Patent Publication Number: US-11388958-B2

Title: Button ornament

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/598,463, filed on Oct. 10, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application No. 62/743,872, filed on Oct. 10, 2018, which is in its entirety incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to novelty or promotional buttons capable of being fastened to or hung on an object. The button includes an insert that includes an integral tab with an aperture. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Novelty and promotional buttons with text and/or graphics are widely used for promotional purposes. Conventional buttons include a front plate made of metal or plastic and a button back that are secured at the rear of the front plate. The text and/or graphics are engraved or printed on the front plate or are printed onto a sheet that overlies or is laminated to the front plate. Optionally, a transparent film or sheet is placed over the text and/or graphics. Edges of the front plate are usually folded back to form a circumferential rim that can be crimped over the button back to secure it in place or crimped in such a way to secure an insert in place. 
     SUMMARY 
     In a first aspect, disclosed is a button. The button includes a front plate having a circumferential rim and a recess disposed at a rear surface thereof; an insert positioned within the recess, the insert comprising a horizontal projection and a vertically-extending projection; and a tab that is integral to and extends from the insert. 
     In a second aspect, disclosed is a button. The button includes a front plate having a circumferential rim and a recess disposed at a rear surface thereof; a button back comprising an opening that extends from a front surface thereof to a rear surface thereof; and a tab integral to the button back. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a rear view of a button with an extended tab. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the button of  FIG. 1  with a graphic layer. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a button with a non-extended tab and graphic layer. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of the button of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of a circular insert with an integral tab. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the insert of  FIG. 5  with a score at the point of intersection of the tab and insert. 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of a button without text, graphics, or a graphic layer. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the button of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of a button with a partially extended tab. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the button of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11A  is a front view of a button. 
         FIG. 11B  is a back view of the button of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of a button with a button back. 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of a button back. 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of a button back with a score. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the button back of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16A  is a side view of the button back of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16B  is a side view of the section A of  FIG. 16A . 
         FIG. 17  is a back perspective view of the button back of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 18  is a back perspective view of the button back of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of the button back of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 20  is a front perspective view of the button back of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 21  is a front view of the button of  FIG. 3  with an extended tab and attachment means. 
         FIG. 22  is a back view of the button of  FIG. 3  with an attachment means. 
         FIG. 23  is a back view of the button of  FIG. 3  with an attachment means. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Herein, when a range such as 5-25 (or 5 to 25) is given, this means preferably at least 5 and, separately and independently, preferably not more than 25. 
       FIGS. 1 and 4  illustrate a rear view of a button  100 . The button  100  includes a plate  101  that includes a front surface  102  (shown in  FIG. 7 ), a rear surface  103 , a circumferential rim  104  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) that extends rearward and defines a recess  105  formed at the rear surface  103  of the plate  101 . A circular insert  118  with an integral tab  108  is positioned within the recess  105 . The tab  108  includes an aperture  110 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a back face of one embodiment of the circular insert  118 . In other embodiments, the insert  118  can be any shape that is complimentary to the shape of the button  100  and/or the rim  104 , such as square, rectangular, triangular, etc. The tab  108  is integral to the insert  118  such that the tab  108  and the insert  118  are made of a single piece of material, such as metal or plastic. In this embodiment, the insert  118  includes a horizontal projection  115  and a vertically-extending projection  116  that create an angle, such as an L-shape, at the point of intersection  117 . The horizontal projection  115  is flush with the rear edge of the circumferential rim  104 . In one example shown in  FIG. 5 , the vertically-extending projection  116  includes a linear segment  119  that intersects the horizontal projection  115  at a 90° angle, and an angled segment  120  that is directed at an angle from the linear segment  119 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a front view of the insert  118  with a score  112  at the intersection between the tab  108  and the insert  118 . The score  112  can facilitate movement of the tab  108  to extend the tab  108  beyond the diameter of the button  100 , as opposed to radially inward from the rim  104 . For example,  FIG. 8  shows a side view of the button  100  with the tab  108  in a first position, while  FIG. 9  shows the tab  108  partially extended away from the rear surface  103  of the plate  101  in a second position.  FIG. 10  shows the tab  108  extended in a third position that is parallel with the button, or approximately 180° from the first position. The tab  108  can be retained in a position more or less than 180° based on the malleability of material used to prepare the insert  118  and tab  108 . In some embodiments, the score  112  extends the entire width of the tab  108 . In other embodiments, the score  112  extends along a portion of the width of the tab  108  or intermittently extends along the width of the tab  108 . Other embodiments may not include a score  112 . In yet other embodiments, the tab  108  includes more than one score at different location along the tab  108 . For example, other embodiments may include 2, 3, or 4 scores  112 . In yet another embodiment, the tab  108  is in the extended position but is not foldable. In this embodiment, the tab  108  extends from the outer circumference of the insert  118  but does not include a score at the junction of the tab  108  and the insert  118 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the aperture  110  can be used to attach the button  100  with attachment means  130 , such as thread, rope, string, cord, wire, or hook. The aperture  110  may be circular, triangular, rectangular, or any other shape suitable for receiving the attachment means.  FIG. 21  shows a button  100  with a tab  108  in an extended position and an attachment means  130 . 
     Typically, the insert  118  has an overall lateral dimension that is smaller than the corresponding dimension of the plate  101 . This allows the insert  118  to be received in the recess  105  defined at the rear of the plate  101  and to be crimped by the circumferential rim  304  thereof. The lateral dimension of the linear segment  119  measures from 65 mm to 105 mm, preferably from 75 mm to 95 mm, more preferably from 80 mm to 90 mm, and most preferably from 83 mm to 85 mm. The lateral dimension of the angled segment  120  measures from 65 mm to 105 mm, preferably from 75 mm to 95 mm, more preferably from 80 mm to 90 mm, and most preferably from 84 mm to 86 mm. The angled segment  120  has an angle of from 0° to 90°, preferably from 5° to 45°, more preferably from 10° to 25°, and most preferably from 18° to 20° relative to the linear segment  119 . The longitudinal dimension of the insert  118  measures from 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 1.5 mm to 4 mm, more preferably from 2 mm to 3 mm, and most preferably from 2.5 mm to 2.9 mm. The longitudinal dimension of the linear segment  119  measures from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, more preferably from 0.9 to 2 mm, and most preferably from 1.1 to 1.3 mm. The lateral dimension (i.e. diameter when button back  201  is circular) of the aperture  110  measures from 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 8 mm, more preferably from 3 mm to 7 mm, and most preferably from 4 mm to 6 mm. The lateral dimension of the tab  108  measures from 5 mm to 20 mm, preferably from 8 mm to 17 mm, more preferably from 11 to 14 mm, and most preferably from 12 mm to 13 mm. The distance from the middle of the insert  118  to the middle of the aperture  110  measures from 15 mm to 45 mm, preferably from 20 mm to 40 mm, more preferably from 25 mm to 30 mm, and most preferably from 28 mm to 30 mm. 
     In another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12 , a button  200  includes a front plate  301  with a front surface  302 , a rear surface  303 , a circumferential rim  304  that extends rearward and defines a recess  305  formed at the rear surface of the plate  301 , and a button back  201  (shown in  FIGS. 14-20 ). The button back  201  includes a front surface  202  (shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 ) and a rear surface  203  (shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 ). In one embodiment, the button back  201  is disposed in the recess of the plate  301 , wherein the button back front surface  202  is arranged flush with the rear edge of the circumferential rim  304 . Once the button back  201  is arranged in this manner, the circumferential rim  304  may be crimped over the perimeter edge of the button back  201  to secure the button back  201  within the recess  305  of the plate  301 . The button back  201  may be prepared from a paper, plastic, or metal. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the button back  201  includes an integral tab  208  that can pivot or extend outward from the button back rear surface  203  to assist in fastening or hanging the button  200  to or on an object. The tab  208  is positioned within a cutout  216  of the button back  201 . The cutout  216  surrounds a majority, but not all, of the tab  208 , so that the tab  208  remains connected to the button back  201 . Further, the tab  208  includes an aperture  210  that is capable of receiving attachment means, such as a thread, rope, string, cord, wire, or hook. The aperture  210  may be a circular, triangular, rectangular, or any other shape suitable for receiving the attachment means. 
       FIGS. 14 and 19  show a front view of the button back  201  with a score  212  at the intersection between the tab  208  and the button back  201 . The score  212  can facilitate movement of the tab  208  to extend the tab  208  beyond the diameter of the button  200 , as opposed to radially inward from the rim  304 . The tab  208  can be retained in a position more or less than 180° based on the malleability of material used to prepare the button back  201  and tab  208 . In some embodiments, the score  212  extends the entire width of the tab  208 . In other embodiments, the score  212  extends along a portion of the width of the tab  208  or intermittently extends along the width of the tab  208 . Other embodiments may not include a score  212 . In yet other embodiments, the tab  208  includes more than one score at different location along the tab  208 . For example, other embodiments may include 2, 3, or 4 scores  212 . In yet another embodiment, the tab  208  is in the extended position but is not foldable. In this embodiment, the tab  208  extends from the outer circumference of the insert  118  but does not include a score at the junction of the tab  108  and the insert  118 . 
     Typically the button back  201  has an overall lateral dimension that is smaller than the corresponding dimension of the front plate  301 . This allows the button back  201  to be received in the recess  305  defined at the rear of the front plate  301  and to be crimped by the circumferential rim  304  thereof. Shown in  FIGS. 15, 16A, and 16B , the button back  201  includes a vertically-extending projection  217 . In one example shown in  FIG. 16B , the vertically-extending projection  217  includes a linear segment  219  that intersects the rear surface  203  at a 90° angle, and an angled segment  220  that is directed at an angle from the linear segment  219 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a front view of a button back  201 . In one embodiment, D 1  is the furthest point of the cutout from the center of the button which measures from 37 mm to 40.5 mm, preferably from 37.5 mm to 40 mm, more preferably from 38 mm to 39.5 mm, and most preferably from 38.5 mm to 39 mm. The lateral dimension D 2  of the tab  208  measures from 5 mm to 20 mm, preferably from 8 mm to 17 mm, more preferably from 11 to 14 mm, and most preferably from 12 mm to 13 mm. The distance D 3  from the middle of the button back  201  to the middle of the aperture  210  measures from 10 mm to 35 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 30 mm, more preferably from 20 mm to 25 mm, and most preferably from 22 mm and 23 mm. The distance D 4  between the middle of the button back  201  and the bottom of the tab  208  measures from 5 mm to 25 mm, preferably from 10 mm to 20 mm, more preferably from 12 mm to 18 mm, and most preferably from 14 mm to 15 mm. The lateral dimension D 5  of the cutout  216  measures between 10 mm and 30 mm, preferably from 14 mm to 25 mm, more preferably from 16 mm to 20 mm, and most preferably from 18 mm to 19 mm. The lateral dimension D 6  of the button back  201  measures from 65 mm to 105 mm, preferably from 75 mm to 95 mm, more preferably from 80 mm to 90 mm, and most preferably from 84 mm to 86 mm. The lateral dimension D 7  of the aperture  210  measures from 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 8 mm, more preferably from 3 mm to 7 mm, and most preferably from 4 mm to 6 mm.  FIG. 15  shows a side view of the button back  201 . The lateral dimension D 8  of the button back  201  from the linear segment  219  measures from 65 mm to 105 mm, preferably from 75 mm to 95 mm, more preferably from 80 mm to 90 mm, and most preferably from 83 mm to 85 mm. 
       FIGS. 16A and 16B  show a side view of the button back  201 . The longitudinal dimension D 9  of the button back  201  measures from 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 1.5 mm to 4 mm, more preferably from 2 mm to 3 mm, and most preferably from 2.5 mm to 2.9 mm. The longitudinal dimension D 10  of the linear segment  219  measures from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, more preferably from 0.9 to 2 mm, and most preferably from 1.1 to 1.3 mm. The angled segment D 11  has an angle of from 0° to 90°, preferably from 5° to 45°, more preferably from 10° to 25°, and most preferably from 18° to 20° relative to the linear segment. 
     The plate  101 ,  301  may be substantially flat or slightly domed. The plate  101 ,  301  includes front surfaces  102 ,  302 , rear surfaces  103 ,  303 , and a circumferential rim  104 ,  304  that extends rearward and defines a recess  105 ,  305  formed at the rear surface  103 ,  303  of the plate  101 ,  301 . The plate  101 ,  301  may be prepared from paper, plastic, or metal, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals. In one embodiment the plate  101 ,  301  is stamped from sheet metal. In another embodiment the plate  101 ,  301  is injection molded from plastic. 
     Text and/or graphics may be engraved or printed on the plate front surface  102 ,  302 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 3, and 12 , the plate  101 ,  301  can also support supports a graphic layer  401 ,  501  (such as printed paper or plastic) that includes the text and/or graphics for display. The button  100 ,  200  can include a transparent film (not shown) to protect the text and/or graphics. The transparent film (when present) is disposed over (e.g. laminated to) the graphic layer  401 ,  501  or the plate front surface  102 ,  302 . In another embodiment, both sides of the graphic layer  401 ,  501  are laminated with a transparent film. The transparent film is made from a conventional clear plastic material. 
     Optionally, the button  100 ,  200  includes a textured, soft-touch matte finish, such as that of velvet or suede, on the plate front surface  102 ,  302  through which indicia printed or applied thereon is visible. In another embodiment, the button  100 ,  200  includes a textured, soft-touch matte finish on the graphic layer  401 ,  501 . 
     Optionally, the button  100 ,  200  includes a glossy finish on the plate front surface  102 ,  302  through which indicia printed or applied thereon is visible. In another embodiment, the button  100 ,  200  includes a glossy finish on the graphic layer  401 ,  501 . 
     Once the individual components are assembled, they are inserted into a crimping press where they are pressed together with the plate  101 , optional graphic layer  401  and transparent layer overwrapping the circumferential rim  104 , and the insert  118 . In an alternative embodiment, once the individual components are assembled, they are inserted into a crimping press where they are pressed together with the plate  301 , optional graphic layer  501  and transparent layer overwrapping the circumferential rim  304 , and the button back  201 . 
     Although the illustrated embodiments show circular buttons, the novelty and promotional buttons may be in any shape, including triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, ellipses, and crescents. In desirable embodiments the button  100 ,  200  is a novelty item having a diameter of approximately three inches, less preferably a diameter of approximately two to four inches, even less preferably a diameter of approximately one to six inches. However, other dimensions and diameters can be used. 
     While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the claims.