the free piercing end of the piercing member is inserted into the second opening.

5. A fastening device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the deviation angle is determined by the vertical extension of the first mount relative to the reference plane of the support frame.

6. A fastening device according to claim 3, wherein the angle of divergence is determined by the distance between the first and second abutments.

7. The fastening device of claim 2, wherein as said base is further rotated from said first piercing position to a second piercing position, the piercing end of said piercing member further pierces and engages said surface at a second piercing point before it has reached said releasably locked position.

8. A fastening device according to claim 2, wherein the piercing end of the piercing member retracts and separates from the first piercing point on the surface when the base is rotated from the first piercing position to an initial position.

9. A fastening device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said split annular piercing member has a circular shape with an open portion.

10. A fastening device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises:

-power transmission means mechanically connected with the base and connectable to actuator means, the power transmission means being configured to rotate the base by transmitting power from the actuator means to the base.

11. A fastening device according to claim 10, wherein the power transmission device comprises at least one of a dial, a drive gear, a rack, a belt drive, a chain drive, and a wire cam.

12. The fastening device of claim 10, wherein the actuator device comprises at least one of a lever, a tension spring, an electric servo motor, a stepper motor, a drill, and a gasoline engine.

13. A method of removably attaching an article to a material surface, the method comprising:

-providing a base (3) rotatable in at least one direction about a rotation axis (7);

-providing a support frame (2) to mechanically support the rotatable base (3), wherein the rotation axis (7) of the base (3) is transverse to a reference plane (16) of the support frame (2);

-providing at least one open annular piercing member (5) comprising a fixed end (12) and a piercing end (13), the fixed end (12) being attached to the base (3) and the piercing member (5) being configured such that the piercing end (13) of the piercing member (5) follows a first curved trajectory when the base (3) is rotated; and

-providing a first abutment (4a) arranged on said support frame (2) and configured so that said piercing end (13) of the piercing member (5) follows a second curved trajectory when in contact with said piercing member (5);

such that the plane of the second track is offset from the plane of the first track by an offset angle.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising piercing the piercing end of the piercing member at a first piercing point and into engagement with the surface as the base is rotated from an initial position to a first rotated position; and wherein when the base is rotated to a final rotational position, the piercing member is brought to a releasable locking position at the end of the second trajectory.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a fastening device for removably attaching an article to a surface and a method of attaching the same.

Background

In order to fasten external articles to surfaces such as the surfaces of sheets, meshes, grids and fabrics of different materials, various systems have been devised, such as pins, buttons, clips, badge holder clips and the like. In general, on the one hand, fastening small ornaments such as brooches or cards does not require frequent detachment from or attachment to the target surface. Thus, as long as the fastening method does not permanently damage the material, it is not a problem whether the removal/reattachment process is convenient, quick and simple.

On the other hand, it is highly desirable to provide a universal and reusable item attachment/detachment system to a target surface, while facilitating a simple and convenient user experience. One example of such a frequent attachment/detachment system is a device for attaching external items (e.g., personal accessories, mobile phones, personal purses, keys, etc.) in place on the surface of a material (e.g., a portion of a person's clothing) while securely grasping such items to prevent theft or accidental loss. Thus, these anti-theft, fall or loss prevention devices will withstand much greater forces than, for example, a simple clip-on board bracket, while providing a simple mechanism to allow a user to separate and access them when desired. A commercial product C-Safe from the applicant Lumeo Technology AB from Sweden^TMIn PocketLock, a clamping device is capable of easily attaching the above mentioned everyday objects to the fabric or clothing of the user. A small magnetic link is attached to the article and a clamp or lock comprising two separable parts receives the fabric between the two parts when open and secures the fabric between the two parts when closed in the clamped state. Thus, attaching a small magnetic link to another magnetic component contained in the clip lock enables items to be easily attached and detached from clothing.

The device effectively solves the problem of avoiding theft or accidental falls in comparison with other known solutions using expensive or complex electronics or sensor devices operating based on position identification systems relying on e.g. bluetooth or GPS signals between the tracking sender and receiver. However, the above solution is advantageous as long as the clamped fabric is thin and flexible, is not easily damaged by the clamping action, and the user does not have to frequently remove and reinstall the clamp lock, for example, by cleaning the garment or using the device on multiple garments.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a more versatile, cost effective and efficient solution for frequently and directly fastening and unfastening an item to and from a target surface.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve the prior art and to obviate at least some of the above disadvantages.

These and other objects are achieved by providing a fastening device for removably attaching an article to a surface of a material and a method of removably attaching an article to the surface as defined in the appended claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a fastening device for removably attaching an article to a surface of a material, the fastening device comprising:

a base rotatable in at least one direction about an axis of rotation;

a support frame arranged to mechanically support the base, wherein the base is configured to rotate relative to the support frame and the axis of rotation of the base is transverse to a reference plane of the support frame;

at least one open annular piercing member comprising a fixed end attached to the base and a piercing end configured such that the piercing end of the piercing member follows a first curved trajectory when the base is rotated; and

a first abutment arranged on the support frame and configured to cause the piercing end of the piercing member to follow a second curved trajectory when in contact with the piercing member;

such that the plane of the second track is offset from the plane of the first track by an offset angle.

In the remainder of the disclosure, the surface of the material may also be referred to as a "target surface" or "surface", but it should be understood that it is not limited to a particular surface or side of the material, and that the fastening means is always similarly attachable regardless of the position or orientation of the different surfaces and different sides of the material.

In this context, "removably attached" means that two items or elements or components, e.g., an external item and a target surface, can be repeatedly attached and detached from each other. It is expressly not excluded, however, that the two articles are attached together and remain attached permanently or for a longer period of time. Further, attaching and detaching the item to and from the target surface may be performed manually, such as by user engagement, or remotely or automatically, such as by sending actuation commands to a motorized base that can be rotated in a desired direction and secure and/or release the device to and/or from the desired target surface without any user engagement.

The present invention is based, at least in part, on the realization that by providing a curved or annular piercing member, such as a needle, attached to a rotatable base (e.g., a rotatable disk-shaped base), and by rotating the base about its axis of rotation, a controlled curved trajectory can be achieved for the piercing member. In other words, the rotational force of the rotating base can be applied to the piercing member to stably and efficiently drive the piercing member into engagement with the target surface of the material to be pierced. By such ideal principles and systems according to the present invention, and by further exploiting the advantages of, for example, the first abutment arranged on the supporting frame of the fastening means, the trajectory of the piercing end (needle tip) of the piercing member can be customised controlled. By deviating the needle tip from its first curved trajectory to a second curved trajectory, the corresponding penetration depth or angle of the needle in the target surface may be controlled. Thus, a safe, stable and effective means for repeatedly attaching and/or detaching external objects (e.g. nameplates, badges, mobile phones, motion sensors, light sensors and audio sensors, etc.) to and/or from a target surface of a material such as a mesh surface of a fabric or garment can be achieved. The foreign object may be attached to either side of the securing device, rather than to one side of the target surface, for example, by using magnetic links or other attachment mechanisms.

The base may be an assembly made of different materials (e.g., hard plastic, metal, compressed cardboard, dense styrofoam, wood, etc.). Furthermore, different shapes and geometries are conceivable for the base, such as a disc-shaped base, a conical base, a cylindrical base, etc. The base may be, for example, a flat disc or a disc having a convex or concave profile on one or more sides or a disc having a combination of flat, concave and/or convex profiles.

For example, the base may have a 3D shape of a cone, disk or cylinder and a 2D cross section of a circular top and/or bottom surface.

A support frame in the context of the present invention is understood to be a physical structure capable of mechanically supporting a rotatable base.

The axis of rotation of the base may be transverse to the plane of the support frame, which may be referred to as the "reference plane" in this specification. For example, if the reference plane is a horizontal plane, the axis of rotation of the base may be partly transverse or partly perpendicular to the horizontal plane, e.g. the axis of rotation may extend in a vertical direction. In various embodiments, the reference plane of the support frame may have different orientations, and thus the base may be oriented accordingly such that the axis of rotation is still transverse to the plane of the support frame.

The split ring piercing member may have a split or cut portion, i.e., a segment or portion of the ring may be left blank or removed so that the ring is not fully closed. In other words, the opening portion may be a gap between the fixed end and the piercing end of the piercing member. The open portion (e.g. in the case of a substantially circular ring) may be an arc of the ring having a respective central angle in the range of 1 to 180 degrees, e.g. an arc of 10 to 90 degrees, or an arc of e.g. 5 to 10 degrees or e.g. 1 to 5 degrees. In the case of an elliptical ring, the open portion may similarly correspond to some arc length of the ellipse. Alternatively or additionally, the piercing end and the fixed end of the piercing member may overlap, i.e. the loop is still open, but one end may have a higher vertical height than the other end and may extend partially over the other end.

In the context of the present invention, a first curved trajectory means that the piercing end of the piercing member follows a curved path that also lies within the plane of motion of the base when the base undergoes, for example, a uniform (with a constant rate of rotation) or non-uniform (with a varying rate of rotation) edgewise motion about a fixed axis of rotation. The curved trajectory may alternatively lie in a plane parallel to the plane of motion of the base. This marginal or rotational movement of the piercing end on the first curved trajectory may continue until it may be interrupted by the abutment.

A second curved trajectory refers to a trajectory that may be substantially out of the plane of initial movement of the piercing end of the piercing member. In other words, the abutment may exert a force upon contact and guide the piercing end away from its plane of motion (its first trajectory) to a second plane of motion (its second trajectory), which may be at an angle, i.e. away or off-angle, from the first or initial plane of motion.

According to the invention, the rotation of the susceptor about its axis of rotation can be continuous or stepped, in which case the susceptor reaches a series of quasi-rest positions during its rotational movement. The quasi-rest position refers to a rotational position of the susceptor or an intermediate rotational position of the susceptor including between an initial rotational position and a final rotational position of the susceptor.

Further, the quasi-rest positions may correspond to different positions of the piercing member or the piercing end of the piercing member. In other words, each quasi-stationary or rotational position of the base may also correspond to a quasi-stationary position of the piercing member or piercing end. For example, when the piercing end pierces a target surface at a piercing point, the quasi-resting position of the piercing end at that point may correspond to some rotational position of the base.

The fastening device of the present invention has a variety of fields of application, including the attachment of merchandise and various accessories, sensors for measuring motion, light and/or audio (e.g., activity trackers, voice recorders, etc.) to textile furniture, curtains, pajamas, clothing and bags; attaching a lock to the clothing to secure the valuables to the clothing to prevent dropping and theft; attaching a camera mount to the textile as a body mount for a motion camera and a wearable camera; the label is integrated on the name label instead of a simple stitch, so that the attachment and the separation of the label are more humanized; industrial robots suitable as a means of manipulating textiles; attaching a wearable recording device in a movie and studio or field interview; integrated into a spectacle frame to attach an item to an item of clothing; retail clothing integration alarms are used as a new way to protect fashion items in the store from theft; integrated with a GPS device so that the GPS device can be attached to a fabric; integrated in firearms and tool holsters to ensure safe attachment of the guns and tools to more locations in clothing and bags; application to surgical instruments, such as tissue suturing devices for suturing and closing wounds. It can also be used in a sewing device for fabric, and can realize a sewing function without contacting both sides of the fabric. For example, integrated with a portable sewing device or integrated with an industrial sewing machine, etc.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the base is rotatable from the initial position to the first piercing position, the piercing end of the piercing member can be caused to pierce and engage the surface at the first piercing point; and wherein the piercing member may be configured to reach the releasably locked position at the end of the second trajectory when the base may be rotated to the final rotational position.

The "piercing position" of the base refers to a rotational position of the base in which the piercing member engages and pierces the target surface at the at least one piercing point. The "releasably locked position" in this disclosure refers to the end rotational position of the base when the curved piercing member is formed into a curved loop shape and reaches its final quasi-resting position. In some embodiments, the piercing end may undergo further trajectory changes, such as a third or fourth or fifth curved trajectory, etc., before reaching the releasably locked position upon further rotation of the base. The piercing end may reach the releasably locked position at the end of the second trajectory or any other trajectory other than the second trajectory (e.g., third or fourth or fifth trajectory). In the releasably locked position, the piercing end may remain in the locked state until a user or an actuator triggers a retraction process, which causes the piercing end to be released from the locked position and the piercing member to retract to, for example, an initial quasi-resting position. However, it will be appreciated that other intermediate releasable locking positions are envisaged for the piercing member, for example it may be advantageous to stop rotation of the base part halfway before or after the piercing end penetrates the target surface.

Further, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the fastening device may further include:

a second seat arranged on the support frame and configured for keeping the piercing member under mechanical stress when in contact with the piercing member, such that a translational movement of that part of the piercing member which may be in contact with the second seat in a vertical direction with respect to a reference plane of the support frame may be prevented.

The second abutment may be arranged to provide mechanical stability to the piercing member and ensure uniform movement of the piercing member during rotation of the base and changes in the rotational trajectory imposed by the first abutment. The present inventors have realised that by providing a second abutment in the path of the piercing member, substantial control over the movement of the piercing member can be achieved. The piercing end of the piercing member, after changing its trajectory by the first abutment, may continue its trajectory until it reaches a quasi-rest position in which a portion of the piercing member is in contact with the second abutment. The amount of mechanical stress applied to the piercing member may remain constant during operation of the device or may vary at different quasi-rest positions of the piercing member or rotational positions of the base. The piercing member may experience an engaged state, i.e. a mechanically stressed or relaxed state, that is to say, for example, no mechanical stress at the end of the second trajectory of the free end of the piercing member, for example, when the releasably locked position is reached.

The first abutment may exert an upward vertical/lateral force component on the piercing member, and the second abutment may exert a mechanical force, such as a downward vertical/lateral component of force, in a direction opposite to the force component exerted by the first abutment. Thus, two opposing vertical/lateral force components applied to the piercing member may keep the piercing member positioned between the first and second seats under a certain amount of mechanical stress.

It should be noted that the penetrating member may be brought into contact with the first abutment before being brought into contact with the second abutment, even though the second abutment may be spatially positioned in front of the first abutment along the rotational path of the penetrating member. To explain briefly, the first abutment is understood as the abutment that is first in contact with the piercing member, while the second abutment is understood as the abutment that is in contact with the piercing member after the first abutment.

According to still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fastening device may further include:

a housing comprising a support frame and a holder and enclosing the base and the piercing member, the housing having a coupling side arranged to interface with a surface, the coupling side comprising a first opening provided thereon such that the free piercing end of the piercing member can protrude out of the first opening when the base can be rotated from an initial position to a first rotational position and can reach a height peak relative to a reference plane of the support frame when the base can be rotated from the first rotational position to a second rotational position, and the piercing member can be able to enter a second opening arranged on the coupling side and arranged at a distance from the first opening when the base can be further rotated from the second rotational position to a third rotational position,

wherein the piercing member is configured to reach the releasably locked position when the free piercing end of the piercing member can be inserted into the second opening.

The present inventors have realised that further advantages can be obtained by arranging the base and piercing member in a housing. The housing can provide a protective housing for the working components of the fastening device (e.g., base, piercing member, etc.) and can also provide the fastening device with the advantage of being easily installable on a variety of target surfaces and materials. For example, in the case of a flexible surface of a piece of fabric or clothing, the housing may be stably positioned on or tightly pushed against the target surface. This ability provides comfort and support for the user when handling and manipulating the device. Thus, also the rotation of the base, the arrangement of the support on the support frame, the connection of the base with its operating parts, such as power transmission means, actuators, etc., can be realized in a simpler and more direct manner.

The rotational position of the base and thus the quasi-static position of the piercing end is in no way limited to the first, second or third positions described above. Accordingly, there may be many intermediate rotational positions or quasi-stationary states between each of the first, second and third positions described above. For example, the first puncture position and/or the second puncture position may correspond to each of the first and second rotational positions or alternatively to other intermediate quasi-stationary positions of the puncture end between the first and second rotational positions of the base.

In this embodiment, the housing may be arranged such that the support frame may be an integral part of the housing or enclosed by the housing. The support may be arranged on the support frame or may be made in one piece with the rest of the housing. For example, the abutment may be a portion of the housing body, a protrusion of the housing body, a tapered inner surface of the housing, or the like, arranged to provide the function of changing the curved trajectory of the piercing member and to provide mechanical support during operation of the fastening device. The housing may also be arranged to increase user safety by receiving the sharp piercing end of the piercing member in the opening and retaining it in a releasable locked position until the piercing member is retracted by a release mechanism, e.g. triggered by a user or automatically.

Furthermore, the housing provides the fastening means with the possibility of being connected to other external devices or technical machinery and equipment (e.g. a robot arm).

According to another embodiment of the invention, the divergence angle may be determined by the vertical extension of the first mount relative to a reference plane of the support frame.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the divergence angle may be determined by the distance between the first and second abutments.

The inventors have realised that by adjusting the vertical height of the first support relative to the reference plane, the angle of departure of the piercing end can be effectively controlled.

Furthermore, by providing two abutments, the height and/or distance between the abutments can be adjusted, so that the divergence angle between the first and second curved trajectories can be determined. For example, the first mount may be arranged at a higher vertical height or at a closer/further distance to the second mount. A surprising effect and advantage of this embodiment is that by simply adjusting the height and/or distance, i.e. the space between the first and second abutments, various penetration depths and angles can be customized for the piercing member without changing the amount of force applied or the rotational speed of the rotatable base.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, when the base is further rotatable from the first piercing position to the second piercing position, the piercing end of the piercing member can be further caused to pierce and engage the surface at the second piercing position before it can reach the releasably locked position.

By providing the piercing end with a second piercing point it is ensured that a firm and stable connection to the target surface is established before the piercing end is stabilized, i.e. reaches the releasably locked position. Additionally or alternatively, to further increase the strength of the attachment of the fastening device to the target surface, multiple piercing members may be arranged on the same base to penetrate the surface at multiple piercing points. Alternatively, each piercing member may be equipped with a customized piercing end, such as a forked end with multiple prongs, fork hooks, or the like, to pierce the surface with several holes at each piercing point.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the piercing end of the piercing member can be retracted and separated from the first piercing point on the surface when the base is rotatable from the first piercing position to the initial position.

The fastening device may be detached from the target surface by retracting the piercing member from the puncture point on the target surface, for example by the user triggering a release mechanism. For example, the piercing member may be fully retracted by rotating the base in a direction opposite to the fastening direction. Thus, the piercing member may be fully retracted from the releasably locked position to an initial position, e.g. into the housing.

The piercing member may also be partially retracted between several quasi-rest positions, e.g. from a second piercing position to a first piercing position, wherein the piercing end is retracted and detached from the second piercing point. Retraction means that the piercing end follows a reverse trajectory, e.g. by rotating the base in a direction opposite to its initial rotational direction, i.e. the second or first trajectory is reversed when the piercing member pierces the target surface.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the fastening device may further include:

a power transmission device mechanically coupled to the base and connectable to the actuator device, the power transmission device configured to rotate the base by transmitting power from the actuator device to the base.

To operate the fastening device, the inventors have realized that various drive mechanisms may be applied to drive the rotatable base. The power transmission device may be used to transmit driving power to the base and rotate the base accordingly. Mechanical coupling generally refers to a transmission device that transmits mechanical power to the base, resulting in rotational movement of the base. In some embodiments, the power transmission means may be a separate component (intermediate component), while in some embodiments it may be integrated/manufactured in one piece with the rotatable base, i.e. one part or a portion of the base may be equipped with components such as protrusions, teeth, gears, etc. and may be used to transmit rotational motion from the actuator to the rotatable base.

The power transmission device may include at least one of a rotating plate, a driving gear, a rack gear, a belt driver, a chain driver, and a wire cam.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the actuator means may comprise at least one of a lever, a tension spring, an electric servo motor, a stepper motor, a drill and a gasoline engine.

The power transmission means may typically be mechanically and operatively connected to a power source, i.e. a mechanical, electrical or similar suitable power source, to provide a rotational force for the movement of the base. The power transmission means may be connected to a manual power source or actuator means actuated by the user. In some embodiments, the actuator means may be a lever or tension spring manually actuated or triggered by a user, for example by a pulling, pushing, pressing or dragging action which transmits the mechanical power applied by the user to the base via the transmission means and can rotate the base in the desired direction. In other embodiments, the actuator device may be a motor or an engine. For example, the actuator means may be a stepper motor or a servo motor that may be automatically controlled and triggered by means of the controller electronics. The controller electronics may be implemented in the fastening device and activated, for example, by a user pressing a switch. The controller electronics that activate the actuator device may include a network connection interface to enable the actuator device to be remotely controlled, for example, via a web application, a smart phone application, or any other form of network-based trigger signal that can activate the actuator device and rotate the base accordingly. One advantage of this arrangement is that the fastening device can be used in settings where the user cannot or does not necessarily need to directly engage in attaching the fastening device to the target surface. It is possible. For example, in an industrial environment for handling garments, where a robot arm is installed to transfer garments from one production line to another (e.g. a packaging production line), the arm may be equipped with a plurality of fastening devices connected to actuator means, which may be controlled automatically by the operating software of the robot arm, or the operation of the robot arm may be monitored remotely by the user. In other embodiments, the drilling machine, hybrid stepper motor, brushless dc motor, micro gasoline engine may be configured to rotate the base and tighten and loosen the tightening device at a desired speed and number of revolutions, respectively.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of removably attaching an article to a surface of a material, the method comprising:

providing a base rotatable in at least one direction about an axis of rotation;

providing a support frame to mechanically support the rotatable base, wherein the axis of rotation of the base is transverse to a reference plane of the support frame;

providing at least one open annular piercing member, the piercing member comprising a fixed end and a piercing end, the fixed end being attached to the base and the piercing member being configured such that the piercing end of the piercing member follows a first curved trajectory when the base is rotated; and is

Providing a first abutment arranged on the support frame and configured to cause the piercing end of the piercing member to follow a second curved trajectory when in contact with the piercing member;

such that the plane of the second track is offset from the plane of the first track by an offset angle.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the method may further comprise causing the piercing end of the piercing member to pierce and engage the surface at the first piercing point when the base is rotatable from the initial position to the first rotated position; and wherein the piercing member is caused to reach the releasable locking position at the end of the second trajectory when the base is rotatable to the final rotational position.

Preferred features and advantages of the invention are readily obtained by this aspect of the invention as in the previously discussed aspects of the invention and vice versa.

These and other features of the present invention will be further elucidated in the following detailed description with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

In addition to the main inventive concept disclosed above, the present disclosure also comprises at least a second inventive concept, which can be used together with the main inventive concept or as a separate solution in a fastening device with a non-flexible piercing member. A second inventive concept disclosed herein relates to the use of a rigid piercing member that may be suitable for use when it is not desirable to have a flexible/resilient piercing member that undergoes substantial reversible deformation upon application of mechanical stress. Accordingly, a strong, mechanically rigid piercing member is preferred for such intended applications. According to the second inventive concept, the rotatable base and the piercing member may be arranged at an oblique angle with respect to a reference plane of the support frame. Therefore, the rotation axes of the bases are also inclined, respectively. According to the second inventive concept, the abutment may no longer be required to provide a change of the trajectory of the piercing end of the piercing member. Instead, due to the inclination of the piercing member and the base relative to the reference plane, the trajectory plane of the piercing member is by default offset by an offset angle relative to the plane of the support frame. Thus, the piercing member can rotate reciprocally with the rotatable base about the same axis of rotation without undergoing the trajectory changes imposed by the external support. The size of the rotating base may also be varied to accommodate the tilted configuration, for example, the size of the rotatable base with rigid pins may be smaller than the size of the rotatable base with flexible pins.

Further inventive concepts may be the subject of one or more divisional applications. Statements about materials, areas of use, designs, assemblies etc. relating to the above-described first inventive concept also apply in relevant parts to the further (second) inventive concept.

Drawings

The above objects, as well as other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

1a-1b illustrate schematic perspective views of a fastening device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention;

1c-1f show schematic side views of the fastening device of FIG. 1a according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 1g-1i show schematic side views of the fastening device of FIG. 1b according to some embodiments of the invention;

2a-2b show schematic perspective views of a fastening device according to at least another embodiment of the invention;

2c-2d show schematic side views of a fastening device according to some embodiments of the invention;

3a-3c show schematic perspective views of a fastening device according to at least another embodiment of the invention in different rotational positions of a rotatable base of the fastening device;

3d-3f show side schematic views of a fastening device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention in different rotational positions;

4a-4b show schematic side views of a fastening device in use according to an embodiment of the invention;

5a-5b show schematic side views of a fastening device in use according to another embodiment of the invention;

6a-6c show schematic perspective views of a fastening device according to some embodiments of the invention;

7a-7d illustrate schematic views of a fastening device and power transmission mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention;

8a-8b show schematic perspective views of a fastening device and a power transmission mechanism according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

9a-9b show schematic bottom and top views of a fastening device and power transfer mechanism according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and

10a-10c illustrate schematic views of an actuation mechanism according to some embodiments of the invention.

As shown in the figures, some features (including piercing members, holders, etc.) are exaggerated or may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and are provided to illustrate the general structure of embodiments of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Detailed Description

In this detailed description, embodiments of the invention will be discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that this by no means limits the scope of the invention, which is also applicable in other situations than the embodiments shown in the figures, for example with other types or variants of rotatable bases and rotating mechanisms of rotatable bases or variants of fastening devices with various types of piercing members.

The following description will use terms such as "top," "bottom," "interior," "exterior," "side," "edge," "outer edge," and the like. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the figures. These terms are used for the convenience of the reader only and are not limiting.

In the context of the present invention, directions and orientations such as vertical, longitudinal and transverse directions need to be interpreted broadly and generally refer to the geometrical extension of an article in a coordinate system such as a three-dimensional cartesian coordinate system or a cylindrical or spherical coordinate system. Thus, the spatial extension and position of the item, e.g. the quasi-stationary position of the base or piercing end of the piercing member, may be defined in at least one plane of a coordinate system, e.g. by using x, y, z coordinates. Additionally or alternatively, the spatial extension and location of the piercing end or base of the piercing member may be defined by the radial distance (r) from the origin of the coordinate system and the polar and azimuthal angles of the spherical coordinate system.

Essentially, the vertical or z-direction is orthogonal or perpendicular to the reference plane of the support frame. The longitudinal or y-direction may be partially parallel to an imaginary line extending from an edge of the rotatable base to a center of the rotatable base. However, the y-direction may also be transverse to an imaginary line extending from the edge to the center of the rotatable base. In the example of a circular base, the imaginary line may extend radially from the edge of the base towards the center. The imaginary line may be, for example, a radius of a circular base, or a diagonal or a side of a rotatable base, such as a square or rectangle. The transverse or x-direction is orthogonal to both the y-direction and the z-direction. The x-direction may be partly transverse to a radial imaginary line extending from the edge to the center of the rotatable base, but it may also be a direction parallel to the imaginary line.

Fig. 1a shows a perspective view of a fastening device 1 according to an embodiment, wherein the fastening device comprises a support frame 2, a rotatable base 3, at least one first abutment 4a and at least one piercing member 5. The support frame 2 in this embodiment may be a frame of rigid or semi-rigid construction, for example made of plastic, metal, wood, etc., using various techniques known in the art, such as injection molding, 3D printing, etc. The support frame provides a structure to mechanically support and bear/carry the rotatable base, e.g. on only one side of the rotatable base, e.g. on the bottom side 15 or the top side 14 of the rotatable base. The support frame 2 may alternatively or additionally provide support on more than one side of the rotatable base 3, for example on two or three or four or all sides of the rotatable base 3. Additionally or alternatively, the support frame may completely surround the rotatable base 3, i.e. completely surround the rotatable base 3, e.g. completely surround the rotatable base 3 as a housing, casing or the like.

In this embodiment the base 3 is a circular or disc-shaped base, which may be connected to a central shaft 6' at its central portion 6 via a connector element, such as a pin, a rod, a stud or the like, which allows a stable rotation of the base around the designed element. The connector member may be an insertable external component or extrusion as part of the base. In other words, the base may have a female opening (socket) for receiving a male connector element. Wherein the male and female elements have complementary cross-sectional shapes. Additionally or alternatively, the base 3 may have a male projection to be inserted into a female fitting, for example on the support frame 2, or alternatively into a socket portion of the housing or casing (when present). The mating of the male and female elements may include threaded or toothed portions to engage or screw and fasten together, or may mate a snap action or the like. The base 3 may also be arranged and able to rotate without the need for external elements, for example by being supported and suspended on at least two, three or all sides by a support frame 2 or housing that allows the base to rotate freely. Additionally or alternatively, the base 3 may be surrounded by the support frame 2 or a part of the support frame 2 or optionally a part of the housing, and thus be free to rotate. The base 3 may be rotatable about a rotational axis 7 of the base, wherein the rotational axis 7 may not change its orientation, so that the base does not undergo any swinging, precession or out-of-plane translational movement during its rotational movement. The base can be rotated in a clockwise direction 8 and/or a counter-clockwise direction 9. In this embodiment, the first support 4a extends in the y-direction, i.e. radially from the periphery or edge 10 of the support frame 2 or alternatively the periphery or edge 11 of the base 3 towards the central part 6 of the base. In other words, the abutment 4a is arranged at the distal portion 10 of the support frame 2 and may extend towards the center of the base 6. Although in this embodiment the support has the longest extension in the y-direction, the inventors have also found that one or more supports 4a may be arranged at the periphery of the support frame 2 and have its longest extension in the x-direction, i.e. the lateral extension of one or more supports 4a may be larger than the longitudinal extension of one or more supports 4 a. The longitudinal extension of the one or more abutments 4a may be in the range of, for example, 1 to 10 times the lateral extension of the one or more abutments 4 a. Alternatively, the lateral extension of the one or more abutments 4a may be in the range of, for example, 1 to 10 times the longitudinal extension of the one or more abutments 4 a. One or more standoffs 4a may also extend in any other orientation, for example, in an x-y plane having a different azimuthal angle than that shown in the present embodiment. The abutment 4a in this embodiment is in the form of a cylindrical rod having a circular (as shown in figures 1c-1 i) cross-section. However, it should be understood that the seat 4a may have any suitable shape and geometrical extension suitable for the design aspects of the fastening device, for example it may be a conical rod, but also a square column with a circular, elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The piercing member 5 in this embodiment may be a resilient, flexible or semi-flexible needle capable of controlled deformation and returning to its original shape after deformation such as bending, twisting, curling. The flexible piercing member 5 may have different amounts of tolerance to mechanical stress, tension and strain, and thus undergo different degrees of reversible deformation when placed under mechanical stress. The piercing member is made of an elastic wire or strip. The piercing member 5 has a fixed end 12 which is preferably attached to the rotatable base 3.

The piercing member 5 may be attached to the base 3 at any desired part, portion or side of the base 3. The piercing member 5 may be permanently attached to the base 3 by being molded/embedded in the base 3 or manufactured as a single piece with the base 3. The piercing member 5 may also be attachable or removably attachable to the base 3. Attachable or removable attachment herein is to be understood that the fixed end 12 of the piercing member 5 may be repeatedly attached to and detached from the base 3, e.g. by means of a snap-on function. The piercing member 5 may also be screwed with the base 3 or attached to the base 3 in any repeatable detachable manner. Having the piercing member 5 as a separate component allows for an advantageous customization of the fastening device, e.g. the same base may be customized for different types of needles of different size, shape, length, curve, tension or mechanical stress durability, etc. In this way, repair or replacement of damaged or broken needles is made easier, which operation can even be performed by the user himself, further reducing the costs on the user side, while keeping the environmental footprint of device production and material use low by reusing existing functional components.

The fixed end 12 of the piercing member may also be attached to the base 3 by a hinge or pivot point (not shown), which may allow the piercing member 5 to pivot about the pivot point in a controlled manner. This may be advantageous when it is desired to relieve mechanical stress on the needle 5, for example when the needle 5 reaches a locked position or penetrates a relatively rigid surface, since the relatively rigid surface may exert additional mechanical stress on the piercing member 5, which may result in uncontrolled irreversible deformation or damage of the needle 5 and the device 1. The piercing member 5 may be a hook or a needle with a piercing tip to penetrate the surface of the respective material engaged with the piercing member 5.

The needle 5 includes a pointed or piercing end 13 (see fig. 4a-4b) capable of penetrating and engaging a target surface.

In a different embodiment, the fastening device 1 shown in fig. 1b comprises a second abutment 4 b. The second support 4b may be similar in shape and geometry to the first support 4a, or may have a different shape, size, orientation, etc. than the first support 4 a. The piercing end 13 contacts the first abutment 4a before the second abutment 4 b. In other words, the second abutment 4b is spatially arranged in front of or behind the first abutment 4a in the x-direction or along a part of the path of the piercing member 5 (see fig. 1g-1i), and it is indeed the first abutment 4a that is in contact with the piercing end 13 when the base 3 is rotated. Furthermore, it should be noted that both the first and the second seats 4a, 4b may be a single point of projection, such as a bump, a bar, a rod, a pin, etc., projecting or transversal to the reference plane 16 of the support frame 2 or from the transversal or distal portion 10 of the support frame 2, at least partially containing or parallel to the plane 16 of the support frame 2.

In an example where the fastening device is used to attach an external item to an item of clothing of a user, the base 3 may have a height or thickness, for example in the range 1mm to 20 mm.

The base 3 may have a diameter in the range of 1mm to 200mm, for example.

The assembled fastening device 1 may have a height or thickness, for example, in the range of 1mm to 30 mm.

The assembled fastening device 1 may have a diameter in the range of 1mm to 200mm, for example.

The piercing member 5 may have a thickness, for example, in the range of 0.05mm to 5mm or preferably in the range of 0.2mm to 1.5 mm.

The piercing member 5 may have a diameter, for example, in the range of 1mm to 200 mm.

However, it should be understood that the above-described components (e.g., the base 3 of the piercing member 5 and the fastening device 1) may also have dimensions outside of the above-described ranges, and that the skilled person may simply consider these dimensions based on the intended design and other applications of the fastening device 1.

Returning to fig. 1a, the fastening device 1 has a coupling surface or coupling side 14, which may be arranged to interface with a target surface. In the context of the present disclosure, "interface with … …" is to be construed as becoming physically in contact with, abutting against, pushing onto, fitting onto, or adjusting to a target surface such that, in use, the piercing member 5 of the fastening device 1 is able to penetrate and pierce the target surface upon rotational movement of the base 3. In other words, the coupling side 14 is the side of the fastening device 1 that abuts and faces the target surface. The coupling side 14 may be, for example, a top side 14 of the fastening device 1, but also a bottom side 15 of the fastening device 1. By "top side" and "bottom side" of the fastening device 1 is meant that the top side 14 is a side having a higher vertical height in the z-direction than the bottom side 15. The top side 14 and the bottom side 15 of the fastening device 1 may alternatively also be referred to as top side and bottom side of the support frame 2. The bottom side 15 of the fastening device 1 may be used for coupling the rotatable base 3 to a power transmission device arranged as a rotating base 3 (see fig. 2c and 7 c).

Fig. 1c-1f show a side view of the fastening device 1 of fig. 1a comprising a first abutment 4 a. In fig. 1c, the base 3 is in its initial position, and thus the piercing member 5 is in a retracted or rest position. In the rest position, a part of the body of the piercing member 5 or, for example, the piercing end 13 may be in contact withThe reference plane 16 of the support frame 2 forms an angle 17. In the rest position, the piercing end 13 of the piercing member 5 has a vertical elevation (height) of zn1, for example. The elevation height zn1 may be, for example, in the range of 0 to 30mm relative to the base plane 16 of the support frame. The first support 4a may have a vertical elevation za, which is in the range of 0mm to 30mm, for example, relative to the reference plane 16. In the rest position, the piercing end 13 may have an extension in the x-direction of, for example, x 0. As shown in fig. 1d, the piercing end 13 of the piercing member 5 follows a first curved trajectory from the rest position x0 to the abutment 4a, for example with a transverse extension xa, when the base 3 is rotated. The location and extension of the piercing end 13 may also be defined by the radial distance of the piercing end 13 from the central portion of the base 6 (e.g., r0 at x0 and ra (not shown) at xa) and the corresponding azimuthal angle (e.g., ra at x 0)And at xa is(not shown)) are defined. The first track generally has a plane 18 that may be partially/substantially parallel to the reference plane 16. As the piercing end 13 transitions/moves from x0 to xa and contacts the first abutment 4a, the initial angle 17 of the piercing member 5 to the reference plane 16 increases. The angle between piercing member 5 and reference plane 16 when piercing end 13 is in contact with first abutment 4a, which may be referred to as contact angle 19, increases by at least 10 degrees or at least 20 degrees, or at least 30 degrees, or at least 50 degrees or at least 80 degrees compared to initial angle 17. Alternatively or additionally, the contact angle 19 may be increased by at most 10 degrees or at most 20 degrees, or at most 30 degrees, or at most 50 degrees or at most 80 degrees.

The contact angle 19 may also be defined as the angle between the plane 20 of the second trajectory of the piercing end 13 and the reference plane 16. It should be noted that when the piercing end 13 of the piercing member 5 comes into contact with the first abutment 4a, it follows a second trajectory having a plane 20 offset by an offset angle from the plane 18 of the first trajectory. Thus, the deviation angle may be defined as the difference between the contact angle 19 and the initial angle 17, and may be approximately the same as the contact angle 19 when the initial angle 17 is negligibly small.

As the base 3 continues to rotate, the contact angle 19 may remain constant or increase even further based on the elasticity and the amount of deformation the piercing member 5 will undergo. E.g., contacting the seat 4a, the piercing end 13 also experiences a vertical elevation from the initial height zn1 to, e.g., a second elevation zn2, during rotation of the base 3. For example, zn2 can be the height at which the puncturing end 13 protrudes out of the plane 21 of the coupling side 14 or the peak height of the puncturing end 13 relative to the reference plane 16. Such a high amount also depends on the deviation angle of the first and second trajectories and the stiffness/elasticity of the piercing member. After the piercing end 13 reaches the peak in height, by further rotating the base 3, it descends in a vertical direction and follows its trajectory downwards until it reaches the releasably locked position at the end of its final trajectory (e.g. the second trajectory). In this way, a split ring or loop-like hook may be formed, which may extend from a first puncture point to a second puncture point on the target surface, for example (see fig. 4a-4 b).

Fig. 1e shows an embodiment in which the first support need not be fixed in a specific position with a specified height, but can be moved between at least two different height elevations in the z-direction. For example, in the rest position of the piercing member 5, the first abutment 4a may be arranged at a height za' and move upwards to a second height za when the base 3 is rotated or in contact with the piercing end 13.

The first support 4a may be moved manually or automatically by a dial, lever, slider, gear, etc. that adjusts the vertical height of the first support 4 a.

In another embodiment shown in fig. 1f, the piercing end 13 of the piercing member 5 may be slightly bent upwards, so that the piercing end 13 can simply engage the abutment 4a and undergo a change of trajectory. This is advantageous for use with a more rigid piercing member 5, for example, where the piercing member 5 may need to be securely engaged with the holder 4a before undergoing deformation and trajectory changes.

Fig. 1g-1i show side views of some embodiments of the fastening device 1 of fig. 1b, in addition to the first abutment 4a, also comprising a second abutment 4b in use. The present inventors have realised that by providing the second abutment 4b in the path of the piercing member 5, substantial control over the movement of the piercing member 5 can be achieved. After the trajectory of the piercing end 13 has been modified by the first abutment 4a, a quasi-rest position is reached, in which a portion 22 of the piercing member 5 is in contact with the second abutment 4 b. At this stage, the piercing member 5 is maintained under a controlled amount of mechanical stress due to the rotational force exerted by the rotating base 3 at one end (i.e. the fixed end 12) and the force exerted on the portion 23 located between the first abutment 4a and the second abutment 4 b. The amount of mechanical stress may be controlled by the amount of force applied or by varying the vertical extension, the lateral or longitudinal extension and/or the vertical or lateral distance between the pedestals etc. The second abutment 4b is arranged, for example, at the lateral extension xb. After reaching the first seat 4a at xa and the trajectory of the piercing end 13 and the vertical elevation of the piercing member 5 have changed, the portion 22 of the piercing member 5 comes into contact with the second seat 4 b. In addition to keeping the piercing member 5 under controlled mechanical stress during the rotational movement of the base 3 and ensuring a smooth movement of the piercing member 5, the second abutment 4b is also configured to prevent the vertical elevation of the portion 22 of the piercing member 5 from exceeding a certain height, for example the height zb at which the second abutment 4b is arranged. In this embodiment, the first mount 4a is arranged at a higher vertical elevation than the second mount 4b (za > zb). This is advantageous because by adjusting the height difference Δ zab between the first abutment 4a and the second abutment 4b, the trajectory of the piercing end 13, and thus the angle of departure, can be controlled simply. In other words, a steeper or greater divergence angle can be achieved by increasing Δ zab, thereby achieving a sharper penetration angle into the target surface. Additionally or alternatively, the deviation angle can also be modified by varying and controlling the distance or lateral extension difference Δ xab between the first seat 4a and the second seat 4 b. For example, by decreasing the distance Δ xab, a steeper divergence angle, and thus a steeper penetration angle into the target surface, can be achieved. A combination of height and lateral distance alterations may be used to customize the angle of departure.

Fig. 1h shows an embodiment in which the first support 4a is allowed to move vertically between at least two height positions za' and za. This embodiment differs from the embodiment of fig. 1e in that a second seat 4b is arranged in addition to the first seat 4 a.

Fig. 1i shows an embodiment in which the piercing end 13 of the piercing member 5 has been slightly bent upwards to ensure a secure engagement of the piercing member 5 with the first abutment 4 a. This embodiment differs from the embodiment of fig. 1f in that a second seat 4b is arranged in addition to the first seat 4 a. All the advantages obtained in the embodiment of fig. 1e and 1f are also achieved in the embodiment of fig. 1h and 1i, respectively, together with the advantages provided by the second abutment 4 b.

Fig. 2a and 2b show a schematic perspective view of a fastening device 100 in a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the support frame 2 may comprise two interconnected parts, e.g. an inner part 24a and an outer part 24b at least partially surrounding the inner part 24 a. In the case of a circular base 3 as shown in fig. 2a-2b, the rotatable base 3 may be surrounded by the inner part 24a of the support frame, so that the support frame 24a, 24b may also have a circular or ring-shaped geometry extending at least partly along the edge of the rotatable base 3. The inner part 24a and the outer part 24b of the support frame are able to rotate relative to each other and relative to the base 3. One advantage of this arrangement is that the distance between the first and second abutments 4a, 4b can be conveniently adjusted by arranging the first and second abutments 4a, 4b on one of the inner or outer parts 24a, 24b of the support frame 2, and by rotating the inner and outer parts 24a, 24b relative to each other, for example the distance can be adjusted by a user of the fastening device 100 during operation of the device. This allows the user to achieve different angles of deviation and thus different angles of penetration into the target surface.

In this embodiment as shown in fig. 2c and 2d, the first abutment 4a is arranged on the inner part 24a of the support frame 2 and the second abutment 4b is arranged on the outer part 24b of the support frame 2. The first abutment 4a has a rising inclined portion 4a' which forms a convex-shaped protrusion 4a ″ at the level of the uppermost portion thereof. The inclined portion 4a' may simply guide the piercing end 13 of the piercing member 5 towards the tab-like protrusion 4a "of the first abutment 4a, which tab-like protrusion 4a" is arranged to change the trajectory of the piercing end 13. In the rest position, the piercing member 5 can also rest partially on the inclined portion 4 a'. The second seat 4b may have a raised projection 4b "with a portion 4b' extending radially towards the central portion 6 of the base 3. The central part 6 of the base 3 may be arranged to be connected to the outer shaft 6'. Alternatively, the base 3 may be arranged to rotate without the need for the central shaft 6'. The inner part 24a of the support frame 2 may have an opening for the bottom part 25 of the base 3 to protrude and be able to be coupled to the power transmission means (see fig. 7b-7 d). The bottom part 25 of the base 3 may comprise cogs or teeth 26 connected to the power transmission means.

In fig. 2c, the first and second abutments 4a and 4b are arranged at a distance Δ xab and the deviation angle 19 is determined by this distance. In this example, the abutments 4a, 4b are arranged at the same height and the initial angle 17 is negligible. By rotating the inner part 24a and the outer part 24b as shown in fig. 2d, the first abutment 4a and the second abutment 4b approach each other, whereby the distance between the abutments 4a, 4b is reduced to Δ x 'ab (Δ x' ab < Δ xab). This in turn causes the divergence angle 19' to increase and become sharper. The inner and outer parts 24a, 24b may be coupled together by means of cogs or teeth or rotationally slide relative to each other within respective grooves made on each part. The outer member 24b may also be equipped with a plurality of teeth/cogs 27 to facilitate coupling of the outer member 24b of the support frame with a power transmission device (not shown) to drive and rotate the outer member 24 b. It should be understood that the inner and outer components discussed above may all be movable components, or only some may be movable components, for example, the inner component 24a may be a stationary assembly and only the outer component 24b rotated to adjust the distance between the first and second abutments 4a and 4b, or vice versa.

Fig. 3a-3f show another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3a-3c show perspective views of the fastening device 200, while fig. 3d-3f show corresponding side views of the fastening device 200 of fig. 3a-3 c. In this embodiment, the fastening device 200 includes a housing 110, otherwise referred to as a jacket or overwrap, that encloses the piercing member 120, the rotating base 130, and the support frame 140. This embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments in that the support frame 140 is integrated as part of the housing 110. However, the reader should readily appreciate that the housing need not be equipped with an integrated support frame 140, but may alternatively enclose a fastening device with a separate support frame as previously described in the housing 110. The housing includes various portions, such as angled portions 111 and 111', for facilitating a change in trajectory of the piercing member 120 during rotational movement of the base 130. In this embodiment, the first seat 141a is provided by the inclined portion 111, and the second seat 141b is provided by the inclined portion 111' of the integrated support frame 140 of the housing 110. The advantage of this approach is derived from the geometry of the support frame 140, thus alleviating the need to arrange protruding elements such as bumps, rods, pins, etc. As explained in the previous embodiment with two abutments, a controlled mechanical stress is also applied to the piercing member in this embodiment.

In the retracted position (fig. 3a and 3d), the piercing end 122 and substantially the entire body of the piercing member 120 are located within the housing 110. Thus, the piercing end 122 at this location does not protrude from the plane 21 of the coupling side 14 of the fastening device 200. Optionally, at least a portion of the body of the piercing member 120, such as the piercing end 122, can rest on the beveled portion 111 in the retracted position.

In the intermediate position (fig. 3b and 3e), as the rotary base 130 rotates in the first direction 9 about its axis of rotation 7, and the piercing member 120 comes into contact with the abutment 141a, 141b, the end 122 of the piercing member 120 is pushed out of the first opening 112 provided on the coupling side 14 of the housing 110.

As the rotating base 130 is further rotated in the first direction 9, the piercing end 122 reaches a peak height having a vertical elevation zn3 relative to the base plane 16 of the support frame. Alternatively, the peak height zn3 may be defined as the vertical elevation of the body of the piercing member 5 relative to the reference plane 16. In continuation of the second curved trajectory, the piercing end 122 can dip into the second opening 112 'and reach a releasably locked position in which the piercing member 5 forms an open annular hook extending, for example, from the emergence point 50a of the first opening 112 to a dipping point 50b into the second opening 112'.

Fig. 4a-4b show schematic perspective and side views of a fastening device according to some embodiments. Fig. 4a shows the fastening device 200 engaged and locked to a sheet 210, such as a cloth (only the piercing members 5 forming loop hooks extending from the first piercing point 220a to the second piercing point 220b are visible in this view). Fig. 4b (side view) shows the fastening device 200 with the piercing member 5 piercing the sheet 210 with the piercing end (not visible) in a designated releasably locked position. Thus, the fastening device 200 remains attached to the sheet 210 unless a retraction process (disengaging the fastening device by rotating the base in a direction opposite to the primary rotational direction for the fastening function) is triggered, for example by a user, to retract the piercing members from the first and second piercing points 220a, 220 b.

The sheet material may also be a mesh or netting of other materials such as metal, wood or organic materials such as plant or animal skins.

Fig. 5a-5b show the fastening device 200 engaged and locked to the metal fence 230 from a top perspective view (fig. 5a) and a side view (fig. 5 b). In fig. 5a, the piercing member 5 is shown protruding from a first designated opening 112 on the housing 110, engaging the metal fence 230, and immersed in a second designated opening 112'.

Fig. 6a-6c illustrate other embodiments of the invention wherein the housing 110 is arranged such that more than one individual fastening device 1, 100, 200 comprising at least the rotatable base 3, 130 and the piercing member 5 may be mounted in a common housing 240 (in some embodiments, the individual devices 1, 100, 200 may optionally comprise individual support frames and/or individual housings). Thus, a scalable variety of fastening devices 300 with a plurality of individual fastening devices may be achieved. Furthermore, by providing the fastening device 300 with separate fastening devices (modules), which may be added to and/or removed from the common housing 240 of the scalable fastening device 300 by a user, e.g. by a snap action or the like, the advantages of producing a modular device may be achieved in this way. The size and geometry of the common housing 240 may be modified to the size, geometry and number of individual fastening devices. For example, scalable fastening device 300 (common housing 240) may have a disc shape (fig. 6a and 6b) or, for example, a square shape (fig. 6c), including 2, or 3, or 4, or 6 or more individual fastening devices.

Fig. 7a-7d schematically illustrate the coupling of the power transmission device 520 to the rotatable base 130. The top view (fig. 7a) shows the interior of the common housing 240, while the perspective views (fig. 7b-7d) in this embodiment show that the fastening device 300 comprises three individual fastening devices 200, each fastening device 200 being equipped with a coupling tooth (cog wheel) 531 arranged as part of the rotatable base 130 on a cog wheel 510. Three independent devices 200 are arranged in a common housing 240, which are configured to be coupled to the cogs 532 of the central cogwheel 510 operating as power transfer device 520. A power transmission device 520 is also disposed in the common housing 240. In this embodiment the power transmission means 520 is connected to the actuator means at the central part 530 of the central cogwheel 510 (see fig. 10 c). Additionally or alternatively, the actuator device may be connected to at least one of the plurality of cogwheels 510 of a stand-alone device 200 and transmit drive power to other stand-alone devices 200 via the central cogwheel 510.

Fig. 8a-8b illustrate a perspective view (fig. 8a) and an enlarged perspective view (fig. 8b) of a fastening device 400 of another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, rotation of the rotating base is transmitted to the piercing member 5 by a wire 610/cam 620 or a timing belt mechanism that is in sliding contact with the wire 610 to impart reciprocating and/or variable (different direction, speed, rpm, etc.) rotational motion of the main cam 620 to the self-contained device 200. Fig. 8a shows a fastening device 400 in which four individual devices 200 are contained within a common housing 240. In this embodiment, the device 200 includes a separate housing 110 having a first opening 112 and a second opening 112'. The housing 110 has been slightly modified such that the wire 610 is coupled to the spin base 130 by a groove 630, the groove 630 extending at least partially around an edge of the housing 110 and at least partially around an edge of the spin base 130. The housing 110 may be equipped with an opening (not shown) at its periphery that provides access to the groove 630 on the rotating base periphery for coupling to the wire 610.

In other variations where the housing 110 is not present, the recess 630 may be disposed only on the edge of the rotating base. The common housing 240 may also be provided with openings (not shown) corresponding to the positions of the piercing members 5 of the separate devices for facilitating the presence and immersion of the piercing members 5. When the main cam 620 connected to the actuator device rotates, the rotational motion is transmitted to each of the individual devices 200 via the wire 610. The independent devices may be arranged and coupled to the wire/cam device in a customizable manner that allows them to be rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction depending on which side of the wire (e.g., they are arranged on the inner side 650 or outer side 660 of the wire). For example, in fig. 8a, when the main cam 620 experiences a clockwise rotation, the device 200a rotates in a clockwise direction and the device 200b rotates in a counterclockwise direction. Notwithstanding the above examples, other variations of the size, geometry or size, number, direction of rotation of the individual devices with respect to the wire/cam mechanism will be readily apparent to the skilled person. Further, similar to the embodiment of fig. 7a-7d, any of the individual devices 200 may optionally be coupled to an actuator device instead of the main cam 620.

Fig. 9a-9b illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. In the fastening device 500 of the present embodiment, the rotation of the rotating base (not shown) is achieved by the transitional movement of the rack 710. The teeth 740 on the rack 710 engage the cutting or insertion teeth 731 of the cogwheel 730 coupled to the rotating base. By this mechanism, the cogwheel 730 rotates, causing the base to rotate and correspondingly move the piercing member. The lever 720 is used to move the spur rack 710 forward and backward. This embodiment, if combined with a spring at the end of the rack 710, can enable a faster running means for attaching/detaching items.

Fig. 10a-10c illustrate various power sources or actuator devices for providing rotational motion to a rotatable base according to the above-described embodiments of the present inventive concept. The three different actuator devices illustrated here are exemplified for the embodiment of fig. 7a-7d with a central cogwheel 520, however similar actuator devices can be easily coupled to the fastening devices of other embodiments of the invention. In fig. 10a, the fastening device 300 is actuated by a lever 810. Lever 810 may be rotated, for example, manually or automatically, to rotate central cog 520. As the central cogwheel 520 rotates, the rotational motion is transferred to the smaller cogwheels 510 of the independent fastening devices 200.

Fig. 10b shows an example in which the actuator means is a tension spring 820 for driving the central cogwheel 520 and the respective individual cogwheel 510 of the individual device 200.

In a different example shown in fig. 10c, an electric stepper motor 830 is coupled to the central part 530 of the central cog 520 to provide a rotational movement to the separate fastening device 200.

The invention has now been described with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in a claim. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. Furthermore, other components of the fastening device, such as the rotatable base, the piercing member, the support frame or the housing, may for example have any other dimensions, curvatures or orientations than those shown and explained in accordance with the figures.