Magnetic Coupling System

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/374,194 entitled Magnetic Fastener System filed on Jul. 13, 2021, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/051,073 filed on Jul. 13, 2020, and entitled Magnetic Fastener System, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/058,537 filed on Jul. 30, 2020 and entitled Magnetic Fastener System. The entire contents of both of all three of these patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to a magnetic fastener system method of assembly, and more particularly, to a magnetic fastener system method of assembly for use with protective garments.

Protective or hazardous duty garments are used in a variety of industries and settings to protect the wearer from hazardous conditions such as heat, smoke, cold, sharp objects, chemicals, liquids, fumes and the like. The protective garments often include closures to secure portions of the garment. However, existing closures may not be sufficiently easy to operate and/or sufficiently durable.

In one embodiment the invention is a trousers coupling system including a pair of trousers having a trousers magnetic coupling component positioned at or adjacent to a lower end thereof and configured to be magnetically coupled to a footwear magnetic coupling component positioned in a footwear to thereby magnetically couple the pair of trousers to the footwear. The magnetic coupling component is positioned between two plies of a water-tight support strip such that the magnet coupling component is fluidly isolated from the surrounding environment.

illustrate a protective or hazardous duty garment in the form of a firefighter's garment or coat, generally designated. The coatmay include a body or body portionhaving a left front panel or first garment portion, right front panel or second garment portionand a back panel. The left front paneland right front panelmay be releasably attachable by a fastener or coat fastener, such as a zipper, snaps, clasps, clips, hook-and-loop fastening material (e.g., VELCRO® fastening material), magnets, combinations of these components or the like. The body portionmay define a torso cavitythat is shaped and configured to receive a wearer's torso therein. The coatmay include a pair of sleevescoupled to and extending generally outwardly from the body portionand shaped to receive a wearer's arms therein.

The coatmay include various layers through its thickness to provide various heat, moisture and/or abrasion resistant qualities to the coatso that the coatcan be used as a protective, hazardous duty, and/or firefighter garment. For example, the coatmay include an outer shell, outer layer or outer material, a moisture barrierlocated inside of and adjacent to the outer shell(e.g. positioned between the outer shelland the torso cavity), a thermal liner or barrierlocated inside of and adjacent to the moisture barrier, and an inner liner or face clothlocated inside of and adjacent to the thermal barrier.

The outer shellmay be made of or include a variety of materials, including a flame, heat and abrasion resistant material such as a compact weave of aramid fibers and/or polybenzamidazole fibers. Commercially available aramid materials include NOMEX and KEVLAR fibers (both trademarks of E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware), and commercially available polybenzamidazole fibers include PBI fibers (a trademark of PBI Performance Fabrics of Charlotte, North Carolina). Thus, the outer shellmay be an aramid material, a blend of aramid materials, a polybenzamidazole material, a blend of polybenzamidazole fibers, a blend of aramid and polybenzamidazole materials, a poly-phenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) material, a thermostable organic polymer material, such as KERMEL material sold by Kermel SAS of Colmar, France, a blend of any of the materials listed above, or other appropriate materials.

If desired, the outer shellmay be coated with a polymer, such as a durable, water repellent finish or coating (i.e. a perfluorohydrocarbon finish, such as TEFLON finish sold by E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Delaware, or a fluorine free water repellent finish). The materials of the outer shellmay have a weight of, for example, between about five and about ten oz./yd. Moreover, if desired the outer shellmay have a self-decontaminating finish or coating applied thereto.

The moisture barrierand thermal barriermay be generally coextensive with the outer shell, or spaced slightly inwardly from the outer edges of the outer shell(i.e., spaced slightly inwardly from the outer ends of the sleeves, the collarand/or from the lower edge or hem of the coat) to provide moisture and thermal protection throughout the coat. The moisture barriermay include a semi-permeable membrane layerand a substrate

The membrane layermay be generally water vapor permeable but generally impermeable to liquid moisture. The membrane layermay be made of or include expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”) such as GORE-TEX or CROSSTECH materials (both of which are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. of Newark, Delaware), STEDAIR particulate barrier material sold by Stedfast, Inc. located in Quebec Canada, polyurethane-based materials, neoprene-based materials, cross-linked polymers, polyamid, or other materials. The membrane layermay have microscopic openings that permit moisture vapor (such as water vapor) to pass therethrough, but block liquids (such as liquid water) from passing therethrough. The membrane layermay be made of a microporous material that is either hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or somewhere in between. The membrane layermay also be monolithic and may allow moisture vapor transmission therethrough by molecular diffusion. The membrane layermay also be a combination of microporous and monolithic materials (known as a bicomponent moisture barrier), in which the microporous or monolithic materials are layered or intertwined.

The membrane layermay be bonded, adhered or otherwise coupled to a substrateof a flame and heat resistant material to provide structure and protection to the membrane layerThus, either the membrane layeralone, or the membrane layerin combination with the moisture barrier substratemay be considered to constitute the moisture barrier. The substratemay be or include aramid fibers similar to the aramid fibers of the outer shell, but may be thinner and lighter in weight. The substratemay be woven, non-woven, spunlace or other materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the membrane layeris located between the outer shelland the substrateHowever, the orientation of the moisture barriermay be reversed such that the substrateis located between the outer shelland the membrane layer

The thermal barriermay be made of nearly any suitable flame resistant material that provides sufficient thermal insulation. In one embodiment, the thermal barriermay include a layer of bulk materialin the form of relatively thick (i.e. between about 1/16″- 3/16″) batting, felt or needled non-woven bulk or batting material. The bulk materialcan include aramid fiber batting (such as NOMEX batting), aramid needlepunch material, an aramid non-woven material, an aramid blend needlepunch material, an aramid blend batting material, an aramid blend non-woven material, foam (either open cell or closed cell), or other suitably thermally insulating materials. The bulk materialmay trap air and possess sufficient loft to provide thermal resistance to the coat.

The bulk materialmay be quilted or otherwise coupled to a thermal barrier face clothwhich can be a weave of a lightweight aramid material. Thus, either the bulk materialalone, or the bulk materialin combination with the thermal barrier face clothmay be considered to constitute the thermal barrier. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal barrier bulk materialis located between the outer shelland the thermal barrier face clothHowever, the orientation of the thermal barriermay be reversed such that the thermal barrier face clothis located between the outer shelland the bulk layerIf desired, the thermal barriermay be treated with a water-resistant or water-repellent finish. In one embodiment, the thermal barrier(and/or the coatas a whole) may have a thermal protection performance (“TPP”), as specified in the 1986 revision of the National Fire Protection Association (“NFPA”) 1971, Protective Clothing for Structural Fire Fighting Standards, of at least about twenty, and the coatas a whole may have a TPP of at least about thirty-five, although the TPP values can vary.

Although the moisture barrieris shown as being located between the outer shelland the thermal barrier, the positions of the moisture barrierand thermal barriermay be reversed such that the thermal barrieris located between the outer shelland the moisture barrier, or additional moisture barrierand/or thermal barrier layerscan be utilized or various other orientations or configurations may be used.

The face clothmay be the innermost layer of the coat, located inside the thermal barrierand moisture barrier. The face clothcan be made of, for example, chambray fabric and provide a comfortable surface for the wearer and protect the thermal barrierand/or moisture barrierfrom abrasion and wear. The face clothmay be quilted to the adjacent layer (i.e. the thermal barrierin the illustrated embodiment). However, the face clothis optional and may be excluded if desired. In addition, the coatmay not necessarily include the moisture barrierand/or the thermal barrierin certain cases.

Each layer of the coatdisclosed herein, including the layers and components described above, as well as those described below, and the coatas a whole and other garments disclosed herein, may meet the National Fire Protection Association (“NFPA”) 1971 standards for protective firefighting garments (“Protective Clothing for Structural Firefighting”), which standards as of the filing date of this application are entirely incorporated by reference herein. The NFPA standards specify various minimum requirements for heat and flame resistance and tear strength. For example, in order to meet the NFPA standards, the outer shell, moisture barrier, thermal barrierand face clothmust be able to resist igniting, burning, melting, dripping, separation, and/or shrinking more than 10% in any direction after being exposed to a temperature of 500° F. for at least five minutes. Furthermore, in order to meet the NFPA standards, the combined layers of the coatmust provide a TPP rating of at least thirty-five.

Alternately or in addition to the NFPA Standard 1971, the coatand other garments disclosed herein may meet standards of other countries or regions, including the European Norm (“EN”) standards for firefighting garments set by the European Committee for Standardization (also known as Comité Européen de Normalisation (“CEN”)). These standards include EN 469:2005 Level 1 and Level 2 certification. The EN standards for firefighter and protective garments in place as of the filing date of this application are entirely incorporated by reference herein.

As shown in, the coatmay include a storm flap or covering flapthat is configured to selectively cover and protect the fastener. The storm flapcan in one case be made of or include the same materials described above for the material of the outer shell. In one case the storm flapis made of two plies of the material of the outer shellthat are secured together such that an abrasion-resistant outer surface of the outer shellfaces outwardly on both sides of the storm flap, and a storm flap cavityis positioned therein.

The storm flapcan extend generally the entire length/height of the coat/fastenerand be pivotable about an axis extending along its length between a closed/covering position () wherein the storm flapgenerally covers, overlies and/or is positioned over the fastener, and an open/retracted position () wherein the storm flapis spaced away from, and generally does not cover or overlie, or is not positioned over, the fastener. The storm flapcan be permanently coupled to one of the panels,(such as by stitching in one case), and releasably coupled to the other one of the panels,when in the covering position. The storm flapmay be pivotable when moving between the covering and retracted positions.

The coatmay include a magnetic fastener systemwhich can be used to secure the storm flapin the closed/covering position, and extends parallel to and adjacent to the fastener. The magnetic fastener systemofcan include a first or flap component/devicewhich is coupled to (in one case, inserted in) the storm flap, and a second or body component/devicewhich is coupled to (in one case, inserted in) the body or fixed portion of the coat, adjacent to the fastener. The flap componentand body component(or portions thereof) are magnetically attracted to each other, particularly when the storm flapis in the closed position, to magnetically couple and retain the storm flapin the closed position. Additionally or alternatively, the flap componentand body/right front panel(or portions thereof or other components) can be magnetically attracted to each other when the storm flapis in the open position, to magnetically couple and retain the storm flapin the open position, as will be described in greater detail below.

As shown in, the flap componentand body componentcan each include a backing or support stripof generally flexible material, a plurality of spaced-apart magnetscoupled to or forming part of the support stripor supported thereby, and a plurality of backing members or strike platespositioned between at least part of the support stripand the magnets. The support stripcan be made of a relatively thin, pliable aramid and fire-resistant and flame-resistant material that is manually bendable such as, in one case, a woven material, a knit material, a non-woven material, a pressure-sensitive tape with a cloth or mesh backing such as duct tape, or the like. The support stripprovides a supporting material upon which the magnets/backing memberscan be positioned, and in one case the support stripextends continuously the entire length of the associated component,.

In the illustrated embodiment, each support stripincludes an inner plyand an outer plywith the magnetsand backing memberspositioned between the two pliesThe pliescan, in one case, be entirely separate pieces of material, or in another case (as shown in) both pliesare formed from a single piece of material, folded about itself along a longitudinal fold or crease line. Further alternately, each support stripcan be made of only a single plyor

The pliescan be made of the same or different materials, and in one case are made of a fire resistant textile or fabric, such as aramid, para-aramid or fire resistant cotton material, an E-88 material such as a spunlace flame-resistant meta-aramid material or fabric such as NOMEX material or KEVLAR material. In one embodiment, the flap componentand body componentand/or the associated support strips, at least after assembly, are generally water tight such that the magnetsand/or backing memberspositioned therein are generally or completely fluidly sealed from each other and/or the surrounding environment to protect the magnetsand backing membersand/or first magnet coupling componentsand/or second magnetic coupling components(as defined below) from moisture, corrosive chemicals, oxygen or the like. In one case, as will be described in greater detail below, the two pliescan be coupled to each other in a facial bond, such as by sonic welding or the like, to form a waterproof seal.

Each of the magnetsis, in the illustrated embodiment, generally flat and circular in front view, taking the form of “button” magnets, with their poles oriented perpendicular to the flat end surfaces. In one case the magnetsare “solid” and continuous magnets that lack any hole or opening formed therethrough, particularly any center hole/opening and/or any hole/opening through a center thereof. Such a magnetprovides ease of construction/assembly, and results in a magnetwhich is stronger, more robust, and has a better magnetic response such that it is more magnetically attracted to the other magnet(s)and/or backing plates. However, the magnetscan have any wide variety of shapes and configurations. In one embodiment the magnetsare each generally flat and have a relatively small thickness, such as less than about one-half in one case, or less than about one-quarter in another case, of the longest dimension (such as length or diameter) of the magnet.

The magnetsmay in one case have a pull force (either magnet-to-magnet or magnet-to-magnetizable plate) of between about 10 lbs. and about 20 lbs. at a distance of 0 inches, and between about 0.5 lbs. and about 5 lbs. at a distance of 0.2 inches. In one case, the pull force provided by the magnetsis selected to be similar to the pull force required to open typical hook-and-loop fasteners used in firefighter turnout gear. The magnetscan be permanent magnets made of various materials, and in one case are rare earth magnets, such as neodymium magnets (in one case N48 magnets or 48 MGO megagauss oersteds magnets) with a nickel or other corrosion resistant coating (shown as layerin). A given component,may have all of its magnetsarranged in the same polarity (e.g. with their poles facing the same direction) or the magnetscan be arranged to have varying polarity, such as an alternating polarity in one case.

As noted above, the flap componentand/or body componentcan also include the plurality of backing members, each of which is located between a magnetand at least one plyof the support strip. Each backing membercan be made of a material which is non-magnetic but magnetizable, such as ferrous metals, including steel with a nickel or other corrosion resistant coating (see layerin), or the like. Each backing membercan have a size and shape (in front view) that generally corresponds to a size and shape of the corresponding magnet. For example, when the magnetsare generally circular in front view, each of the backing memberscan also be circular in front view and have the same or approximately the same radius. Each backing membermay have a radius and/or surface area in front view that is within about +/−10 percent of the radius/surface area of the associated magnet. In one case each backing memberis generally flat, and lacks any holes/openings and lacks any raised lip about a perimeter thereof (or elsewhere/anywhere) and thus is not a cup, and/or lacks any axially-extending pin or protrusion, such as a pin or protrusion located at a center thereof. Providing a generally flat backing memberprovides ease of construction/assembly, reduces catch points, and results in a backing memberwhich is stronger, more robust, and has a better magnetic response such that it is more magnetically attracted to the associated magnet.

Each backing membercan have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the magnetssince in some cases the thinner material may be sufficient to provide the desired functionality (described below) of the backing member. In one case each backing memberhas thickness that is less than about one half, or less than about one third in another case, of the thickness of the associated magnet.

The magnets/backing membersare, in one case, discrete, spaced-apart components that are regularly spaced along the entire length of the support stripand have a spacing therebetween of at least about ½ inch in one case, or at least about one inch in another case, and less than about six inches in another case. This spacing can provide sufficient magnetic connections without causing undue efforts by the wearer in making and breaking magnetic connections, and while providing sufficiently low weight.

As noted above, additionally or alternatively, the flap componentand body/right front panel(or portions thereof) can be magnetically attracted to each other when the storm flapis in the open/retracted position, to magnetically couple and retain the storm flapin the open position. In this case, as shown in, a magnet component(which can be a magnetand/or strike plate; and can be considered part of the magnetic fastener systemin one case; and/or can be considered a third magnetic coupling component) can be positioned on the panelto magnetically interact with the flap componentand magnetically retain the flap componentin the open position. Although only a single magnet componentis shown, more than one magnet component, such as a line of magnet componentsextending parallel to the storm flap, may be used.

The backing memberscan aid in securing the magnetsto the support stripduring manufacture/assembly of the components,. In particular, the handling and placement of magnetscan in some cases be challenging since machines and equipment typically are made of or include metal or other magnetizable materials, which can cause the magnetsto move and/or stick to the machines or equipment during assembly. This can, in turn, make it difficult to precisely locate the magnetson the support strip.

Since the backing memberscan be made of a non-magnetic material, it is relatively simple and straightforward during manufacturing/assembly to supply a support strip(FIG.A) and locate the backing membersat the desired positions on the support strip(). For example, in one case each backing membercan be simply adhered to the desired location on one plyof the support strip. Each magnetcan then be simply dropped in place on the backing member(). The other plycan then be placed in position and/or folded in place on top of the magnetsand backing members(folding about fold lineas shown by the arrow of). Next stitching, if implemented, can be applied (). Due to the magnetic attraction and the generally corresponding size/shape, each magnetcan be easily aligned with the associated backing memberto thereby properly align and couple each magnetto the support strip. If desired an adhesive(see) can be positioned between the backing memberand magnetto secure those components together.

During use of the coat, the backing membersmay provide protective/shunting effects to reduce certain undesirable effects of the magnets. In particular, by shunting the magnetic field of the magnets, the backing membersreduce the ability of the magnetsof componentsandto attract loose, magnetizable items such as tools, metal portions of the wearer's other garments, etc. In addition, the backing membersof the body componentshunt or reduce inwardly-facing magnetic field of the magnetto reduce any potential magnetic interference with any medical devices on or in the wearer's body, while the outwardly-facing magnetic field of the magnetsof body component, which is utilized for closure/attraction, is not effected. However, as will be described in greater detail below it should be understood that the backing membersare optional, and when the backing membersare not utilized the magnetscan be directly coupled to/retained in the associated support strip(e.g. in one case, positioned in contact with both plies of the support strip) and/or backing members can be used in place of the magnetson one of the components,.

After or while the magnets(and backing members, if utilized) are placed on the associated support strip, the magnetsand backing memberscan be secured in place. In one embodiment, when both magnetand backing membersare used on a single component,only the backing members(and not the magnets) are secured to the support strip, such as by adhesives. Such adhesive can be applied during manufacturing/assembly, or may be pre-existing on the support strip, such as when the stripincludes or takes the form of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. When the backing membersare directly secured to the strips, such as by an adhesive, due to the magnetic attraction between the magnetsand the backing members, it may not be required to separately secure each magnetdirectly to the support strip.

However, the magnetsand/or backing memberscan be secured in place by a variety of methods. For example, as shown in, in one case stitchingis positioned around/adjacent to each magnet/backing memberto essentially lock each magnet/backing memberin place and limit the motion/travel thereof. The stitchingcan extend around any free edges of the support strip(e.g. any edges of the support stripthat are not formed by the fold) and for example extend across a lateral width of the support stripand through the thickness of the support strip, and also extend longitudinally to form a closed, or generally closed perimeter around each magnet/backing member. However, various other methods, mechanisms and means can be utilized to secure the magnets/backing membersto the support strips. For example, in place of or in addition to the stitching, the pliesof the support stripcan be made of or include sonically bondable materials with a sonic bonding layerpositioned therebetween as shown in. In this case the pliescan be sonically bonded together about their facing surfaces to trap the magnetsand/or backing membersin place and form a strong and waterproof/water-resistant bond.

As shown in, in one case a tube or tubular membercan be provided, into which the support strip, with magnets/backing membersis inserted. The tubecan in one case be permanently coupled to the coat, and positioned in the storm flap cavity, at the time the support stripis inserted into the tube. Alternatively, the support stripis inserted into the tube, and the tube/support stripare then together inserted into storm flap cavityand then coupled to the coat.

The tubecan have two pliesandand be made of a variety of materials. In one embodiment the inner ply(located closer to a wearer of the garmentin one case) is made of an outer material or fabricsuch as an E-88 material such as a spunlace flame-resistant meta-aramid material or fabric such as NOMEX material, and an inner layersuch as a foam, and more particularly a closed cell foam to providing cushioning and protection to the support stripand magnets/backing members. The outer plyof the tube(located more distant from a wearer of the garment) can in one case be made of a para-aramid material. In one case, the outer plyis made of a relatively thin material (thinner than inner plyin one case due to the foam layer). Making the outer plyof relatively thin material reduces the distance between the magnets/backing membersof the support strip, relative to the other support strip, to provide increased magnetic response and attraction. Alternatively both pliesof the tubecan be made of the same material, including any of the materials outlined above for any layer or plyof the tube, and combinations thereof.

The magnetsof the flap componentcan be arranged such that their poles are opposite to the poles of the magnetsof the body component, when the flap componentand body componentare stacked on top of/positioned adjacent to each other in a thickness direction, as shown in. Thus, when the storm flapis moved from its retracted position () to the engaged position () the magnets/backing membersof the flap componentmagnetically interact with the magnets/backing membersof the body componentto magnetically couple the components,thereby retaining the storm flapin its closed position. Also, the magnets/backing membersof the flap componentcan magnetically interact with the magnets/backing membersof the body componentto magnetically couple the components,thereby retaining the storm flapin its open position. For the sake of clarity, it is noted that the magnetic coupling componenton the bodypositioned to hold the storm flapclosed can take the form of a magnetizable material such as backing members, and/or can take the form of magnetsas a magnetic coupling component.

The magnets/backing membersof the flap componentcan generally have a spacing that corresponds to a spacing of the magnets/backing membersof the body component. In one case, the geometric centers of the magnets/backing membersof one component,are generally aligned with the geometric centers of the magnets/backing membersof the other component,(such as when the storm flapis in the closed or covering position). In another case each magnet/backing memberof one components,can at least partially overlap with a corresponding magnet/backing memberof the other component,, in a direction perpendicular to the thickness of the coat, such as when the storm flapis in the closed position.

In an alternate embodiment, as noted above and shown in, one or both of the flap componentor body componentmay lack the backing member, and the component,includes only the magnetsdirectly coupled to the associated support stripby adhesives, stitching, or other mechanisms as described above. In yet another alternate embodiment, as shown inone or the other of the flap componentor body componentcan utilize, instead of magnets, a magnetizable or metal material, or magnetizable body, such as in one case the backing member. The magnetizable body in this case can have generally the same qualities and configuration as the backing membersoutlined above, or can have different qualities such as differing size, shape, thickness, etc., but in any case may be of a magnetizable material that is not a permanent magnetic material, which can be magnetically attracted to the magnetand/or magnet/backing memberof the other component,.

In the embodiment of, when magnetsand backing membersare used, the magnets(or the magnetsalong with the associated backing members) of the flap componentcan be termed first or flap magnetic coupling components, and the magnets(or the magnetsalong with the associated backing members) of the body componentcan be termed second or body magnetic coupling components. When the embodiment ofis utilized, the magnetcan be termed a first or flap magnetic coupling component, or a second or body magnetic coupling component, depending upon the location of the magnetofon either the flap componentor body componentof the coat. When the embodiment ofis utilized, the magnetizable body/backing memberscan also be termed a first or flap magnetic coupling component, or a second or body magnetic coupling component, depending upon the location of the componentofon either the flap componentor body componentof the coat. It should be understood that when the embodiment ofis utilized, it can be utilized in either the flap componentor the body component, but the other one of the flap componentor body componentwould include a magnet(either with or without a backing member).

When the magnetic coupling components,of both the flap componentand the body componenttake the form of magnets, or more particularly magnetswith a backing memberas shown in, flap componentand body componentprovide the benefit of being self-aligning. In particular, when the magnetsare brought together, they will be attracted to each other via their polarities such that the magnetsare concentrically aligned to ensure that the storm flapis not only closed, but also positioned in the proper configuration. In contrast, when one of the flap componentor body componenttakes the form of the embodiment of(e.g. when one set of magnetic coupling components,are not magnets), the storm flapwill be securely retained in its closed position, but will not necessarily be self-aligning. However, assembly and manufacture of the embodiment ofmay be easier and more inexpensive since magnetsare not included in one of the components,.

The flap componentand body componentcan each be relatively long, linear strips having a length significantly greater than their width. For example, each of the flap componentand body componentcan be generally flat and elongated, and have a length at least about five times the width thereof in one case, or at least about ten times greater than the width thereof in another case. As shown in, each flap componentand body component(along with the tube, if utilized) can be received within a pocket, slot or the like (such as the cavityof the storm flapand bodyof the coat) in the associated garment portions and if desired secured therein by loops similar to belt loops, or snaps, hook-and-loop fastening material, or other fastening systems. Thus, the flap componentand body componentmay be removably coupled to the coatfor ease of manufacture, repair, cleaning of the coat, etc.

As noted above, the magnetic fastener systemcan in one case be utilized to secure the storm flapin its closed position (shown as magnetic fastening systemin). As also mentioned above, the magnetic fastening systemcan also or instead be utilized to secure the storm flapin the open position, which corresponding changes to the positioning of the body component(e.g. the body componentcan be positioned below the storm flap, when the storm flapis in its open or retracted position shown in). Moreover, the magnetic fastener systemcan additionally, or instead, be used to secure various other portions of the coat, such as securing pocket flapsin the closed position () (shown as magnetic fastening systemsin), securing a throat tab or movable collar(, shown as magnetic fastening systemin, and also shown in), securing the flyof a pair of trousers(shown as magnetic fastening systemin), etc. where the associated components are received in cavities of the garment,in the appropriate position. In the embodiment of, the trousersmay include a traditional mechanical fastener, such as a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, or other components described above for the fastener, and the flyis a protective cover or covering flap positionable over the traditional fastener in the same manner that the storm flapcovers the fastener.

In the embodiment of, and as outlined above, the magnetic fastening systemfor securing the throat tab or movable collarcan have a magneton the movable throat tab, and two magnetsof an opposite polarity on the bodyof the coat. This enables the throat tabto be coupled to the bodyto a left one (relative to a wearer) of the magnetsto provide a relatively tight fit for the throat tab, or be coupled to the right one of the magnetsto provide a relatively loose fit. Although two magnetsare shown, if desired the bodyof the coatcan include only one magnetor more than two magnets; and in addition or alternatively the throat tabcan have two or more magnet. In addition it should be understood that instead of magnets, the throat taband/or bodyof the coatcan utilize a strike plateand/or a strike platein combination with a magnet(e.g. first, second and third magnetic coupling components) to provide magnetic attraction as outlined above, and pliesetc. as used in conjunction with the stripsas outlined above.

Moreover, the magnetic fastener systemcan be used in any of a wide variety of garments beyond protective and fire fighter garments and indeed used in any of a wide variety of applications, systems or methods. For example,illustrates a pair of trousersthat may be able to be used in conjunction with or separately from the coat. The trouserscan be made of the same materials and layers, and in the various configurations with the same qualities as the coatoutlined above. The magnetic fastener systemcan be utilized in connection with the flyof the trouserswherein the flyis closed in the same or similar manner as the storm flapdescribed above.

The magnetic fastener systemcan provide a durable, robust and protectable fastener system which retains its strength over time, including after repeated exposure to heat, laundering, etc. In addition, operation of the magnetic fastener systemis relatively easy. In order to separate or open the magnetic fastener system, the movable/pivotable component (flap) and the fixed component (body) need only be manually pulled apart, and the wearer is not required to identify any particular tabs or release mechanisms, or start fastening or unfastening at a particular location, as is required for use with zipper systems or the like. The magnetic fastener systemcan be coupled or closed simply by pivoting the movable/pivotable component in place on or over the body portion. In addition, the magnetic fastener systemcan be operated without fine motor skills, which can provide ease of use to a wearer who is wearing gloves, or when time is limited.

A garment, such as a coatand/or trousers, can include multiple magnetic fastener systemsutilized therein. For example, as outlined above and shown in, the coatcan include a first magnetic fastening systemfor securing the storm flap, secondand thirdmagnetic fastening systems for securing pocket flaps, a fourth magnetic fastening systemfor securing the throat tab, etc. Accordingly, in order to provide ease of manufacturing a single garment, a first continuous support strip or supply strip′, which can provide magnetsand/or backing membersand/or magnetizable members (collectively, magnetic coupling components,), can be supplied and provides sufficient number of a first type of the magnetic coupling components,for inclusion in an entire coat/garment during assembly/manufacturing. Similarly, a second support strip or supply strip″ can be provided with a corresponding number of a second type of magnetic coupling components,.

As shown in, the first strip′ includes, in that particular illustrated embodiment, a plurality of equally spaced magnetic coupling components,in the form of magnetsfor a total of thirteen magnetic coupling components,. In the illustrated embodiment eight of those magnets/magnetic coupling components,are allocated for/incorporated into the storm flap, two of the magnets/magnetic coupling components,are incorporated into a flapof a first pocket, two magnets/magnetic coupling components,are incorporated into a flapof a second pocket, and one magnet/magnetic coupling component,is incorporated into the throat tab. The second strip″ can include an equal number of magnetic coupling components,(also shown as magnetsin the illustrated embodiment) as those included in the first strip′ for use in the same manner. It should be understood that the magnetic coupling components,of the strips′,″ ofcan be allocated in any desired manner, and the specific allocation shown inis for illustrative purposes only.

If desired, each of the strips′,″ can include color coding, a visual identifier or printed indicia (collectively termed “indicia” herein) or the liketo illustrate the polarity and/or use thereof (e.g. to indicate which component should be installed in the movable part versus the fixed/bodyof the garmentand/or which side should face in which direction). For example, a segment or strip of color indicia(see), such as the color gold, can be positioned on one side of strip′,″ to mark or indicate a surface of the magnethaving a south pole, and a segment or strip of indiciaof another color (such as the color silver) can be positioned on the other side of strip′,″ or another strip, to mark or indicate a surface of magnetshaving a north pole.

In the embodiment of, the indiciatakes the form of a circular area positioned on each magnetor magnetic coupling component/. In this case the positioning of the indiciaalso helps the manufacturer to visually identify the magnetsor magnet orientation. In the embodiment of, the indiciatakes the form of a stripe passing over the underlying magnetsor magnetic coupling component/. The strips′,″/magnetic coupling components,can thus if desired be differentiated from each other by the indiciathat is unique to the strips′/″ and/or the firstand secondmagnetic coupling components. The indiciacan be integrated into the support strips, or separate from the support strip. The indiciacan also be used to indicate the polarity of the associated magnetic coupling components/, ensuring the first magnetic coupling componentsare paired with a magnetically attracted (once installed) second magnetic coupling component. The indiciacan prevent pairing a magnetic coupling component/with a magnetically repulsing (once installed) magnetic coupling component/.