Patent Publication Number: US-9844245-B1

Title: Two part button system with a snap-on decorative top piece

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND—FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to closures and decorative accessories for apparel/fabric, specifically to a two part button system allowing a secure and easy snap-on/snap-off action between a decorative top piece and a button base member, after the base member has been attached to fabric/apparel. When they are in their usable positions with respect to one another, the top piece and base member have opposed perimeter configurations that create a small crevice between them. Connection of the decorative top piece to the button base member is secure during use, with separation and removal of the top piece from the base member occurring only when a combined compressing and upward prying force is applied in the crevice, allowing the top piece thereafter to be easily and promptly lifted away from the base member and optionally replaced by a substitute top piece that changes the button system appearance. Also, since the present invention has a button base member that is nearly indistinguishable in form and function from a traditional solitaire button, except for the slight downwardly-narrowing sloped wall leading to an inset groove at the base of its recessed thread pan, when desired and as an alternative fashion statement, the button base member may be worn without the attachment of a decorative top piece. The options for decorative top pieces are unlimited, allowing for a traditional looking and functioning base member that is connected to fabric/apparel in the usual fashion, but also able one-at-a-time to accept numerous and various decorative top pieces as desired and changed at will. 
     BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     The two part button system of the present invention may include many alternatively used snap-on/snap-off decorative top pieces with its button base member in apparel and fabric applications, and is a fashionable way to enhance one&#39;s personal style. It solves problems associated with the current time consuming and complicated process of sewing new buttons onto fabric or apparel to change the color or look of one&#39;s clothing. Furthermore, neither the ‘slip-over’ or ‘slip-on’ temporary decorative button covers currently available in the prior art, nor the more permanent and difficult to remove decorative button pieces also available, allow for the continuity of function/utility, or the ease of style change, in the same manner and with the same structure that is provided by the present invention. 
     The closest prior art relating to the present invention appears to be disclosed in the published U.S. Patent Application 20080244873A1 filed by Yamashita. However, there are many important differences between the Yamashita invention and the present invention, which include the following. The button design incorporated as a part of the present invention allows for prompt and easy use of its two part snap-on/snap-off system, with ease of use provided during the steps of decorative top piece attachment as well as detachment, while the Yamashita invention provides easy attachment of its top ornamented part  20 , but purposefully difficult detachment thereof. A small angular crevice is formed between the opposed perimeter edges of the decorative top piece and button base member of the present invention when they are in their usable positions with respect to one another, and allows ease of separation between them when a combined compressing and upward prying force is applied within the crevice. The compressing/prying force pinches the fenestrated and domed angular insertion protrusion of the present invention decorative top pieces into a sufficiently collapsed/contracted configuration for it to pass through the slight downwardly-narrowing and upwardly-widening inner sloped wall for release of decorative top piece from the present invention button base member, which is much different from known permanent closure systems. No crevice or inter-space between its top ornamented part  20  and its bottom part  30  is visible in the Yamashita drawing sheets, and no such crevice or interspace is mentioned in the Yamashita specification. Also, the present invention has a button base member that is nearly indistinguishable in form and function from a traditional solitaire button, except for the slight downwardly-narrowing inner sloped wall leading to a substantially hidden inset groove at the base of its recessed thread pan. If one chooses to adorn it with a decorative top piece, the outwardly flared bottom edge of the fenestrated, domed, and angular insertion protrusion of the decorative top piece slides along and downwardly beyond a downwardly-narrowing inner sloped wall into the angled inset groove of the recessed thread pan with the correct flex that allows the fenestrated, domed, and angular insertion protrusion to first compress for entry into the groove and then regain an expanded configuration while it remains in the groove to maintain the decorative top piece securely connected to the button base member until deliberately released by a combined compressing and upward prying force applied to the perimeter crevice existing between the top piece and the base member. Thus, it is a portion of the decorative top piece in the present invention that flexes in both inward and outward directions respectively during connection and separation of its two parts, and not its button base member. Distinctively different structure exists in the Yamashita invention. Both of the embodiments for a separable ornamented button presented in the Yamashita disclosure have similar semi-permanent attachment mechanisms that result in difficult detachment, alternatively involving the inward pressing of the protrusion  33  on bottom body  30  (see paragraph 0034 of the Yamashita disclosure) or the outward spreading of the protrusion  33 ′ on bottom body  30 ′ (see paragraph 0043 of the Yamashita disclosure). In contrast, it is the distinguishable angular approach used in the present invention, involving the flexing of a portion of its decorative top piece during connection of its outwardly flared bottom edge to the angled inset groove of the button base member that as guided by the downwardly-narrowing inner sloped wall yields the appropriate tension between its two parts needed for a secure connection between them, until combined compressing and upward prying forces release and allow deliberate separation by the user. 
     Another invention having some relevance to the present invention is the German patent DE 19738263 (A1) issued 1999 Mar. 4 to Horst Harrer for a button used with an exchangeable front part. The Harrer invention comprises a button ( 1 ) with a central front opening surrounded by a circumferential bead ( 3 ), and this front opening communicating with a groove ( 4 ) located under the bead  3 . The decorative front element ( 2 ) of the Harrer invention has a cylindrical part ( 5 ) of a smaller diameter than its exposed decorative surface, and this cylindrical part ( 5 ) is hidden from view when button ( 1 ) and the decorative front element ( 2 ) are connected to one another. A resilient outer lip ( 6 ) is circumferentially located around the lower edge of the cylindrical part ( 5 ) which can be positioned in the groove ( 4 ) of button ( 1 ) to fix the decorative front element ( 2 ) to the button ( 1 ). As the cylindrical part ( 5 ) of the decorative front element ( 2 ) is aligned with the circumferential bead ( 3 ) of the Harrer button ( 1 ), and decorative front element ( 2 ) is pressed toward button ( 1 ), portions of the resilient outer lip ( 6 ) on the lower exterior edge of cylindrical part ( 5 ) temporarily stretch, roll, and/or otherwise deform until resilient outer lip ( 6 ) moves past circumferential bead ( 3 ) and into groove ( 4 ), after which resilient outer lip ( 6 ) regains its original configuration that allows it to remain in groove ( 4 ) for connection of decorative front element ( 2 ) from button ( 1 ). Removal of the Harrer decorative front element ( 2 ) from button ( 1 ) involves portions of the resilient outer lip ( 6 ) again temporarily deforming until resilient outer lip ( 6 ) moves upwardly past circumferential bead ( 3 ) and away from button ( 1 ), and once beyond bead ( 3 ) resilient outer lip ( 6 ) thereafter regain its original configuration. The present invention is distinguishable from the Harrer invention as the present invention comprises of a button base member that is nearly indistinguishable in form and function from a traditional solitaire button. Detachment of the present invention decorative top piece is also different from the Harrer invention, occurring as a result of combined compressing and upward prying forces applied under the decorative top piece within a crevice formed between the decorative top piece and the button base member when they are joined, and with present invention detachment further occurring as a result of the fenestrated and domed angular insertion protrusion flexing inward into an at least partially collapsed configuration in response to the compressing/prying force so that the compressed configuration of the fenestrated and domed angular insertion protrusion can again move upwardly beyond the downwardly-narrowing/upwardly-widening sloped wall passage and then also beyond the central opening of the button base member. The cylindrical part ( 5 ) of the decorative front element ( 2 ) in the Harrer invention does not flex, instead its protruding circumferential resilient member ( 6 ) stretches and flattens into a thinner configuration allowing it and the attached/rigid lower portion of cylindrical part ( 5 ) to move past circumferential bead ( 3 ) toward button ( 1 ) for connection of decorative front element ( 2 ) to button ( 1 ). In the reverse, during attachment of a decorative top piece in the present invention, its flexing fenestrated and domed angular insertion protrusion is compressed and pushed through the slight downwardly-narrowing sloped wall passage (not a circumferential bead) leading to the inset groove of the button base member, and after reaching the angled inset groove in communication with the button base member&#39;s recessed thread pan the flexing fenestrated and domed angular insertion protrusion regains its expanded configuration that creates an outward expansion force that securely holds the decorative top piece to the button base member. Upward pulling on the present invention decorative top piece will not release it from its connected button base member. In contrast, an upward pulling force applied to the Harrer decorative front element ( 2 ) will cause its resilient outer lip ( 6 ) to deform, allowing decorative front element ( 2 ) to separate from its attached button ( 1 ). The fenestrated and domed angular protrusion of the present invention enhances/assists the easy separation of the present invention decorative top piece from its connected button base member by flexing inward in response to a combined compressing and upward prying force for prompt and easy decorative top piece detachment. This is in direct contrast to the structure of the Harrer invention, which has a cylindrical part ( 5 ) that is solidly round, thus providing no outward, or inward, flexing of cylindrical part ( 5 ) that eases attachment or separation of its decorative front element ( 2 ) and button ( 1 ). The downwardly-narrowing sloped wall used in the present invention is also different in configuration from that of the circumferential bead ( 3 ) used in Harrer invention, further distancing the present invention structure from that in the Harrer invention. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The primary objective of this invention is to create a traditional looking button with a decorative top piece option that can be easily and securely affixed, exchanged, or removed when desired without changing the overall form or function of the button base member. 
     Another objective is to allow a variety of options for the decorative top pieces other than solid surfaces, such as, but not limited to: fabric, wood, shell, gemstones, plastics, glass, and metals. 
     It is also an objective of this invention to provide an easy snap-on/snap-off function between its top piece and button base member that relies on prompt separation thereof upon demand through use of a tool or utensil applying a combined compressing and upward prying force in the slight crevice formed between the opposed perimeter edges of its two parts when they become connected to one another in their desired positions of use and the button base member is secured to apparel or other support surface. 
     It is a further objective of this invention for tension to be created by the fenestrated, domed, and angular insertion protrusion of its decorative top piece, while it is flexing and sliding inward to an inset groove in the button base member at the bottom of its recessed thread pan, to secure its two button parts together until intentionally separated by the user. 
     Yet another objective of this invention is to create a button system of durable construction for longevity, and a comfortable shape to hold, or use, during operation with or without the decorative top piece. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded side view in cross-section of the most preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the snap-on/snap-off decorative top piece poised for connection to the button base member. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the button base member in the most preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a decorative top piece joined to a button base member in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, and shows the most preferred positioning and configuration for one example of the slight perimeter crevice used in separation of the decorative top piece from the button base member. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one example of a tool that can be placed into the slight perimeter crevice between the decorative top piece and the button base member to apply a combined compressing and upward prying force to release the decorative top piece from the button base member. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view of the most preferred embodiment of the invention showing the decorative top piece connected to the button base member. 
     
    
    
     COMPONENT LIST 
     
         
           1 —Present invention two-part button system 
           2 —Decorative top piece 
           3 —Perforations/fenestrations 
           4 —Fenestrated and domed angular insertion protrusion 
           5 —Downwardly-narrowing sloped inner wall of button base member  8   
           6 —Inset groove within recessed thread pan  10   
           7 —Holes in button base member  8  for thread or other attachment means 
           8 —Button base member 
           9 —Crevice 
           10 —Recessed thread pan 
           11 —Compressing/Prying tool (example) 
           12 —Compressing/Prying edges of tool  11   
           13 —Underside perimeter surface of decorative top piece  2  creating top surface of crevice  9   
           14 —Top perimeter surface of button base member  8  creating bottom surface of crevice  9   
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention  1  is a two part button system allowing a secure and easy snap-on/snap-off action between a decorative top piece  2  and a button base member  8 , after the button base member  8  has been attached to fabric/apparel (not shown). When they are in their usable positions with respect to one another, the decorative top piece  2  and the button base member  8  have opposed perimeter configurations that create a small/slight crevice  9  between them, defined by the straight or slightly angled underside perimeter surface  13  of decorative top piece  2  and the angled top perimeter surface  14  of button base member  8 . Connection of the decorative top piece  2  to the button base member  8  is secure during use, with separation and removal of the decorative top piece  2  from the button base member  8  nearly impossible without a combined compressing and upward prying force applied in crevice  9 , thereafter allowing the decorative top piece  2  to be easily and promptly lifted away from the button base member  8  and optionally replaced by a substitute top piece  2  that changes present invention button system  1  appearance. Also, since the present invention  1  has a button base member  8  that is nearly indistinguishable in form and function from a traditional solitaire button (not shown), except for the downwardly-narrowing sloped wall  5  leading to an inset groove  6  at the base of its recessed thread pan  10 , when desired and as an alternative fashion statement, the button base member  8  may be worn without the attachment of a decorative top piece  2 . The design options for decorative top pieces  2  are unlimited, allowing for a traditional looking and functioning base member that is connected to fabric/apparel in the usual fashion to be used alone, but also able one-at-a-time to accept numerous and varied decorative top pieces  2  as desired and changed at will. 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded side view in cross-section of the most preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the snap-on/snap-off decorative top piece  2  poised for connection to the button base member  8 , while  FIG. 5  shows a side view in cross-section of decorative top piece  2  connected to the button base member  8 .  FIG. 2  is a top view of the button base member  8  showing multiple thread/attachment holes  7  through its recessed thread pan  10 .  FIG. 3  is a side view of a decorative top piece  2  joined to a button base member  8  in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention  1  and creating the slight crevice  9  into which a tool or utensil (such as but not limited to that shown in  FIG. 4  and identified by the number  11 ) can be used to easily apply a combined compressing and upward prying force to release decorative top piece  2  from button base member  8 . The straight (substantially horizontally-extending) or slightly upwardly-angled underside perimeter surface  13  of decorative top piece  2  and the angled top perimeter surface  14  of button base member  8  defining crevice  9  are respectively shown in  FIGS. 1, 3, and 5 . Until deliberately released by a user (not shown), decorative top piece  2  and button base member  8  stay firmly connected to one another even when subjected to inadvertent contact or an upward pulling force applied to decorative top piece  2 , avoiding casual release and unplanned loss of decorative top pieces  2  during use.  FIG. 1  shows decorative top piece  2  having a fenestrated and domed angular insertion protrusion  4 , the flexing capability of which is provided in part by angled perforations  3 . However, fenestrated and domed angular insertion protrusion  4  also preferably comprises material creating an outward spring force when inserted into the inset groove  6  of the recessed thread pan  10  of button base member  8  to further assist in securely holding decorative top piece  2  in its desired position of use until removed by a combined compressing and upward prying force applied to slight crevice  9 . 
       FIG. 1  also shows the angled inset groove  6  adjacent to the recessed thread pan  10  of the button base member  8  into which the fenestrated and domed angular insertion protrusion  4  of the decorative top piece  2  is snapped, including its outwardly flared bottom edge of the fenestrated and domed angular insertion protrusion  4  automatically expanding after initially being received by, and then moving downwardly beyond, the downwardly-narrowing sloped inner wall  5  of the button base member  8 . In  FIG. 2  the recessed thread pan  10  of the button base member  8  is shown as having four thread/attachment holes  7  used for threaded or other attachment of the button base member  8  to fabric/apparel (not shown). However, the size, number, placement, and relative positioning of holes  7  shown in  FIG. 2  are not critical, and merely provided as an example. Also, rounded corners of the button base member  8  are preferred as generally shown in  FIGS. 1, 3, and 5 , but not critical. Materials for decorative top piece  2  could include, but are not limited to fabric, wood, gemstones, metals, glass, shell, and plastics. Furthermore, materials for button base member  8  could include, but are not limited to metal, plastics, glass, shell, wood, and gemstones. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one example of the configuration of a tool  11  with opposing prying edges  12  that can be placed into the slight crevice  9  between the decorative top piece  2  and the button base member  8  and used to apply a combined compressing and upward prying force to cause inward flexing of the fenestrated and domed angular insertion protrusion  4  for release of decorative top piece  2  from button base member  8 . To use the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, one would first sew/attach the button base member  8  to the fabric/apparel, or another support surface (not shown). Then if one chooses, a decorative top piece  2  may be snapped into place, easily, promptly, and without use of a tool  11 , or other tool/utensil (not shown). 
     While the written description of the invention herein is intended to enable one of ordinary skill to make and use its best mode, it should also be appreciated that the invention disclosure only provides examples of specific embodiments and methods, and many variations, combinations, and equivalents also exist which are not specifically mentioned. The present invention should therefore not be considered as limited to the above-described embodiments, methods, and examples, or the language in the accompanying Abstract, but instead encompassing all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.