Apparel fastener

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a fastener that can be used with various apparel and that can be easier to operate and can be less likely to create discomfort to a wearer. In at least some examples, the fastener includes a hook, which can be connected to a first portion of the article, and a receiver, which can be connected to a second portion of the article. The hook can be releasably connected to the receiver to selectively secure the first portion of the article to the second portion of the article. The receiver can include various elements, and in one example, the receiver includes a slot that can receive, at various angles and orientations, a bend of the hook. In addition, receiver can include a cross bar (e.g., anchor bar) that mates with the bend of the hook to retain the hook in a secure position.

Claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fastener comprising:
 a receiver that releasably connects to a hook;   the receiver comprising a slot for receiving a portion of the hook and an anchor bar for fitting with the hook, the anchor bar comprising a side of the slot;   the slot comprising a first width that is farther away from anchor bar and a second width that is closer to the anchor bar, the second width being smaller than the first width; and   the hook comprising:   a bend comprising hook throat and an ungated gape providing a passageway to the hook throat; and   the hook throat configured to permit the anchor bar to rotate relative to the hook.   
     
     
         2 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the hook comprises a broad, flat shank that is attached to the bend and that is configured to be affixed to a shoulder strap of a support garment.   
     
     
         3 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the second width of the of the slot is about 1% to about 5% larger than a width associated with the hook. 
     
     
         4 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the anchor bar is a first cross bar; and   the receiver comprises a second cross bar for slidably connecting to a strap.   
     
     
         5 . The fastener of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 a first standoff portion and a second standoff portion, the first standoff portion and the second standoff portion comprising sides of a channel, which is configured to receive at least a segment of the strap.   
     
     
         6 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the receiver comprises one or more standoff portions configured to space the receiver apart from an underlying surface. 
     
     
         7 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the receiver is coupled to a first portion of an article and the hook is coupled to a second portion of the article;   the receiver and the hook are configured to releasably connect the first portion to the second portion; and   the article is a support garment, a belt, a footwear article, or a backpack.   
     
     
         8 . A fastener comprising:
 a receiver that releasably connects to a hook;   the receiver comprising a slot for receiving a portion of the hook and an anchor bar for fitting with the hook, the anchor bar comprising a side of the slot;   the slot comprising a first width that is farther away from anchor bar and a second width that is closer to the anchor bar, the second width being smaller than the first width; and   the hook comprising a bend that, when connecting to the anchor bar, interference fits with the anchor bar, and when connected to the anchor bar, comprises a clearance fit or a transition fit.   
     
     
         9 . The fastener of  claim 8 , wherein the bend comprises:
 a hook throat and a gape providing a passageway to the hook throat; and   the gape comprises a gape width that is smaller than a width of the anchor bar.   
     
     
         10 . The fastener of  claim 9 , wherein the bend comprises a portion that generally opposes the gape on an opposite side of the throat and that is configured to elastically open the bend when the anchor bar is moved through the passageway. 
     
     
         11 . The fastener of  claim 8 , wherein the anchor bar comprises a straight, elongated body comprising, in a longitudinal orientation, an anchor-bar length and, in a transverse orientation, an anchor-bar width. 
     
     
         12 . The fastener of  claim 11 , wherein the anchor-bar length is about 4.5× to 5.5× larger than the anchor-bar width. 
     
     
         13 . The fastener of  claim 12 , wherein the anchor bar length is about 1% to about 5% larger than a hook width. 
     
     
         14 . The fastener of  claim 8 , wherein the receiver further comprises:
 a first side and a second side, which is opposite the first side;   a strap-adjustment bar extending from the first side to the second side and configured to slidably engage a textile portion; and   a first standoff portion and a second standoff portion, the first standoff portion and the second standoff portion comprising sides of a channel, which is configured to receive at least a segment of the textile portion.