Patent Application
20050210635
This invention relates in general to apparel insertion devices, and in particular to decorative and functional button and broach style inserts.
Apparel insertion devices are known in the art. These prior art devices are generally of the button style that are sewed on to clothing, or pin and broach styles that are pinned on to clothing. The button styles generally require a pre-formed hole through which they are to be inserted, while the pin style pierces the article of clothing by means of a sharply pointed pin or needle. The prior art devices generally consist of a unitary item, and do not allow for any interchangeability of button or pin faces. Additionally, these prior art devices do not usually blend aesthetic and functional qualities in any meaningful way.
For example, pin style devices pierce through articles of clothing easily, but then normally perform no other function beyond providing aesthetic value. Additionally, extended use of pin style devices naturally creates larger and larger insertion holes over time; resulting in the pin style device sagging and rolling unattractively.
Button style devices require sewing directly to the piece of apparel, and often also require a buttonhole that is large enough for the button to pass through; both of which are permanent changes to the article of clothing that is often undesirable. Further, button style devices generally cannot be easily removed and used in other articles of clothing. As a result, should a particular design decline in popularity, the wearer will normally discard the entire garment, rather than attempt to remove and replace the old buttons. This practice is wasteful and costly for the consumer.
It is therefore desirable to have an apparel insertion device free from the limitations and shortcomings of the prior art. It is desirable to have an apparel insertion device that can be used on various kinds of apparel, while allowing the wearer the freedom to choose whether modifications to the apparel are necessary. It is also desirable to have an apparel insertion device that can utilize existing buttonholes without having to be sewed onto the article of clothing. Additionally, it is desirable to have a versatile apparel insertion device that is capable of blending aesthetic and function in a single device. Further, it is desirable to have an apparel insertion device that is capable of being utilized on garments that vary in color, texture, thickness and material.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparel insertion device that may be used on all types of garments and apparel worn by people, animals, or anywhere else articles of clothing are employed.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device that can perform the securing functions of a button, and provide a pleasing and desirable aesthetic addition to a garment.
Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to cooperate with a variety of button faces in order to provide interchangeability and maximize user freedom of choice.
Further it is an object of the present invention to be easy to insert and remove from apparel, while limiting the chance of possible damage to the garment.
The present invention comprises a plate, releasably attached to a post. The post is capable of being inserted through a garment directly, or through a hole placed in the garment for the purpose of receiving buttons, or other apparel insertion devices. The post may be releasably attached to a base, thereby securing the invention to the garment.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a plate that includes an attachment ring extending from a central portion of the plate's bottom surface. The attachment ring is then inserted within a hollow portion of the post, wherein a set of prongs close, securely fastening the plate to the post. The plate and attachment ring may be thought of as a simple button, commonly found on coats and other apparel. The post may also include a simple release mechanism, the variety of which is well known in the art. The post may also include at least one grooved portion that may be releasably inserted into a base. In another embodiment, the post may include a plurality of grooved portions, thereby allowing use of the device on garments of varying thicknesses. The base may also be padded on the region opposite the post insertion area, adding a greater level of comfort for the wearer. The padded portion may include a covering that is plain, or enhanced with a fabric design.
In another embodiment of the invention, the post includes vertical notches to allow for buttons, or other plates, that include attachment rings that are too large to fit completely within the hollow portion of the post. The cutouts would also serve the purpose of aligning the attachment ring with the prongs located within the post. The post may be cylindrical, rectangular or it may comprise other forms, and may include hollow portions or be substantially solid.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be recognized when the following description is considered along with the drawings.
Referring to the drawings
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that invention may be practiced in a variety of ways, including a number of styles and materials, without departing from the spirit and the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the preceding descriptions are meant to illustrate, rather than limit the scope invention.
