(19)
(11) EP 2 974 611 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
13.12.2017 Bulletin 2017/50

(21) Application number: 15159454.6

(22) Date of filing: 17.03.2015
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A41F 1/00(2006.01)

(54)

FASTENER

VERSCHLUSS

PIÈCE DE FIXATION


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(43) Date of publication of application:
20.01.2016 Bulletin 2016/03

(73) Proprietor: Multi Trend Corporation Limited
Kowloon (HK)

(72) Inventor:
  • Fung, Wing Leung
    Cheung Sha Wan Kowloon (HK)

(74) Representative: Ward, David Ian 
Marks & Clerk LLP Alpha Tower Suffolk Street Queensway
Birmingham B1 1TT
Birmingham B1 1TT (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
US-A- 5 287 559
US-A- 5 933 870
US-A1- 2012 028 539
US-A- 5 924 139
US-A1- 2011 143 635
US-A1- 2012 324 631
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description


    [0001] The present invention relates to a fastener, for example particularly, but not exclusively a fastener for use in a Brassiere.

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION



    [0002] Brassieres are specialized garment designed to support a woman's breasts and this may date back to ancient Greece. Conventionally they were considered as undergarments but now they have evolved into fashion items.

    [0003] The changing trend, the complexity of the available design and material allow brassieres to become outerwear for different purposes such as dance and athletics while providing the support and coverage required. The concept of lingerie as outerwear is not new and is more popular.

    [0004] One-piece sport bras, for example are common outerwear but well known to be uncomfortable to wear as they are usually very tight. Also, the size of a sport bra is not adjustable as because they come in one-piece. The band is an elastic strip permitting no adjustment in band size other than relying on its elasticity. Not all brassieres are suitable as outerwear. Conventional brassieres permit adjustment in band size by the use of an adjustable fastener. The mere presence of an adjustable fastener on a brassiere creates the impression that the piece of garment is an underwear which ought to be covered by an outer garment.

    [0005] US application US2012/028539 describes a cover for a bra strap that shields a wearer's back from the irregularities present at the ends of the back straps.

    [0006] The invention seeks to eliminate or at least to mitigate such shortcomings by providing a new or otherwise improved fastener for brassieres.

    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION



    [0007] According to the invention, there is provided a fastener according to claim 1.

    [0008] Preferably, the concealing member is removably fixed to one of the first and second fastening parts and remains movable between the operating and non-operating positions.

    [0009] More preferably, the concealing member has a side portion sewed onto one of the first and second fastening parts and remains operable between the operating and non-operating positions.

    [0010] Yet more preferably, the concealing member is co-operable with a retainer to releasably retain the concealing member at the operating position.

    [0011] Advantageously, the retainer is a two-part retainer inter-engageable for retaining the concealing member at the operating position.

    [0012] More advantageously, the concealing member is in the form of a detachable pad attachable to the fastening parts by the two-part retainer.

    [0013] Yet more advantageously, the concealing member is in the form of a sleeve unraveled to operate at the operating position where it wraps around the first and second fastening parts for concealing the same.

    [0014] It is preferable that the sleeve is pre-formed. The concealing member has outer and inner opposite surfaces, the outer surface is exposed when the concealing member is at the operating position.

    [0015] The inner surface is exposed when the concealing member is at the non-operating position and is distinguishable from the outer surface for indication purpose.

    [0016] More preferably, the concealing member is dimensioned to conceal both fastening members to their entirety when it is moved to the operating position.

    [0017] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a brassiere comprising a band with two side parts and the fastener as mentioned above provided with the two side parts, wherein the concealing member is made of a material indistinguishable from that of the band.

    [0018] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a brassiere or an article of clothing having a fastener as mentioned above comprising the steps of: providing inter-engageable first and second fastening parts with co-operable fastening members for detachable fastening; attaching the first and second fastening parts to respective side parts of the brassiere or similar article of clothing; and providing a concealing member with at least one of the side parts, wherein the concealing member is moveable between an operating position to conceal the fastening members and a non-operating position to expose the fastening members.

    [0019] Preferably, the concealing member is pre-formed before it is provided with the at least one of the side parts.

    [0020] More preferably, the concealing member is fixed to one of the first and second fastening parts and remains movable between the operating and non-operating positions.

    [0021] Advantageously, the concealing member is in the form of a sleeve unraveled to operate at the operating position for concealing the fastening members.

    [0022] It is preferable that the method further includes the step of providing a retainer which co-operable with the concealing member to releasably retain the concealing member at the operating position.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS



    [0023] The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

    Figures 1A and 1D are illustrative drawings of a conventional brassiere with adjustable band;

    Figures 2A to 2C are illustrative drawings of a fastener in accordance with the invention, which has a concealing member sewed onto an eye tape;

    Figures 3A to 3F are schematic illustrative drawings of the use of a brassiere with the fastener in Figures 2A to 2C;

    Figures 3G and 3H are schematic illustrative drawings of a brassiere with an embodiment of the fastener in accordance with the invention;

    Figure 4 is an enlarged illustration of the use of the fastener in Figures 2A to 2C;

    Figures 5A to 5E are illustrative drawings of another embodiment of a fastener in accordance with the invention;

    Figures 6A to 6C are illustrative drawings of a further embodiment of a fastener in accordance with the invention;

    Figures 7A to 7F are illustrative drawings of the use of a brassiere with an embodiment of the fastener in Figures 2A to 2C;

    Figures 8A to 8D are illustrative drawings of the use of a brassiere with an embodiment of the fastener in Figures 5A to 5E; and

    Figures 9A to 9G are illustrative drawings of a brasserie with an embodiment of the fastener in Figures 6A to 6C.


    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT



    [0024] Referring to Figures 1A to 1D, there is shown two types of conventional brassiere. Those in Figures 1A and 1B are brassieres with adjustable fastener for adjusting an overall length of a band 201 of the brassiere. The band usually has two side parts. This type of brassieres is generally considered as undergarments. Those in Figures 1C and 1D are bra tops without adjustable fastener, commonly used as sportswear or outerwear.

    [0025] As shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the fastener 100 in accordance with the invention is preferably a two part inter-engageable fastener in the form of hook and eye tapes. The hook tape 101 is connected to one side part of a band 201 of a brassiere 200. The eye tape 102 is connected to the other corresponding side part of the band 201 of the brassiere 200. Generally, the hook and eye tapes 101 and 102 are pre-formed by conventional means and then sewed onto the respective side parts of the band 201. In the preferred embodiment, a concealing member 103 is provided with the fastener 100. Alternatively, the concealing member 103 is securely attached to or sewed onto one side part of the bands 201 of the brassiere 200 instead of on the fastener 100. This concealing member 103 is moveable between the operating position to conceal the hook and eye tapes 101 and 102 and it can be moved to a non-operating position exposing the hook and eye tape 101 and 102 to permit access by the user. The fastener 100 may be used with an article of clothing similar to a brassiere 200 such as all types of lingerie e.g. girdle.

    [0026] Referring to Figures 3A to 3F and 4, in a preferred embodiment, the concealing member 103 is in the form of a sleeve with one end sewed onto the eye tape 102. In the non-operating position, the sleeve 103 is pulled up or turned inside out away from the eye tape 102 to the non-operating position for exposing the eye. The hook on the hook tape 101 may then hooked onto the eye to form an inter-engagement connecting the side parts of the band 201. Thereafter, the sleeve 103 can be rolled / pulled down or flipped over to the operating position for concealing the hook and eye tapes 101 and 102. The sleeve 103 is unraveled to wrap around the hook and eye fastener 101 and 102. At least the outside of the sleeve 103 or the whole of the sleeve 103 is preferably made of the same material as the band 201. Once the sleeve 103 is moved to the operating position, the band 201 and the sleeve 103 is basically indistinguishable at least from afar. The sleeve 103 is retained at the operating position by friction or its own elasticity. When the user would like to remove the brassiere 100, the sleeve 103 can be pulled up or turned inside out away from the hook and eye tapes 101 and 102 to the non-operating position again. Access to the hook and eye tapes 101 and 102 is permitted.

    [0027] In another embodiment, the sleeve 103 does not have to be sewed to the eye tape 102. Instead it may be sleeved onto the relevant side part of the band 201 and be pulled to the operating position for concealing the hook and eye tapes 101 and 102 when in use.

    [0028] In a further embodiment as shown in Figures 3G and 3H, the sleeve 103 is sewed onto the hook tape 101. Alternatively, the sleeve 103 may be sewed onto a side part of the band 201 on which the hook tape or eye tape 101 or 102 is provided.

    [0029] Turning to Figures 5A to 5E. There is shown another embodiment of the fastener 100. The concealing member 103 is a separate pad. The pad 103 is retained in the operating position by a retainer 104. The retainer 104 is a two-part inter-engageable retainer. Preferably a Velcro®. One part of the Velcro® 104A is fixed to the pad 103 while the other part 104B is fixed to the back of the hook tape 101. The pad 103 may include a pair of connectors 105 for detachably connecting the pad 103 to the back of the eye tape 102 yet remains operable between the operating and non-operating positions as shown in Figure 5D. The pad 103 can be flipped or pivoted between the operating and non-operating positions.

    [0030] In a further embodiment of the fastener 100 as shown in Figures 6A to 6C, the concealing member 103 is again in the form of a separate pad 103. A part 104A of the retainer 104 is fixed onto one side of the pad 103. The other part 104B of the retainer 104 has two parts or pieces. One part is fixed onto the front side of the eye tape 102 adjacent the end where the eye tape 102 is sewed onto the band 201. The other is fixed onto the back and adjacent the free end of the hook tape 101. Once the hook and eye tapes 101 and 102 are fastened, the pad 103 may be placed over them to conceal the tapes 101 and 102. The pad 103 is detachably retained in this operating position by the retainer 104. The pad 103 can be readily removed by pulling it back and rip it off the hook and eye tapes 101 and 102. Of course, it is possible for one part of the retainer 104 to be fixed onto one side parts of the bands 201 and the other piece fixed onto the back of the hook tape 101 or the band on which the hook tape 101 is sewed.

    [0031] The pad 103 in both embodiments is preferably made of the same material as the bands 201 or the rest of the brassiere 200 such that when the pad 103 is in the operating position, it cannot be distinguished from the bands or the rest of the brassiere 200 at least from afar. The brassiere 200 would be more like an outerwear yet permitting some adjustments on the band size to enhance comfort.

    [0032] Figures 7A to 9G shows an embodiment of a brassiere 200 with the fastener 100. This brassiere 200 is more like a sports bra yet with an adjustable fastener 100 to permit adjustment on the band 201 size.

    [0033] The fastener 100 is basically the same as that as discussed above except that it has more hooks and eyes on the hook and eye tapes 101 and 102.

    [0034] A brassiere 200 is a personal article of clothing. The user may try the brassiere 200 on and select the preferred band size by fastening the hooks on the hook tape 101 to a preferred row of eyes on the eye tape 102. Once that is decided, the concealing member 103 may then be moved to its operating position. The concealing member 103 may be retained at the operating position when the brassiere 200 is in use or not e.g. in the laundry. There is no need to move the concealing member 103 to and from the operating and non-operating positions every time the brassiere 200 is used.

    [0035] Preferably, the concealing member 103 is dimensioned to conceal the hook and eye tapes 101 and 102 to their entirety.

    [0036] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a brassiere or an article of clothing having a fastener as detailed above. The method includes the steps of providing the fastener 100 which includes hook and eye tapes 101 and 102 and a concealing member 103, and sewing the hook and eye tapes 101 and 102 to respective side parts of the band 201. The concealing member 103 may be provided separately from the hook and eye tapes 101 and 102 or is pre-sewed onto the eye tape 102 or the hook tape 101 or any side part of the bands 201. A retainer 104 as described above may be provided on the hook tape 101 or eye tape 102 or the band 201 to retain the concealing member 103 at the operating position.

    [0037] Instead of sewing the concealing member 103 to the tapes 101 or 102 or the band 201, in an alternative method where the concealing member 103 is a separate pad as described above, one of a pair of the connectors 105 is pre-sewed onto the pad 103 and another of the pair of the connectors 105 is sewed to the back of the eye tape 102. It further includes the step of connecting the pad 103 to the back of the eye tape 102. The pad 103 remains operable between the operating and non-operating positions as shown in Figure 5D. The pad 103 can be flipped or pivoted between the operating and non-operating positions. A retainer 104 as described above may be provided on the hook tape 101 or the band 201 to retain the concealing member 103 at the operating position.

    [0038] The invention has been given by way of example only, and various other modifications of and/or alterations to the described embodiment may be made by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as specified in the appended claims.


    Claims

    1. A fastener (100) comprising first and second fastening parts inter-engageable for fastening two side parts of a brassiere (200) or similar article of clothing, the first and second fastening parts including co-operable fastening members (101, 102) for detachable fastening,
    wherein the fastening members (101, 102), at least when attached, are concealable by a concealing member (103), the concealing member (103) being moveable between an operating position to conceal the fastening members (101, 102) and a non-operating position to expose the fastening members (101, 102); and
    wherein the concealing member (103) has outer and inner opposite surfaces,
    characterized in that the outer surface is exposed when the concealing member (103) is at the operating position; and
    the inner surface is exposed when the concealing member (103) is at the non-operating position and is distinguishable from the outer surface for indication purpose.
     
    2. The fastener (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the concealing member (103) is removably fixed to one of the first and second fastening parts and remains movable between the operating and non-operating positions.
     
    3. The fastener (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the concealing member (103) has a side portion sewed onto one of the first and second fastening parts and remains movable between the operating and non-operating positions.
     
    4. The fastener (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the concealing member (103) is co-operable with a retainer (104) to releasably retain the concealing member (103) at the operating position.
     
    5. The fastener (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the retainer (104) is a two-part retainer inter-engageable for retaining the concealing member (103) at the operating position.
     
    6. The fastener (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the concealing member (103) is in the form of a detachable pad attachable to the fastening parts by the two-part retainer.
     
    7. The fastener (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the concealing member (103) is in the form of a sleeve unraveled to operate at the operating position where it wraps around the first and second fastening parts for concealing the same.
     
    8. The fastener (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the sleeve is pre-formed.
     
    9. The fastener (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the concealing member (103) is dimensioned to conceal both fastening members (101, 102) to their entirety when it is moved to the operating position.
     
    10. A brassiere (200) comprising a band (201) with two side parts and the fastener (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 provided with the two side parts, wherein the concealing member (103) is made of a material indistinguishable from that of the band (201).
     
    11. A method of manufacturing a brassiere (200) or an article of clothing having a fastener (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 comprising the steps of:

    providing inter-engageable first and second fastening parts (101, 102) with co-operable fastening members for detachable fastening;

    attaching the first and second fastening parts (101, 102) to respective side parts of the brassiere (200) or similar article of clothing; and

    providing a concealing member (103) with at least one of the side parts,

    wherein the concealing member (103) is movable between an operating position to conceal the fastening members (101, 102) and a non-operating position to expose the fastening members (101, 102);

    optionally, the concealing member (103) is pre-formed before it is provided with the at least one of the side parts;

    optionally, the concealing member (103) is fixed to one of the first and second fastening parts (101, 102) and remains movable between the operating and non-operating positions;

    optionally, the concealing member (103) is in the form of a sleeve unraveled to operate at the operating position for concealing the fastening members (101, 102); and

    optionally, the method further including the step of providing a retainer (104) which is co-operable with the concealing member (103) to releasably retain the concealing member (103) at the operating position.


     


    Ansprüche

    1. Befestigungsmittel (100), das erste und zweite ineinandergreifende Befestigungsteile zum Befestigen von zwei Seitenteilen eines Büstenhalters (200) oder ähnlichen Kleidungsstücks umfasst, wobei das erste und zweite Befestigungsteil zusammenwirkende Befestigungselemente (101, 102) für lösbares Befestigen aufweisen,
    wobei die Befestigungselemente (101, 102), mindestens wenn sie verbunden sind, durch ein Verdeckungselement (103) verdeckbar sind, wobei das Verdeckungselement (103) zwischen einer Gebrauchslage, um die Befestigungselemente (101, 102) zu verdecken und einer Nicht-Gebrauchslage, um die Befestigungselemente (101, 102) freizulegen, beweglich ist; und
    wobei das Verdeckungselement (103) entgegengesetzte Außen- und Innenflächen hat,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Außenfläche freigelegt wird, wenn das Verdeckungselement (103) in der Gebrauchslage ist; und
    die Innenfläche freigelegt wird, wenn das Verdeckungselement (103) in der Nicht-Gebrauchslage ist und von der Außenfläche für einen Anzeigezweck unterscheidbar ist.
     
    2. Befestigungsmittel (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Verdeckungselement (103) entweder an das erste oder zweite Befestigungsteil entfernbar befestigt wird und zwischen der Gebrauchs- und Nicht-Gebrauchslage beweglich bleibt.
     
    3. Befestigungsmittel (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Verdeckungselement (103) einen auf entweder das erste oder zweite Befestigungsteil angenähten Seitenabschnitt hat und zwischen der Gebrauchs- und Nicht-Gebrauchslage beweglich bleibt.
     
    4. Befestigungsmittel (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei das Verdeckungselement (103) mit einer Halterung (104) zusammenwirkt, um das Verdeckungselement (103) in der Gebrauchslage lösbar zu halten.
     
    5. Befestigungsmittel (100) nach Anspruch 4, wobei die Halterung (104) eine zweiteilige ineinandergreifende Halterung zum Halten des Verdeckungselements (103) in der Gebrauchslage ist.
     
    6. Befestigungsmittel (100) nach Anspruch 5, wobei das Verdeckungselement (103) in der Form eines durch die zweiteilige Halterung an die Befestigungsteile anbringbaren abnehmbaren Polsters ist.
     
    7. Befestigungsmittel (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei das Verdeckungselement (103) in der Form einer aufgetrennten Hülse ist, um in der Gebrauchslage wirksam zu sein, in der sie das erste und zweite Befestigungsteil umgreift, um dieselben zu verbergen.
     
    8. Befestigungsmittel (100) nach Anspruch 7, wobei die Hülse vorgeformt wird.
     
    9. Befestigungsmittel (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei das Verdeckungselement (103) dimensioniert wird, um beide Befestigungselemente (101, 102) in ihrer Gesamtheit zu verdecken, wenn es zu der Gebrauchslage bewegt wird.
     
    10. Büstenhalter (200), der ein Band (201) mit zwei Seitenteilen und das mit den zwei Seitenteilen bereitgestellte Befestigungsmittel (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8 umfasst, wobei das Verdeckungselement (103) aus einem Material hergestellt wird, das von dem des Bands (201) nicht unterscheidbar ist.
     
    11. Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Büstenhalters (200) oder eines Kleidungsstücks mit einem Befestigungsmittel (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10, umfassend die Schritte:

    Bereitstellen eines ineinandergreifenden ersten und zweiten Befestigungsteils (101, 102) mit zusammenwirkenden Befestigungselementen für abnehmbares Befestigen;

    Befestigen des ersten und zweiten Befestigungsteils (101, 102) an jeweilige Seitenteile des Büstenhalters (200) oder ähnlichen Kleidungsstücks; und

    Bereitstellen eines Verdeckungselements (103) mit mindestens einem der Seitenteile,

    wobei das Verdeckungselement (103) zwischen einer Gebrauchslage, um die Befestigungselemente (101, 102) zu verdecken und einer Nicht-Gebrauchslage, um die Befestigungselemente (101, 102) freizulegen, beweglich ist;

    das Verdeckungselement (103) wahlweise vorgeformt wird, bevor es mit dem mindestens einen der Seitenteile bereitgestellt wird;

    das Verdeckungselement (103) wahlweise entweder an dem ersten oder zweiten Befestigungsteil (101, 102) befestigt wird und zwischen der Gebrauchs- und Nicht-Gebrauchslage beweglich bleibt;

    das Verdeckungselement (103) wahlweise in der Form einer aufgetrennten Hülse ist, um in der Gebrauchslage zum Verdecken der Befestigungselemente (101, 102) wirksam zu sein; und

    das Verfahren wahlweise des Weiteren den Schritt des Bereitstellens einer Halterung (104) aufweist, die mit dem Verdeckungselement (103) zusammenwirkt, um das Verdeckungselement (103) in der Gebrauchslage lösbar zu halten.


     


    Revendications

    1. Agrafe (100) comprenant des première et deuxième pièces de fixation pouvant être mises en prise mutuellement afin de fixer deux pièces latérales d'un soutien-gorge (200) ou d'une pièce de vêtement similaire, les première et deuxième pièces de fixation comprenant des éléments de fixation (101, 102) pouvant être utilisés conjointement, en vue d'une fixation détachable,
    dans laquelle les éléments de fixation (101, 102), au moins lorsqu'ils sont attachés, peuvent être dissimulés grâce à un élément de dissimulation (103), l'élément de dissimulation (103) étant mobile entre une position d'utilisation permettant de dissimuler les éléments de fixation (101, 102) et une position de non-utilisation permettant d'exposer les éléments de fixation (101, 102) ; et
    dans laquelle l'élément de dissimulation (103) présente des surfaces opposées extérieure et intérieure ;
    caractérisée en ce que la surface extérieure est exposée lorsque l'élément de dissimulation (103) se trouve au niveau de la position d'utilisation ; et
    la surface intérieure est exposée lorsque l'élément de dissimulation (103) se trouve au niveau de la position de non-utilisation et peut être distingué de la surface extérieure à des fins d'indication.
     
    2. Agrafe (100) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'élément de dissimulation (103) est fixé amovible sur l'une parmi les première et deuxième pièces de fixation et reste mobile entre les positions d'utilisation et de non-utilisation.
     
    3. Agrafe (100) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'élément de dissimulation (103) présente une partie latérale cousue sur l'une parmi la première et la deuxième pièces de fixation et reste mobile entre les positions d'utilisation et de non-utilisation.
     
    4. Agrafe (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans laquelle l'élément de dissimulation (103) peut être utilisé conjointement avec un dispositif de retenue (104) afin de retenir de manière libérable l'élément de dissimulation (103) au niveau de la position d'utilisation.
     
    5. Agrafe (100) selon la revendication 4, dans laquelle le dispositif de retenue (104) est un dispositif de retenue en deux parties pouvant être mis en prise mutuellement afin de retenir l'élément de dissimulation (103) au niveau de la position d'utilisation.
     
    6. Agrafe (100) selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle l'élément de dissimulation (103) se présente sous la forme d'un coussinet détachable pouvant être attaché aux pièces de fixation grâce au dispositif de retenue en deux parties.
     
    7. Agrafe (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans laquelle l'élément de dissimulation (103) se présente sous la forme d'un manchon défait pour être opératif au niveau de la position d'utilisation où il s'enroule autour de celles-ci de manière à dissimuler les première et deuxième pièces de fixation.
     
    8. Agrafe (100) selon la revendication 7, dans laquelle le manchon est préformé.
     
    9. Agrafe (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans laquelle l'élément de dissimulation (103) est dimensionné de manière à dissimuler les deux éléments de fixation (101, 102) dans leur totalité lorsqu'il est déplacé vers la position d'utilisation.
     
    10. Soutien-gorge (200) comprenant une bande (201) constituée de deux pièces latérales et de l'agrafe (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8 munie desdites deux pièces latérales, dans lequel l'élément de dissimulation (103) est réalisé en un matériau ne pouvant être distingué de celui de la bande (201).
     
    11. Procédé de fabrication d'un soutien-gorge (200) ou d'une pièce de vêtement présentant une agrafe (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10, comprenant les étapes consistant à :

    fournir les première et deuxième pièces de fixation (101, 102) pouvant être mises en prise mutuellement et comprenant des éléments de fixation pouvant coopérer, en vue d'une fixation détachable ;

    attacher les première et deuxième pièces de fixation (101, 102) à des pièces latérales respectives du soutien-gorge (200) ou de la pièce de vêtement similaire ; et

    fournir un élément de dissimulation (103) comprenant au moins une des pièces latérales,

    dans lequel l'élément de dissimulation (103) est mobile entre une position d'utilisation permettant de dissimuler les éléments de fixation (101, 102) et une position de non-utilisation permettant d'exposer les éléments fixation (101, 102) ;

    éventuellement, l'élément de dissimulation (103) est préformé avant d'être muni de la au moins une des pièces latérales ;

    éventuellement, l'élément de dissimulation (103) est fixé sur une parmi les première et deuxième pièces de fixation (101, 102) et reste mobile entre les positions d'utilisation et de non-utilisation ;

    éventuellement, l'élément de dissimulation (103) se présente sous la forme d'un manchon défait de manière à dissimuler les éléments de fixation (101, 102) au niveau de la position d'utilisation ; et

    éventuellement, le procédé comprend en outre une étape consistant à fournir un dispositif de retenue (104) qui peut coopérer avec l'élément de dissimulation (103) afin de retenir de manière libérable l'élément de dissimulation (103) au niveau de la position d'utilisation.


     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



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    Patent documents cited in the description