GB2585626A

GB2585626A - Attachment device

Info

Publication number: GB2585626A
Application number: GB1904274.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George Braddyll Youell Robert; Sealey Ian
Original assignee: Winning Formula Products Ltd
Current assignee: Winning Formula Products Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-27
Filing date: 2019-03-27
Publication date: 2021-01-20
Also published as: GB201904274D0

Abstract

An attachment device, for releasable engagement to a garment, comprises a first attachment member 30 defining a first contact surface 32 located against an inner surface of the garment, and a second attachment member 34 defining a second contact surface 36 located against an opposed outer surface of the garment. The first and second attachment members 30, 34 mutual engage and provide a cavity which receives and engages a portion of the garment. Attachment members 30, 34 are slideable into engagement and are held by, for example, a lip 50 extending inwardly from side portions 40a-c. A cable holder portion 6 is releasably engaged to the second attachment member 34 by magnetic interaction between magnetic metal 18 and magnet 28 which also magnetically interacts with magnet 38 on the first attachment member 30, thereby releasably engaging the first and second attachment members 30, 34. Reference is also made to a cable holder apparatus, a kit for a cable holder apparatus and a method of producing a cable holder apparatus.

Description

ATTACHMENT DEVICE

The present invention relates to an attachment device, in particular to an attachment device configured for releasable attachment to a garment. The present invention also relates to a cable holder apparatus, and in particular to a cable holder apparatus configured to be releasably attached to a garment.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

There are numerous situations in which a user may need to attach a device to a garment such as for example an item of clothing without causing any permanent damage to the garment. For example, the user may wish to have their hands free whilst needing to hold a device in position on their body. Conventional attachment devices for securing items to garments often require the use of pins which puncture garments or permanent stitching of for example Velcro to the garment. There is therefore a need for a device which can be releasably attached to any garment without requiring anyadditional fasteners or causing any permanent damage to the garment. There is also a need for a device which can be releasably attached and interchanged between garments.

Electrical cables of equipment such as gardening tools, DIY tools, and industrial tools can become a hinderance to a user during normal operation. For example, the user may become entangled with or trip over the electrical cable while operating the equipment which can be a hazard within the workplace or domestic environment. In some instances, such as for example with tools such as hedge trimmers, a user may not be aware of the exact location of the electrical cable relative to their body and/or the tool and may inadvertently cut through the cable while gardening.

There is therefore a need for a device which ensures that the electrical cable is positioned and held securely away from a user, particularly from the hands of a user, during use of electrical apparatus. There is a need for a device which ensures that the electrical cable is positioned so as to minimise any risk of injury to a user. There is also a need for a device which can reliably position a cable relative to the body of a user without causing any damage to the garment of a user.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachment device configured for releasable engagement to a garment, the attachment member comprising: an attachment portion comprising a first attachment member defining a first contact surface configured to be located against an inner surface of a garment, and a second attachment member defining a second contact surface configured to be located against an opposed outer surface of the garment, and in which the first and second attachment members are configured to be engageable and to provide a cavity extending between the first and second contact surfaces, in which the cavity is configured to receive and engage a portion of the garment.

Preferably, the attachment device, and in particular the attachment portion, is configured to releasably engage the garment without causing any change or damage to the garment itself.

The first and second attachment members may be configured for releasable clamping engagement and/or frictional engagement to the garment itself.

One or each of the attachment members may provide one or more abutment portions, for example ridges or projections, to increase the frictional engagement and/or clamping engagement between the adjacent contact surface of the attachment members and the garment in order to prevent undesirable and/or unintentional movement of the attachment members relative to the garment.

The first and second attachment members are preferably configured to provide releasable engagement to each other. In one embodiment, the first and second attachment members comprise complimentary releasable engagement features for releasably securing the attachment members to each other and to the adjacent portion of a garment.

Each of the first and second attachment members preferably further comprise one or more complimentary releasable engagement features such as for example magnets, protrusions, ridges, tabs, apertures, grooves, or any combination thereof to provide releasable engagement to each other.

In one embodiment, the first and second attachment members may be configured for slideable engagement or snap fit or push fit engagement to each other. Preferably, the first and second attachment members are configured for slideable engagement to each other.

In one embodiment, each of the first and second attachment members may comprise magnets. In one embodiment, one of the first and second attachment members comprises a magnet, and the corresponding second or first attachment member comprises a magnetic metal. For example, the second attachment member may comprise a magnet and the first attachment member may comprise a magnetic metal.

In one embodiment, the first and second attachment members may comprise a first form of releasable engagement; and a second form of releasable engagement, in which each of the first and second form of releasably engagement is configured to releasably secure the 20 attachment member to the garment.

In one embodiment, the first form of releasable engagement is configured to prevent unintentional or undesirable movement of the second attachment member in a first direction relative to the first attachment member, or vice versa. In one embodiment, the second form of releasable engagement is configured to prevent unintentional or undesirable movement of the second attachment member in a second direction relative to the first attachment member, or vice versa. The first direction of movement may be in a direction extending at an angle to, preferably substantially perpendicular, to the second direction of movement.

The forms of releasable engagement may be selected from magnetic interaction between complimentary magnets/magnetic material or complimentary releasable engagement features such as complimentary male and female connectors, protrusions, ridges, tabs, apertures, grooves, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the first form of releasable engagement between the attachment members is provided by magnetic interaction between complimentary magnets/magnetic material, and the second form of releasable engagement between the attachment members is provided by complimentary releasable engagement features such as complimentary male and female connectors, protrusions, ridges, tabs, apertures, grooves, or any combination thereof.

One, or each, of the first and second attachment members preferably comprises at least one side portion, preferably at least a pair of opposed spaced apart side portions, for example a plurality of spaced apart side portions, extending upwardly from the respective first or second contact surface thereof. In one embodiment, the first attachment member preferably comprises at least one side portion, preferably at least a pair of opposed spaced apart side portions, for example a plurality of spaced apart side portions, extending upwardly from the respective first or second contact surface thereof. The or each side portion is preferably located at or adjacent the periphery of the respective contact surface provided by the attachment member. The or each side portion preferably extends along or adjacent at least a portion of the periphery of the respective contact surface provided by the attachment member.

The side portions may extend at any suitable angle, preferably substantially perpendicular to, relative to the plane of the contact surface.

The or each side portion of the attachment member comprises an inner surface and an opposed outer surface. The or each side portion has a first end located adjacent the respective first or second contact surface of the attachment member, and a second opposed free end.

The or each side portion of the or each attachment member preferably further comprises a retaining feature extending radially inwardly from the second opposed free end of the side portion. The retaining feature may be provided in the form of a lip or protrusion. The retaining feature preferably extends at an angle to the direction extending between the first and second ends of the side portion and/or to the direction extending substantially perpendicular to the respective contact surfaces. The retaining feature is preferably configured to provide an abutment surface to prevent unintentional disengagement of the first and second attachment members in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the respective contact surfaces, preferably in a direction extending between the first and second ends of the side portion.

In one embodiment, an opening is provided between an adjacent pair of side portions of one of the first and second attachment members. The opening is shaped and dimensioned to enable the corresponding second or first attachment member to be inserted through the opening into alignment with and releasable engagement with the first or second attachment member. The second or first attachment member may be inserted through an opening provided by the first or second attachment member in a direction extending substantially parallel to the contact surface of the first or second attachment member. . The second or first attachment member may be inserted through an opening provided by the first or second attachment member in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the contact surface of the first or second attachment member. The second or first attachment member may be positioned adjacent and spaced apart from the contact surface of the corresponding first or second attachment member. The second or first attachment member may be retained in position, against any unintended movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the contact surface, by the abutment surface(s) provided by the retaining feature(s) of the one or more side portion(s) of the corresponding first or second attachment member abutting the periphery of the second or first attachment member.

One or more of the attachment members, preferably the first attachment member, further comprises a protrusion adjacent the opening to prevent unintentional removal of the complimentary attachment member from engagement with the attachment member. The protrusion may provide an abutment surface to abut a peripheral surface of the complimentary attachment member.

The attachment device of the present invention may be removably attached to a garment without causing any damage to the garment. In particular, the attachment device does not require the garment to be altered in any way, such as for example by the attachment of press studs or additional stitching, in order to attach the attachment device.

The attachment device may be engaged or engageable, for example permanently or releasably engageable, to a further device to enable a user to mount the device on a garment.

The attachment device may therefore further comprise one or more connectors configured to engage the device. The one or more connectors may be provided on the second attachment member, preferably on an opposed outer surface of the second attachment member. The one or more connectors may be selected from complimentary magnets/magnetic material, complimentary releasable engagement features such as complimentary male and female connectors, protrusions, ridges, tabs, apertures, grooves, Velcro, poppers, press-studs or any combination thereof. The attachment device, for example the second attachment member, may be secured with adhesive to an additional device.

The additional device may be a holder, a support, a light source, a guide, or any suitable device. In one embodiment, the additional device may be a cable holder or cable holder portion.

In accordance with a second aspect, there is provided a kit for an attachment device as herein described, the kit comprising: a first attachment member defining a first contact surface configured to be located against an inner surface of a garment; and a second attachment member defining a second contact surface configured to be located against an opposed outer surface of the garment in which the first and second attachment members are configured for releasable engagement to each other.

The kit may further comprise one or more additional devices configured to be engaged, preferably releasably engaged, to the attachment device, preferably the second attachment member. The second attachment member preferably provides a second contact surface configured to engage the outer surface of a garment, and an opposed outer surface.

Preferably, the opposed outer surface of the second attachment member is configured to engage one or more devices.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing an attachment device as herein described, the method comprising: obtaining a first attachment member defining a first contact surface configured to be located against an inner surface of a garment; and obtaining a second attachment member defining a second contact surface configured to be located against an opposed outer surface of the garment; and configuring the first and second attachment members for releasable engagement with each other to define a cavity extending therebetween.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a garment comprising an attachment device as described herein, in which the attachment member is releasably attached to the garment.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cable holder apparatus comprising: a cable holder comprising a first free end defining an open ended channel configured to receive a portion of a cable, and a second opposed end comprising an attachment member for releasably securing the cable holder to a garment.

The channel preferably comprises a pair of opposed open ends. The channel preferably defines a longitudinal axis extending between the opposed open ends of the channel. The channel is preferably configured to receive a portion of a cable such that the cable extends beyond each open end of the channel, and in which the longitudinal axis of the channel extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cable.

The cable may be any type of cable, such as for example electrical cable such as for example power cables or signal cables, for example cables for a radio mouthpiece, cables providing conduits for gas or air or liquid, such as for example vacuum cables or hoses.

The cable holder may comprise a cable holder portion comprising a first free end defining the channel, and a second end comprising a first releasable engagement member. The second end of the cable holder portion is preferably a second opposed end.

The first free end of the cable holder or cable holder portion comprises an inner surface defining the channel. The channel is preferably substantially cylindrical in shape. It is however to be understood that the channel may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions depending on the particular requirements for the apparatus. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the first free end is substantially smooth. The cable may therefore pass and move freely through the channel in a direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel with reduced risk of snagging and/or pulling on the cable. The cable holder or cable holder portion may be configured to resist relative movement of the cable located within the channel, for example resist relative movement in a direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the channel may comprise one or more frictional surfaces, such as for example projections, for increasing frictional resistance against movement of the cable relative to the channel.

In one embodiment, the cable holder or cable holder portion may comprise a longitudinally extending slit configured to enable the cable to be inserted into the channel of the cable holder/cable holder portion. The slit may be located and/or dimensioned to prevent unintentional removal of the cable from the cable holder or cable holder portion during use. For example, the slit may be provided in a location such that the direction of insertion of a cable through the slit into the channel extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel and/or to the predominant direction of movement of the cable during normal operation of the associated device, such as for example a tool, by the user. In one embodiment, the cable holder or cable holder portion may further comprise a closure member moveable between a first open position in which the closure member is spaced away from the slit allowing access to the slit, and a second closed position in which the closure member extends across, for example substantially seals, the slit preventing access to the slit.

The cable holder may further comprise an attachment portion comprising a first end comprising a second releasable engagement member configured for mutual releasable engagement with the first releasable engagement member of the cable holder portion, and a second end comprising the attachment member for releasably securing the attachment portion to a garment. The second end of the attachment portion is preferably a second opposed end.

The first engagement member of the cable holder portion and the second releasable engagement member of the attachment portion may comprise any suitable mutually releasably engageable features. In one embodiment, each of the first and second releasable engagement members comprise magnets. In one embodiment, one of the first and second releasable engagement members comprises a magnet, and the corresponding second or first releasable engagement member comprises a magnetic metal. In one embodiment, the second releasable engagement member comprises a magnet and the first releasable engagement member comprises a magnetic material, preferably a magnetic metal. The magnetic metal may be composed of one or more of: iron, nickel, cobalt, or alloys of rare earth metals, or any combination thereof.

It is to be understood that the first and second releasable engagement members of the cable holder portion and the attachment portion may be secured together using any suitable form of releasable engagement, such as for example push fit, or snap fit, or press studs, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the cable holder portion and the attachment portion are permanently attached to each other so as to form an integral product.

The attachment member may comprise any suitable mechanism for releasably engaging the cable holder or cable holder portion to the garment, such as for example clips, magnets/magnetic materials, complimentary male and female connectors, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the attachment member is configured to releasably engage the garment without causing any change or damage to the garment itself.

The attachment member may be configured for releasable clamping engagement and/or frictional engagement to the garment itself.

In one embodiment, the attachment portion preferably comprises an attachment device as herein described. The attachment device preferably comprises a first attachment member defining a first contact surface configured to be located against an inner surface of a garment. The attachment portion preferably further comprises a second attachment member defining a second contact surface configured to be located against an opposed outer surface of the garment in alignment with the first attachment member.

The first and second attachment members are preferably configured to provide a cavity extending between the first and second contact surfaces thereof. The cavity is preferably configured to receive and engage a portion of the garment located therein. Preferably one or each of the attachment members, may provide one or more abutment portions, for example ridges or projections, to increase the frictional engagement and/or clamping engagement between the adjacent contact surface of the attachment member and the garment in order to prevent undesirable and/or unintentional movement of the cable holder apparatus relative to the garment.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for a cable holder apparatus, the kit comprising: at least one cable holder comprising a first free end defining an open ended channel configured to receive a portion of a cable, and a second end comprising a first releasable engagement member; and an attachment portion comprising a first end comprising a second releasable engagement member configured for mutual releasable engagement with the first releasable engagement member of the cable holder portion, and a second end comprising the attachment member for releasably securing the attachment portion to a garment.

The attachment member may for example be an attachment device as herein described.

Preferably, the kit comprises a plurality of cable holders. Each cable holder comprising an open ended channel configured to receive a cable having different dimensions, in particular diameter.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a cable holder apparatus as herein described, the method comprising: obtaining a cable holder defining an open ended channel at a first free end thereof; and providing an attachment member at the second end of the cable holder, the attachment member being configured for releasably securing the cable holder to a garment.

The method may further comprise: obtaining a cable holder portion providing the first free end defining the open ended channel; providing a first releasable engagement member at the second end of the cable holder portion; obtaining an attachment device as herein described; and releasably engaging the first and second releasable engagement members together.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a garment comprising a cable holder apparatus as described herein, in which the cable holder apparatus is releasably attached to the garment.

According to a further aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising a cable and a cable holder apparatus as described herein, in which the cable is received within and extends through each of the open ends of the channel of the cable holder apparatus.

The cable may in one embodiment be permanently received within the channel of the cable holder of the apparatus. In one embodiment, the cable may be disengaged from the channel of the cable holder of the apparatus.

The invention will be described in further detail in relation to the accompanying Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the cable holder apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprising a cable holder portion, and an attachment device comprising a first attachment member and a second attachment member; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the cable holder portion of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the cable holder portion of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the second attachment member of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the second attachment member of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the first attachment member of the apparatus of Figure 1; and Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the first attachment member of the apparatus of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

With reference to the Figures, the cable holder apparatus 1 comprises a cable holder 2 having a first end 4 providing a cable holder portion 6 and an opposed second end 8 providing an attachment member 10 for releasably securing the cable holder to a garment.

The cable holder portion 6 has a first free end 12 defining an open ended channel 14 configured to receive a portion of a cable, enabling the cable to extend through the channel 14 and both ends thereof, and a second opposed end 16 comprising magnetic metal 18. The magnetic metal 18 may be any suitable magnetic metal.

The open ended channel 14 of the cable holder portion 6 comprises a pair of opposed open ends 22a, 22b. The open ended channel 14 defines a longitudinal axis A-A' extending between opposed open ends 22a, 22b of the channel 14. The open ended channel 14 is substantially cylindrical in shape and configured to receive a portion of a cable such that the cable extends beyond each open end 22a, 22b of the first channel 14. It is however to be understood that the channel may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions and is not to be limited to being cylindrical in shape. The open ended channel 14 is configured such that the longitudinal axis A-A' of the channel 14 extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cable received therein.

The first free end 4 of the cable holder portion 6 comprises an inner surface 28 defining the open ended channel 14. The inner surface 28 of the first free end 4 is substantially smooth. As such, the cable may be retained and move freely through the open ended channel 14 in a direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A' of the channel 14 with reduced risk of snagging and/or pulling on the cable. It is however to be understood that the inner surface may have any suitable texture depending on the particular requirements for the cable holder apparatus.

The attachment member 10 comprises an attachment portion 24 comprising a first end 26 comprising a magnet 28 configured for mutual releasable engagement with the magnetic metal 18 located at the second opposed end 16 of the cable holder portion 6. The cable holder portion 6 and the attachment member 10 are releasably engageable due to the magnetic interaction between the magnetic metal 18 located on the cable holder portion 6 and the magnet 28 provided by the attachment portion 24. It is however to be understood that in one or more embodiments the magnet may be provided by the cable holder portion and the magnetic material may be provided by the attachment portion. Alternatively, each of the cable holder portion and attachment portion of the apparatus may provide complimentary magnets to provide magnetic attraction therebetween. Although the illustrated embodiment provides magnetic attraction between the cable holder portion and the attachment member, it is to be understood that the cable holder portion 6 and the attachment portion 24 may be releasably secured together using any suitable pairing of complimentary releasable engagement features, such as for push fit or snap fit or sliding engagement, or complimentary male and female connectors, depending on the particular requirements for the apparatus.

The attachment portion 24 comprises a first attachment member 30 defining a first contact surface 32 configured in use to be located against an inner surface of a garment. The attachment portion 24 further comprises a second attachment member 34 defining a second contact surface 36 configured to be located against an opposed outer surface of the garment in alignment with the first attachment member 30. The second attachment member 34 is releasably connected by magnet 28 to the cable holder portion 6 (as discussed above).

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second attachment members 30, 34 have a polygonal, for example octagonal cross-section. It is however to be understood that each of the first and second attachment members 30, 34 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as for example circular, ovaloid, square, rectangular or hexagonal.

The contact surfaces 32,36 of each of the attachment members 30,34 each provide a plurality of ridges to frictionally engage and prevent movement of the garment relative to the cable holder apparatus 2. The ridges may be provided in any suitable location and/or in any suitable arrangement on the contact surfaces 32, 36. It is to be understood that each of the contact surfaces may have any suitable texture. In one embodiment, one or more, preferably each contact surface is smooth.

The first and second attachment members 30, 34 comprise complimentary releasable engagement features for releasably securing the attachment portion 24 to a garment. In the illustrated embodiment, the first attachment member 30 provides a magnetic metal 38 located on the first contact surface 32. As discussed above, the second attachment member 34 comprises a magnet 28. The first attachment member 30 and the second attachment member 34 are releasably engaged through a first form of releasable engagement provided by the magnetic interaction between the magnetic metal 38 located on the first attachment member 30 and the magnet 28 provided by the second attachment member 34. The magnet 28 therefore releasably engages the cable holder portion to the attachment portion, as well as the first attachment member 30 to the second attachment member 34 of the attachment portion. The metal 18 of the cable holder portion 6, the magnet 28 of the second attachment member 34 and the metal 38 of the first attachment member are all aligned to provide the desired magnetic interaction.

It is however to be understood that each of the first and second attachment members 30, 34 may comprise magnets to provide for releasable engagement therebetween. Alternatively, the first attachment member 30 may provide a magnet and the second attachment member 344 may comprise a magnetic metal. In one or more embodiments, the first and second attachment members may be secured together by one or more of push fit or snap fit or slidable engagement.

The first and second attachment members 30, 34 are also configured to provide a second form of releasable engagement to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second attachment members 30, 34 are also configured for slideable engagement. The first attachment member 30 comprises three spaced apart side portions 40a, 40b, 40c extending upwardly from the first contact surface 32 thereof. The side portions 40a, 40b, 40c are located adjacent and spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the first contact surface 32. Each side portion 40a, 40b, 40c comprises an inner surface 42 and an opposed outer surface 44. Each side portion 40a-c has a first end 46 located adjacent the respective first or second contact surface of the attachment member, and a second opposed free end 48.

Each side portion 40a-c of the first attachment member 30 further comprises a retaining feature 50 extending inwardly from the second opposed free end 48 of each side portion 40a-c. The retaining feature SO is in the form of a lip extending radially inwardly. The retaining feature 50 provides an abutment surface 52 to prevent unintentional disengagement of the first and second attachment members 30, 34 in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the respective contact surfaces 32, 36, preferably in a direction extending between the first and second ends 46,48 of the side portion 40a-c.

An opening 54 is provided between an adjacent pair of side portions 40a, 40c of the first attachment member 30. The opening 54 is shaped and dimensioned to enable the corresponding second attachment member 34 to be inserted through the opening 54 into alignment with and engagement with the first attachment member 30.

The first attachment member 30 further comprises a projection 56 extending upwardly from the contact surface 32 and adjacent opening 54 to prevent unintentional disengagement of the first and second attachment member 30, 34.

In use, the user selects the appropriate cable holder portion 6 providing an open ended channel 14 having the required internal dimensions, for example width of the channel (ie.

diameter), for receiving the cable of the required tool. The cable of the tool is inserted into the channel 14 of the cable holder portion 6. The cable holder portion 6 is releasably engaged to the second attachment member 32 due to the magnetic interaction between magnetic metal 18 and the magnet 28. The first attachment member 30 is positioned in a predetermined location such that the first contact surface 32 is provided adjacent the inner surface of the garment.

The second attachment member 34 is positioned such that the second contact surface 36 is adjacent an outer surface of the garment. The second attachment member 34 is inserted through the opening 54 provided by the first attachment member 30 in a direction extending substantially parallel to the contact surface 32 of the first attachment member 30. The peripheral flange 56 of the second attachment member 34 may abut the retaining features 50 of the side portions 40 a-c of the first attachment member 30. The second attachment member 34, and in particular the second contact surface 36, is positioned adjacent and spaced apart from the contact surface 32 of the first attachment member 30 to provide a cavity. The garment is securely retained within the cavity.

The side portions 40a-c of the first attachment member 30, and in particular the abutment surface 52 provided by the retaining features 50 of the side portions 40a-c retain the second attachment member 34 in position relative to the first attachment member 30, and prevent against any unintended movement of the second attachment member 34 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first contact surface 32 of the first attachment member 30.

The user continues normal use of the tool as the cable is retained in position relative to the user's garment on the user's body. The apparatus provides the user with increased confidence as to the location of the cable relative to the device or tool during use. The apparatus also reduces the risk of the user becoming entangled or damaging the cable during use by ensuring that the cable is retained in a position which does not effect normal operation of the device or tool. Once the user has completed the operation with the device or tool, the user may remove the apparatus from the garment. Removal of the apparatus involves simply disengaging the second attachment member 34 from the first attachment member 30. In the embodiment described, this may be done by sliding the second attachment member 34 relative to the first attachment member 30 (in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion) such that the second attachment member 34 is removed through opening 54. The first attachment member 30 may then be removed from contact with the inner surface of the garment. The second attachment member may then be removed from contact with the outer surface of the garment.

Advantageously, the apparatus may be attached and removed from the garment without requiring any permanent changes or causing any damage to the garment. In particular, the apparatus does not require the garment to be altered in any way, such as for example by the attachment of press studs or additional stitching, in order to attach the apparatus.

The term "garment" is used herein to refer to any item which is wearable by a user. For example, the apparatus may be used on any type of garment such as for example coat, jacket, shirt, t-shirt, vest, tabard, trousers, overalls, lanyards, belts, hats, helmets, gloves, etc. The apparatus may be interchanged between use on multiple different types of garments without requiring any modification to the apparatus, and in particular to the attachment portion in order to ensure reliable and efficient attachment of the apparatus.

The apparatus may be used repeatedly without any loss in performance. In particular, the apparatus may be used repeatedly with no loss in attachment or engagement performance to the corresponding garment.

Furthermore, the apparatus may be used in relation to any cable, having any dimensions. The user may adapt the apparatus to include the cable holder having appropriate dimensions for that particular cable.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An attachment device configured for releasable engagement to a garment, the attachment device comprising: a first attachment member defining a first contact surface configured to be located against an inner surface of a garment, and a second attachment member defining a second contact surface configured to be located against an opposed outer surface of the garment, in which the first and second attachment members are configured for mutual engagement and to provide a cavity extending between the first and second contact surfaces, in which the cavity is configured to receive and engage a portion of the garment.
2. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, in which the first and second attachment members comprise complimentary releasable engagement features for releasably securing the attachment device to a garment.
3. An attachment device as claimed in claim 2, in which the first and second attachment members comprise magnets.
4. An attachment device as claimed in claim 2, in which one of the first and second attachment members comprises a magnet, and the corresponding second or first attachment member comprises a magnetic metal.
5. An attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the first and second attachment members are configured for slideable engagement.
6. An attachment device as claimed in claim 5, in which one of the first and second attachment member comprises at least one side portion extending upwardly from the respective first or second contact surface, in which the at least one side portion is configured to slideably receive the respective second or first attachment member.
7. An attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an engagement feature for securing to an additional device.
8. A cable holder apparatus comprising: a cable holder comprising a first free end defining an open ended channel configured to receive a portion of a cable, and a second end comprising an attachment member for releasably securing the cable holder to a garment.
9. A cable holder apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which the channel defines a longitudinal axis extending between a pair of opposed open ends of the channel, and in which the channel is configured to receive a portion of a cable such that the cable extends beyond each open end of the channel, and in which the longitudinal axis of the channel extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cable.
10. A cable holder apparatus as claimed in either of claims 8 and 9, in which the first free end comprises an inner surface defining the open ended channel, and in which the inner surface is substantially smooth.
11. A cable holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, in which the cable holder comprises: a cable holder portion comprising a first free end defining the open ended channel, and a second end comprising a first releasable engagement member; and an attachment portion comprising a first end comprising a second releasable engagement member configured for mutual releasable engagement with the first releasable engagement member of the cable holder portion, and a second end comprising the attachment member for releasably securing the attachment portion to a garment.
12. A cable holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 toll, in which the first and second releasable engagement members comprise magnets.
13. A cable holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, in which one of the first and second releasable engagement members comprises a magnet, and the corresponding second or first releasable engagement member comprises a magnetic metal.
14. A cable holder apparatus as claimed in claim 13, in which the magnetic metal is composed of one or more of: iron, nickel, cobalt, or alloys of rare earth metals, or any combination thereof.
15. A cable holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 14, in which the attachment portion comprises an attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7.
16. A kit for a cable holder apparatus, the kit comprising: a cable holder comprising a first free end defining an open ended channel configured to receive a portion of a cable, and a second end comprising a first releasable engagement member; and an attachment portion comprising a first end comprising a second releasable engagement member configured for mutual releasable engagement with the first releasable engagement member of the cable holder portion, and a second opposed end comprising the attachment member for releasably securing the attachment portion to a garment.
17. A method for producing a cable holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 14, the method comprising: obtaining a cable holder defining an open ended channel at a first free end thereof; and providing an attachment member at the second end of the cable holder, the attachment member being configured for releasably securing the cable holder to a garment.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising: obtaining a cable holder portion providing the first free end defining the open ended channel; providing a first releasable engagement member at the second end of the cable holder portion; obtaining an attachment portion comprising a first end comprising a second releasable engagement member configured for mutual releasable engagement with the first releasable engagement member of the cable holder portion, and a second opposed end comprising an attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7; and releasably engaging the first and second releasable engagement members together.
19. A garment comprising an attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 or a cable holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 14, in which the cable holder apparatus is releasably attached to the garment.
20. An apparatus comprising a cable and a cable holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 14, in which the cable is received within the channel of the cable holder apparatus.