Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a system and an apparatus for providing a unique decorative phone accessory and, more particularly, to a system and an apparatus for securing one or more decorative and/or novelty accessories to a telephone handset in a manner that does not impede, and preferably improves, the ease and comfort associated with such handset usage. According to the present disclosure, a telephone accessory is provided that has three basic features or structural aspects. First, a securement member or mechanism is provided for detachably securing the remainder of the telephone accessory to a telephone handset. Second, an attachment member or mechanism is provided that facilitates detachably attaching a decorative item or member to the securement member or mechanism. And third, a decorative item or member is provided that may be detachably attached to the attachment member or mechanism, which is in turn attached to the securement member or mechanism. As disclosed herein, a variety of approaches and structures are contemplated for achieving a telephone accessory that realizes the aforesaid features and structural aspects.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates to a system and an apparatus for providing a unique decorative phone accessory and, more particularly, to a system and an apparatus for securing one or more decorative and/or novelty accessories to a telephone handset in a manner that does not impede, and preferably improves, the ease and comfort associated with such handset usage. 
     2. Background of Related Art 
     In the years since the telephone was first commercialized, a variety of handsets have been developed, each aimed at addressing a specifically perceived consumer need. Despite the diversity of handset designs, telephone handsets generally share certain structural features. For example, telephone handsets generally include a speaker spaced apart from a microphone by a handset body. The length and geometry of the handset body is generally selected to optimize the spacing of the speaker and microphone, and to provide ease and comfort in gripping the handset, based on typical human anatomies. Moreover, the surface features of the handset body, e.g., texture, rounded edges, etc., are generally selected to provide enhanced comfort and visual aesthetics. 
     Many telephone handsets are connected by a cord to a telephone base. Such telephone base/handset units may be stationary, e.g., within a home or office, or mobile, e.g., within a car or plane. The cord is generally detachably connected to the handset and the phone base using conventional snap fit connectors adapted to fit within cooperative receptacles. Electrical connections are typically achieved through interaction between wires within the snap fit connector and corresponding electronic posts within the receptacle. Typically, the phone cord attaches to the handset adjacent the microphone. As a general matter, the phone cord does not attach to the handset body in the region between the speaker and the microphone so as to minimize interference with the gripping of the handset. 
     The handset is typically sized to fit within a cooperative cavity formed in the phone base or to rest on a frame or “hook” projecting from the base. In either case, placement of the phone handset within the cooperative cavity or on the projecting frame/hook generally depresses a movable element that cooperates with a switch. Depression of the movable element serves to “hang up” the telephone, i.e., disconnect an existing telephonic communication (unless a speaker associated with the base has been activated). 
     An alternative phone handset is cordless. Cordless telephone handsets may be adapted to communicate with a telephone base located in proximity to the cordless handset, e.g., within a room or building. Alternatively, the cordless handset may be fully mobile, e.g., utilizing satellite, cellular or other wireless technology. Cordless handsets generally include a plurality of buttons formed in or on the handset body, e.g., between the speaker and the microphone, to facilitate dialing and other communicative functions. In addition, a switch for disconnecting a telephonic communication is generally provided on the cordless phone handset, e.g., adjacent the buttons. Many portable phones include hinged bodies that permit a reduction in size when not in use. Thus, the cordless phone handset permits a user to perform most telephonic functions independent of, or remotely from, a telephone base. 
     Phone “cradles” or “shoulder rests” have been developed to facilitate a user&#39;s freedom of movement while speaking on the telephone. Thus, a typical phone cradle or shoulder rest is designed to be used in conjunction with a handset body and may be formed integral with the handset. Cradles/shoulder rests generally cooperate with the side of the handset body opposite the exposed speaker and microphone faces. A typical cradle/shoulder rest includes a curvilinear face designed to cooperate with a user&#39;s shoulder, thereby permitting the handset to be more easily captured between a user&#39;s ear and shoulder. In this way, both hands of a user may be freed for other purposes. 
     Telephones are found in nearly every home, office, and workplace, in cars, planes and trains, and in pockets, purses and briefcases. Individuals spend countless hours dialing, answering and speaking on the phone. Despite the prevalence of telephones in today&#39;s society, little has been done to customize and/or personalize exterior aspects of the telephone. To the extent novelty phones have been developed, the general approach has been to form the entire telephone base/handset into a decorative shape, e.g., a football helmet or other novel shape. Such decorative shapes, once selected, are permanent. Moreover, few decorative phone choices are provided and those choices that are available may not be desirable for particular settings or for long periods of time. 
     Based on the foregoing, a need exists for a system and an apparatus offering a unique phone accessory that does not impede the ease and comfort associated with handset usage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to the present disclosure, a telephone accessory is provided that has three basic features or structural aspects. First, a securement member or mechanism is provided for detachably securing the remainder of the telephone accessory to a telephone handset. Second, an attachment member or mechanism is provided that facilitates detachably attaching a decorative item or member to the securement member or mechanism. And third, a decorative item or member is provided that may be detachably attached to the attachment member or mechanism, which is in turn attached to the securement member or mechanism. As disclosed herein, a variety of approaches and structures are contemplated for achieving a telephone accessory that realizes the aforesaid features and structural aspects. 
     Thus, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, a securement member, an attachment member, and a decorative member are provided. The securement member is adapted to be detachably connected to a telephone handset. The securement member typically includes a securement body and at least one cooperative element that extends from the securement body to facilitate detachable connection to the telephone handset. A variety of cooperative elements are contemplated, as described in greater detail with reference to the preferred embodiments set forth below. 
     An attachment member or mechanism is also typically provided that may be associated with the securement body to facilitate engagement of the decorative member to the securement member. The attachment member may take a variety of structural forms, as discussed herein. Decorative members for use with the telephone accessory of the present disclosure may also take a variety of forms. Thus, novelty items based on animals, sports figures, cartoon figures, and the like are contemplated for use herewith. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
     To assist those of ordinary skill in the art in appreciating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, reference is made to the figures appended hereto in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a side view of aspects of a first embodiment of a telephone accessory according to the present disclosure that is detachably connected to a phone handset; 
     FIG. 2 is a plan view of the embodiment of the present disclosure depicted in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded plan view of a clip member adapted to cooperate with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of aspects of an alternative embodiment of a telephone accessory according to the present disclosure that is detachably connected to a phone handset; 
     FIG. 5 is a partial side view of the designated portion of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 4, partially in cross section; 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded view of aspects of the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5; 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of aspects of a further embodiment of a telephone accessory according to the present disclosure that is detachably connected to a phone handset; 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded view of aspects of the further embodiment of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 is a side view of aspects of a further alternative embodiment of a telephone accessory according to the present disclosure that is detachably connected to a phone handset; 
     FIG. 10 is a partial side view of the designated portion of the further alternative embodiment of FIG. 9, partially in cross section; 
     FIG. 11 is an exploded view of aspects of the further alternative embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10; 
     FIGS. 12 and 12 a  are side views of aspects of an alternative embodiment of a telephone accessory according to the present disclosure that is detachably connected to a first and second phone handsets; 
     FIG. 13 is an exploded view of aspects of the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 12 a;    
     FIGS. 13 a - 13   e  are plan views of alternative embodiments of certain aspects of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of aspects of a further embodiment of a telephone accessory according to the present disclosure that is detachably connected to a phone handset; 
     FIG. 15 is an exploded view of aspects of the further embodiment of FIG. 14 of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 16 is a side view of aspects of an additional embodiment of a telephone accessory according to the present disclosure that is detachably connected to a phone handset; 
     FIG. 17 is an exploded view of aspects of the additional embodiment of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 18 is a side view of aspects of an alternative embodiment of a telephone accessory according to the present disclosure that is detachably connected to a phone handset; 
     FIG. 19 is an exploded view of aspects of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 18; 
     FIG. 20 is a plan view of a telephone handset with the placement of an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure depicted in phantom; 
     FIG. 21 is a plan view of an aspect of a telephone accessory of the present disclosure that corresponds to the phantom depiction of FIG. 20; 
     FIG. 22 is a plan view of an aspect of a telephone accessory of the present disclosure that may function with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 23 is a plan view of an exemplary decorative element of the present disclosure that may function with various embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
     FIGS. 24-27 are exploded plan views depicting various interactive aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     According to the present disclosure, a unique system and apparatus are provided for use with a telephone handset. It is contemplated that the unique system and apparatus of the present disclosure may be used with any type of telephone handset, including without limitation telephone handsets that are joined to a base by cord, cordless handsets, and portable, cellular, satellite or other mobile phone handsets. Generally, the system/apparatus of the present disclosure permits a user to detachably connect a decorative accessory to a phone handset in a manner that does not impede, and preferably improves, the ease and comfort associated with handset usage. An unlimited range and variety of decorative accessories may be provided, and such decorative accessories are preferably interchangeable, thereby providing the user with tremendous freedom in selecting a decorative accessory consistent with his/her mood and surroundings. Thus, the present disclosure advantageously permits customization and/or personalization of a user&#39;s telephone in a non-permanent and convenient manner. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a first embodiment of a telephone accessory securement member  20  of the present disclosure is depicted in cooperation with telephone handset  10 . As is typical of telephone handsets, telephone handset  10  includes a handset body  16  having a microphone (not pictured) in region  12  and a speaker (not pictured) in region  14 . As will be appreciated by a person of skill in the art, the precise geometry, dimensional properties, and aesthetic appearance of telephone handset  10  is easily accommodated by the structural aspects of the telephone accessory of the present disclosure, and therefore such geometric, dimensional and aesthetic aspects of the handset are not limiting on the applicability of the telephone accessory of the present disclosure. 
     In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, telephone accessory securement member  20  includes a body  22  to which is secured a “Velcro” pad  24 . As is well known in the art, typical “Velcro” structures cooperate and engage through interaction between cooperative “hooks” and “loops”. Thus, Velcro pad  24  may feature either the “hook” or “loop” aspect of the Velcro mechanism. In either case, Velcro pad  24  may be joined to body  22  through conventional mounting means, e.g., glue and/or stitching. 
     With particular reference to FIG. 2, body  22  forms a loop  26  extending from one end thereof. Preferably, body  22  is integrally formed with loop  26  and is fabricated from a stretchable material, e.g., a latex rubber. Extending from the opposite end of body  22  is a strap  28 . Joined to strap  28  at interface  31  is a two-sided “Velcro” extension  30 . Two-sided Velcro extension includes a first face  33  that includes “hoops” or “loops,” and a second opposite face  32  that includes the opposite interactive feature, i.e., “loops” or “hooks.” Preferably, Velcro pad  24  and first face  33  feature the same Velcro aspect, i.e., either “loops” or “hooks.” Preferably, region  29  of strap  28  is exposed, i.e., not covered by Velcro extension  30 , to enhance the flexibility of strap  28 . The length of strap  28 /velcro extension  30  is such that a full circling of handset body  16  may be achieved (see FIG. 1) and some degree of overlap between Velcro extension  30  and Velcro pad  24  may be achieved. Thus, Velcro extension  30  becomes detachably secured to Velcro pad  24 . 
     To attach securement member  20  to telephone handset  10 , loop  26  is generally stretched around region  14  of handset  10  and body  22  is laid flat along the relatively flat face of handset body  16  with Velcro pad  24  exposed. The flexibility and relative strength of the material from which loop  26  is fabricated contributes to the secure interaction between securement member  20  and handset  10 . Strap  28 /velcro extension  30  is then wrapped around the midsection of handset body  16  and Velcro face  32  interacts with Velcro pad  24  to secure strap  28 /extension  30  in place. Although the relative dimensions of securement member  20  may vary depending upon such factors as the size of the handset, the size of the Velcro region desired, and the like, in a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, Velcro pad  24  is approximately four inches in length. 
     Referring to FIG. 3, attachment member  34  includes a central body  36  and four locking arms  38  joined to central body  36  by extensions  40 . Extensions  40  are of sufficient length to permit locking arms  38  to pivot to a limited degree relative to central body  36 . At one end of each locking arm  38  is a hook  42  that is adapted to engage cooperative faces  44  of capture plates  46 . A capture plate  46  is preferably provided at each end of central body  36 . Optionally, biasing members, e.g., leaf springs (not pictured) may be provided to bias locking arms  38  into engagement with capture plates  46 , e.g., in the side regions  36   a  on central body  36 . Each capture plate  46  is joined to central body  36  by a living hinge  48 , such that capture plate  46  is adapted to pivot along a line that is perpendicular to the axis defined by extensions  40  about which locking arms  38  are allowed to pivot. A pair of pins  50  extend from central body  36  and adapted to nest within cooperative slots formed in capture plates  46 . Pins  50  are preferably provided with points at the ends that cooperate with slots  52 . 
     Velcro pad(s)  54  are mounted to the “undersurface” of central body  36  to facilitate interaction between attachment member  34  and securement member  20 . Although two Velcro pads  54  are depicted, the number of Velcro pad(s)  54  is a matter of clear design choice in view of the intended function of Velcro pad(s)  54  according to the present disclosure. Thus, it is contemplated that a single Velcro pad  54  of suitable size may be utilized, provided adequate securement between attachment member  34  and securement member  20  is accomplished. As discussed hereinabove, Velcro pad  54  may have “loops” or “hooks” exposed on face(s)  56 . The selection of “loops” or “hooks” may be made based on the prior decision made with respect to Velcro pad  24  on securement member  20 . The underside of central body  36  may be understood as the face toward which living hinge  48  pivots. 
     In use, a decorative element such as dog  360  depicted in FIG. 26, may be captured by attachment member  34 , secured to securement member  20 , and detachably connected to handset  10 . The capture of dog  360  is accomplished by pivoting locking arms  38  relative to extensions  40 , thereby freeing capture plates  46  to pivot relative to living hinges  48  and exposing pins  50  from slots  52 . Oppositely directed pins  50  puncture dog  360 , e.g., at spaced positions along the underside of the dog&#39;s body, and capture plates  46  are moved back into their initial positions, thereby pinching a portion of the dog&#39;s underbelly within slots  52 . Hooks  42  of locking arms  38  engage cooperative faces  44  on capture plates  46 , optionally under the action of biasing members as discussed hereinabove. Once captured within slots  52 , the decorative element is generally prevented from detachment therefrom unless capture plates  46  are freed from hooks  42  and rotated relative to living hinges  48 . 
     Attachment member  34  may be utilized to secure virtually any commercially available fabric or plush character to securement member  20 . Thus, the telephone accessory of the present disclosure may be advantageously employed to detachably secure a host of commonplace decorative elements to a telephone handset  10 . Such flexibility contributes significant flexibility to a user&#39;s selection and interchange of decorative elements. To change decorative elements, the user merely detaches Velcro pad(s)  54  from Velcro pad  24 , pivots locking arms  38  and capture plates  46 , removes the preceding decorative element, and reverses the process. 
     Referring to the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, a telephone accessory securement element  60  is provided that includes a body  62 , a first strap  64  joined to body  62 , e.g., by rivets  66 , and a second strap  68  joined to body  62 , e.g., by rivet  69 . As shown, second strap  68  includes a living hinge  70  such that second strap  70  captures flexible band  72  between respective faces of second strap  70 . In a preferred embodiment of securement member  60 , a suction cup  74  is mounted to second strap  70  adjacent flexible band  72 . As shown in FIG. 5, suction cup  74  includes a stem  76  that extends through an aperture  78  formed in second strap  68  and is secured by knob  80  relative thereto. Suction cup  74  advantageously assists in securing and fixing the relative position of securement member  60  relative to handset  10 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, second strap  68  may be integrally formed with body  62  of securement member  60 , e.g., from a suitable plastic material. Thus, second strap  68  may be allowed to move or pivot relative to body  62  through a region of reduced thickness as shown in FIG. 5 at  82 . Flexible band  72  is preferably fabricated from a stretchable material, e.g., rubber, to facilitate encircling of region  14  of handset  10  (see FIG.  4 ). Flexible band  72  may take the form of a conventional rubber band, provided sufficient wall thickness and width are provided to minimize the likelihood of undesired failure. First strap  64  may be advantageously fabricated from “Velcro” with opposing “hook” and “loop” faces, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Thus, once first strap  64  encircles the midsection of body  16  of handset  10 , the overlap of opposed Velcro faces of strap  64  permits facile detachable securement thereof. 
     Body  62  of securement member  60  is preferably provided with L-shaped side walls  84  that define elongated channels  86 . The height of L-shaped size walls  84  is typically selected to accommodate cooperative engagement with attachment member  90 , as described hereinbelow. An aperture  88  may be provided in body  62 , for reasons also discussed with reference to attachment member  90 . Securement member  60  may thus be easily secured to handset  10  by stretching flexible band  72  around region  14 , pushing against strap  68  to cause suction cup  74  to releasably engage the opposed face of region  14 , placing body  62  in juxtaposition with the relatively flat face of body  16 , and wrapping first strap  64  therearound. Opposed Velcro faces of strap  64  releasably secure strap  62  in place around body  16 . 
     With reference to FIG. 6, attachment member  60  include a plate  92  having a pin  94  protruding therefrom. Pin  94  may be fixedly positioned relative to plate  92  or may be movable with respect thereto, and is preferably sized and configured to fit within aperture  88  when plate  92  is desirably positioned relative to body  62  of securement member  62 . Thus, in the case where pin  94  is movable relative to plate  92 , the user may slide pin  94  into engagement with aperture  88  once alignment is achieve. Alternatively, pin  94  and aperture  88  may be omitted, and secure positioning of plate  92  relative to body  62  may be achieved through alternative means, e.g., friction of plate  92  within channels  86 . Of note, strap  64  may advantageously function as a stop preventing plate  92  from travelling any further than desired within channels  86 . 
     Plate  92  preferably includes rounded face(s)  95  to facilitate introduction and/or travel of plate  92  relative to securement member  60 . The clearance within channels  86  may be advantageously on the order of {fraction (1/16)} inch, although alternative dimensions are contemplated. The materials of construction of plate  92  and body  62  are preferably selected to minimize the drag experienced therebetween, as will be known to persons skilled in the art. Plate  92  is also preferably provided with an attachment block  96  to facilitate cooperative interaction with a decorative element, e.g., dog  360  depicted in FIG.  26 . Attachment block  96  may be secured to plate  92  in conventional ways, e.g., glue, two-sided tape, foam tape, or the like. Attachment block  96  may be fabricated from a relatively pliable material, e.g., cork, that permits a decorative character to be readily secured thereto, e.g., by way of staple(s), pin(s) or the like. Attachment block  96  is preferably dimensioned such that, when joined to plate  92 , it is dimensioned to ride above L-shaped walls  84  or be sufficiently narrow not to contact L-shaped walls  84  as plate  92  is slid relative to channels  86 . Alternatively, attachment block  96  may utilize other attachment means disclosed herein, e.g., the Velcro pad arrangement of FIGS. 1-3. 
     In use, a decorative member is joined to attachment block  96  of attachment member  90 . For example, the decorative member may be attached by pins or staples to attachment block  96  that is fabricated from cork. Plate  92  is slid within channels  86  of securement member  60  and, optionally, pin  94  may be advanced into aperture  88 . Band  72  is wrapped around region  14  of handset  10 , suction cup  74  is pressed into engagement therewith, and Velcro strap  64  is encircled around body  16  of handset  10  and joined to itself. In this way, a variety of decorative members may be easily mounted to telephone handsets  10  in an unobtrusive, yet reliable manner. 
     Turning to the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, securement member  100  shares many structural similarities with securement member  60  described hereinabove. Thus, securement member  100  includes first strap  102  joined by a pair of rivets  104  to a body  106 , a second strap  108  that captures a flexible band  110  when riveted by rivet  112 , and a suction cup  114 . However, securement member  100  differs from securement member  60  in that a surface sheet  116  is joined to body  106  by foam tape  118 . Surface sheet  116  is preferably fabricated from a material that contributes surface friction, thereby minimizing the likelihood that securement member  100  will shift unnecessarily relative to handset  10 . For example, surface sheet  116  may be fabricated from a rubber material and may feature surface irregularities or designs to minimize undesirable slippage, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. 
     Securement member  100  further differs from securement member  60  in the manner in which it is intended to cooperatively interact with attachment member  120 . In particular, securement member  100  includes a substantially cylindrical extension  124  mounted to body  106 , e.g., by rivets  122 . Molded into the outer wall  126  of cylindrical extension  124  are a plurality of camming faces  128 , as are conventionally used in pill bottle that are adapted to cooperate with cooperative camming structures on pill lids. Preferably, stops (not pictured) are molded into outer wall  126  in association with each camming face  128 , for reasons discussed hereinbelow. 
     Attachment member  120  includes an attachment body  130  into which is molded a cylindrical cavity  132  that is defined by a cavity wall  134 . A plurality of camming teeth  136  are formed in cavity wall  134 . Typically, the number of camming teeth  134  is equal to the number of camming faces  128  formed in outer wall  126  of cylindrical extension  124 , although exact correspondence is not generally required. The size and spacing of camming teeth  136  is such that camming teeth  136  may be fit between camming faces  128  and rotated into engagement therewith. In addition, the relative positioning of camming teeth  136  is such that, when camming teeth  136  have been rotated into engagement with camming faces  128 , attachment body  130  is substantially aligned with body  106 . Stops (not pictured) may provide a surface against which camming teeth  136  may rest when fully engaged, thereby preventing camming teeth  136  from camming free of camming faces  128 . As will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill, the orientation of camming teeth and camming faces may be reversed, such that camming teeth  136  are associated with securement member  100 , whereas camming faces are associated with attachment member  120 . 
     Attachment member  120  is adapted to cooperate with decorative member(s), such as dog  360  of FIG. 26, through a variety of securement means. For example, attachment body  130  may be fabricated from a suitably pliable material to facilitate stapling and/or pinning of decorative member(s) thereto. Alternative securement means are described herein, any one of which may find applicability with attachment member  130 . In use, attachment member  130  is joined to a decorative member, camming teeth  136  are aligned with spacing between adjacent camming faces  128 , and attachment body  130  is rotated relative to body  106 . Optionally, it may be necessary to press attachment body  130  toward body  106  to allow rotation thereof, i.e., to permit camming interaction between camming teeth  136  and camming faces  128 . In this way, a bayonet-type connection is made between attachment member  130  and securement member  100 . Securement member  100  is detachably connected to a handset in the same manner as described for securement member  60 , discussed hereinabove. Thus, attachment member  130  and securement member  100  permit ready mounting of decorative member(s) to telephone handsets, for personalization and/or decoration thereof. 
     Turning to an alternative body depicted in FIGS. 9-11, a securement member  140  is provided that includes a securement body  142 , a first strap  144  extending therefrom, an intermediate strap  152  and a second strap  154 . As with prior embodiments, first strap  144  may be integrally fabricated with securement body  154 . First strap  144  is doubled back on itself and riveted by rivet  146  to capture flexible band  148  therewithin. As shown in FIG. 9, flexible band  148  is dimensioned to extend around region  14  of telephone handset  10 . A suction cup  150  may be provided to further strengthen the connection between securement member  140  and telephone handset  10 . 
     Intermediate strap  152  is optionally joined to securement body  142  by rivets  153 . Intermediate strap is advantageously fabricated from two-sided Velcro, such that intermediate strap may connect with itself, e.g., when extended around the midsection of handset  10  (see FIG.  9 ). Thus, the “hooks” and “loops” of intermediate strap  152  facilitate attachment of securement member  140  to handset  10 . 
     A second strap  154  is secured to a substantially planar extension  158  from securement body  142 . Rivets  156  connect second strap to planar extension  158 . A substantially rectangular cut-out  155  is optionally provided in second strap  154 , for reasons discussed hereinbelow. Second strap  154  is preferably fabricated from two-sided Velcro material, thereby permitting ready self-connection as with intermediate strap  152 , e.g., when encircling handset  10 . A suction cup  160  may be provided to further strengthen the connection between securement member  140  and handset  10 . With reference to FIG. 10, suction cup  160  may be joined to planar extension  158  by passing a stem  161  through an aperture in planar extension  158  and providing a knob  159  to prevent detachment of suction cup  160  from planar extension  158 . 
     Thus, flexible band  148 , optional intermediate strap  152 , and second strap  154  cooperate to detachably mount securement member  140  onto handset  10 . Suction cups  150  and  160  optionally assist in positioning and/or joining securement member  140  to handset  10 . 
     With reference to FIG. 11, an attachment member  180  is provided that includes an attachment body  182  having a deflectable arm  184  that defines a hook  186  at an end thereof. Attachment body  182  is substantially planar and is preferably fabricated from a material that will slide relative to securement body  142 . Decorative member(s), such as dog  360  of FIG. 26, may be advantageously joined to attachment body  182  of attachment member  180  through a variety of attachment means, e.g., glue, staples, pins, Velcro and the like. For example, a Velcro pad may be mounted to attachment body  182  and a cooperating Velcro pad may be joined to decorative element(s), thereby facilitating ready attachment therebetween. 
     As shown in FIG. 11, securement member  140  includes L-shaped side walls  164  that define channels  166 . Cross member  168  is riveted to L-shaped walls  164  by rivets  169  and stops  170  are mounted to securement body  142  within channels  166  in the region of cross member  168 . Thus, a passage  178  is defined between cross member  168 , securement body  142 , stops  170  and L-shaped side walls  164 . Attachment member  180  is sized to fit within channels  166  such that attachment body  182  may be slid forward until front faces  188  are positioned in close juxtaposition (or in contact) with stops  170 . In sliding attachment body  182  forward to the point where front faces  188  approach stops  170 , deflectable arm  184  is caused to cam downward so as to pass through passage  178 . As hook  186  passes beyond cross member  168 , deflectable arm  184  returns to its original, substantially horizontal orientation, thereby bringing hook  186  into engagement with cross member  168 . Cut-out  155  formed in second strap  154  accommodates the forward positioning of deflectable arm  184 . 
     A series of frictional rails  162  may be adhered to the bottom of securement body  142  to minimize potential displacement of securement member  140  relative to handset  10 . As shown, rails  162  include spacing to facilitate the mounting of intermediate strap  152  to securement body  142 . Frictional rails may be fabricated from a variety of materials that will inhibit slippage, e.g., rubber and the like. 
     With reference to the alternative embodiment depicted in FIGS. 12,  12   a  and  13 , securement member  190  is adapted to readily mount to telephone handsets  10  and  10   a . Of note, telephone handset  10   a  corresponds to a “touch tone” handset, i.e., a handset having dialing buttons in region  15 . Telephone handset  10   a , as depicted in FIG. 12 a , is illustrative of any such telephone handset in which dialing functionality is built into the underside of handset body  16 . 
     Securement member  190  includes a attachment body  192  to which is joined a stretchable member  194  that defines first and second loops  196 ,  198 . Stretchable member  194  is preferably fabricated from a rubber or rubber-like material, e.g., silicone rubber. The thickness and durometer of such rubber or rubber-like material is selected to enable loops  196 ,  198  to be readily positioned around regions  12 ,  14  of handsets  10 ,  10   a , while retaining sufficient strength to prevent failure when placed under tension. In a preferred embodiment, stretchable member  194  is fabricated from a silicone rubber having a thickness of about ⅛ to {fraction (1/32)} inch and a durometer of about  50 . Stretchable member  194  may be joined to securement body  192  through a variety of attachment means, e.g., by utilizing stitches  200 , as shown in FIG. 13, glue or the like. 
     In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 13 a , securement body  192  may be provided with transverse slots  193  through which stretchable member  194  may be threaded. In this way, the security of the attachment of stretchable material  194  to securement body  192  may be enhanced. 
     Securement member  190  preferably includes L-shaped side walls  202  that define channels  204 . The height of channels  204  are selected to facilitate passage of attachment member  206  therewithin, as discussed below. In a preferred embodiment, securement body  192  and L-shaped side walls  202  are fabricated from a polyethylene extrusion and the height of channels  204  is about {fraction (1/16)} inch. 
     Attachment member  206  includes an attachment body  208  having a pair of slots  210  formed at one end thereof. Slots  210  define deflectable arms  212 , each of which includes a hook  214 . At an opposite end of attachment body  208  are protruding ears  216 . Deflectable arms  212  are adapted to cam inward toward slots  210  to permit passage of attachment body  208  within channels  204  of securement body  192 . Deflectable arms  212  return to their initial, outward position when attachment body  208  reaches the end of channels  204 . At such point, hooks  214  engage the forward faces  203  of L-shaped walls  202 , thereby preventing withdrawal of attachment body  208  from channels  204  unless deflectable arms  212  are manually deflected inward. The length of attachment body  208  is preferably selected such that protruding ears  216  engage rear faces  205  of L-shaped walls  202  when hooks  214  are in engagement with forward faces  203 , thereby minimizing the play of attachment body  208  relative to securement body  192 . 
     In use, loops  196 ,  198  are readily stretched around regions  12 ,  14  of handset  10 ,  10   a , as shown in FIGS. 12 and 12 a . Thus, securement member  190  functions as a halter relative to handset  10 . A decorative member, such as dog  360  in FIG. 26, is mounted to attachment body  208  through suitable means, e.g., glue, staples, pins, Velcro, combinations thereof, and the like. Attachment body  208  is slid within channels  204  of securement body  192  until hooks  214  extend therebeyond. At such point, hooks  214  move into engagement with forward faces  203  and protruding ears  216  preferably engage rear faces  205 . 
     With reference to FIGS. 13 b - 13   e , a further emodiment of the present disclosure, similar in several respects to the embodiment of FIGS. 12,  12   a  and  13 , is depicted. As shown in FIG. 13 b , decorative member  400  is in the shape of a shark. The underbelly of shark  400  is secured to attachment body  208  of attachment member  206  by suitable securement means, e.g., glue, velcro, two-sided tape, and the like. Referring to FIG. 13 c , securement member  190  is mounted to handset  10  by stretching loops  196 ,  198  around regions  12 ,  14  thereof. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 13 d , attachment member  206 , with shark  400  mounted thereon, is slid within channels  204  of securement member  190 , as shown by arrow  402 . Hooks  214  serve to attachment member  206  in position relative to securement member  190 . As shown in FIG. 13 e , shark  400  provides a novel appearance to handset  10  and based on the curvature of the shark&#39;s back, may provide enhanced comfort to the user when utilizing handset  10 . Such enhanced comfort may be increased through the fabrication of shark  400  from soft materials and/or by filling shark  400  with compressible or flowable materials. 
     Turning to the embodiment of FIGS. 14-15, securement member  220  is adapted to cooperate with phone handset  10   a . As with FIG. 12 a , handset  10   a  is intended to represent all handsets in which dialing functionalities are provided in region  15 . However, as with securement member  190 , securement member  220  is ideally suited to cooperatively engage any handset, including conventional handsets that are attached to a base by a cord. Thus, securement member  220  is believed to have universal applicability. 
     Securement member  220  includes a securement body  222  to which is joined a sheet  224  that is preferably fabricated from a material that is substantially clear, e.g., a substantially clear vinyl. Sheet  224  may be joined to securement body  222  through a variety of joining means, e.g., stitches  226  as depicted in FIG. 15. A Velcro strip  230  is mounted to a first edge  228  of sheet  224 , e.g., by stitching. In a preferred embodiment of securement member  220 , a fabric backing  232  underlies Velcro strip  230  to facilitate secure mounting of Velcro strip  230  to sheet  224 . A second Velcro strip  236  is mounted to a second edge  234  of sheet  224 , preferably through stitching in conjunction with fabric backing  238 . Sheet  224   a  may optionally be fabricated from a second material, e.g., an elastic sheet material, to facilitate mounting of securement member  220  to handsets of different geometries. The two sheet materials making up sheet  224  and  224   a  may be combined when joined to securement body  222 , as will be readily apparent. Velcro strips  230  and  236  are selected such that one of such Velcro strips features “hooks” and the other such strip features “loops,” as will also be readily apparent to persons of skill in the art. 
     Securement body  222  includes L-shaped side walls  240  that define channels  242 , forward faces  246  and rear faces  248 . Attachment member  206 , as described hereinabove, is adapted to interact with securement member  220 . Thus, securement body  208  is adapted to slide within channels  242 , hooks  214  are adapted to engage forward faces  246 , and protruding ears  216  are adapted to engage rear faces  248 . Attachment member  206  is adapted to interact with a plurality of decorative members, as discussed hereinabove. 
     In use, securement member  220  is advantageously detachably secured to handset  10   a  by wrapping sheet  224  around the midsection of handset body  16  and associating Velcro strip  236  with Velcro strip  230 . Clear sheet  224  permits a user to readily access and utilize the dialing functionalities located in region  15 . Thus, securement member  220  permits unencumbered use of handset  10   a , while simultaneously facilitating ready attachment of decorative member(s) to attachment member  208 . 
     Turning to the embodiment of FIGS. 16-17, securement member  250  is adapted to be detachably secured to handset  10   a , i.e., a handset in which the dialing functionality is provided in region  15 , or a conventional handset that interacts with a base by way of a cord. Securement member  250  includes a securement body  252  to which is joined a sheet  254  that is dimensioned and configured to encircle handset  10   a  in the midsection of body  16 . Sheet  254  is fabricated from a clear, static vinyl material that is characterized by an inherent “cling” functionality. Thus, sheet  254 , when brought into juxtaposition with itself, i.e., into an overlapping relationship, inherently binds to itself. Sheet  254  is joined to securement body  252  through appropriate means, e.g., stitches  255 . L-shaped side walls  256  are associated with securement body  252  to define channels  258 , forward faces  262  and rear faces  260 . Thus, with securement member  250  detachably mounted to handset  10   a  by wrapping sheet  254  therearound and bringing sheet  254  into an overlapping, static “cling” orientation and attachment member positioned within channels  258  as described hereinabove with respect to prior embodiments, decorative member(s) may be readily associated with handset  10   a  to personalize and/or decorate handset  10   a , e.g., according to a user&#39;s personal taste. 
     With reference to FIGS. 18-19, an alternative securement member  270  that includes a securement body  272  to which is joined a sheet  274  through appropriate means, e.g., stitches  282 . Sheet  274  is fabricated from a clear or translucent material, e.g., translucent silicone rubber to facilitate mounting of securement member  270  to handsets  10   a  of differing geometries. At the exposed edge  275  of sheet  274  is mounted a Velcro strip  276  through appropriate means, e.g., stitches  278 . A second Velcro strip  280  is mounted to securement body  272 , e.g., by way of stitches  282 . As will be apparent to persons of skill in the art, Velcro strips  276 ,  280  are selected such that one of the strips features “loops” whereas the other strip features “hooks.” Securement member  270  includes L-shaped side walls  282  that define channels  284 , forward faces  286  and rear faces  288 . Thus, securement member  270  is configured to cooperate with attachment member  206  in the same manner as securement members  190 ,  220  and  250  described hereinabove. 
     In use, sheet  274  advantageously encircles the midsection of handset  10   a  such that the translucent material from which sheet  274  is fabricated permits ready access to and use of the dialing functionalities of handset  10   a  in region  15 . Moreover, the stretchable functionality associated with sheet  274  facilitates use of securement member  270  with handsets of various sizes and geometries. Attachment member  206  may be slid within channels  284  to provide a user with the ability to display a variety of decorative members in association with handset  10   a.    
     Turning to FIGS. 20-23, a further embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, a handset  10  is adapted to receive a securement member  292  in the manner depicted by phantom lines  290 . Securement member  292  includes a securement body  294  from which extends a loop  296  and a strap  298 . Loop  296  is preferably fabricated from a stretchable material, e.g., a rubber or rubber-like material. Strap  298  extends from the opposite end of securement body  294 . Optionally, securement body  294 , loop  296  and strap  298  are integrally fabricated, e.g., molded, from the same material. 
     Strap  298  preferably includes a mechanism for detachably securing free end  299  to flange portion  297 , e.g., when strap  298  encircles handset body  16 . In a preferred embodiment, flange portion  297  is provided with a pair of projecting studs  300  which are adapted to interact with apertures  302  formed adjacent free end  299 . Depending on the size and geometry of handset  10 , one or both of the studs  300  and apertures  302  may be brought into engagement. Alternative mechanisms for securing strap  298  around handset  10  are contemplated, e.g., cooperative Velcro strips and brackets with pull-tie straps. A Velcro pad  304  is mounted to securement body  294 , e.g., through stitching, glue, or the like, so as to interact with attachment member  310  discussed hereinbelow. Thus, loop  296  is configured and dimensioned to encircle region  14  of handset  10  while strap  298  is configured and dimensioned to encircle handset body  16  and become secured in such orientation, e.g., through cooperative studs  300  and apertures  302 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, attachment member  310  includes an attachment body  312  that defines a central block  314  from which a plurality of pointed pins  316  laterally extend. Central block  314  includes side walls  318  that preferably include knurled regions  320  to facilitate handling thereof. Velcro pads  322  are mounted to the underside of attachment body  312 , e.g., by stitching, glue or the like. Capture plates  324  are pivotally joined to attachment body  312  such that capture plate  324  may be pivoted into juxtaposition with pointed pins  316 , capturing a portion of decorative member  330  therewithin. Deflectable side wall extensions  328  are adapted to engage capture plates  324  when pivoted into such juxtaposed orientation, thereby maintaining such positioning of capture plates  324  until deflectable side wall extensions  328  are moved out of engagement therewith. 
     With specific reference to FIG. 23, exemplary decorative member  330  is a dog character. Decorative member  330  may be fabricated from a variety of materials, e.g., vinyl, plush, fabric, molded plastic, and the like. Decorative member  330  may be specially fabricated for use as part of a telephone accessory according to the present disclosure, or may be a conventional animal, character or the like. For example, conventional stuffed animals and characters, beanie babies, molded toy and novelty items, and the like, may be used in association with an attachment member according to the present disclosure. Examples of contemplated decorative items include animals (e.g., bulls, bears, sharks, dogs, cats, eagles, reindeer, bunnies, etc.), cartoon characters (e.g., Disney characters, Simpsons, Jetsons, etc.), sports-related items (e.g., sports players, team mascots, uniform-related items, etc.), newsmakers (e.g., politicians, media personalities, business personalities, etc.), mechanical items (e.g., sportscars, airplanes, motorcycles, etc.), seasonal items (e.g., Christmas themed-items, Easter-themed items, birthday-themed items, etc.), and abstract items. Decorative items that may be used as part of the telephone accessory of the present disclosure may include light, sound and/or interactive features, e.g., blinking lights, voice and/or sound generation functionality, motorized movement, and the like. Such light, sound and/or interactive features may be controlled by manual switches associated with the item, or through remote actuation. 
     With particular reference to FIG. 330, decorative item  330  includes projections  332  extending from the underside  331  thereof. Projections  332  facilitate interaction with pins  316  and capture plates  324  of attachment member  310 , as discussed hereinabove. Projections  332  may be fabricated from a relatively rigid material, e.g., a plastic material, or may be fabricated from a more pliable material, e.g., a fabric. Projections  332  are thus adapted to be pierced by pins  316  and clamped by capture plates  324  so as to detachably secure decorative item  330  to attachment member  330 . It is expressly contemplated, however, that decorative items need not have projections  332  or any specific structural element extending from or associated with such decorative item to facilitate attachment to attachment members according to the present disclosure. The slope/geometry of top face  334  of decorative element  330  is preferably designed to facilitate cradling of decorative element  330  against the shoulder of a user, as will be readily understood by persons of skill in the art. 
     Turning to FIGS. 24-27, a series of alternative securement/attachment mechanisms according to the present disclosure are depicted. In the embodiment of FIG.  24 , decorative item  340  includes a downwardly extending securement member  342  that defines a hook  344  having a radius of curvature configured and dimensioned to engage the midsection of handset body  16 . Securement member  342  is attached to decorative item  340  by an appropriate attachment means, e.g., glue, Velcro, stitching or the like at region  346 . Preferably, securement member  342  is sewn into the underside of decorative item  340 . 
     With reference to FIGS. 25 and 26, decorative item  360  is adapted to be mounted to attachment member  350  along face  348 , e.g., by glue, stitching, Velcro or the like. Decorative item  360  may be permanently affixed to attachment member  350  or removably secured thereto. A pair of downwardly extending tabs  356  are associated with attachment member  350 . A securement member  352  is detachably secured to handset  10  in much the same manner as securement member  292  of FIG.  21 . Securement member  352  includes a pair of slots  354   a ,  354   b  that are adapted to receive tabs  356 , thereby clipping attachment member  350  to securement member  352 . With reference to the alternative embodiment of FIG. 27, decorative item  370  includes a sleevelike securement member  372  mounted to the underside thereof. Sleevelike securement member  372  may be attached to decorative item  370  through a variety of attachment means, e.g., stitching, Velcro and the like. Sleevelike securement member is adapted to receive shoulder rest  18  that is mounted on handset  10 , thereby detachably securing decorative item  370  to handset  10 . 
     The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure. Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are intended to be exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, but are not intended to be limiting thereof.