Attachment unit

Abstract

An attachment unit includes a base plate, including a male connection element extending from a surface of the base plate. The attachment unit also includes a top plate, including a female connection element extending from a surface of the top plate, wherein the female connection element is configured to mate with the male connection element of the base plate. A tether having a first end may be connected to the base plate, and a second end of the tether may be connected to the top plate. An anchoring element may be configured to enable attachment of the base plate to a surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An attachment unit, including:
 a base plate, including a male connection element extending from a surface of the base plate;   a top plate, including a female connection element extending from a surface of the top plate, wherein the female connection element is configured to mate with the male connection element of the base plate;   a tether having a first end connected to the base plate and a second end connected to the top plate;   and an anchoring element configured to enable attachment of the base plate to a surface.   
     
     
         2 . The attachment unit of  claim 1 , wherein the anchoring element is affixed to an underside of the base plate and includes Velcro. 
     
     
         3 . The attachment unit of  claim 1 , wherein the anchoring element is affixed to an underside of the base plate and includes an adhesive. 
     
     
         4 . The attachment unit of  claim 1 , wherein the anchoring element includes a portion of the base plate configured with through holes. 
     
     
         5 . The attachment unit of  claim 1 , wherein the male connection element includes a flared section configured to occupy a recess in the female connection element to form a snap closure. 
     
     
         6 . The attachment unit of  claim 1 , wherein the male connection element includes threads configured to interface with corresponding threads on the female connection element. 
     
     
         7 . The attachment unit of  claim 1 , wherein the male connection element is configured to establish a friction fit with the female connection element. 
     
     
         8 . The attachment unit of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the tether connects to a central region of the male connection unit, and the second end of the tether connects to a central region of the female connection unit, and wherein the tether is retractable. 
     
     
         9 . The attachment unit of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the base plate or the top plate includes a polymer. 
     
     
         10 . The attachment unit of  claim 1 , wherein the tether is made from a polymer, a metal, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The attachment unit of  claim 1 , wherein the tether is removably connected to at least one of the base plate or the top plate. 
     
     
         12 . A garment, including:
 a fabric surface associated with the garment; and   at least one attachment unit affixed to the fabric surface, wherein the at least one attachment unit includes:   a base plate, including a male connection element extending from a surface of the base plate;   a top plate, including a female connection element extending from a surface of the top plate, wherein the female connection element is configured to mate with the male connection element of the base plate;   a tether having a first end connected to the base plate and a second end connected to the top plate;   and an anchoring element through which a connection is established between the attachment unit and the fabric surface.   
     
     
         13 . The garment of  claim 12 , wherein the anchoring element is affixed to an underside of the base plate and includes Velcro. 
     
     
         14 . The garment of  claim 12 , wherein the anchoring element is affixed to an underside of the base plate and includes an adhesive. 
     
     
         15 . The garment of  claim 12 , wherein the anchoring element includes a portion of the base plate configured with through holes. 
     
     
         16 . The garment of  claim 12 , wherein the male connection element includes a flared section configured to interface occupy a recess in the female connection element to form a snap closure. 
     
     
         17 . The garment of  claim 12 , wherein the male connection element includes threads configured to interface with corresponding threads on the female connection element. 
     
     
         18 . The garment of  claim 12 , wherein the male connection element is configured to establish a friction fit with the female connection element. 
     
     
         19 . The garment of  claim 12 , wherein the first end of the tether connects to a central region of the male connection unit, and the second end of the tether connects to a central region of the female connection unit, and wherein the tether is retractable. 
     
     
         20 . The garment of  claim 12 , wherein the tether is removably connected to at least one of the base plate or the top plate.