Abstract:
Apparatus for connecting an ornament to the surface of a textile is provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for connecting an ornament to the surface of a textile may include a bottom plate; a plurality of posts coupled to a surface of the bottom plate; and a top plate having at least one connection arm comprising a plurality of hooks moveably coupled thereto, wherein the at least one connection arm and the plurality of hooks are configured to interface with the plurality of posts to removably couple the top plate to the bottom plate.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/146,777, filed Jan. 23, 2009, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to textiles, and more specifically, to an apparatus for securing an ornament to a textile. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Ornamenting textile products (e.g., apparel, pillow, curtains, etc.) is a common and cost efficient means to make a product more aesthetically pleasing. Various means are employed to secure ornaments or appliqués to a textile product. For example, an ornament or appliqué may be sewn or attached via an adhesive directly to the surface of a textile. However, the inventor has observed that such connections are often unsecure and typically result in the ornament or appliqué sagging, or partially separating, and eventually falling off, the textile. 
     Thus, the inventor has provided an improved apparatus for securing an ornament to a textile. 
     SUMMARY 
     Apparatus for connecting an ornament to the surface of a textile is provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for connecting an ornament to the surface of a textile may include a bottom plate; a plurality of posts coupled to a surface of the bottom plate; and a top plate having at least one connection arm comprising a plurality of hooks moveably coupled thereto, wherein the at least one connection arm and the plurality of hooks are configured to interface with the plurality of posts to removably couple the top plate to the bottom plate. 
     In some embodiments, an apparatus for connecting an ornament to the surface of a textile may include a bottom plate coupled to a surface of a textile product on a first side of the bottom plate; a plurality of arches coupled to a second surface of the bottom plate opposite the first surface; a top plate having at least one connection arm comprising a plurality of hooks moveably coupled thereto, wherein the at least one connection arm and the plurality of hooks are configured to interface with the plurality of arches to removably secure the top plate to the bottom plate; and at least one decorative ornament coupled to a surface of the top plate. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above and discussed in greater detail below, can be understood by reference to the illustrative embodiments of the invention depicted in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an apparatus for securing an ornament to a textile in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2-9  depict various views of an apparatus for securing an ornament to a textile in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of a portion of an apparatus for securing an ornament to a textile in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 11-13  depict various views of the operation of an apparatus for securing an ornament to a textile in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 14-17  depict various views of an apparatus for securing an ornament to a textile in use in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. The figures are not drawn to scale and may be simplified for clarity. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to textiles, and more specifically, to an apparatus for securing an ornament to a textile. The inventive apparatus may advantageously allow for a secure and removable connection between an ornament or appliqué and a textile product. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an apparatus for securing an ornament to a textile in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
     The apparatus  10  generally comprises a bottom plate  12  having a plurality of posts  14  and a top plate  18  having at least one connection arm  29  comprising a plurality of hooks  20  configured to interface with the posts  14  of the bottom plate  12 . The top plate  18  and bottom plate  12  may comprise any rigid material having sufficient strength to provide a secure coupling and resist breakage. For example, in some embodiments, the top plate  18  and bottom plate  12  may comprise a metal, such as gold, platinum, silver, stainless steel, aluminum, alloys or combinations thereof, or the like, or a plastic, such as polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), or the like, or a ceramic or ceramic composite. 
     In some embodiments, the top plate  18  comprises the same material as the bottom plate  12 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the top plate  18  comprises a different material than the bottom plate  12 . 
     In some embodiments, the top plate  18 , described more fully below with respect to  FIGS. 6-10 , may comprise a plurality of through holes  17  having suitable dimensions to interface with a fastener (not shown) for coupling the top plate  18  to a ornamental object (not shown). The ornamental object may be any object capable of being coupled to the top plate  18 . For example, in some embodiments the ornamental object may comprise jewelry, such as decorative stones, for example diamonds, rhinestones, pearls, or the like, or a precious metal, for example, silver, gold, platinum, or the like. Alternatively, or in combination, in some embodiments, the ornamental object may comprise other materials, such as textiles, for example, a cloth or fabric, such as apparel, curtains, a pillow, or the like, or any other materials, such as plastics, metals, ceramics, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom plate  12  may be coupled to a surface  24  of a textile product, such as a pillow, apparel, clothing, curtain, or the like. For example, in embodiments where the bottom plate  12  is coupled to a pillow, the pillow may be a CAS CREATIONS POOFF PILLOW A CLUTCH CONNECTION™ pillow available commercially from CAS CREATIONS, located in Colts Neck, N.J. 
     The bottom plate  12  may be coupled to the surface  24  of the textile product via any means suitable to provide a secure coupling, for example, via an adhesive. In some embodiments, such as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the bottom plate  12  may comprise a plurality of through holes  16  having suitable dimensions to interface with a fastener (not shown) for coupling the bottom plate  12  the surface  24  of the textile product. Although four through holes  16  are shown in  FIG. 2 , any amount of through holes may be utilized. For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of through holes  16  may comprise two, three, four, or more through holes  16 . The fastener may be any fastener suitable to provide adequate coupling. For example, in some embodiments, the fastener may comprise a rivet, screw, toggle, pin or button. Alternatively, or in combination, in some embodiments, the bottom plate  12  may be coupled to the surface  24  via sewing a thread through the through holes  16 . 
     The plurality of posts  14  may comprise any rigid material suitable to be coupled to the bottom plate  12  and resist deformation or breakage. In some embodiments, the plurality of posts  14  may comprise similar materials to those discussed above with respect to the bottom plate  12 . The posts  14  may be coupled to the bottom plate  12  via any means suitable to provide a secure coupling. For example, in some embodiment, the posts  14  may be coupled to the bottom plate via a fastener, such as rivets, screws, bolts, or the like, or via an adhesive, or via solder. In some embodiments, the posts  14  and bottom plate  12  may be fabricated as one piece. 
     Although four posts  14  are shown, any number of posts may be coupled to the bottom plate  12 . In some embodiments, such as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the plurality of posts  14  may coupled to one another in pairs via a cross member  15 , thus forming an arch  19 . In such embodiments, the arch  19  may comprise any dimensions suitable to accommodate coupling of the top plate (discussed above with respect to  FIG. 1 ). For example, in each arch  19 , the distance between the plurality of posts  14  may be about 0.5 inch, or in some embodiments, greater than about 0.5 inch, or in some embodiments less than about 0.5 inch such as 0.25 or 0.125 inch. 
     The bottom plate  12  may comprise any size and shape suitable for a desired application. For example, in some embodiments, the bottom plate  12  may be shaped as a square, rectangle, circle, triangle, polygon, abstract shapes, or the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, the top plate  18  generally comprises at least one connection arm (one shown)  29  coupled to a body  21 , wherein the at least one connection arm  29  comprises a plurality of hooks  20  movably coupled thereto. The top plate  18  may comprise any rigid material, for example, the top plate  18  may comprise a metal, such as gold, platinum, silver, stainless steel, aluminum, alloys or combinations thereof, or the like, or a plastic, such as polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), or the like, or a ceramic or ceramic composite. 
     In some embodiments, the top plate  18  may comprise a plurality (two shown) of arms  23  coupled to the body  21  and disposed adjacent to the at least one connection arm  29 . The plurality of arms  23  may comprise any suitable size and shape suitable for intended use of the apparatus  10 . For example, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of arms  23  may be rectangular in shape, such as depicted in  FIG. 6 . In some embodiments, for example where the plurality of arms  23  are rectangular in shape, the plurality of arms  23  may comprise a width of about 0.125 inch and a length of about 0.25. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one connection arm  29 , body  21 , and plurality of arms  23  may be fabricated separately and coupled to one another via any means suitable to provide adequate coupling, for example, via welding, soldering, adhesives, or the like. In some embodiments, the at least one connection arm  29 , body  21 , and plurality of arms  23  may comprise the same material, or in some embodiments, may comprise a different material. Alternatively, the connection arm  29 , body  21  and plurality of arms  23  may be fabricated from a single piece of material, thus forming the top plate  18  as an integral structure. 
     The at least one connection arm  29  may comprise any number of arms having any suitable shape and size sufficient to support the plurality of hooks  20  and allow for rotational movement of the plurality of hooks  20 . Although one connection arm  29  is shown in  FIG. 6 , two or more connection arms may be utilized. For example, in some embodiments and as depicted in  FIG. 6A , the at least one connection arm  29  may comprise two connection arms  32  disposed adjacent to one other and having a space  19  in between. Each of the two connection arms  32  may include a respective one of the plurality of hooks  20  movably coupled thereto. 
     In some embodiments, each of the plurality of hooks  20  may comprise a body  25  for coupling the respective hook of the plurality of hooks  20  to the at least one connection arm  29  and a hooked end  27  having dimensions sufficient to interface with the dimensions of the posts  14  (described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-5 ). For example, in some embodiments, the hooked end  27  may comprise an inner diameter of about 0.25 inch, or in some embodiments greater, or less than about 0.25 inch. The plurality of hooks  20  may comprise any rigid material suitable for the specific application for which the apparatus may be used. For example, the plurality of hooks  20  may comprise similar materials discussed above with respect to the top plate  18 . 
     The plurality of hooks  20  may be coupled to the at least one connection arm  29  via any means suitable to allow rotation of the plurality of hooks  20 . For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of hooks  20  may be coupled to the at least one connection arm  29  via a plurality of pins  30 , such as depicted in  FIG. 10 . In such embodiments, each of the plurality of hooks  20  comprise a through hole  22  having dimensions suitable to interface with the pins  30 . The pin  30  may then be secured in a respective hole  31  of the at least one connection arm  29 . The pins  30  may be secured in each of the respective holes  22 ,  31 , for example, by a friction fit (e.g., press fit). In some embodiments, the pins  30  may be press fit in the holes  31  and may have a top end that is peened over after the hooks  20  are placed on the pins  30 . Alternatively or in combination, the each pin  30  may be a post of a rivet, and the head of the rivet may be secured after the hooks  20  are placed on the pins  30 . 
     In operation, for example, the top plate  18 , having the plurality of hooks  20  rotated in an outward direction  34 , is positioned atop the bottom plate  12 , wherein the at least one connection arm  29  is inserted between posts  14 , as depicted in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Although the top plate is shown in one particular orientation in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the top plate may be positioned in any orientation suitable for its intended use. For example, in some embodiments, the top plate  18  is positioned atop the bottom plate  12  wherein the plurality of hooks  20  face away from the bottom plate  12 , such as depicted in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the top plate  18  may be positioned atop the bottom plate  12  such that the plurality of hooks  20  are disposed between the top plate  18  and bottom plate  12 , for example, such as depicted in  FIGS. 14-16 , described below. Following the positioning of the top plate  18  atop the bottom plate  12 , the plurality of hooks  20  may be rotated such that the hooked end  27  of each of the plurality of hooks  20  interfaces the posts, thereby securing the top plate  18  to the bottom plate  12  in a static position. 
     In use, for example, the bottom plate  12  may be secured to some form of apparel or accessory, for example, a pocketbook or handbag  40 , as illustratively depicted in  FIG. 14 . The bottom plate  12  may be coupled to the handbag  40  via any means suitable to provide a secure coupling. For example, the bottom plate  12  could be coupled to the handbag  40  via an adhesive. Alternatively, or in combination, the bottom plate  12  may be coupled to the handbag  40  using the through holes  16 , as described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . 
     An ornamental object  42 , for example, a broach, may be coupled to the top plate  18 , as depicted in  FIGS. 15A-B . The top plate  18  may be coupled to the back side  44  of the ornamental object  42 , via any means suitable to provide a secure coupling. For example, the top plate  18  could be coupled to the ornamental object  42  via an adhesive. Alternatively, or in combination, the top plate  18  may be coupled to the ornamental object  42  using the through holes  17 , as described above with respect to  FIGS. 6-10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , the top plate  18 , having the accessory  42  coupled thereto may be coupled to the bottom plate  12  as described above with respect to  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Once coupled, the top plate  18  and bottom plate  12  remain at least partially, or in some embodiments, fully, hidden behind the ornamental object  42 , as depicted in  FIG. 17 . 
     Although the above description may be directed towards coupling ornaments to textiles, it is contemplated that the apparatus  10  may be adapted for other uses. For example, in some embodiments, including any of the above embodiments, the apparatus  10  may be adapted as a means to secure curtains to a curtain rod. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be used to secure accessories to apparel, for example, securing a belt buckle to a belt, an ornament to a hat, jacket, sweater, or other article of clothing, and the like. 
     While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof.