Patent Publication Number: US-2019192980-A1

Title: Stuffed novelty with attachment device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the benefit of provisional Application No. 62/664,466 filed Apr. 30, 2018, which is incorporated into the present disclosure by this reference. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1A  is a front view of a stuffed novelty, according to embodiments.  FIG. 1B  is a detail view of a portion of the stuffed novelty of  FIG. 1A  illustrating an alternative configuration for the elastic band. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the stuffed novelty of  FIG. 1A  attached to an example strap. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the stuffed novelty of  FIG. 1A . 
       FIG. 4  is an alternative front view of the stuffed novelty of  FIG. 1A , in which the stuffed novelty includes a pocket or other compartment. 
       FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view of the stuffed novelty of  FIG. 4 , in which the compressible material is shown in an uncompressed state. 
       FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the stuffed novelty of  FIG. 4 , in which the compressible material is shown in an example compressed state. 
       FIG. 6  is a partial side view of a stuffed novelty attached to a strap, according to embodiments. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates multiple stuffed novelties attached to a strap, according to embodiments. 
       FIG. 8  is a front view of a raised-profile button, according to embodiments. 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the raised-profile button of  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  is a rear view of the raised-profile button of  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 11A  is a partial front view of a stuffed novelty, according to embodiments. 
       FIG. 11B  is a partial side view of the stuffed novelty of  FIG. 1A . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As described in this disclosure, embodiments are directed to a stuffed novelty with attachment device. For brevity and easier reading, the “stuffed novelty with attachment device” will be referred to as simply the “stuffed novelty” in this disclosure. The stuffed novelty may be, for example, a stuffed animal that can be attached to a strap, such as a backpack strap or seatbelt strap. Embodiments may also include a compartment for holding, storing, or enclosing, for example, a mobile device, an identification card, or a credit card. Accordingly, embodiments may provide apparatus and methods to decorate a strap, hold an object, or visually identify, for example, the backpack or seatbelt strap to which the stuffed novelty is attached. 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of a stuffed novelty, according to embodiments.  FIG. 1B  is a detail view of a portion of the stuffed novelty of  FIG. 1A  illustrating an alternative configuration.  FIG. 2  is a side view of the stuffed novelty of  FIG. 1A  attached to an example strap.  FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the stuffed novelty of  FIG. 1A . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-3 , a stuffed novelty  100  may include a stuffed article  101 , an attachment band  102 , and a fastening mechanism  103 . 
     The stuffed article  101  may be, for example, a stuffed animal, stuffed figurine, plush toy, or other item (including, as examples, a pouch or a pocket) having a fabric shell  128  that contains a compressible material  125 . In some embodiments, the stuffed article  101  may resemble, for example, a human being, another animal, or another organism. The resemblance may be a characterization or other exaggeration. The fabric shell  128  may be or include, for example, cloth or another textile. The compressible material  125  may be, for example, batting or other filling made from natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, or synthetic fibers or pellets such as polyester; foam, such as foam rubber, polyurethane foam, or shredded foam; down or other feathers; or kapok. 
     The fabric shell  128  may include stitches, welding, gluing, or other such joints to define one or more contained volumes  129 , or encapsulated chambers, within the fabric shell  128 . Alternatively, the contained volume  129  may be one or more bladders, bags, or sacks within the fabric shell  128 . In embodiments having such a contained volume, the compressible material may be displaced within the contained volume, which encompasses the compressible material, but only to the extent of the contained volume. For example,  FIG. 1A  shows an outline of an example contained volume  129 . While the precise boundaries of the contained volume  129  may be flexible (such as, for example, when a bladder, bag, or sack within the fabric shell  128  is made of a flexible material), the compressible material  125  may be constrained to remain within the contained volume  129 , thus limiting the extent to which the compressible material  125  may be displaced. In embodiments, the contained volume  129  may be substantially coextensive with the fabric shell  128 . As used in this disclosure, “substantially coextensive” means largely or essentially coinciding in space without requiring perfect coincidence. In other embodiments, the contained volume  129  might not be coextensive with the fabric shell  128 . Hence, for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the contained volume  129  might not extend into the arms or legs of the stuffed article  101 . 
     The attachment band  102  may include an elastic band  104  having two ends. In embodiments, the elastic band  104  may be a closed, elastic ring, an example of which is illustrated in  FIG. 1A . In embodiments, the elastic band  104  may be a single elastic cord or cable doubled onto itself at a midpoint of the elastic cord or cable, an example of which is illustrated in  FIG. 1B . A first end  105  of the elastic band  104  may be coupled to the stuffed article  101 . 
     For example, the first end  105  of the elastic band  104  may be fixedly attached to the stuffed article  101  by, for example, being sewn into a seam in the stuffed article  101 . A seam is beneficial because it may better distribute the load imparted to the stuffed article  101  by the attachment band  102  at its attachment point when the attachment band  102  is under tension. Hence, for example, the elastic band  104  may be sewn into the stuffed article  101  the seam  130  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     An opposite, second end  106  of the elastic band  104  may be removably attached to the stuffed article  101  by way of the fastening mechanism  103  on a side of the stuffed article  101  that is remote (such as, for example, substantially opposite) from where the first end  105  is coupled to the stuffed article  101 . As used in this disclosure, “substantially opposite” means largely or essentially across from, without requiring perfect contraposition. 
     Hence, for example, in embodiments where the stuffed article  101  resembles a human being or another animal, the attachment band  102  may be attached to the torso  132  of the stuffed article  101 , with the first end  105  of the elastic band  104  being coupled to the stuffed article  101  near where the right arm (or foreleg)  133  of the stuffed article  101  attaches to the torso  132  and the second end  106  of the elastic band  104  being attached near where the left arm (or foreleg)  134  of the stuffed article  101  attaches to the torso  132 . While the attachment point of the first end  105  of the elastic band  104  may be below the attachment point of the right arm  133  of the stuffed article lot, the attachment point of the second end  106  of the elastic band  104  (being at the fastening mechanism  103 ) may be in the left side of the chest region  131  of the torso  132  of the stuffed article lot. In this context, “below” means between the attachment point of the right arm (or foreleg)  133  and the attachment point of the same-side leg (or hind leg)  135  of the stuffed article  101 . 
     As used in this disclosure, directions such as “right,” “left,” “above,” “below,” and “under” are used for convenience and in reference to the views provided in figures. But the stuffed novelty  100  may have a number of orientations in actual use. Thus, a feature that is to the right, to the left, above, below, or under in the figures may not have that same orientation or direction in actual use. Also, features that are shown in the figures as being on the right side of the stuffed article  101  could instead be on the left side of the stuffed article  101 , and vice versa. 
     In embodiments, the attachment band  102  may include a sleeve  107  that surrounds at least a portion of the elastic band  104  of the attachment band  102 . The sleeve  107  may be made from or include, for example, cloth or another textile, rubber, silicone, or PVC. The sleeve  107  may help to protect the elastic band  104  from abrasion or other damage. The sleeve  107  may also help to keep the elastic band  104  from catching or pinching nearby materials, such as a user&#39;s hair or clothing. In addition, the sleeve  107  may help to contain the elastic band  104  and may help to keep the elastic band  104  from binding or twisting. 
     The fastening mechanism  103  is affixed to the stuffed article  101 . As noted above, in embodiments where the stuffed article  101  resembles a human being or another animal, the fastening mechanism  103  may be affixed to the torso  132  of the stuffed article  101 , for example, in the chest region-especially the left side of the chest region  131 —of the torso  132 . The fastening mechanism  103  may be, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener, snap, magnet, clip, clasp, button, or other fastener. Since many fasteners have multiple parts (often two parts that engage), a first part of the fastener may be, or may be affixed to, the fastening mechanism  103  and a second part of the fastener may be affixed to, or may be part of, the attachment band  102 . For example, the elastic band  104  may include one part of a snap fastener at the second end  106  of the elastic band  104 , while the fastening mechanism  103  includes the second part of the snap fastener. In other embodiments, both parts of a two-part fastener may be affixed to the attachment band  102 , such as, for example, the example embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , where the attachment band  102  includes both parts of a hook-and-loop fastener  119 . 
     The fastening mechanism  103  may be a button, and the attachment band  102  may include a buttonhole or loop, such as the loop  108  illustrated in  FIG. 1A , configured to accept the button. In embodiments where the elastic band  104  is a closed, elastic ring, the loop  108  may be the second end  106  of the elastic band  104 , such as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . In embodiments where the fastening mechanism  103  is a button, the button may have a variety of shapes. For example, the button may be generally disc-shaped, such as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 2 . The button also may be generally heart-shaped. Also, the fastening mechanism  103  may be a raised-profile button  109  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-5B  and described below for  FIGS. 8-9 . 
     As noted above,  FIG. 2  illustrates the stuffed article  101  attached to a strap  116 . The strap  116  may be a backpack shoulder strap or a seatbelt strap. To install the stuffed novelty  100  to the strap  116 , the attachment band  102  may be passed around the strap  116  and then coupled to the fastening mechanism  103 . 
     The distance from the first end  105  of the elastic band  104  to the second end  106  of the elastic band  104  is may be the same as, or somewhat less than, the distance from the first end  105  of the elastic band  104  to the fastening mechanism  103 , measured along the surface of the stuffed article  101  (around the back side of the stuffed article  101 ). Accordingly, when the attachment band  102  is wrapped around the strap  116  and then coupled to the fastening mechanism  103 , the stuffed article  101  may scrunch or compress or the elastic band  104  of the attachment band  102  may stretch, or both, to cause the stuffed novelty  100  to be securely attached to the strap  116 . This is described further with respect to  FIGS. 5A and 5B . 
     Returning to  FIG. 1A , the attachment band  102  may have an initial length  123  and a final length  124 . The initial length  123  is the length of the attachment band  102  when the attachment band  102  is subjected to no tensile forces other than perhaps gravity. The initial length  123  may be about the same as the width  117  of the strap  116  (see  FIG. 2 ). The final length  124  is the length of the attachment band  102  when the attachment band  102  is wrapped around the strap  116  and coupled to the fastening mechanism  103  (as, for example, shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B ). 
     The final length  124  is preferably between about 100% and about 525% of the initial length  123 . More preferably, the final length  124  is between about 100% and about 425% of the initial length  123 . Even more preferably, the final length  124  is between about 100% and about 325% of the initial length  123 . Hence, by way of example, for an initial length  123  of about two inches, the final length  124  minus the initial length  123  may be between about zero inches and about four and a half inches. 
       FIG. 4  is an alternative front view of the stuffed novelty of  FIGS. 1A-3 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the stuffed article  101  may be or may include a pocket or other compartment  121  for holding, storing, or enclosing an object, such as a mobile device, an identification card, a credit card, or keys as examples. The mobile device could be, for example, a smartphone or other cellphone.  FIG. 4  illustrates a pocket  121  holding a credit card  122 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view of the stuffed novelty of  FIG. 4 , in which the compressible material is shown in an uncompressed state. As illustrated in  FIG. 5A , the compressible material  125  has an uncompressed height, or thickness  126 . The uncompressed thickness  126  is the thickness of the compressible material  125  when the compressible material  125  is subject to no compressive forces other than perhaps gravity and ambient air pressure. The illustrated example shows an approximately 0% compression of the compressible material  125  when the attachment band  102  is coupled to the fastening mechanism  103 . 
       FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the stuffed novelty of  FIG. 4 , in which the compressible material is shown in an example compressed state. As illustrated in  FIG. 5B , the compressible material  125  has a compressed height, or thickness  127 . The illustrated example shows an approximately 90% compression of the compressible material  125  when the attachment band  102  is coupled to the fastening mechanism  103 . 
     Accordingly, a system of components may be used to attach the stuffed novelty  100  to a strap  116 . The system may include, for example, the compressible material  125 , the contained volume  129  within the fabric shell  128 , and the attachment band  102 , each as discussed above. The compressible material  125  may be compressed within the contained volume  129  or the elastic band  104  of the attachment band  102  may stretch to accommodate different sizes of straps  116 , or both. Thus, in some configurations, the elastic band  104  may barely stretch (for example, to between about 100% and about 150% of its initial length), while the compressible material  125  may compress a lot (for example, to between about 80% and about 90% compression). In some configurations, the elastic band  104  may stretch a lot (for example, to between about 475% and about 525% of its initial length), while the compressible material  125  barely compresses (for example, to between about 0% and about 10% compression). In some configurations, the elastic band  104  stretches by an amount (for example, to between about 300% and about 350% of its initial length) that is comparable to how much the compressible material  125  compresses (for example, to between about 45% and about 55% compression). Hence, the stuffed novelty  100  may be locked in place on the strap  116  by the compression and containment of the compressible material  125 , the tension of the attachment band  102 , or both. 
       FIG. 6  is a partial side view of a stuffed novelty  600  attached to a strap  116 . The strap  116  may be a backpack shoulder strap or a seatbelt strap. The stuffed novelty  600  may be as described above for the stuffed novelty  100  of  FIGS. 1A-5B , except as noted here. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the attachment band  102  may include an attachment strap  118  having a hook-and-loop fastener  119  at the second, free end of the attachment strap  118 . And the fastening mechanism  103  may be or include a loop or other bracket  120  affixed to the stuffed article lot. The bracket  120  may be sewn into the stuffed article lot, such as at a seam in the stuffed article  101 . For example, the bracket  120  may be sewn into the stuffed article  101  at a left-side seam  142 . Accordingly, the attachment strap  118  may be pulled through the bracket  120 , doubled back on itself, and then fastened with the hook-and-loop fastener. This causes the stuffed article  101  to scrunch or compress, causing the stuffed novelty  600  to be securely attached to the strap  116 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates multiple stuffed novelties attached to a strap. The strap may be a backpack shoulder strap or a seatbelt strap. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a first stuffed novelty  750  may be installed onto the strap  116  above a second stuffed novelty  751 . Each of the first stuffed novelty  750  and the second stuffed novelty  751  may be as described above for the stuffed novelty  100  of  FIGS. 1A-5B  or the stuffed novelty  600  of  FIG. 6 . 
     Accordingly, in embodiments where the stuffed article resembles a human being or another animal, a region  143  (shown in  FIG. 6  for the second, lower stuffed article  751 ) between the legs of the first, upper stuffed novelty  750  is configured to accommodate a head portion  144  (the head or neck or both) extending from a shoulder portion  145  of a main body  146  of the second, lower stuffed article  751 , such as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The first stuffed novelty  750  and the second stuffed novelty  751  may be interchangeable, meaning that the second stuffed novelty  751  may be the upper item and the first stuffed novelty  750  may be the lower item. In such an interchangeable configuration, a region  143  between the legs of the second stuffed novelty  751  is likewise configured to accommodate a head portion  144  (the head or neck, or both) extending from a shoulder portion  145  of a main body  146  of the first stuffed article  750 . 
       FIG. 8  is a front view of a raised-profile button  109 , according to embodiments.  FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the raised-profile button of  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 10  is a rear view of the raised-profile button of  FIG. 8 . As used in this disclosure, a “raised-profile button” includes a button body  112  having a substantially flat portion  136  with a front face  137  and a back face  138 . As used in this disclosure, “substantially flat” means largely or essentially flat without requiring perfect flatness. The back face  138  is substantially parallel to the front face  137 . As used in this disclosure, “substantially parallel” means largely or essentially equidistant at all points, without requiring perfect parallelism. 
     The back face  138  has a maximum planform dimension  139 . As used here, maximum planform dimension  139  of the back face  138  means the longest dimension of the back face  138  when viewed from the perspective of the rear view, such as the view shown in  FIG. 10 . For example, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the back face  138  is circular; thus, the maximum planform dimension  139  in this example would be the diameter of the circle. In embodiments, where the back face  138  is rectangular, the maximum planform dimension  139  of the back face  138  would be the distance between opposite corners of the rectangle. 
     A pedestal portion  111  extends from the back face  138  of the substantially flat portion  136  and has a maximum planform dimension  140 . As used here, maximum planform dimension  140  of the pedestal portion  111  means the longest dimension of the pedestal portion  111  when viewed from the perspective of the rear view, such as the view shown in  FIG. 10 . For example, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the pedestal portion  111  is circular; thus, the maximum planform dimension  140  in this example would be the diameter of the circle. In embodiments, where the pedestal portion  111  is rectangular, the maximum planform dimension  140  of the pedestal portion  111  would be the distance between opposite corners of the rectangle. 
     The maximum planform dimension  140  of the pedestal portion  111  is less than the maximum planform dimension  139  of the back face  138  of the flat portion. Thread through-holes  110  are centrally distributed about the front face  137  of the substantially flat portion  136  and extend through the button body and the pedestal portion  111 . There may be four thread through-holes  110 , positioned substantially as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     For the raised-profile button  109 , preferably the width  113  of the pedestal portion  111  is between about 20% and about 100% the width  114  of the button body  112 . More preferably, the width  113  of the pedestal portion  111  is between about 40% and about 80% the width  114  of the button body  112 . Even more preferably, the width  113  of the pedestal portion  111  is between 55% and 65% the width  114  of the button body  112 . 
     For the raised-profile button  109 , preferably the overall width of the button body  112  and the pedestal portion  111  (that is, the width  113  of the pedestal portion  111  plus the width  114  of the button body  112 ) is between about 10% and about 50% the diameter  115  of the button body  112 . More preferably, the overall width of the button body  112  plus the pedestal portion  111  is between about 20% and about 40% the diameter  115  of the button body  112 . Even more preferably, the overall width of the button body  112  plus the pedestal portion  111  is between 25% and 35% the diameter  115  of the button body  112 . 
     As compared to a conventional button, the raised-profile button  109  may provide improved performance by reducing the likelihood of the button coming undone from its buttonhole (such as, for example, the loop  108 ) when the button is applied to a compressible object, such as the stuffed article  101 . For example, the loop  108  may rest within a channel formed between the fabric shell  128  and the back face  138  of the substantially flat portion  136  of the button body  112 , as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . 
       FIG. 11A  is a partial front view of a stuffed novelty attached to a strap  116 , according to embodiments.  FIG. 11B  is a partial side view of the stuffed novelty of  FIG. 11A . The second stuffed novelty illustrated in  FIGS. 11A-11B  may be as described above for the stuffed novelty  100  of  FIGS. 1A-5B  or the stuffed novelty  600  of  FIG. 6 , except as noted here. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11A-11B , the first end  105  of the elastic band  104  may be removably attached to the stuffed article lot. The first end  105  of the elastic band  104  may include either a clasp  147  or a catch  148  of a clasp-and-catch fastener  149 , while the stuffed article  100  may include the other of the clasp  147  or the catch  148  of the clasp-and-catch fastener  149 . As shown in  FIGS. 11A-11B , the catch  148  may be a loop or sleeve configured to accept a portion of the clasp  147 . 
     Likewise, the fastening mechanism  103  may include either a clasp  147  or a catch  148  of a clasp-and-catch fastener  149 , while the second end  106  of the elastic band  104  may include the other of the clasp  147  or the catch  148  of the clasp-and-catch fastener  149 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 11A-11B , the catch  148  may be a loop or sleeve configured to accept a portion of the clasp  147 . 
     Accordingly, the first end  105  of the elastic band  104  or the second end  106  of the elastic band  104 , or both, may include all or part of a fastening mechanism, such as the clasp-and-catch fastener  149 , a hook-and-loop fastener, snap, magnet, clip, clasp, button, or other fastener. Since many fasteners have multiple parts (often two parts that engage), a first part of the fastener may be, or may be affixed to, the fastening mechanism  103  and a second part of the fastener may be affixed to, or may be part of, the second end  106  of the elastic band  104 . Likewise, a first part of the fastener may be, or may be affixed to, the stuffed article  101  and a second part of the fastener may be affixed to, or may be part of, the first end  105  of the elastic band  104 . In embodiments having a button affixed to the stuffed article lot, the first end  105  of the elastic band  104  may include a buttonhole or loop (such as the loop  108  illustrated in  FIG. 1A  for the second end  106  of the elastic band  104 ) configured to accept the button. 
     EXAMPLES 
     Illustrative examples of the disclosed technologies are provided below. An embodiment of the technologies may include one or more, and any combination of, the examples described below. 
     Example 1 includes a stuffed novelty comprising: a stuffed article having a fabric shell; a compressible material enclosed within the fabric shell; a fastening mechanism attached to a first region of the stuffed article; and an attachment band comprising an elastic band coupled at a first end of the elastic band to a second region of the stuffed article, the second region of the stuffed article being remote from the first region of the stuffed article, a second end of the elastic band, opposite the first end of the elastic band, configured to be removably attached to the fastening mechanism. 
     Example 2 includes the stuffed novelty of claim  1 , further comprising one or more contained volumes within the fabric shell, in which the compressible material is encompassed by the one or more contained volumes, the one or more contained volumes configured to allow displacement of the compressible material within the one or more contained volumes. 
     Example 3 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-2, in which the attachment band further comprises a sleeve surrounding at least a portion of a length of the elastic band. 
     Example 4 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-3, in which the elastic band comprises a closed elastic loop extending from the first end of the elastic band to the second end of the elastic band, and in which the attachment band further comprises a sleeve surrounding at least a portion of a length of the closed elastic loop. 
     Example 5 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-4, further comprising a storage compartment on an outside of the stuffed article. 
     Example 6 includes the stuffed novelty of Example 5, in which the storage compartment comprises a pocket. 
     Example 7 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-6, in which the fastening mechanism comprises a button and the elastic band comprises a loop configured to accept the button within the loop. 
     Example 8 includes the stuffed novelty of Example 7, in which the button is a raised-profile button. 
     Example 9 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-6, in which the fastening mechanism comprises a bracket and the elastic band comprises a hook-and-loop fastener configured to close around the bracket. 
     Example 10 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-6, in which the fastening mechanism comprises a first part of a multipart fastener, and in which the second end of the elastic band comprises a second part of the multipart fastener. 
     Example 11 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-10, in which the elastic band is fixedly attached at the first end of the elastic band to the second region of the stuffed article. 
     Example 12 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-10, in which the elastic band is removably attached at the first end of the elastic band to the second region of the stuffed article. 
     Example 13 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-6, 11, and 12, in which the second region of the stuffed article comprises a first part of a multipart fastener, and in which the first end of the elastic band comprises a second part of the multipart fastener. 
     Example 14 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-13, in which the second region of the stuffed article is a seam in the fabric shell of the stuffed article. 
     Example 15 includes a method of attaching stuffed novelties to a strap external to the stuffed novelties, the method comprising: positioning a first stuffed novelty adjacent to the strap, the first stuffed novelty comprising a stuffed article having a fabric shell, a compressible material enclosed within the fabric shell, a fastening mechanism attached to a first region of the stuffed article, and an attachment band comprising an elastic band coupled at a first end of the elastic band to a second region of the stuffed article, the second region of the stuffed article being remote from the first region of the stuffed article, a second end of the elastic band, opposite the first end of the elastic band, configured to be removably attached to the fastening mechanism; passing the second end of the elastic band around the strap; and coupling the second end of the elastic band to the fastening mechanism. 
     Example 16 includes the method of Example 15, further comprising elongating the elastic band before coupling the second end of the elastic band to the fastening mechanism. 
     Example 17 includes the method of Example 16, in which the elastic band has an initial length from the first end of the elastic band to the second end of the elastic band before elongating the elastic band, and in which the elastic band has a final length from the first end of the elastic band to the second end of the elastic band when the elastic band is coupled to the fastening mechanism, in which elongating the elastic band comprises elongating the elastic band until the final length is less than 525% of the initial length. 
     Example 18 includes the method of any of Examples 15-17, further comprising compressing the compressible material enclosed within the fabric shell before coupling the second end of the elastic band to the fastening mechanism. 
     Example 19 includes the method of Example 18, further comprising elongating the elastic band before coupling the second end of the elastic band to the fastening mechanism. 
     Example 20 includes a method of attaching stuffed novelties to a strap external to the stuffed novelties, the method comprising: positioning a first stuffed novelty adjacent to the strap, the first stuffed novelty comprising a stuffed article having a fabric shell, a compressible material enclosed within the fabric shell of the first stuffed novelty, two legs extending from a main body of the first stuffed novelty, a fastening mechanism attached to a first region of the stuffed article of the first stuffed novelty, and an attachment band comprising an elastic band coupled at a first end of the elastic band of the first stuffed novelty to a second region of the stuffed article of the first stuffed novelty, the second region of the stuffed article of the first stuffed novelty being remote from the first region of the stuffed article of the first stuffed novelty, a second end of the elastic band of the first stuffed novelty, opposite the first end of the elastic band of the first stuffed novelty, configured to be removably attached to the fastening mechanism of the first stuffed novelty; passing the second end of the elastic band of the first stuffed novelty around the strap; coupling the second end of the elastic band of the first stuffed novelty to the fastening mechanism of the first stuffed novelty; positioning a second stuffed novelty adjacent to the strap, the second stuffed novelty comprising a stuffed article having a fabric shell, a head portion extending from a shoulder portion of a main body of the second stuffed novelty, a compressible material enclosed within the fabric shell of the second stuffed novelty, a fastening mechanism attached to a first region of the stuffed article of the second stuffed novelty, and an attachment band comprising an elastic band coupled at a first end of the elastic band of the second stuffed novelty to a second region of the stuffed article of the second stuffed novelty, the second region of the stuffed article of the second stuffed novelty being remote from the first region of the stuffed article of the second stuffed novelty, a second end of the elastic band of the second stuffed novelty, opposite the first end of the elastic band of the second stuffed novelty, configured to be removably attached to the fastening mechanism of the second stuffed novelty; passing the second end of the elastic band of the second stuffed novelty around the strap; coupling the second end of the elastic band of the second stuffed novelty to the fastening mechanism; and positioning the head portion of the second stuffed novelty between the two legs extending from the main body of the first stuffed novelty 
     Example 21 includes the method of Example 20, further comprising resting the two legs of the first stuffed novelty on the shoulder portion of the second stuffed novelty. 
     Example 22 includes a raised-profile button comprising: a button body comprising a substantially flat portion having a front face and a back face, the back face being substantially parallel to the front face, the back face having a maximum planform dimension; a pedestal portion extending from the back face of the substantially flat portion and having a maximum planform dimension, the maximum planform dimension of the pedestal portion being less than the maximum planform dimension of the back face of the flat portion; and thread through-holes centrally distributed about the front face of the substantially flat portion and extending through the button body and the pedestal portion. 
     Example 23 includes the raised-profile button of Example 22, in which the button body has a width defined as a distance between the front face of the substantially flat portion and a the back face of the substantially flat portion, in which the pedestal portion extends from the back face of the substantially flat portion by a pedestal width, the pedestal width being between about 20% and about 100% the width of the button body. 
     Example 24 includes the method of any of Examples 22-23, in which the width of the button body is between about 10% and about 50% the maximum planform dimension of the back face of the substantially flat portion. 
     The previously described versions of the disclosed subject matter have many advantages that were either described or would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill. Even so, all of these advantages or features are not required in all versions of the disclosed apparatus, systems, or methods. 
     Additionally, this written description makes reference to particular features. It is to be understood that the disclosure in this specification includes all possible combinations of those particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in the context of other aspects and embodiments. 
     Also, when reference is made in this application to a method having two or more defined steps or operations, the defined steps or operations can be carried out in any order or simultaneously, unless the context excludes those possibilities. 
     Furthermore, the term “comprises” and its grammatical equivalents are used in this application to mean that other components, features, steps, processes, operations, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” or “which comprises” components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or it can contain components A, B, and C along with one or more other components. 
     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.