US20140026375A1

US20140026375A1 - Magnetic Embellishment Snap System and Embellishment Snap Retrofit Kit

Info

Publication number: US20140026375A1
Application number: US13/935,529
Authority: US
Inventors: Natalie Marie Gibby
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-07-05
Filing date: 2013-07-04
Publication date: 2014-01-30

Abstract

This non-provisional patent pertains to a new and improved decorative magnetic snap system to aesthetically embellish articles such as wearing apparel, accessories, and interior decor, allowing one to interchange decorative embellishments day to day. This novel improved embellishment snap system can be sold in a variety of retrofitting kits or inserted into an article for the purpose of interchanging decorative ornaments on an object. The improved system would allow one to aesthetically change the appearance of an item infinitely, by means of a strong magnetic bond and reinforced structure.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People often buy multiple handbags, shoes, scarves, belts, and hats to coordinate with an outfit worn on any given day. Moreover, people want many articles to be visually customized, as not to be considered redundant or uninteresting. For example: One might buy or own many suits, dresses, and blouses and desire a matching handbag for each outfit. Similarly, one may want to customize throw pillows to decorate a chair, bed, or sofa for each season of the year. Buying a new handbag for each outfit and new throw pillows for each season of the year is problematic, because the cost per item can easily exceed $100.
Currently, the embellishments used are permanent by means of sewing or gluing them into place or are secured by poorly structured systems to interchange embellishments using snaps and/or clips. As a result, an embellishment can sag or droop away from the item it has been affixed to. Prior art does not provide sufficient means for protecting the item it has been embedded into from damage. Consequently, because of this lack of protection, the current embellishment snaps can also cause irritation to the user. Prior art does not allow a means to easily insert embellishment snaps to an item not previously fitted, therefore one must have special craftsman skills to insert an embellishment snap into an article or buy an article already fixed with an embellishment snap.
Thus it can be seen that needs exist for a new and improved embellishment snap system for attaching interchangeable embellishments and/or decorations to an article. It is to the provision of these needs and others that the present invention is primarily directed.

Definitions

Invention: The term “invention” is used herein merely to relate to the inventive idea that is the subject of this Provisional Patent Application to refer to the “concept” being presented. The term “invention” shall not be construed to mean the “literal and legal” translation of the term “invention”; instead it shall pertain to the “concept” being presented. When this Provisional Patent Application is claimed as preference for the future non-provisional patent application then the term “invention” shall be taken at full face value of the “literal and legal” translation of the term.: The term “invention” is used herein merely to relate to the inventive idea that is the subject of this Provisional Patent Application to refer to the “concept” being presented. The term “invention” shall not be construed to mean the “literal and legal” translation of the term “invention”; instead it shall pertain to the “concept” being presented. When this Provisional Patent Application is claimed as preference for the future non-provisional patent application then the term “invention” shall be taken at full face value of the “literal and legal” translation of the term.
Article: We shall refer to the term article to define any physical object that may have the characteristics of wearing apparel, accessories, personal effects, etc., such as but not limited to, handbags, back packs, diaper bags, travel/tote bags, hats, shoes, belts, knit caps, jewelry, sandals, clothing, hair accessories, home accessories, lamps, chairs, throw pillows, furniture, etc.
Embellishment: The term “embellishment” shall refer to a decorative ornament.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to a method and design whereby magnetic sections are coupled as a means of connecting interchangeable visual embellishments to articles such as handbags, hats, shoes, belts, jewelry, accessories, home furnishings, pillows, and clothing.
This filing teaches the advantages of a magnetic embellishment snap system which improves the structure and strong bond between an article and an interchangeable embellishment. The advantage of the proposed invention is allowing one to safely, easily, and sufficiently coordinate and customize clothing, shoes, accessories, and interior decor more economically.
What is not previously taught as pertinent to the subject art is current embellishment snaps do not have a means to prevent irritation or damage to the article it is attached to, or the user wearing it. In this filing an improved design is proposed that is comprised of a protective cover placed on the backing of the snap, or otherwise, to protect the user from irritation or damage to an article.
In addition, what is not previously taught as pertinent to the subject art is that lack of construction is problematic because the weight of a heavy or large embellishments can pull on existing snaps, causing the decorative appendage to sag or droop away from an article. This filling teaches the advantages of a magnetic embellishment snap system which secures a decorative ornamentation with structured, reinforcement elements, creating a strong magnetic hold. This improved design eliminates drooping or sagging, therefore allowing one to easily interchange ornamental objects without unexpected malfunctions.
Moreover, what is not previously taught as pertinent to the art is a means to prevent articles and embellishments from being damaged by the prongs or studs inserted in a pre-punched opening of an article and/or embellishment. This filing teaches the advantages of an embellishment snap that includes an element that is placed in between the article and the underside of the magnetic snap. The goal of this element is to prevent the prongs or studs from sliding or pulling and ripping an article in a damaging way. Similarly, the embellishment, mated to fit the first snap section affixed to an article, is designed to include an element that is placed in between the embellishment and the underside of the snap. The goal of this element is to prevent the prongs or studs from damaging the decorative embellishment.
Furthermore, prior art is problematic because it references wearing apparel and accessories with only an embedded means of attachment, which would exclude the ability to attach interchangeable attachments to an existing article not previously fitted, or that does not already include a snap. This filing teaches the advantages of having a variety of retrofitting magnetic embellishment snap kits, comprised of all the necessary elements, and can be inserted to retrofit an existing article of clothing or otherwise, not previously fitted, or that does not already include an embellishment snap.
The proposed invention is such that one can easily retrofit a magnetic snap to an article. Prior art teaches one must be skilled in the art of sewing or otherwise to retro fit and reinforce a snap with additional sewing and other techniques. This filing teaches the advantages of using a system to make affixing a functional embellishment snap to an article and/or embellishment simple, without requiring one to have specialized craftsmen skills.
This new and improved embellishment snap system is comprised of two magnetic snap sections and a set of supporting elements. The first snap section is secured to an article. The second snap section is adapted to be received by the first, using a strong magnetized bond. The second part is also fitted with at least one visual ornament. The third element is fitted between the underside of the first snap section and article to prevent tearing to the article. The fourth element is fitted between the underside of the second snap section and the decorative embellishment to prevent ripping or tearing to the decorative embellishment. The fifth element is a protective cover applied to the backing of the adjoined first and third part, to prevent irritation or damage to the article fitted with the snap or the user wearing an article fitted with the snap. In addition to these elements, another part can be added in between the first snap section and third part, to improve the structure and strength of the snap attached to the article. Similarly, an additional part can be added in between the second snap section and fourth element, to improve the structure of the decorative embellishment.
In still another aspect, the new and improved invention relates to a variety of novel kits that can be used to retrofit a magnetic embellishment snap to an existing article that has not been previously fitted with a magnetic embellishment snap. For example, a kit can consist of all the present invention elements necessary to retro fit at least one magnetic embellishment snap system to an article.
These and other appearances, components, and benefits of the invention will be known by mention to the drawing figures and a complete explanation included. It is to be understood that both the following concise recount of the drawings and detailed concealment and operation of the invention are correct and informative of the preferred structure of the invention, and are not confining of the invention, as declared.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures provided herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, with some components and features exaggerated for clarity. Of these:

FIG. 1 is a view of an article 10 equipped with present invention 20, shown with an embellishment 80 coupled to the snap.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the article 10 and present invention 20 of FIG. 1, showing the part 31 detached from mated part 30.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded drawing of the complete structure and assembly of all the

parts

30,31,40,50,51,60,61, and 70 used to couple an embellishment to an article.

FIG. 4 shows 18, a close-up exploded drawing of the

elements

50, 60, and 70 used to reinforce and cover the partial snap element 30 connected to the article 10.

FIG. 5 shows 19, a close-up exploded drawing of

elements

40, 51, and 61 used to assemble the snap section 31, connected to the embellishment 80.

FIG. 6 shows example embodiment of

magnetic sections

30 and 31, adapted to be coupled together.

FIG. 7 shows example embodiment of structured

elements

50 and 51 used to support the mass of the

magnetic parts

30 and 31 shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows example embodiment of

elements

60 and 61 used to prevent

magnetic parts

30 and 31 from damaging an article or embellishment.

FIG. 9 shows example embodiment of protective covering 70.

FIG. 10 Shows example embodiment of articles fitted with partial snap 18 of the present invention 20.

FIG. 11 Shows example of retrofit embellishment snap kit. This kit is comprised of at least one assembled embellishment elements 19 and at least one of

parts

30, 70, 60, and 50. The goal of this kit is to enable user to fix the present invention 20 to an article not already fitted with an embellishment snap.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a retrofit embellishment snap kit with at least one of

parts

61, 51, 31, 30, 50, 60, and 70. This kit does not include an embellishment 80.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a retrofit magnetic embellishment snap kit comprised of at least one of

parts

30, 50, 60, and 70.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a retrofit magnetic embellishment snap kit comprised of at least one of

parts

30, 31, 40, 50, 51, 60, 61, 70, and 80.

FIG. 15 depicts a close-up view of assembled embellishment elements 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form part of this disclosure. With reference now to the drawing figures, FIGS. 1-2 show an article 10 and magnetic snap system 20, according to the example embodiment of the present invention. The present invention provides a improved system to support varying sizes and weights of interchangeable embellishments equipped to an article. An article refers to, but not limited to: wearing apparel, accessories, shoes, home accessories, etc. By applying the use of this novel means to interconnect an embellishment to an article, one may customize and change the appearance of an article in an easy economical way.
As shown in FIG. 2 it can be seen how the snap system 20 operates. The first section 30 is made to fit the complementary second section 31. The first section 30 is inserted into an article by pre-punching holes with known tools into an article. An example of embodiment of the snap 20 of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 6 showing magnetic snap sections 30 and 31. The example magnetic sections shown have two vertically placed prongs on the back of each snap piece that can be folded inward or outward by manually adjusting the prongs with a known tool. The style of the magnetic snap sections can vary in size, shape, and thickness depending on the desire of the user. Depending on the material, the first section 30 can also be inserted into an article and held into place by adhesive, sewing, stapling, crimping, force-fit, etc. for which tools are available and can be done manually or by machine. The second section 31 is affixed with a decorative embellishment 80 by pre-punching holes intended for the prongs of the snap to be inserted into the first layer of embellishment 40. The style of first layer of embellishment 40 can vary in size, shape, and thickness depending on the desire of the user. The first layer 40 can be glued, sewn, or otherwise, onto embellishment 80. The second section 31 can also be attached to decorative embellishment 80 with glue, epoxy, sewn together, welded together, etc. A decoration or embellishment 80 can vary as desired by the user, and nothing in this specification is intended to limit the definition to any particular type of ornamental feature or structure. However, in commercial embodiments of the present invention, examples of decorative embellishments 80 includes flowers, bows, jeweled shapes, tassels, ties, monograms, hearts, cartoon characters, stones, gems, sequins, etc.
In addition to these parts, FIG. 3-5 show the example embodiments of the present invention 20 which is comprised of structural pieces 50 and 51, to support the weight and size of 80. As shown, the structural piece 50 is secured to the prongs of section 30 after inserted into an article 10. Furthermore, the structural piece 51 is secured to the prongs of the section 31 once inserted in the first layer 40 of embellishment 80. Structural pieces 50 and 51 can be made from one or more materials including plastic, rubber, metal, or any other material as desired by user. The style of structural pieces 50 and 51 can vary in size, shape, and thickness depending on the desire of the user. FIG. 7 depicts example embodiments of structural parts 50 and 51. These structural parts are designed to be fitted around the prongs of each magnetic snap part 30 and 31. This can be done by pushing the prongs of the snap through the holes in the structural parts manually or by known tools, as shown in FIG. 5-4. A goal of the structural parts 50 and 51 is to secure the snap into place and prevent the embellishment 80 from pulling away or drooping from an article. Another goal of structural parts 50 and 51 allows one skilled or not skilled in the art of sewing, or otherwise, to easily retrofit the present invention to an article and/or embellishment.
The example embodiment of the snap 20 according to the present invention also comprises of parts 60 and 61, as depicted, to prevent the prongs of the magnetic studs from ripping article 10 or first layer 40 of embellishment. Parts 60 and 61 can be made from one or more materials including plastic, rubber, metal, or any other material as desired by user. The style of 60 and 61 can vary in size, shape, and thickness depending on the desire of the user. FIG. 8 shows example embodiment of parts 60 and 61, which can be used to hold the magnetic studs into place, to prevent slippage of prongs or studs, as depicted in FIG. 3-5. A goal of parts 60 and 61 is to prevent tearing or ripping caused by the prongs or studs of the snap to an article and/or embellishment. Another goal of these parts is to allow one skilled or not skilled in the art of sewing or other wise to be able to easily retrofit the magnetic embellishment snap to an article and/or embellishment, without having to implement complicated craftsman skills. Furthermore, parts 60 and 61 can be used as a measuring guide to help the user mark points on an article where then the prongs or stud of the snap can be inserted into.
FIGS. 3,4, 9 depicts the example embodiment of the protective covering 70 used to cover the backside of the snap 20, and parts 50 and 60 therein, affixed to an article. The protective cover 70 is designed to cover the underside of the partial snap system 18, inserted into an article, to minimize irritation or damaged caused by friction. The protective cover 70, as depicted, can be made from one or more materials including plastic, rubber, rubber foam, metal, felt, moleskin, or any other material as desired by user. In addition, the protective cover 70 can be permanently affixed, semi-permanently affixed, or releasably affixed to the underside of the par snap system 18, inserted in an article, with adhesive, epoxy, welding, sewn together, etc. The style of protective cover 70 can vary in size, shape, and thickness depending on the desire of the user. Furthermore, protective cover 70 can also be used by temporarily protecting the frontal face of section 30 and/or section 31 as the prongs of section 30 and/or section 31 are manually adjusted into place with a known tool. The goal of using protective cover 70, in this manner, is to prevent the face of section 30 from being scratched by the known tool used to adjust the prongs of sections 30 and 31.
FIG. 10 shows example embodiments of articles that can be fitted with the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 3 Embellishments can be mated to partial snap system 18 inserted into articles such as, but not limited to: handbags, shoes, hats, belts, pillows, sandals, clothing, jewelry, headbands, clutches, home accessories, scarves, knitted hats, backpacks, etc. A single item can be fitted with at least one or multiple magnetic snap systems. The present invention can be arranged in any single way to an article or in a combination of ways. The invention herein disclosed can be used with materials including, but not limited to cloth, leather, plastic, metal, and wood.
The present invention also comprises of several retrofitting kits as shown in FIG. 11-14. The kit shown in FIG. 11 is comprised of at least one assembled embellishment elements 19 and at least one of all parts 30, 70, 60, and 50. The goal of this kit is to enable the user to fix the present invention 20 to an article not already fitted with an embellishment snap. The commercial aspect of this kit is to allow one with or without special craftsmanship skills in the art of sewing or otherwise, to easily retrofit the present invention with an article using simple directions.
The kit shown in FIG. 12 shows an example of a retrofit embellishment snap kit that comprises of at least one of each parts 61, 51, 31, 30, 50, 60, and 70, but does not include embellishment 80. One goal of this kit is to enable a user to fix a new and improved magnetic embellishment snap system to an article not already fitted with an embellishment snap. Another goal of this kit is to supply the user with the means to fit a unique customized embellishment to an article by the present invention.
The retrofit kit shown in FIG. 13 depicts a retrofit kit comprised of at least one of each parts 30, 50, 60, and 70. The goal of this kit is to enable a user to retrofit the partial invention 18 to an article, not previously fitted with an embellishment snap. The commercial aspect of this kit is to allow the user to buy assembled embellishment elements 19 separately from the parts used to insert a magnetic snap system into an article.
The retrofit kit shown in FIG. 14 depicts a retro fit kit comprised of at least one of each parts 30, 31, 40, 50, 51, 60, 61, 70, and 80. The goal of this kit is to allow the user to assemble the complete present invention as desired. This kit allows the user to have access to all the parts necessary to easily retro fit an embellishment to an article.
FIG. 15 shows a close-up view of the embodiments of assembled embellishment elements 19. In this example embodiment it can be seen how a decorative embellishment is assembled using parts 40, 51, 61, and 80.

Variations

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention as described.
It is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein. Reference to a singular item, includes the possibility that there is a plurality of the same items present.

Claims

What I claim is:

1. An improved magnetic embellishment snap system that allows a user the means to connect interchangeable visual embellishments to accessories by retrofitting it to home furnishings, clothing, etc.; the snap system comprising: a first section having a base that is secured to the accessory and comprised of structural parts to reinforce the weight and size of the visual embellishment; and a complementary second section adapted to be connected to the first section, a portion of the second section being configured to be affixed to a visual embellishment and comprised of structural parts to reinforce the weight and size of the visual embellishment.

2. The improved magnetic embellishment snap system claim 1, where in the first section inserts into an accessory or article using prongs protruding from the first section and has at least one structural piece designed to be fitted around the prongs of the magnetic snap to support the weight and size of the decorative embellishment.

3. The improved magnetic embellishment snap system claim 2, where in the second section fits into the first and is also attached to a decorative embellishment using prongs protruding from the second section and has at least one structural piece designed to be fitted around the prongs of the magnetic snap to support the weight and size of the decorative embellishment.

4. The improved magnetic embellishment snap system claim 4, wherein a protective cover is included to cover the underside of the first snap section, one inserted into an article, to minimize irritation or damage caused by friction.

5. A kit for retrofitting accessories with interchangeable embellishments comprising:

at least one magnetic snap having a first section and a second section.

at least one structural piece used to support the weight of the embellishment.

At least one structural piece being the size and shape of the magnetic snap with two slits and can be fitted around the prongs of the inserted snap and also used as a measuring tool when retrofitting snap into accessory.

at least one protective backing to be placed of the backside of the snap retrofitted into an accessory.

6. The kit claim 17, comprising of plurality of embellished objects attached to the second section.