WO2013032904A1 - Connecting and stacking embellishments onto an accessory - Google Patents

Connecting and stacking embellishments onto an accessory Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2013032904A1
WO2013032904A1 PCT/US2012/052267 US2012052267W WO2013032904A1 WO 2013032904 A1 WO2013032904 A1 WO 2013032904A1 US 2012052267 W US2012052267 W US 2012052267W WO 2013032904 A1 WO2013032904 A1 WO 2013032904A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
decorative
embellishment
mounting mechanism
socket
decorative embellishment
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/052267
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Kimberly D. GERVASE
Original Assignee
Gervase Kimberly D
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gervase Kimberly D filed Critical Gervase Kimberly D
Publication of WO2013032904A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013032904A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/10—Low shoes, e.g. comprising only a front strap; Slippers
    • A43B3/101—Slippers, e.g. flip-flops or thong sandals
    • A43B3/102—Slippers, e.g. flip-flops or thong sandals leaving the heel of the foot bare 
    • A43B3/105—Slippers, e.g. flip-flops or thong sandals leaving the heel of the foot bare  characterised by the shape or layout of the toestrap
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
    • A43B23/24—Ornamental buckles; Other ornaments for shoes without fastening function
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D8/00—Hair-holding devices; Accessories therefor
    • A45D8/004—Hair-holding devices; Accessories therefor with decorative arrangements or form
    • A45D8/006—Interchangeable ornaments attached to hair holding devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D8/00—Hair-holding devices; Accessories therefor
    • A45D8/36—Hair straps; Hair rings
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/45—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock]
    • Y10T24/45152—Each mating member having similarly shaped, sized, and operated interlocking or intermeshable face
    • Y10T24/45173—Resilient element
    • Y10T24/45178—Snap [e.g., identical elements]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to connecting embellishments onto an accessory, in particular embellishments that may be stacked together.
  • personal accessories are sold without decorative items attached thereto.
  • Such personal accessories include, for example, shoes, sandals, flip flops, headbands, barrettes, hats, bags, hair clips, and pet collars.
  • Decorative items e.g., a flower, a ribbon, etc. can enhance the appearance of personal accessories and allow personalization of such personal accessories.
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide an attachment assembly comprising a decorative embellishment including a connector.
  • the connector comprises a first mating portion.
  • the assembly further comprises a mounting mechanism for attaching the decorative embellishment on to an accessory.
  • the mounting mechanism comprises an interlocking portion for engaging with the first mating portion of the decorative embellishment.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention provides a system for attaching one or more decorative embellishments on to an accessory.
  • the system comprises plural decorative embellishments.
  • Each decorative embellishment includes a connector for engaging with a connector of another decorative embellishment, such that two or more decorative embellishments may be arranged as a stack of decorative embellishments.
  • the system further comprises a mounting mechanism for attaching a decorative embellishment on to an accessory.
  • the mounting mechanism comprises an interlocking portion for engaging with the connector of a decorative embellishment.
  • the present invention also provides a method comprising attaching a decorative embellishment on to an accessory via a mounting mechanism comprising an interlocking portion.
  • the decorative embellishment includes a connector comprising a first mating portion for engaging with the interlocking portion of the mounting mechanism. Further embodiments of the invention allow detachable attachment, engagement, and stacking of embellishments to accessories.
  • FIG. 1A illustrates a front side perspective view of an accessory with a detachable stack of decorative embellishments, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. IB illustrates a front side perspective view of an accessory with a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1C illustrates an exploded view of a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 A illustrates a top perspective view of an example decorative
  • FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example decorative embellishment shown in FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2C illustrates an exploded view of the example decorative embellishment shown in FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 A illustrates a top perspective view of an example decorative button cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example decorative button cap shown in FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3C illustrates an exploded view of the example decorative button cap shown in FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4A illustrates a stack of decorative embellishments, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4B illustrates how different decorative embellishments may be detachably connected to form a stack of decorative embellishments, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4C illustrates how a stack of decorative embellishments may be detachably attached to a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view showing in detail the assembly of a stack of decorative embellishments, and the detachable attachment of the stack to a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view showing in detail a stack of decorative embellishments detachably attached to a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5A illustrates an example sleeve component including a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5B illustrates an exploded view of the example sleeve component shown in FIG. 5 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5C illustrates how a stack of decorative embellishments may be detachably attached to a sleeve component, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an example process for arranging a stack of decorative embellishments, and attaching the stack on to an accessory, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to connecting embellishments onto an accessory, in particular embellishments that may be stacked together. Further embodiments of the invention allow detachable attachment, engagement and stacking of embellishments to accessories.
  • the present invention provides an attachment assembly comprising a decorative embellishment including a connector.
  • the connector comprises a first mating portion.
  • the assembly further comprises a mounting mechanism for attaching the decorative embellishment on to an accessory.
  • the mounting mechanism comprises an interlocking portion for engaging with the first mating portion of the decorative embellishment.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention provides a system for attaching one or more decorative embellishments on to an accessory.
  • the system comprises plural decorative embellishments.
  • Each decorative embellishment includes a connector for engaging with a connector of another decorative embellishment, such that two or more decorative embellishments may be arranged as a stack of decorative embellishments.
  • the system further comprises a mounting mechanism for attaching a decorative embellishment on to an accessory.
  • the mounting mechanism comprises an interlocking portion for engaging with the connector of a decorative embellishment.
  • the present invention also provides a method comprising attaching a decorative embellishment on to an accessory via a mounting mechanism comprising an interlocking portion.
  • the decorative embellishment includes a connector comprising a first mating portion for engaging with the interlocking portion of the mounting mechanism. Further embodiments of the invention allow detachable attachment, engagement, and stacking of embellishments to accessories.
  • a connector of each decorative embellishment further comprises a second mating portion for engaging with a first mating portion of another decorative embellishment.
  • Two or more decorative embellishments can be arranged as a stack of decorative embellishments.
  • the stack of decorative embellishments can be attached on to the accessory by engaging a first mating portion of a decorative embellishment of said stack with the interlocking portion of the mounting mechanism.
  • a first mating portion of said decorative embellishment comprises a socket, wherein said socket has a barrel including a recess.
  • a second mating portion of said decorative embellishment comprises a double stud, wherein said double stud includes a barrel and a protrusion.
  • Said decorative embellishment has an aperture passing there through for receiving the protrusion of said double stud.
  • Said socket receives the protrusion of said double stud after the protrusion has been inserted through the aperture of said decorative embellishment.
  • the mounting mechanism further comprises an eyelet, wherein said eyelet includes a protrusion.
  • the interlocking portion of the mounting mechanism comprises a stud, wherein said stud has a barrel including a recess. Said stud receives the protrusion of said eyelet after the protrusion has been inserted through one of the following: an aperture of an accessory, or an aperture of a sleeve component.
  • Each decorative button cap comprises an eyelet including a protrusion, a button cap plate, and a socket, wherein said socket has a barrel including a recess.
  • a decorative button cap further comprises a fabric piece and a button element.
  • a barrel of a double stud of said decorative embellishment can be received by, and detachably engaged with, a socket of another decorative embellishment, a socket of a decorative button cap, and the stud of the mounting mechanism.
  • the barrel of the stud of the mounting mechanism can be received by, and detachably engaged with, a socket of a decorative embellishment, and a socket of a decorative button cap.
  • the mounting mechanism is permanently affixed to the accessory.
  • the mounting mechanism is permanently affixed to a sleeve component including a pair of opposing openings, wherein said pair of opposing openings allows the accessory to slide through said sleeve component.
  • FIG. 1A illustrates a front side perspective view of an accessory 50 with a detachable stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • An accessory 50 may be a shoe, a flip flop, a sandal, a headband, a barrette, a hat, a bag, a hair clip, a pet collar, etc.
  • the accessory 50 illustrated in FIG. 1 A is a flip flop 1 with a strap 1 A (i.e., a thong) that holds the flip flop 1 to a foot.
  • the strap 1 A may be a Y-shaped strap, a single strap, or the like.
  • a decorative embellishment 100 may be shaped as a flower, a ribbon, or any other relatively flat trim piece of decorative item or fabric/textile. As described in detail later herein, each decorative embellishment 100 is adapted for detachable snap engagement with another decorative embellishment 100. Multiple decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably connected together to form a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100.
  • the stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to a front side IF of the strap 1 A via a mounting mechanism 30 (FIG. IB).
  • a mounting mechanism 30 FIG. IB
  • the stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 is detachably attached to a center IB (FIG. IB) of the front side IF of the strap 1A.
  • multiple decorative embellishments 100 may be permanently affixed together to form a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, and the stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be permanently attached to the strap 1A of the flip flop 1.
  • FIG. IB illustrates a front side perspective view of an accessory 50 with a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the mounting mechanism 30 is permanently affixed to a portion of the accessory 50.
  • the mounting mechanism 30 is permanently affixed to the center IB of the strap 1 A of the flip flop 1.
  • the mounting mechanism 30 is removably attached to the accessory 50.
  • the mounting mechanism 30 is adapted for detachable snap engagement with a decorative embellishment 100 or a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100.
  • the mounting mechanism 30 is further adapted for detachable snap engagement with a decorative button cap 200 (FIG. 3A).
  • FIG. 1C illustrates an exploded view of a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the mounting mechanism 30 is a stud and eyelet fastener comprising an eyelet 30A and an interlocking portion 30B.
  • the interlocking portion 30B is a stud 30B.
  • the eyelet 30A comprises an eyelet base portion 30C and a protrusion (i.e., male component) 3 OP extending upwardly and outwardly from the eyelet base portion 30C.
  • the stud 30B comprises a stud base portion 30D including an aperture 3 OH shaped to receive the protrusion 30P (FIG. 5B) of the eyelet 30A.
  • the stud 30B further comprises a barrel 30E extending upwardly and outwardly from the stud base portion 30D.
  • the barrel 30E includes a recess 30R (FIG. 5B).
  • the barrel 30E is adapted to engage and mate with a first mating portion 20B (FIG. 2C) of a decorative embellishment 100.
  • the first mating portion 20B (FIG. 2C) of a decorative embellishment 100 comprises a socket 20B.
  • the barrel 30E is further adapted to engage and mate with a socket 200C (FIG. 3C) of a decorative button cap 200.
  • the mounting mechanism 30 is permanently affixed to a portion of the accessory 50.
  • the center IB of the strap 1 A of the flip flop 1 includes an aperture 1H that is shaped to receive the protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 30A.
  • the aperture 1H extends from the front side IF of the strap 1 A to a rear side 1R of the strap 1A.
  • the protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 30A is inserted through the aperture 1H from the rear side 1R of the strap 1A.
  • the stud 30B is then joined together with the eyelet 30A by mating the protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 30A with the aperture 3 OH of the stud 30B.
  • a snap press machine may be used to crimp together the eyelet 30A and the stud 30B. Crimping together the eyelet 30A and the stud 30B rolls the protrusion 3 OP down, thereby tightening the eyelet 30A against the stud 30B.
  • FIG. 2A illustrates a top perspective view of an example decorative
  • a decorative embellishment 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As stated above, the shape of a decorative embellishment 100 may vary.
  • embellishment 100 illustrated in FIG. 2A is shaped as a flower.
  • a decorative embellishment 100 includes a connector (i.e., connecting mechanism) 20 adapted for detachable snap engagement with another decorative embellishment 100, the mounting mechanism 30, or a decorative button cap 200.
  • the connector 20 comprises a first mating portion 20B and a second mating portion 20A.
  • the connector 20 is a snap fastener comprising a double stud (i.e., gypsy stud) 20A and a socket 20B (FIG. 2B).
  • the double stud 20A and the socket 20B are positioned on opposing sides of the decorative embellishment 100. Specifically, the double stud 20A is disposed at a top side 100A of the decorative embellishment 100.
  • the socket 20B is shown in ghost lines in FIG. 2A.
  • FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example decorative embellishment 100 shown in FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the socket 20B is disposed at a bottom side 100B of the decorative
  • the double stud 20A is shown in ghost lines in FIG. 2B.
  • FIG. 2C illustrates an exploded view of the example decorative embellishment 100 shown in FIG. 2 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the double stud 20A comprises a flange portion 20C.
  • a protrusion (i.e., male component) 20P extends downwardly and outwardly from a side of the flange portion 20C.
  • a barrel 20D extends upwardly and outwardly from an opposing side of the flange portion 20C.
  • the barrel 20D includes a recess 20R.
  • the socket 20B has a barrel 20E.
  • the barrel 20E comprises an aperture 20H shaped for receiving the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20A.
  • the barrel 20E further comprises a recess 20RR.
  • the decorative embellishment 100 further comprises an aperture 100H that is shaped to receive the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20A.
  • the aperture 100H extends from the top side 100A to the bottom side 100B of the decorative embellishment 100.
  • the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20A is inserted through the aperture 100H from the top side 100A of the decorative embellishment 100.
  • the double stud 20A is then joined together with the socket 20B by mating the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20A with the aperture 20H of the socket 20B.
  • the recess 20RR of the socket 20B is shaped for receiving the barrel 20D of the double stud 20 A of another decorative embellishment 100.
  • stacking a first decorative embellishment 100 above a second decorative embellishment 100 involves inserting the barrel 20D of the second decorative embellishment 100 inside a recess 20RR of the first decorative embellishment 100.
  • the barrel 20E of the first decorative embellishment 100 engages and holds the barrel 20D of the second decorative embellishment 100 within the recess 20RR of the first decorative embellishment 100.
  • the recess 20RR of the socket 20B is also shaped for receiving the barrel 30E of the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30.
  • connecting a decorative embellishment 100 to the mounting mechanism 30 involves inserting the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 20 inside the recess 20RR of the decorative embellishment 100.
  • the barrel 20E of the decorative embellishment 100 engages and holds the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 30 within the recess 20RR of the decorative embellishment 100.
  • each decorative embellishment 100 does not have a socket 20B
  • the recess 20R of the double stud 20 A is shaped to receive the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20 A of another decorative embellishment 100.
  • stacking a first decorative embellishment 100 above a second decorative embellishment 100 involves inserting the protrusion 20P of the first decorative embellishment 100 inside the recess 20R of the second decorative embellishment 100 such that the barrel 20D of the second decorative embellishment 100 engages and mates with the flange portion 20C of the first decorative embellishment 100.
  • each decorative embellishment 100 does not have a socket 20B
  • the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20A is shaped to be received by the recess 3 OR of the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30.
  • connecting a decorative embellishment 100 to the mounting mechanism 30 involves inserting the protrusion 20P the decorative embellishment 100 inside the recess 3 OR of the mounting mechanism 30 such that the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 30 engages and mates with the flange portion 20C of the decorative embellishment 100.
  • FIG. 3 A illustrates a top perspective view of an example decorative button cap 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the decorative button cap 200 is adapted for detachable snap engagement with a decorative embellishment 100 or the mounting mechanism 30.
  • FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example decorative button cap 200 shown in FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the decorative button cap 200 comprises a socket 200C.
  • the socket 200C has a barrel 200E including a recess 200RR.
  • the recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200 is shaped for receiving a barrel 20D of a double stud 20A of a decorative embellishment 100.
  • stacking a decorative button cap 200 above a decorative embellishment 100 involves inserting the barrel 20D of the decorative embellishment 100 inside the recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200.
  • the barrel 200E of the decorative button cap 200 engages and holds the barrel 20D of the decorative embellishment 100 within the recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200.
  • the recess 20RR of the decorative button cap 200 is also shaped for receiving the barrel 30E of the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30.
  • connecting a decorative button cap 200 to the mounting mechanism 30 involves inserting the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 20 inside the recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200.
  • the barrel 200E of the decorative button cap 200 engages and holds the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 30 within the recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200.
  • FIG. 3C illustrates an exploded view of the example decorative button cap 200 shown in FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the decorative button cap 200 further comprises an eyelet 200 A, and a button cap plate 200B.
  • the eyelet 200A includes an eyelet base portion 200F and a protrusion (i.e., male component) 200P extending downwardly and outwardly from the eyelet base portion 200F.
  • the button cap plate 200B includes an aperture 200H shaped to receive the protrusion 200P of the eyelet 200A.
  • the barrel 200E of the socket 200C also includes an aperture 200HH shaped to receive the protrusion 200P of the eyelet 200A.
  • the protrusion 200P of the eyelet 200A is inserted through the aperture 200H of the button cap plate 200B, such that the eyelet base portion 200F rests directly above the button cap plate 200B.
  • the socket 200C is then joined together with the button cap plate 200B and the eyelet 200A by mating the protrusion 200P of the eyelet 20 A with the aperture 200HH of the socket 200C.
  • the button cap 200 further comprises a fabric piece 200D and a button element 200G for concealing the eyelet 200A.
  • the fabric piece 200D may include a graphic design.
  • the button element 200G is dome-shaped.
  • the fabric piece 200D may be a relatively flat piece of fabric that is substantially circular in shape.
  • the fabric piece 200D is laid on top of the button element 200G.
  • FIG. 4A illustrates a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • a stack 60 comprises two or more decorative embellishments 100, wherein said two or more decorative embellishments 100 are detachably connected.
  • a bottommost decorative embellishment 100 is a decorative embellishment 100 of a stack 60 that is positioned at the bottom of the stack 60.
  • a topmost decorative embellishment 100 is a decorative embellishment 100 of a stack 60 that is positioned at the top of the stack 60.
  • the stack 60 comprises a first decorative embellishment 100 and a second decorative embellishment 100.
  • the first and the second decorative embellishments 100 may have different shapes, sizes, colors and/or patterns.
  • the first and the second decorative embellishments 100 are the topmost and the
  • a decorative button cap 200 may be detachably connected to the topmost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60. As shown in FIG. 4 A, a button cap 200 is attached to the first decorative embellishment (i.e., the topmost decorative embellishment) 100.
  • FIG. 4B illustrates how different decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably connected to form a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • the decorative button cap 200 may be stacked above the first decorative embellishment 100 by detachably connecting a top side 100A of the first decorative embellishment 100 with the decorative button cap 200. Specifically, the double stud 20A of the first decorative embellishment 100 is engaged and mated with the socket 200C of the decorative button cap 200.
  • the second decorative embellishment 100 may be stacked below the first decorative embellishment 100 by detachably connecting a bottom side 100B of the first decorative embellishment 100 with a top side 100A of the second decorative embellishment 100. Specifically, the double stud 20A of the second decorative
  • FIG. 4C illustrates how a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • the stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to the mounting mechanism 30 by detachably connecting a bottom side 100B of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60 with the mounting mechanism 30.
  • the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30 is engaged and mated with the socket 20C (FIG. 2C) of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60.
  • FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view showing in detail the assembly of a stack 60 (FIG. 4C) of decorative embellishments 100, and the detachable attachment of the stack 60 to a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • a first decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a second decorative embellishment 100.
  • the first decorative embellishment 100 is stacked above the second decorative embellishment 100 by interlocking the double stud 20A of the second decorative embellishment 100 with the socket 20B of the first decorative embellishment 100.
  • the barrel 20D of the second decorative embellishment 100 is inserted into the recess 20R of the first decorative embellishment 100.
  • the recess 20R receives the barrel 20D, and the barrel 20E of the first decorative embellishment 100 engages and retains the barrel 20D within the recess 20RR.
  • a decorative button cap 200 may be detachably connected with a decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60.
  • the decorative button cap 200 may be stacked above the first decorative embellishment 100 by interlocking the double stud 20A of the first decorative embellishment 100 with the socket 200C of the decorative button cap 200.
  • the barrel 20D of the first decorative embellishment 100 is inserted into the recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200.
  • the recess 200RR receives the barrel 20D
  • the barrel 200E of the decorative button cap 200 engages and retains the barrel 20D within the recess 200RR.
  • the stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to a mounting mechanism 30 by interlocking the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30 with the socket 20C of the second decorative embellishment 100. Specifically, the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 30 is inserted into the recess 20R of the second decorative embellishment 100. The recess 20RR receives the barrel 30E, and the barrel 20E of the second decorative embellishment 100 engages and retains the barrel 30E within the recess 20RR.
  • FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view showing in detail a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 detachably attached to a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 includes a first decorative embellishment 100 and a second decorative embellishment 100.
  • the barrel 20E of the first decorative embellishment 100 engages and mates with the barrel 20D of a second decorative embellishment 100.
  • a decorative button cap 200 may be detachably connected with the first decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60. As shown in FIG. 4E, the barrel 200E of the decorative button cap 200 engages and mates with the barrel 20D of the first decorative embellishment 100.
  • the barrel 20E of the second decorative embellishment 100 engages and mates with the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 30.
  • FIG. 5A illustrates an example sleeve component 300 including a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5A illustrates an example sleeve component 300 including a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • a mounting mechanism 30 is not permanently affixed to an accessory 50 (FIG. 5C).
  • the accessory 50 e.g., a headband
  • the accessory 50 may utilize a sleeve component 300 including a mounting mechanism 30.
  • the mounting mechanism 30 is permanently affixed to a side of the sleeve component 300.
  • the sleeve component 300 further includes a pair of opposing openings 300H that allows an accessory 50 to slide through the sleeve component 300.
  • FIG. 5B illustrates an exploded view of the example sleeve component 300 shown in FIG. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one
  • the sleeve component 300 is formed using a first felt piece 300 A and a second felt piece 300B.
  • the first felt piece 300A includes an aperture 300HH that is shaped to receive the protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 3 OA.
  • the protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 30A is inserted through the protrusion 300HH from a rear side 300R of the first felt piece 300A.
  • the stud 30B is then joined together with the eyelet 30A by mating the protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 30A with the aperture 3 OH of the stud 30B.
  • the felt pieces 300A and 300B are then sewn together to form the sleeve component 300.
  • An opening 300H (FIG. 5A) is left at each opposite end of the sleeve component 300.
  • FIG. 5C illustrates how a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to a sleeve component 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • the accessory 50 illustrated in FIG. 5C is a headband 2.
  • the sleeve component 30 may be positioned anywhere on the headband 2 by sliding the headband 2 through the pair of opposing openings 300H of the sleeve component 300.
  • the stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to the mounting mechanism 30 of the sleeve component 30 by detachably connecting a bottom side 100B of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60 with the mounting mechanism 30. Specifically, the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30 is engaged and mated with the socket 20C (FIG. 2C) of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 400 for arranging a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, and attaching the stack 60 on to an accessory 50, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 is arranged (i.e., assembled) by detachably connecting a first decorative embellishment 100 with either a second decorative embellishment 100 or a decorative button cap 200.
  • a top side 100A of a first decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a bottom side 100B of a second decorative embellishment 100 by engaging and mating a double stud 20A of the first decorative embellishment 100 with a socket 20B of the second decorative embellishment 100.
  • a bottom side 100B of a first decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a top side 100A of a second decorative embellishment 100 by engaging and mating a socket 20B of the first decorative embellishment 100 with a double stud 20A of the second decorative embellishment 100.
  • a top side 100 A of a first decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a decorative button cap 200 by engaging and mating a double stud 20A of the first decorative embellishment 100 with a socket 200C of the decorative button cap 200.
  • process block 402 it is determined whether another decorative embellishment 100 is to be included in the stack 60. If another decorative embellishment is to be included in the stack 60, proceed to process block 403 wherein another decorative embellishment 100 is detachably connected with either the bottommost or the topmost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60.
  • a top side 100A of another decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a bottom side 100B of the bottommost decorative
  • a bottom side 100B of another decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a top side 100A of a topmost decorative embellishment 100 by engaging and mating a socket 20B of the other decorative embellishment 100 with a double stud 20A of the topmost decorative embellishment 100.
  • the stack 60 is complete (i.e., no other decorative embellishments to include in the stack 60), proceed to process block 404 wherein the stack 60 is detachably attached on to an accessory 50 using a mounting mechanism 30.
  • the mounting mechanism 30 is adapted to detachably connect to the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60.
  • embellishment 100 may be detachably connected to the mounting mechanism 30 by engaging and mating a socket 20B of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 with a stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30.

Landscapes

  • Slide Fasteners, Snap Fasteners, And Hook Fasteners (AREA)

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide an attachment assembly comprising a decorative embellishment (100) including a connector (20). The connector (20) comprises a first mating portion (20B). The assembly further comprises a mounting mechanism (30) for attaching the decorative embellishment (100) on to an accessory (50). The mounting mechanism (30) comprises an interlocking portion (30B) for engaging with the first mating portion (20B) of the decorative embellishment (100).

Description

CONNECTING AND STACKING EMBELLISHMENTS ONTO AN ACCESSORY
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 61/528,117, filed on August 26, 2011, incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to connecting embellishments onto an accessory, in particular embellishments that may be stacked together.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Typically, personal accessories are sold without decorative items attached thereto. Such personal accessories include, for example, shoes, sandals, flip flops, headbands, barrettes, hats, bags, hair clips, and pet collars. Decorative items (e.g., a flower, a ribbon, etc.) can enhance the appearance of personal accessories and allow personalization of such personal accessories.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide an attachment assembly comprising a decorative embellishment including a connector. The connector comprises a first mating portion. The assembly further comprises a mounting mechanism for attaching the decorative embellishment on to an accessory. The mounting mechanism comprises an interlocking portion for engaging with the first mating portion of the decorative embellishment.
[0005] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a system for attaching one or more decorative embellishments on to an accessory. The system comprises plural decorative embellishments. Each decorative embellishment includes a connector for engaging with a connector of another decorative embellishment, such that two or more decorative embellishments may be arranged as a stack of decorative embellishments. The system further comprises a mounting mechanism for attaching a decorative embellishment on to an accessory. The mounting mechanism comprises an interlocking portion for engaging with the connector of a decorative embellishment.
[0006] The present invention also provides a method comprising attaching a decorative embellishment on to an accessory via a mounting mechanism comprising an interlocking portion. The decorative embellishment includes a connector comprising a first mating portion for engaging with the interlocking portion of the mounting mechanism. Further embodiments of the invention allow detachable attachment, engagement, and stacking of embellishments to accessories.
[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become understood with reference to the following description, appended claims and accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1A illustrates a front side perspective view of an accessory with a detachable stack of decorative embellishments, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. IB illustrates a front side perspective view of an accessory with a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 1C illustrates an exploded view of a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 A illustrates a top perspective view of an example decorative
embellishment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example decorative embellishment shown in FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 2C illustrates an exploded view of the example decorative embellishment shown in FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 A illustrates a top perspective view of an example decorative button cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example decorative button cap shown in FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 3C illustrates an exploded view of the example decorative button cap shown in FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 4A illustrates a stack of decorative embellishments, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. [0018] FIG. 4B illustrates how different decorative embellishments may be detachably connected to form a stack of decorative embellishments, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 4C illustrates how a stack of decorative embellishments may be detachably attached to a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view showing in detail the assembly of a stack of decorative embellishments, and the detachable attachment of the stack to a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view showing in detail a stack of decorative embellishments detachably attached to a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 5A illustrates an example sleeve component including a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 5B illustrates an exploded view of the example sleeve component shown in FIG. 5 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 5C illustrates how a stack of decorative embellishments may be detachably attached to a sleeve component, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an example process for arranging a stack of decorative embellishments, and attaching the stack on to an accessory, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Embodiments of the present invention relate to connecting embellishments onto an accessory, in particular embellishments that may be stacked together. Further embodiments of the invention allow detachable attachment, engagement and stacking of embellishments to accessories.
[0027] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an attachment assembly comprising a decorative embellishment including a connector. The connector comprises a first mating portion. The assembly further comprises a mounting mechanism for attaching the decorative embellishment on to an accessory. The mounting mechanism comprises an interlocking portion for engaging with the first mating portion of the decorative embellishment.
[0028] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a system for attaching one or more decorative embellishments on to an accessory. The system comprises plural decorative embellishments. Each decorative embellishment includes a connector for engaging with a connector of another decorative embellishment, such that two or more decorative embellishments may be arranged as a stack of decorative embellishments. The system further comprises a mounting mechanism for attaching a decorative embellishment on to an accessory. The mounting mechanism comprises an interlocking portion for engaging with the connector of a decorative embellishment.
[0029] The present invention also provides a method comprising attaching a decorative embellishment on to an accessory via a mounting mechanism comprising an interlocking portion. The decorative embellishment includes a connector comprising a first mating portion for engaging with the interlocking portion of the mounting mechanism. Further embodiments of the invention allow detachable attachment, engagement, and stacking of embellishments to accessories.
[0030] A connector of each decorative embellishment further comprises a second mating portion for engaging with a first mating portion of another decorative embellishment. Two or more decorative embellishments can be arranged as a stack of decorative embellishments. The stack of decorative embellishments can be attached on to the accessory by engaging a first mating portion of a decorative embellishment of said stack with the interlocking portion of the mounting mechanism.
[0031] For each decorative embellishment, a first mating portion of said decorative embellishment comprises a socket, wherein said socket has a barrel including a recess. A second mating portion of said decorative embellishment comprises a double stud, wherein said double stud includes a barrel and a protrusion. Said decorative embellishment has an aperture passing there through for receiving the protrusion of said double stud. Said socket receives the protrusion of said double stud after the protrusion has been inserted through the aperture of said decorative embellishment.
[0032] The mounting mechanism further comprises an eyelet, wherein said eyelet includes a protrusion. The interlocking portion of the mounting mechanism comprises a stud, wherein said stud has a barrel including a recess. Said stud receives the protrusion of said eyelet after the protrusion has been inserted through one of the following: an aperture of an accessory, or an aperture of a sleeve component.
[0033] In one embodiment, one or more decorative button caps are provided. Each decorative button cap comprises an eyelet including a protrusion, a button cap plate, and a socket, wherein said socket has a barrel including a recess. A decorative button cap further comprises a fabric piece and a button element.
[0034] For each decorative embellishment, a barrel of a double stud of said decorative embellishment can be received by, and detachably engaged with, a socket of another decorative embellishment, a socket of a decorative button cap, and the stud of the mounting mechanism.
[0035] The barrel of the stud of the mounting mechanism can be received by, and detachably engaged with, a socket of a decorative embellishment, and a socket of a decorative button cap. [0036] In one embodiment, the mounting mechanism is permanently affixed to the accessory. In another embodiment, the mounting mechanism is permanently affixed to a sleeve component including a pair of opposing openings, wherein said pair of opposing openings allows the accessory to slide through said sleeve component.
[0037] FIG. 1A illustrates a front side perspective view of an accessory 50 with a detachable stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. An accessory 50 may be a shoe, a flip flop, a sandal, a headband, a barrette, a hat, a bag, a hair clip, a pet collar, etc. The accessory 50 illustrated in FIG. 1 A is a flip flop 1 with a strap 1 A (i.e., a thong) that holds the flip flop 1 to a foot. The strap 1 A may be a Y-shaped strap, a single strap, or the like.
[0038] The pattern, shape, color and size of a decorative embellishment 100 may vary. A decorative embellishment 100 may be shaped as a flower, a ribbon, or any other relatively flat trim piece of decorative item or fabric/textile. As described in detail later herein, each decorative embellishment 100 is adapted for detachable snap engagement with another decorative embellishment 100. Multiple decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably connected together to form a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100.
[0039] The stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to a front side IF of the strap 1 A via a mounting mechanism 30 (FIG. IB). For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 is detachably attached to a center IB (FIG. IB) of the front side IF of the strap 1A.
[0040] In another embodiment, multiple decorative embellishments 100 may be permanently affixed together to form a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, and the stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be permanently attached to the strap 1A of the flip flop 1.
[0041] FIG. IB illustrates a front side perspective view of an accessory 50 with a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the mounting mechanism 30 is permanently affixed to a portion of the accessory 50. For example, as shown in FIG. IB, the mounting mechanism 30 is permanently affixed to the center IB of the strap 1 A of the flip flop 1. In another embodiment, the mounting mechanism 30 is removably attached to the accessory 50.
[0042] The mounting mechanism 30 is adapted for detachable snap engagement with a decorative embellishment 100 or a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100. The mounting mechanism 30 is further adapted for detachable snap engagement with a decorative button cap 200 (FIG. 3A).
[0043] FIG. 1C illustrates an exploded view of a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the mounting mechanism 30 is a stud and eyelet fastener comprising an eyelet 30A and an interlocking portion 30B. In one embodiment, the interlocking portion 30B is a stud 30B.
[0044] The eyelet 30A comprises an eyelet base portion 30C and a protrusion (i.e., male component) 3 OP extending upwardly and outwardly from the eyelet base portion 30C. The stud 30B comprises a stud base portion 30D including an aperture 3 OH shaped to receive the protrusion 30P (FIG. 5B) of the eyelet 30A. The stud 30B further comprises a barrel 30E extending upwardly and outwardly from the stud base portion 30D. The barrel 30E includes a recess 30R (FIG. 5B).
[0045] The barrel 30E is adapted to engage and mate with a first mating portion 20B (FIG. 2C) of a decorative embellishment 100. In one embodiment, the first mating portion 20B (FIG. 2C) of a decorative embellishment 100 comprises a socket 20B. The barrel 30E is further adapted to engage and mate with a socket 200C (FIG. 3C) of a decorative button cap 200.
[0046] As stated above, in one embodiment, the mounting mechanism 30 is permanently affixed to a portion of the accessory 50. As shown in FIG. 1C, the center IB of the strap 1 A of the flip flop 1 includes an aperture 1H that is shaped to receive the protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 30A. The aperture 1H extends from the front side IF of the strap 1 A to a rear side 1R of the strap 1A. [0047] In one embodiment, to affix the mounting mechanism 30 to the center IB of the strap 1A, the protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 30A is inserted through the aperture 1H from the rear side 1R of the strap 1A. The stud 30B is then joined together with the eyelet 30A by mating the protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 30A with the aperture 3 OH of the stud 30B. In another embodiment, to affix the mounting mechanism 30 to the center IB of the strap 1A, a snap press machine may be used to crimp together the eyelet 30A and the stud 30B. Crimping together the eyelet 30A and the stud 30B rolls the protrusion 3 OP down, thereby tightening the eyelet 30A against the stud 30B.
[0048] FIG. 2A illustrates a top perspective view of an example decorative
embellishment 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As stated above, the shape of a decorative embellishment 100 may vary. The decorative
embellishment 100 illustrated in FIG. 2A is shaped as a flower.
[0049] In one embodiment, a decorative embellishment 100 includes a connector (i.e., connecting mechanism) 20 adapted for detachable snap engagement with another decorative embellishment 100, the mounting mechanism 30, or a decorative button cap 200. The connector 20 comprises a first mating portion 20B and a second mating portion 20A. In one embodiment, the connector 20 is a snap fastener comprising a double stud (i.e., gypsy stud) 20A and a socket 20B (FIG. 2B). The double stud 20A and the socket 20B are positioned on opposing sides of the decorative embellishment 100. Specifically, the double stud 20A is disposed at a top side 100A of the decorative embellishment 100. The socket 20B is shown in ghost lines in FIG. 2A.
[0050] FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example decorative embellishment 100 shown in FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The socket 20B is disposed at a bottom side 100B of the decorative
embellishment 100. The double stud 20A is shown in ghost lines in FIG. 2B.
[0051] FIG. 2C illustrates an exploded view of the example decorative embellishment 100 shown in FIG. 2 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the double stud 20A comprises a flange portion 20C. A protrusion (i.e., male component) 20P extends downwardly and outwardly from a side of the flange portion 20C. A barrel 20D extends upwardly and outwardly from an opposing side of the flange portion 20C. The barrel 20D includes a recess 20R.
[0052] In one embodiment, the socket 20B has a barrel 20E. The barrel 20E comprises an aperture 20H shaped for receiving the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20A. The barrel 20E further comprises a recess 20RR.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 2C, the decorative embellishment 100 further comprises an aperture 100H that is shaped to receive the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20A. The aperture 100H extends from the top side 100A to the bottom side 100B of the decorative embellishment 100. To affix the double stud 20A to the decorative embellishment 100, the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20A is inserted through the aperture 100H from the top side 100A of the decorative embellishment 100. The double stud 20A is then joined together with the socket 20B by mating the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20A with the aperture 20H of the socket 20B.
[0054] In one embodiment, the recess 20RR of the socket 20B is shaped for receiving the barrel 20D of the double stud 20 A of another decorative embellishment 100. For example, stacking a first decorative embellishment 100 above a second decorative embellishment 100 involves inserting the barrel 20D of the second decorative embellishment 100 inside a recess 20RR of the first decorative embellishment 100. The barrel 20E of the first decorative embellishment 100 engages and holds the barrel 20D of the second decorative embellishment 100 within the recess 20RR of the first decorative embellishment 100.
[0055] The recess 20RR of the socket 20B is also shaped for receiving the barrel 30E of the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30. For example, connecting a decorative embellishment 100 to the mounting mechanism 30 involves inserting the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 20 inside the recess 20RR of the decorative embellishment 100. The barrel 20E of the decorative embellishment 100 engages and holds the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 30 within the recess 20RR of the decorative embellishment 100.
[0056] In another embodiment where each decorative embellishment 100 does not have a socket 20B, the recess 20R of the double stud 20 A is shaped to receive the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20 A of another decorative embellishment 100. For example, stacking a first decorative embellishment 100 above a second decorative embellishment 100 involves inserting the protrusion 20P of the first decorative embellishment 100 inside the recess 20R of the second decorative embellishment 100 such that the barrel 20D of the second decorative embellishment 100 engages and mates with the flange portion 20C of the first decorative embellishment 100.
[0057] In yet another embodiment where each decorative embellishment 100 does not have a socket 20B, the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20A is shaped to be received by the recess 3 OR of the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30. For example, connecting a decorative embellishment 100 to the mounting mechanism 30 involves inserting the protrusion 20P the decorative embellishment 100 inside the recess 3 OR of the mounting mechanism 30 such that the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 30 engages and mates with the flange portion 20C of the decorative embellishment 100.
[0058] FIG. 3 A illustrates a top perspective view of an example decorative button cap 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As described in detail later herein, the decorative button cap 200 is adapted for detachable snap engagement with a decorative embellishment 100 or the mounting mechanism 30.
[0059] FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example decorative button cap 200 shown in FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The decorative button cap 200 comprises a socket 200C. In one embodiment, the socket 200C has a barrel 200E including a recess 200RR.
[0060] The recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200 is shaped for receiving a barrel 20D of a double stud 20A of a decorative embellishment 100. For example, stacking a decorative button cap 200 above a decorative embellishment 100 involves inserting the barrel 20D of the decorative embellishment 100 inside the recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200. The barrel 200E of the decorative button cap 200 engages and holds the barrel 20D of the decorative embellishment 100 within the recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200. [0061] The recess 20RR of the decorative button cap 200 is also shaped for receiving the barrel 30E of the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30. For example, connecting a decorative button cap 200 to the mounting mechanism 30 involves inserting the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 20 inside the recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200. The barrel 200E of the decorative button cap 200 engages and holds the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 30 within the recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200.
[0062] FIG. 3C illustrates an exploded view of the example decorative button cap 200 shown in FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The decorative button cap 200 further comprises an eyelet 200 A, and a button cap plate 200B. The eyelet 200A includes an eyelet base portion 200F and a protrusion (i.e., male component) 200P extending downwardly and outwardly from the eyelet base portion 200F.
[0063] The button cap plate 200B includes an aperture 200H shaped to receive the protrusion 200P of the eyelet 200A. The barrel 200E of the socket 200C also includes an aperture 200HH shaped to receive the protrusion 200P of the eyelet 200A.
[0064] To form the button cap 200, the protrusion 200P of the eyelet 200A is inserted through the aperture 200H of the button cap plate 200B, such that the eyelet base portion 200F rests directly above the button cap plate 200B. The socket 200C is then joined together with the button cap plate 200B and the eyelet 200A by mating the protrusion 200P of the eyelet 20 A with the aperture 200HH of the socket 200C.
[0065] In one embodiment, the button cap 200 further comprises a fabric piece 200D and a button element 200G for concealing the eyelet 200A. As shown in FIG. 3C, the fabric piece 200D may include a graphic design. In one example implementation, the button element 200G is dome-shaped. The fabric piece 200D may be a relatively flat piece of fabric that is substantially circular in shape. The fabric piece 200D is laid on top of the button element 200G. After the button cap plate 200B is joined with the socket 200C and the eyelet 200A as described above, the fabric piece 200D and the button element 200G are crimped together (e.g., using a button press machine) with the button cap plate 200B to form the button cap 200. Crimping rolls the protrusion 200P of the eyelet 200 A down, thereby tightening the eyelet 200 A against the socket 200C. Crimping further tightens the button element 200G with the fabric piece 200D against the eyelet 200A and the socket 200C.
[0066] FIG. 4A illustrates a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A stack 60 comprises two or more decorative embellishments 100, wherein said two or more decorative embellishments 100 are detachably connected. A bottommost decorative embellishment 100 is a decorative embellishment 100 of a stack 60 that is positioned at the bottom of the stack 60. A topmost decorative embellishment 100 is a decorative embellishment 100 of a stack 60 that is positioned at the top of the stack 60.
[0067] For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the stack 60 comprises a first decorative embellishment 100 and a second decorative embellishment 100. The first and the second decorative embellishments 100 may have different shapes, sizes, colors and/or patterns. The first and the second decorative embellishments 100 are the topmost and the
bottommost decorative embellishments 100 of the stack 60, respectively.
[0068] A decorative button cap 200 may be detachably connected to the topmost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60. As shown in FIG. 4 A, a button cap 200 is attached to the first decorative embellishment (i.e., the topmost decorative embellishment) 100.
[0069] FIG. 4B illustrates how different decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably connected to form a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The decorative button cap 200 may be stacked above the first decorative embellishment 100 by detachably connecting a top side 100A of the first decorative embellishment 100 with the decorative button cap 200. Specifically, the double stud 20A of the first decorative embellishment 100 is engaged and mated with the socket 200C of the decorative button cap 200.
[0070] The second decorative embellishment 100 may be stacked below the first decorative embellishment 100 by detachably connecting a bottom side 100B of the first decorative embellishment 100 with a top side 100A of the second decorative embellishment 100. Specifically, the double stud 20A of the second decorative
embellishment 100 is engaged and mated with the socket 20B (shown in ghost lines) of the first decorative embellishment 100.
[0071] FIG. 4C illustrates how a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to the mounting mechanism 30 by detachably connecting a bottom side 100B of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60 with the mounting mechanism 30. Specifically, the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30 is engaged and mated with the socket 20C (FIG. 2C) of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60.
[0072] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view showing in detail the assembly of a stack 60 (FIG. 4C) of decorative embellishments 100, and the detachable attachment of the stack 60 to a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. To assemble a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, a first decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a second decorative embellishment 100. For example, the first decorative embellishment 100 is stacked above the second decorative embellishment 100 by interlocking the double stud 20A of the second decorative embellishment 100 with the socket 20B of the first decorative embellishment 100.
Specifically, the barrel 20D of the second decorative embellishment 100 is inserted into the recess 20R of the first decorative embellishment 100. The recess 20R receives the barrel 20D, and the barrel 20E of the first decorative embellishment 100 engages and retains the barrel 20D within the recess 20RR.
[0073] A decorative button cap 200 may be detachably connected with a decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60. For example, the decorative button cap 200 may be stacked above the first decorative embellishment 100 by interlocking the double stud 20A of the first decorative embellishment 100 with the socket 200C of the decorative button cap 200. Specifically, the barrel 20D of the first decorative embellishment 100 is inserted into the recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200. The recess 200RR receives the barrel 20D, and the barrel 200E of the decorative button cap 200 engages and retains the barrel 20D within the recess 200RR. [0074] The stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to a mounting mechanism 30 by interlocking the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30 with the socket 20C of the second decorative embellishment 100. Specifically, the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 30 is inserted into the recess 20R of the second decorative embellishment 100. The recess 20RR receives the barrel 30E, and the barrel 20E of the second decorative embellishment 100 engages and retains the barrel 30E within the recess 20RR.
[0075] FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view showing in detail a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 detachably attached to a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one example, a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 includes a first decorative embellishment 100 and a second decorative embellishment 100. As shown in FIG. 4E, the barrel 20E of the first decorative embellishment 100 engages and mates with the barrel 20D of a second decorative embellishment 100.
[0076] A decorative button cap 200 may be detachably connected with the first decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60. As shown in FIG. 4E, the barrel 200E of the decorative button cap 200 engages and mates with the barrel 20D of the first decorative embellishment 100.
[0077] To detachably attach the stack 60 to a mounting mechanism 30, the barrel 20E of the second decorative embellishment 100 engages and mates with the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 30.
[0078] FIG. 5A illustrates an example sleeve component 300 including a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In another
embodiment, a mounting mechanism 30 is not permanently affixed to an accessory 50 (FIG. 5C). The accessory 50 (e.g., a headband) may utilize a sleeve component 300 including a mounting mechanism 30. The mounting mechanism 30 is permanently affixed to a side of the sleeve component 300. The sleeve component 300 further includes a pair of opposing openings 300H that allows an accessory 50 to slide through the sleeve component 300. [0079] FIG. 5B illustrates an exploded view of the example sleeve component 300 shown in FIG. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one
embodiment, the sleeve component 300 is formed using a first felt piece 300 A and a second felt piece 300B.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 5B, the first felt piece 300A includes an aperture 300HH that is shaped to receive the protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 3 OA. The protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 30A is inserted through the protrusion 300HH from a rear side 300R of the first felt piece 300A. The stud 30B is then joined together with the eyelet 30A by mating the protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 30A with the aperture 3 OH of the stud 30B.
[0081] The felt pieces 300A and 300B are then sewn together to form the sleeve component 300. An opening 300H (FIG. 5A) is left at each opposite end of the sleeve component 300.
[0082] FIG. 5C illustrates how a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to a sleeve component 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The accessory 50 illustrated in FIG. 5C is a headband 2. The sleeve component 30 may be positioned anywhere on the headband 2 by sliding the headband 2 through the pair of opposing openings 300H of the sleeve component 300.
[0083] The stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to the mounting mechanism 30 of the sleeve component 30 by detachably connecting a bottom side 100B of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60 with the mounting mechanism 30. Specifically, the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30 is engaged and mated with the socket 20C (FIG. 2C) of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60.
[0084] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 400 for arranging a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, and attaching the stack 60 on to an accessory 50, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In process block 401, a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 is arranged (i.e., assembled) by detachably connecting a first decorative embellishment 100 with either a second decorative embellishment 100 or a decorative button cap 200.
[0085] In one example, a top side 100A of a first decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a bottom side 100B of a second decorative embellishment 100 by engaging and mating a double stud 20A of the first decorative embellishment 100 with a socket 20B of the second decorative embellishment 100. In another example, a bottom side 100B of a first decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a top side 100A of a second decorative embellishment 100 by engaging and mating a socket 20B of the first decorative embellishment 100 with a double stud 20A of the second decorative embellishment 100. In yet another example, a top side 100 A of a first decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a decorative button cap 200 by engaging and mating a double stud 20A of the first decorative embellishment 100 with a socket 200C of the decorative button cap 200.
[0086] In process block 402, it is determined whether another decorative embellishment 100 is to be included in the stack 60. If another decorative embellishment is to be included in the stack 60, proceed to process block 403 wherein another decorative embellishment 100 is detachably connected with either the bottommost or the topmost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60.
[0087] In one example, a top side 100A of another decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a bottom side 100B of the bottommost decorative
embellishment 100 by engaging and mating a double stud 20A of the other decorative embellishment 100 with a socket 20B of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100. In another example, a bottom side 100B of another decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a top side 100A of a topmost decorative embellishment 100 by engaging and mating a socket 20B of the other decorative embellishment 100 with a double stud 20A of the topmost decorative embellishment 100.
[0088] If the stack 60 is complete (i.e., no other decorative embellishments to include in the stack 60), proceed to process block 404 wherein the stack 60 is detachably attached on to an accessory 50 using a mounting mechanism 30. The mounting mechanism 30 is adapted to detachably connect to the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60. In one example, a bottom side 100B of the bottommost decorative
embellishment 100 may be detachably connected to the mounting mechanism 30 by engaging and mating a socket 20B of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 with a stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30.
[0089] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0090] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

claimed is:
An attachment assembly, comprising:
a decorative embellishment (100) including a connector (20), wherein said connector (20) comprises a first mating portion (20B); and
a mounting mechanism (30) for attaching said decorative embellishment (100) on to an accessory (50), wherein the mounting mechanism (30) comprises an interlocking portion (30B) for engaging with the first mating portion (20B) of said decorative embellishment (100).
The attachment assembly of claim 1, further comprising:
plural decorative embellishments (100);
wherein a connector (20) of each decorative embellishment (100) further comprises a second mating portion (20A) for engaging with a first mating portion (20B) of another decorative embellishment (100).
The attachment assembly of claim 2, wherein:
two or more decorative embellishments (100) can be arranged as a stack (60) of decorative embellishments (100);
wherein said stack (60) of decorative embellishments (100) can be attached on to the accessory (50) by engaging a first mating portion (20B) of a decorative embellishment (100) of said stack (60) with the interlocking portion (30B) of the mounting mechanism (30).
The attachment assembly of claim 3, wherein:
for each decorative embellishment (100):
a first mating portion (20B) of said decorative embellishment (100) comprises a socket (20B), wherein said socket (20B) has a barrel (20E) including a recess (20R ); and
a second mating portion (20A) of said decorative embellishment (100) comprises a double stud (2 OA), wherein said double stud (2 OA) includes a barrel (20D) and a protrusion (20P); wherein said decorative embellishment (100) has an aperture (100H) passing there through for receiving the protrusion (20P) of said double stud (20A); and
wherein said socket (20B) receives the protrusion (20P) of said double stud (20A) after the protrusion (20P) has been inserted through the aperture (100H) of said decorative embellishment (100).
5. The attachment assembly of claim 4, wherein:
the mounting mechanism (30) further comprises an eyelet (30A), wherein said eyelet (30A) includes a protrusion (30P); and
the interlocking portion (30B) of the mounting mechanism (30) comprises a stud (30B), wherein said stud (30B) has a barrel (30E) including a recess (30R); wherein said stud (30B) receives the protrusion (3 OP) of said eyelet (3 OA) after the protrusion (3 OP) has been inserted through one of the following: an aperture (1H) of an accessory (50), or an aperture (300HH) of a sleeve component
6. The attachment assembly of claim 5, further comprising:
one or more decorative button caps (200);
wherein each decorative button cap (200) comprises:
an eyelet (200A) including a protrusion (200P);
a button cap plate (200B); and
a socket (200C), wherein said socket (200C) has a barrel (200E) including a recess (200RR).
7. The attachment assembly of claim 6, wherein:
a decorative button cap (200) further comprises a fabric piece (200D) and a button element (200G).
8. The attachment assembly of claim 7, wherein:
for each decorative embellishment (100), a barrel (20D) of a double stud (2 OA) of said decorative embellishment (100) can be received by, and detachably engaged with, a socket (20B) of another decorative embellishment (100), a socket (200C) of a decorative button cap (200), and the stud (30B) of the mounting mechanism (30).
9. The attachment assembly of claim 8, wherein:
the barrel (30B) of the stud (30B) of the mounting mechanism (30) can be received by, and detachably engaged with, a socket (20B) of a decorative embellishment (100), and a socket (200C) of a decorative button cap (200).
10. The attachment assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting mechanism (30) is permanently affixed to the accessory (50).
11. The attachment assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
the mounting mechanism (30) is permanently affixed to a sleeve component (300) including a pair of opposing openings (300H), wherein said pair of opposing openings (300H) allows the accessory (50) to slide through said sleeve component (300).
12. A system for attaching one or more decorative embellishments (100) on to an accessory (50), comprising:
plural decorative embellishments (100), wherein each decorative embellishment (100) includes a connector (20) for engaging with a connector (20) of another decorative embellishment (100), such that two or more of said decorative embellishments (100) may be arranged as a stack (60) of decorative embellishments (100); and
a mounting mechanism (30) for attaching a decorative embellishment (100) on to an accessory (50), wherein the mounting mechanism (30) comprises an interlocking portion (30B) for engaging with the connector (20) of said decorative embellishment (100).
13. The system of claim 12, wherein:
a connector (20) of each decorative embellishment (100) comprises a first mating portion (20B) and a second mating portion (20A), wherein said first mating portion (20B) can be engaged with a second mating portion (20A) of another decorative embellishment (100); and
a stack (60) of decorative embellishments (100) may be detachably attached on to the accessory (50) by engaging a first mating portion (20B) of a decorative embellishment (100) of said stack (60) with the interlocking portion (30B) of the mounting mechanism (30).
14. The system of claim 13, wherein:
for each decorative embellishment (100):
a first mating portion (20B) of said decorative embellishment (100) comprises a socket (20B), wherein said socket (20B) has a barrel (20E) including a recess (20R ); and
a second mating portion (20A) of said decorative embellishment (100) comprises a double stud (2 OA), wherein said double stud (2 OA) includes a barrel (20D) and a protrusion (20P);
wherein said decorative embellishment (100) has an aperture (100H) passing there through for receiving the protrusion (20P) of said double stud (20A); and
wherein said socket (20B) receives the protrusion (20P) of said double stud (20A) after the protrusion (20P) has been inserted through the aperture (100H) of said decorative embellishment (100).
15. The system of claim 14, wherein:
the mounting mechanism (30) further comprises an eyelet (30A), wherein said eyelet (30A) includes a protrusion (30P); and
the interlocking portion (30B) of the mounting mechanism (30) comprises a stud (30B), wherein said stud (30B) has a barrel (30E) including a recess (30R); wherein said stud (30B) receives the protrusion (3 OP) of said eyelet (3 OA) after the protrusion (3 OP) has been inserted through one of the following: an aperture (1H) of an accessory (50), or an aperture (300HH) of a sleeve component (30).
16. The system of claim 15, further comprising:
one or more decorative button caps (200);
wherein each decorative button cap (200) comprises:
an eyelet (200A) including a protrusion (200P);
a button cap plate (200B); and
a socket (200C), wherein said socket (200C) has a barrel (200E) including a recess (200R ).
17. The system of claim 16, wherein:
for each decorative embellishment (100), a barrel (20D) of a double stud (2 OA) of said decorative embellishment (100) can be received by, and detachably engaged with, a socket (20B) of another decorative embellishment (100), a socket (200C) of a decorative button cap (200), and the stud (30B) of the mounting mechanism (30); and
the barrel (30B) of the stud (30B) of the mounting mechanism (30) can be received by, and detachably engaged with, a socket (20B) of a decorative embellishment (100), and a socket (200C) of a decorative button cap (200).
18. A method, comprising :
attaching a decorative embellishment (100) on to an accessory (50) via a mounting mechanism (30) comprising an interlocking portion (30B);
wherein said decorative embellishment (100) includes a connector (20) comprising a first mating portion (20B) for engaging with the interlocking portion (30B) of the mounting mechanism (30).
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
arranging two or more decorative embellishments (100) as a stack (60) of decorative embellishments (100), wherein a connector (20) of each decorative embellishment (100) further comprises a second mating portion (2 OA) for engaging with a first mating portion (20B) of another decorative embellishment (100); and attaching said stack of decorative embellishments (100) on to the accessory (50) by engaging a first mating portion (20B) of a decorative embellishment (100) of said stack (60) with the interlocking portion (3 OB) of the mounting mechanism (30).
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:
connecting a decorative embellishment (100) with a decorative button cap (200) by engaging the second mating portion (20A) of said decorative embellishment (100) with a socket (200C) of said decorative button cap (200).
PCT/US2012/052267 2011-08-26 2012-08-24 Connecting and stacking embellishments onto an accessory WO2013032904A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161528117P 2011-08-26 2011-08-26
US61/528,117 2011-08-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013032904A1 true WO2013032904A1 (en) 2013-03-07

Family

ID=47741546

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2012/052267 WO2013032904A1 (en) 2011-08-26 2012-08-24 Connecting and stacking embellishments onto an accessory

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20130047387A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2013032904A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120192331A1 (en) * 2011-01-27 2012-08-02 Cynthia Fowler Method for adding an ornament to a manufactured article
US20170099928A1 (en) * 2012-12-06 2017-04-13 Elva Krebsbach Decorative accessories for hair or fashion décor backed by self contained low-profile hook and loop
US9204688B2 (en) * 2013-03-13 2015-12-08 Natasha Virginia Hazarian Pre- and post-pedicure footwear apparatus
USD746000S1 (en) * 2014-05-30 2015-12-22 3M Innovative Properties Company Helmet bracket having arrow indicia
USD747561S1 (en) * 2014-05-30 2016-01-12 3M Innovative Properties Company Helmet bracket connector end
US20200383449A1 (en) * 2019-06-07 2020-12-10 Karolina WILCZYNSKA Hair band with interchangeable attachments
USD1021353S1 (en) * 2021-04-08 2024-04-09 Martha Karanja Shoe

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080060110A1 (en) * 2005-07-07 2008-03-13 Jibbitz, Llc System and method for securing accessories to wearable items
US20100011623A1 (en) * 2008-07-16 2010-01-21 Tracy Kramer Seckler Replaceable ornament for flip-flop sandal
US20110126430A1 (en) * 2009-11-30 2011-06-02 Douglas Wike Elastic snap accessory system

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080060110A1 (en) * 2005-07-07 2008-03-13 Jibbitz, Llc System and method for securing accessories to wearable items
US20100011623A1 (en) * 2008-07-16 2010-01-21 Tracy Kramer Seckler Replaceable ornament for flip-flop sandal
US20110126430A1 (en) * 2009-11-30 2011-06-02 Douglas Wike Elastic snap accessory system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20130047387A1 (en) 2013-02-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2013032904A1 (en) Connecting and stacking embellishments onto an accessory
US20090032044A1 (en) Hair bow system
US20180156361A1 (en) Headset cord holder
US8806783B2 (en) Articles adapted to releasably receive interchangeable ornaments and system therefor
CA2767200C (en) Footwear, clothing and other apparel with interchangeable toe and heel members or other ornaments and related methods and systems
US10652661B2 (en) Headset cord holder
US20140298686A1 (en) Footwear design persoalizing
US20090249650A1 (en) Reversible Article of Footwear
US20130042391A1 (en) Interchangeable adornments for fashion articles
CN103917127B (en) Hair is kept, fixes and the equipment of moulding
US20130145522A1 (en) Garment assembly having a detachable and customizable canvas therefor
WO2013059713A1 (en) Magnetic assembly and display
US20160157559A1 (en) Attachment devices and channel pockets for shoe uppers
GB2538367A (en) Removable decorative straps for shoes
KR101729290B1 (en) A female button for snap button
US11051594B1 (en) Magnetic beads
US20090282608A1 (en) Removable-replaceable-chaneable wearable style and or design
US20130118041A1 (en) Footwear accessory device
KR102057392B1 (en) A cuffs button included only accessory for cuffs button that has detachable accessory
JP3160158U (en) Hair extension set
US9468246B2 (en) Button repair system and method
CN106388103A (en) Head-wearing type decorative face mask
KR200461710Y1 (en) A cap for an utility hanger
CN214016191U (en) Novel cheongsam fixing flower buckle
WO2018160760A1 (en) Shoe

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 12827603

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 12827603

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1