Child-safe fastening device

• US 20060272135A1
• Filed: 06/02/2005
• Published: 12/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Adrienne Alitowski
• Original Assignee: Adrienne Alitowski
• Inventors: Alitowski, Adrienne
• Granted Patent: US 7,356,889 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 24/507
• CPC Class Codes: A44B 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/44017 with specific mounting means for attaching to rigid or semirigid supporting structure or structure-to-be-secured
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/44376 Spring or resiliently biased about pivot
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/44444 having specific surface material or irregularity on or along engaging face
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/44564 having specific surface material or irregularity on or along engaging face
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/44932 having specific surface material or irregularity on or along engaging face

Abstract

A child-safe fastening device comprises a clip, one or more than one padded layer covering one or more surfaces of the clip, and one or more than one cover layer secured to the padded layer. The clip, the padded layer, and the cover layer form a plush device.

Claims

1. A child-safe fastening device, comprising:

a clip;

one or more than one padded layer covering one or more surfaces of the clip; and

one or more than one cover layer secured to the padded layer, wherein the clip, the padded layer, and the cover layer form a plush device.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the clip comprises a first member and a second member hingedly coupled together.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the clip further comprises a low-tension biasing element.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the first member and second member each include a concave recesses, wherein the first and second member define a cavity when the first member and second member are biased in a closed position.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the padded layer is friction-fitted to the clip.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the padded layer is adhesively attached to the clip.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising an attachment means for securing the cover layer to the padded layer.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the attachment means is adhesive, VELCRO®

, snaps, buttons, or thread.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover layer is friction-fitted to the padded layer.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the padded layer and the cover layer comprise a single unitary structure.

11. A child-safe fastening device, comprising:

a clip comprising a first member, a second member, and a low-tension biasing element pivotally coupling the first and second members together; and

one or more than one padded layer covering one or more surfaces of the clip.

12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a cover layer positioned over the padded layer.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the cover layer is reversibly fitted over the padded layer.

14. The device of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and second members has a concave recess.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the concave recess is in the shape of a semi-circle, rectangle, diamond, or triangle.

16. A child-safe fastening device, comprising:

a clip comprising a hinge assembly coupling a first member to a second member, wherein the first member and the second member each have a recess, and the hinge assembly comprises a rod and a low-tension biasing element;

one or more padded layers covering the surfaces of the clip; and

a cover layer secured over the one or more padded layers.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the first member and the second member are generally S-shaped.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the hinge assembly further comprises end caps for securing the rod between the first member and the second member.

19. The device of claim 16, wherein the cover layer comprises a water-resistant material.

20. The device of claim 16, wherein the cover layer comprises a stain-resistant material.

21. The device of claim 16, wherein the cover layer comprises a non-toxic material.