US20190116941A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20190116941A1
Application number: US16/169,072
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles A. Anderson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-10-24
Filing date: 2018-10-24
Publication date: 2019-04-25

Abstract

A reusable protective cover for a male portion of a snap fastener may be configured with a symmetrical convexly-curved continuous upper surface extending from the surface to which the male portion of the snap fastener is attached, to above the male portion of the snap faster, the upper surface having an area that is large in size relative to the size of the male portion of the snap fastener and shaped so that the force of someone stepping on the cover would be spread out over a much larger area than the area presented by the male portion of the snap fastener, thus greatly reducing the pressure on the bare foot of someone stepping on the cover, while also protecting the male portion of the snap fastener. Structure is provided to prevent water entrapment under the cover.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to, incorporates by reference, and is a non-provisional of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/576,517 to Charles A. Anderson, filed Oct. 24 2017 and entitled Cover for a Male Portion of a Snap Fastener and Method of Use (herein, “the '517 Application”).

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to snap fasteners, and more particularly, to reusable protective covers for male portions of snap fasteners, and methods of using same.

BACKGROUND

A snap fastener (also called press stud, popper, snap or tich) may comprise disconnecting means in the form of a circular male member having an upstanding projection formed thereon and a female member having a resilient complimentary socket formed therein receiving and removably retaining the male member. For example, a snap fastener may comprise a pair of interlocking discs, made out of a metal or plastic. Typically, a circular lip under a female disc fits into a groove on the top of the male stud, holding them fast until a certain amount of force is applied. Different types of snaps can be attached to fabric, or rigid materials such as fiberglass or steel, by riveting with a punch and die set specific to the type of rivet snaps used (striking the punch with a hammer to splay the tail), sewing, or plying with special snap pliers.

Modern snap fasteners are said to have been first patented by German inventor Heribert Bauer in 1885 as the “Federknopf-Verschluss,” a novelty fastener for men's trousers. Some attribute the invention to Bertel Sanders, of Denmark. These first versions had an S-shaped spring in the “male” disc instead of a groove. Australian inventor Myra Juliet Farrell is also credited with inventing a ‘stitchless press stud’ and the ‘stitchless hook and eye.’ William Prym GmbH & Co. KG is said to have produced snap fasteners since 1903.

One example application of snap fasteners is in use with removably attaching boat covers to boats. To protect the boat, as well as any gear or equipment stored therein, from the many adverse effects that come from leaving the boat interior exposed, manufacturers have long produced covers that can be used to either partially or completely enclose a boat interior from the elements. These covers are typically produced from a flaccid material such as a tarp, canvas, or other cloth or covering. The cover will typically be cut in the shape of the top rim of the opening, and may commonly also have snaps that are provided to connect the edges of the cover to the boat opening top rim or other locations. When a person wishes to use the boat, they will commonly first separate the cover from the boat, such as by unsnapping the cover from the boat, and then they will stow the cover in some storage location either within or outside of the boat. The boat may then be boarded and used as desired. When the boater is finished boating and is ready to store the boat, the cover will then be retrieved from storage and fastened (for instance by snapping) onto the boat top rim or other suitably locations.

A number of patents illustrate various covers and snap fasteners, the teachings and contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, including: U.S. Pat. No. 2,732,877 by W. H. Taylor., issued Jan. 31, 1956 and entitled “Boat Covers for Outboard Motor Boats;” U.S. Pat. No. 2,764,765 by Woodruff, Sr., issued Oct. 2, 1956 and entitled “Boat cover;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,915 A by Clark, issued Jan. 16, 1996 and entitled “Snap extender for a boat canvas;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,489 B2 by Zarn et al., issued May 3, 2005 and entitled “Cover Fastening System For a Boat;” U.S. Pat. No. 8,402,618 B2 by Veldhoen, issued Mar. 26, 2013 and entitled “Fastening device;” and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2008/0216735 A1 by Boyd, published Sep. 11, 2008 and entitled “Protective cover for a boat.” Snap fasteners for these purposes may be purchased online, for instance at Amazon.com, such as “Canvas and Upholstery Boat Cover Snap Button Fastener Kit w/Installation Tool—101 Pieces” by Simple Anchor Solutions.

Unfortunately, while snaps are generally convenient for removably attaching covers, tarps, straps, and the like to a surface, the male portion of the snap protrudes from that surface when the female portion of the snap is removed (such as when a cover is removed). The male portion of the snap that protrudes when the female portion of the snap is removed is susceptible to being scraped against or stepped upon, which may damage the snap and cause intense pain to a person stepping on the protrusion with bare feet, as is often the case when stepping into, out of, or about a boat used for pleasure. An improvement is needed to make existing snaps safe.

SUMMARY

The present invention elegantly overcomes various drawbacks and limitations of past systems and provides numerous additional benefits as will be apparent to persons of skill in the art. Provided in various example embodiments is a cover configured to removably attach with a male portion of a snap fastener when a female portion of the snap fastener is removed.

In various example embodiments the cover may be configured with a continuous upper surface having an area that is large in size relative to the overall size of the upper surface area of the male portion of the snap fastener, for instance, five times, ten times, fifteen times, or twenty or more times larger, so that the force of someone stepping on the cover would be spread out over a much larger area, thus greatly reducing the pressure on the bare foot of someone stepping on the cover.

In various example embodiments the continuous upper surface, when viewed from above, may be generally rounded, round, oval, or have any suitable shape. In various example embodiments the continuous upper surface may have a curved cross-section that when installed on the male portion of the snap fastener, curves convexly from a lower portion proximate or adjacent the surface to which the male portion of the snap fastener is attached, to an upper portion above and covering the male portion of the snap fastener. In various example embodiments the curved cross-section of the continuous upper surface may include one or more portions having a large radius, such as shown in the example figures attached herewith. For example, this large radius may in certain example embodiments be at least as large as the radius of the outer diameter of the continuous upper surface.

In various example embodiments the continuous upper surface may be symmetrical about a vertical axis. In various example embodiments the continuous upper surface may be symmetrical about one or more horizontal planes. In various example embodiments the continuous upper surface may be symmetrical about a vertical axis and one or more horizontal planes.

In various example embodiments the continuous upper surface may be imprinted with or otherwise bear information, such as a brand name or symbol, slogan, image, or the like. In various example embodiments the continuous upper surface may have one or more holes formed there through (not shown), as long as the sizes of the holes are limited to achieve the pressure-spreading functionality of the invention.

In various example embodiments one or more indented reliefs may be formed in and distributed around an outer circumference of the continuous upper surface, wherein the indented reliefs are configured to facilitate a tool such as a flat screwdriver or a conventional key or other item being inserted at least partially therein to pry or pop the cover off the male portion of the snap fastener. In various example embodiments the indented reliefs may be configured to facilitate air and water communication from underneath the cover when the cover is installed on the male portion of the snap fastener, so that moisture does not get trapped underneath the cover.

Accordingly, provided in various example embodiments is a cover for a male snap fastener member installed on a mounting surface, wherein the male snap fastener member comprises a projection upstanding from the mounting surface with an outer profile defining a circular area of the male snap fastener member, the cover comprising: a female member having a resilient socket formed therein complimentarily sized and shaped to receive and removably retain the male snap fastener member when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member; an upper surface opposite the female member and having a surface area, the upper surface defining a three-dimensional convex curvature, the upper surface extending outward from a central portion to an outer edge portion, at least a first portion of which is configured to be located proximate to the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member; wherein the surface area of the upper surface of the cover is at least five times as large as the circular area of the male snap fastener member.

In various example embodiments the surface area of the upper surface of the cover is at least ten times as large as the circular area of the male snap fastener member. In various example embodiments the surface area of the upper surface of the cover is at least fifteen times as large as the circular area of the male snap fastener member. In various example embodiments the surface area of the upper surface of the cover is at least twenty times as large as the circular area of the male snap fastener member.

In various example embodiments at least a second portion of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover defines a relief configured to create a space sized and shaped to receive a flat screwdriver blade between the relief and the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member. In various example embodiments a plurality of such reliefs are located around the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover. In various example embodiments at least a second portion of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover defines a relief configured to create a space sized and shaped to allow water to flow out from between the relief and the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member. In various example embodiments a plurality of such reliefs are located around the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover.

Further provided in various example embodiments is a cover for a male snap fastener member installed on a mounting surface, wherein the male snap fastener member comprises a projection upstanding from the mounting surface with an outer profile defining a circular area of the male snap fastener member, the cover comprising: a female member having a resilient socket formed therein complimentarily sized and shaped to receive and removably retain the male snap fastener member when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member; an upper surface opposite the female member and having a surface area, the upper surface defining a three-dimensional convex curvature at least a portion of which is defined by a constant first radius, the upper surface extending outward from a central portion to an outer edge portion at least a portion of which is curved and has a second radius; wherein the constant first radius of the at least a portion of the upper surface of the cover is at least as large as the second radius of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover.

In various example embodiments the constant first radius of the at least a portion of the upper surface of the cover is at least one-and-a-half-times as large as the second radius of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover. In various example embodiments the constant first radius of the at least a portion of the upper surface of the cover is at least twice as large as the second radius of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover. In various example embodiments the constant first radius of the at least a portion of the upper surface of the cover is at least two-and-a-half-times as large as the second radius of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover.

In various example embodiments at least a first portion of the outer edge portion is configured to be located proximate to the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member.

In various example embodiments at least a second portion of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover defines a relief configured to create a space sized and shaped to receive a flat screwdriver blade between the relief and the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member. In various example embodiments a plurality of such reliefs are located around the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover.

In various example embodiments at least a second portion of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover defines a relief configured to create a space sized and shaped to allow water to flow out from between the relief and the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member. In various example embodiments a plurality of such reliefs are located around the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover.

Additionally provided in various example embodiments is a cover for a male snap fastener member installed on a mounting surface, wherein the male snap fastener member comprises a projection upstanding from the mounting surface with an outer profile defining a circular area of the male snap fastener member, the cover comprising: a female member having a resilient socket formed therein complimentarily sized and shaped to receive and removably retain the male snap fastener member when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member; an upper surface opposite the female member and having a surface area, the upper surface defining a three-dimensional convex curvature at least a portion of which is defined by a constant first radius, the upper surface extending outward from a central portion to an outer edge portion at least a portion of which is curved and has a second radius and is configured to be located proximate to the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member; wherein the surface area of the upper surface of the cover is at least five times as large as the circular area of the male snap fastener member; and wherein the constant first radius of the at least a portion of the upper surface of the cover is at least as large as the second radius of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover.

In use, the cover may be removably attached to a male portion of a snap fastener extending upward (for reference) from an attachment surface by removing any female portion of the snap fastener from the male portion of the snap fastener, positioning the generally cylindrical protrusion structure above and around the male portion of the snap fastener, and pushing down on the continuous upper surface until the outer perimeter of the continuous upper surface is proximate or adjacent to the attachment surface. To remove the cover, an object is slid at least partially between the outer perimeter of the continuous upper surface and the attachment surface, and pulled upward. In embodiments with one or more indented reliefs formed in and distributed around an outer circumference of the continuous upper surface, an object may be slid at least partially into the indented relief, and pulled upward to remove the cover. In various example embodiments the cover may be reused.

Various example aspects of certain example embodiments of the invention are shown and described in the accompanying written description and figures. Additional aspects, alternatives and variations as would be apparent to persons of skill in the art are also disclosed herein and are specifically contemplated as included as part of the invention. The invention is set forth only in the claims as allowed by the patent office in this or related applications, and the following summary descriptions of certain examples are not in any way to limit, define or otherwise establish the scope of legal protection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures illustrate certain aspects of example embodiments, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an example cover according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 2 is side elevation view of the example cover ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a section view of the side elevation view ofFIG. 2, taken along section line A-A ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a section view of the side elevation view ofFIG. 2A, showing the example cover installed on the example male snap fastener member ofFIG. 3C shown attached to an example mounting surface.

FIG. 3B is a section side elevation view of the example male snap fastener member ofFIG. 3C, taken along section line B-B ofFIG. 3C, shown attached to an example mounting surface.

FIG. 3C is a top plan view of an example male snap fastener member according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the example cover ofFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference is made herein to some specific examples of the present invention, including any best modes contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention. Examples of these specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying figures. While the invention is described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the described or illustrated embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

With reference toFIGS. 1-4, provided in various example embodiments is acover100 for a malesnap fastener member300 that may be installed on a mountingsurface320, wherein the malesnap fastener member300 comprises aprojection310 upstanding from the mountingsurface320 with anouter profile330 defining acircular area340 of the malesnap fastener member300. Thecircular area340 is depicted inFIG. 3C as the shaded region encompassed within theouter perimeter330 of theupstanding projection310, which is shown and understood to optionally comprise a hollowcylindrical projection310 attached to the mountingsurface320 with afastener315, such as a rivet or screw or any other suitable fastening means, for example as shown in the examples inFIGS. 3A-3C. Malesnap fastener member300 may be formed from any material having suitable mechanical properties, such as, for example, metal. Mountingsurface320 can comprise any suitable structure and material, such as, for example, a fiberglass portion of the body or interior of a boat.

In various example embodiments acover100 may comprise afemale member200 having aresilient socket210 formed therein complimentarily sized and shaped to receive and removably retain the malesnap fastener member300 when thecover100 is installed on the malesnap fastener member300. For example, theresilient socket210 may be formed from the elements as shown and described herein and in the '517 Application. In various example embodiments thefemale member200 may comprise a generally cylindrical protrusion structure extending downward from acentral portion120 of a lower side of the continuousupper surface110, the generally cylindrical protrusion structure having an inner diameter orresilient socket210 configured to releaseably engage anouter profile330 of themale portion300 of the snap fastener. In various example embodiments theresilient socket210, e.g., generally cylindrical protrusion structure, may comprise one or more slots through walls thereof (seeFIGS. 2A, 4), to facilitate resilient radially-outward bending of the walls of the cylindrical protrusion structure to assist in releaseably engaging theouter profile330 of the malesnap fastener member300. In various example embodiments thefemale member200 may be sized, shaped, and positioned to not extend all the way to mountingsurface320 when thecover100 is installed on the malesnap fastener member300. For instance as depicted in the example shown inFIGS. 2A and 3A,female member200 may be sized, shaped, and positioned to provide a gap (for example, approximately the dimension of the wall thickness of the cover100) between thefemale member200 and the mountingsurface320 when thecover100 is installed on the malesnap fastener member300.

In various example embodiments acover100 may comprise anupper surface110 opposite thefemale member200 and having a surface area, namely the actual surface area ofupper surface110. Theupper surface110 may define a three-dimensional convex curvature as depicted in the figures, theupper surface110 extending outward from a central portion120 (which may be a point or a larger area) to anouter edge portion130. In various example embodiments theouter edge portion130 may define a circle or segment(s) of a circle. In various example embodiments theupper surface110 extends smoothly and continuously outward from acentral portion120 to anouter edge portion130. In various example embodiments theupper surface110 is symmetrical about acentral portion120, except for any branding or messaging or artwork that may appear on theupper surface110. In various example embodiments at least afirst portion220 of theouter edge portion130 is configured to be located proximate to the mountingsurface320 when thecover100 is installed on the malesnap fastener member300, for instance as shown in the figures. In various example embodiments thefirst portion220 of theouter edge portion130 is flat. In various example embodiments thefirst portion220 of theouter edge portion130 is configured to be located adjacent to the mountingsurface320 when thecover100 is installed on the malesnap fastener member300, for instance as shown in the figures. The word proximate herein means adjacent or close to adjacent.

In various example embodiments at least a second portion of theouter edge portion130 of the upper surface of the cover may define arelief140 configured to create aspace350 sized and shaped to receive a tool or other instrument that can be used to assist in detaching thecover100 from the malesnap fastener member300, such as, for example, a conventional flat screwdriver blade (not shown) between therelief140 and the mountingsurface320 when thecover100 is installed on the malesnap fastener member300, for instance as shown in the example depicted inFIG. 3A. In various example embodiments at least a second portion of theouter edge portion130 of the upper surface of the cover may define arelief140 configured to create aspace350 sized and shaped to allow water or other liquids of debris to flow out from between therelief140 and the mountingsurface320 when thecover100 is installed on the malesnap fastener member300. Arelief140 may be configured to accomplish one or both of the above-described functionalities. In various example embodiments a plurality of such reliefs140 (such as two, three, or four, for example) may be located around theouter edge portion130 of theupper surface110 of thecover100. In various example embodiments a plurality of such reliefs140 (such as two, three, or four, for example) may be equally-spaced around theouter edge portion130 of theupper surface110 of thecover100, for instance as best shown in the example depicted inFIG. 4.

With continuing reference to the figures shown and incorporated herein, also provided in various example embodiments is acover100 for a malesnap fastener member300 installed on a mountingsurface320, wherein the malesnap fastener member300 comprises aprojection310 upstanding from the mountingsurface320 with anouter profile330 defining acircular area340 of the malesnap fastener member300, wherein thecover100 comprises any or all of the following features. First, afemale member200 may be provided having aresilient socket210 formed therein complimentarily sized and shaped to receive and removably retain the malesnap fastener member300 when thecover100 is installed on the malesnap fastener member300. Second, anupper surface110 may be provided opposite thefemale member200 and having a surface area, theupper surface110 defining a three-dimensional convex curvature at least a portion of which is defined by a constant first (upward-extending) radius R1 (see, e.g.,FIG. 2, with upwards direction indicated generally by the arrows R1), theupper surface110 extending outward from a central portion120 (which may be a point or a larger area) to anouter edge portion130. In various example embodiments theouter edge portion130 may define a circle or segment(s) of a circle or other shape, at least a portion of which is curved and has a second (outward-extending) radius R2 (see, e.g.,FIG. 1, with the outward direction meaning outward from thecentral portion120, as indicated generally by arrow R2). In various example embodiments, the center of second outward-extending radius R2 intersects a vertical centerline of the cover100 (with the vertical direction extending between the top and bottom sides of the page on whichFIG. 2 appears, and with the horizontal direction extending between the left and right sides of the page on whichFIG. 2 appears, wherein the page is oriented to read the text thereon from left to right).

In general, the larger the ratio of the first (upward-extending) radius R1 is to the second (outward-extending) radius R2, the flatter thecover100, and thus the lower the pressure would be exhibited on a person or thing that steps on or otherwise contacts or impacts the cover100 (compared to stepping on or otherwise contacting or impacting the malesnap fastener member300 without thecover100 installed). However, if that ratio is too large, thecover100 can become too short (vertically) to extend over the top of the malesnap fastener member300 while also curving smoothly downward to proximate the mounting surface320 (compareFIG. 3A). Accordingly, certain ratios have been identified as being uniquely suited to the geometries of certain malesnap fastener members300. For example, in various different example embodiments the constant first radius R1 of the at least a portion of theupper surface110 of thecover100 is at least as large as, at least one-and-a-half-times as large as, at least twice as large as, or at least two-and-a-half-times as large as, the second radius R2 of theouter edge portion130 of theupper surface110 of thecover100.

Also in general, the larger the ratio of the surface area of theupper surface110 of thecover100 is to thecircular area340 of the malesnap fastener member300, the lower the pressure would be exhibited on a person or thing that steps on or otherwise contacts or impacts the cover100 (compared to stepping on or otherwise contacting or impacting the malesnap fastener member300 without thecover100 installed). However, the larger that ratio is, the more unwieldy in size thecover100 can become and the more likely it becomes that thecover100 will not fit on a given malesnap fastener member300 due to lack of space in the vicinity of the malesnap fastener member300. Accordingly, certain ratios have been identified as being uniquely suited to various types of installations. For example, in various different example embodiments the surface area of theupper surface110 of thecover100 is at least five, ten, fifteen, or twenty times as large as thecircular area340 of the malesnap fastener member300.

Cover100 may be formed from any material with mechanical properties suitable for this application, such as, for example, a polymer. In one example embodiment thecover100 is formed from ABS plastic, and utilizes a design with uniform or substantially uniform wall thicknesses to facilitate manufacturability, as depicted in the figures.

In use, thecover100 may be removably attached to a malesnap fastener member300 extending from a mountingsurface320 by removing any female portion (not shown) of the snap fastener from the malesnap fastener member300, positioning theresilient socket210 of thefemale member200 above and around theouter profile330 of theprojection310 of the malesnap fastener member300, and pushing down on thecentral portion120 of theupper surface110 until at least afirst portion220 of theouter edge portion130 is proximate or adjacent to the mountingsurface320. To remove thecover100, an object is slid at least partially between theouter edge portion130 and the mountingsurface320, and pulled or pushed away from the mountingsurface320. In embodiments with one or more indentations orother reliefs140 formed in and distributed around anouter edge portion130 of theupper surface110, an object may be slid at least partially into therelief140 intospace350, and pulled or pushed away from the mountingsurface320 to remove thecover100. In various example embodiments thecover100 may be reused by repeating the above steps any number of times.

Unlike a female portion of a snap button or other female snap fastener member (not shown), in the embodiments showncover100 does not hold or mount another material or object to the malesnap fastener member300. Instead, cover100 elegantly and optimally provides an easy to install, remove, and replace very-low-profile snap cover with geometries and features specific for this purpose. For example, in certain example embodiments as shown in the figures, thecover100 may be installed on a malesnap fastener member300 such that theouter edge portion130 of theupper surface110 of thecover100 may meet (or come very close to meeting) the mountingsurface320 at a shallow angle and low height, to reduce the likelihood of someone tripping on or stubbing their toe on the installedcover100. Any of the suitable technologies, materials, and designs set forth and incorporated herein may be used to implement various example aspects of the invention as would be apparent to one of skill in the art.

Although exemplary embodiments and applications of the invention have been described herein including as described above and shown in the included example Figures, there is no intention that the invention be limited to these exemplary embodiments and applications or to the manner in which the exemplary embodiments and applications operate or are described herein. Indeed, many variations and modifications to the exemplary embodiments are possible as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. The invention may include any device, structure, method, or functionality, as long as the resulting device, system or method falls within the scope of one of the claims that are allowed by the patent office based on this or any related patent application.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cover for a male snap fastener member installed on a mounting surface, wherein the male snap fastener member comprises a projection upstanding from the mounting surface with an outer profile defining a circular area of the male snap fastener member, the cover comprising:

a female member having a resilient socket formed therein complimentarily sized and shaped to receive and removably retain the male snap fastener member when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member;

an upper surface opposite the female member and having a surface area, the upper surface defining a three-dimensional convex curvature, the upper surface extending outward from a central portion to an outer edge portion, at least a first portion of which is configured to be located proximate to the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member;

wherein the surface area of the upper surface of the cover is at least five times as large as the circular area of the male snap fastener member.

2. The cover ofclaim 1, wherein the surface area of the upper surface of the cover is at least ten times as large as the circular area of the male snap fastener member.

3. The cover ofclaim 1, wherein the surface area of the upper surface of the cover is at least fifteen times as large as the circular area of the male snap fastener member.

4. The cover ofclaim 1, wherein the surface area of the upper surface of the cover is at least twenty times as large as the circular area of the male snap fastener member.

5. The cover ofclaim 1, wherein at least a second portion of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover defines a relief configured to create a space sized and shaped to receive a flat screwdriver blade between the relief and the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member.

6. The cover ofclaim 5, comprising a plurality of reliefs according toclaim 5 located around the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover.

7. The cover ofclaim 1, wherein at least a second portion of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover defines a relief configured to create a space sized and shaped to allow water to flow out from between the relief and the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member.

8. The cover ofclaim 1, wherein at least a second portion of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover defines a relief configured to create a space sized and shaped to receive a flat screwdriver blade between the relief and the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member, and the relief is further configured to create a space sized and shaped to allow water to flow out from between the relief and the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member.

9. The cover ofclaim 8, comprising a plurality of reliefs according toclaim 8 located around the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover.

10. A cover for a male snap fastener member installed on a mounting surface, wherein the male snap fastener member comprises a projection upstanding from the mounting surface with an outer profile defining a circular area of the male snap fastener member, the cover comprising:

an upper surface opposite the female member and having a surface area, the upper surface defining a three-dimensional convex curvature at least a portion of which is defined by a constant first radius, the upper surface extending outward from a central portion to an outer edge portion at least a portion of which is curved and has a second radius;

wherein the constant first radius of the at least a portion of the upper surface of the cover is at least as large as the second radius of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover.

11. The cover ofclaim 10, wherein the constant first radius of the at least a portion of the upper surface of the cover is at least one-and-a-half-times as large as the second radius of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover.

12. The cover ofclaim 10, wherein the constant first radius of the at least a portion of the upper surface of the cover is at least twice as large as the second radius of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover.

13. The cover ofclaim 10, wherein the constant first radius of the at least a portion of the upper surface of the cover is at least two-and-a-half-times as large as the second radius of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover.

14. The cover ofclaim 10, wherein at least a first portion of the outer edge portion is configured to be located proximate to the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member.

15. The cover ofclaim 14, wherein at least a second portion of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover defines a relief configured to create a space sized and shaped to receive a flat screwdriver blade between the relief and the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member.

16. The cover ofclaim 15, comprising a plurality of reliefs according toclaim 15 located around the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover.

17. The cover ofclaim 14, wherein at least a second portion of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover defines a relief configured to create a space sized and shaped to allow water to flow out from between the relief and the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member.

18. The cover ofclaim 14, wherein at least a second portion of the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover defines a relief configured to create a space sized and shaped to receive a flat screwdriver blade between the relief and the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member, and the relief is further configured to create a space sized and shaped to allow water to flow out from between the relief and the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member.

19. The cover ofclaim 18, comprising a plurality of reliefs according toclaim 18 located around the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the cover.

20. A cover for a male snap fastener member installed on a mounting surface, wherein the male snap fastener member comprises a projection upstanding from the mounting surface with an outer profile defining a circular area of the male snap fastener member, the cover comprising:

an upper surface opposite the female member and having a surface area, the upper surface defining a three-dimensional convex curvature at least a portion of which is defined by a constant first radius, the upper surface extending outward from a central portion to an outer edge portion at least a portion of which is curved and has a second radius and is configured to be located proximate to the mounting surface when the cover is installed on the male snap fastener member;

wherein the surface area of the upper surface of the cover is at least five times as large as the circular area of the male snap fastener member; and