Insert for Converting Pinback Buttons into Connectable Components

Abstract

A button insert for a button has at least one base portion, at least one linking segment and at least one extension portion. In some embodiments, at least one of the extension portion(s) of the button insert is engaged to an extension portion of at least one other button insert. Thus, the button insert allows a plurality of buttons to be engaged to one another to form a necklace, bracelet, belt, earring, or an ornament for a tree, a backpack or a cellular phone.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional application 60/926,847, filed Apr. 30, 2007, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people collect, sell and exchange buttons that have many different designs. Some people collect a particular type of button, e.g. buttons from political campaigns. These collections are typically stored in collection boxes. If a button is worn, it is usually attached to an area of an article of clothing by a connecting means such as a pin that forms a part of the button. Buttons have also been used as part of jewelry. There remains a need to make a button more versatile so that a collector can wear or display their buttons in alternative ways.

The art referred to and/or described above is not intended to constitute an admission that any patent, publication or other information referred to herein is “prior art” with respect to this invention. In addition, this section should not be construed to mean that a search has been made or that no other pertinent information as defined in 37 C.F.R. §1.56(a) exists.

All US patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a button insert for a button that has at least one base portion, at least one linking segment and at least one extension portion. In some embodiments, the button has more than one button insert. In other embodiments, the button has a button insert and a connecting component such as a spring-pin, jump-ring, or clasp.

In at least one embodiment, at least one of the extension portion(s) of the button insert is engaged to an extension portion of at least one other button insert or to another object. Examples of objects to which the button insert can attach include another button, a chain such as a necklace, a tree, a display device, a backpack, or other suitable objects. Thus, in some embodiments, the invention is directed to jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets incorporating at least one button insert. In other embodiments, the invention is directed to ornaments incorporating at least one button insert. The button ornament can be displayed during holidays or other events in the same manner as prior art ornaments, or as a fashion accessory for a backpack or a cellular phone.

In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a button insert for a button. The button insert comprises a first base portion, a first linking segment, and a first extension portion. A first end of the first linking segment extends from a first end of the first base section. The first extension portion has a free end and comprises a first straight portion, a first curvilinear portion, a second straight portion. A first end of the first straight portion extends from a second end of the first linking segment. The first curvilinear portion is between the first and second straight portions of the first extension portion.

The invention is also directed to a button insert for a button where the button insert comprises a first base portion, a first linking segment, a second linking segment and a second base portion. A first end of the first linking segment extends from a first end of the first base portion. The first extension portion comprises a first straight portion, a first curvilinear portion, and a second straight portion. A first end of the first straight portion extends from a second end of the first linking segment. The first curvilinear portion is between the first and second straight portions. A first end of the second linking segment extends from a second end of the first extension portion. A first end of the second base portion extends from a second end of the second linking segment.

The invention is also directed to an insert comprising a first base portion, a first linking segment, and a first extension portion. The first base portion lies substantially in a first plane. A first end of the first linking segment extends from a first end of the first base portion. The first linking segment extends outward from the first plane. A first end of the first extension portion extends from a second end of the first linking segment. The first extension portion comprises a curved portion. The first extension portion lies substantially in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane.

The invention is also directed to an insert comprising a first base portion, a first linking portion and a first hook portion. The first base portion defines a first planar surface. The first linking portion extends from the first base portion out of the first planar surface. The first hook portion extends from the first linking portion and defines a second planar surface which is substantially parallel to the first planar surface.

The invention is also directed to the combination of a button and any of the inserts or button insert disclosed herein. The button typically comprises a shell and a collet. A recess may be formed between the collet and the shell with a portion of the insert disposed within the recess.

The invention is also directed to an article of jewelry comprising a plurality of articles and a plurality of inserts. Each of the articles comprises a shell and a collet. A recess is formed between the collet and the shell. Each of said articles has at least a portion of one of said inserts disposed within the recess of the article. Each insert is connected to one or more adjacent inserts.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for further understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference can be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described an embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

A detailed description of the invention is hereafter described with specific reference being made to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an insert with one extension portion.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an insert with one extension portion.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an insert with one extension portion.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an insert with two extension portions.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an insert with two extension portions.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an insert with two extension portions.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the insert of FIG. 1 engaged to a button.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the insert of FIG. 2 engaged to a button.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the insert of FIG. 3 engaged to a button.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the insert of FIG. 4 engaged to a button.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the insert of FIG. 5 engaged to a button.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the insert of FIG. 6 engaged to a button.

FIG. 13 is an example of a fashion accessory with at least one insert.

FIG. 14 is a second example of a fashion accessory with a plurality of inserts.

FIG. 15 is a third example of a fashion accessory with a plurality of inserts.

FIG. 16 is a side view of an embodiment of an insert.

FIG. 17 is a side view of an embodiment of an insert engaged to a button.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.

For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.

The invention as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, is directed to an insert, shown generally at 18, that has at least one base portion 20, at least one linking segment 24 and at least one extension portion, shown generally at 22. In at least one embodiment, the insert 18 is for a button 8. In this embodiment, the insert 18 is referred to as a button insert 18. Examples of buttons 8 include, but are not limited to, campaign buttons, badges, and identification tags. As discussed below in greater detail, the insert 18 can be used in the manufacture of fashion accessories such as jewelry or ornaments for a tree, backpack, or cellular phone.

The button 8 comprises a shell 12 and a collet 14, as shown, for example in FIG. 8. It is within the scope of the invention for the button 8 and/or shell 12 to have any shape, including but not limited to round, square, rectangular, oval, heart-shaped and triangular. It is within the scope of the invention for the button 8 and/or shell 12 to be any size, for example, but not limited to, 1 inch diameter, 1¾ inch diameter, or 2¼ inch diameter. The shell 12 has a front and a back. In some embodiments, the front of the shell 12 is convex and the back is concave. A design may be engaged to the front of the shell 12 or printed thereon. It is within the scope of the invention for the design to be any design desired. The collet 14 is a ring or rim that is engaged to the back of the shell 12 so that a recess is formed between the collet 14 and the shell 12. Typically the collet 14 has the same shape as the shell 12. The shell 12 and collet 14 can be made from any material desired. In some embodiments, the button 8 has a spring-pin, jump-ring, clasp or other connecting component which allows the button 8 to be engaged to an object such as a shirt.

As discussed herein, the insert 18 can be used in many different ways. Therefore, although the figures and the description focus on an insert 18 being used as a button insert 18 for simplicity, the use of the insert 18 is not limited to only being used as an insert 18 for a button 8. In at least one embodiment, at least one button insert 18 is engaged to the body of the button 8. It is within the scope of the invention for a button 8 to have one, two, three, four, or more button inserts 18. In some embodiments, the button 8 has at least one button insert 18 and a connecting component such as a spring-pin, jump-ring, or clasp. In other embodiments, the button 8 has at least one button insert 18 but no connecting component. In still other embodiments, the at least one button insert 18 comprises a connecting component.

FIGS. 1-6 show different embodiments of the insert 18 which may desirably be employed as a button insert. FIGS. 7-12 show the insert embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 respectively engaged to a button, shown generally at 8. FIG. 16 shows a side view of an embodiment of an insert 18 and FIG. 17 shows a side view of an embodiment of an insert 18 engaged to a button 8. As shown, the button insert 18 has at least one base portion 20, at least one linking segment 24, and at least one extension portion 22. The button insert 18 can have any cross-sectional shape, for example, but not limited to round, oval, square, rectangular or any other suitable shape.

The at least one base portion 20 of the button insert 18 is disposed in the recess formed between the shell 12 and the collet 14. It is within the scope of the invention for the button insert 18 to have one, two, three, four, five, or more base portions 20. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 3, the button inserts 18 each have one base portion 20, while in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, the button inserts 18 each have two base portions 20. The button insert 18 shown in FIG. 5 has three base portions 20. Some base portions 20 have a free end 34a, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 by base portion 20. Other base portions 20 have no free ends 34a, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4, by base portion 20a. It is within the scope of the invention for the free end 34a to be blunt, rounded, sharp, or any other suitable shape.

In some embodiments having more than one base portion 20, the base portions 20 have the same length, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. In other embodiments, the base portions 20 have different lengths, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, two base portions 20a have approximately the same length and one base portion 20b has a different length which is greater than the length of the each of the other two base portions 20a. In embodiments where the base portions 20 are disposed within the recess formed between the shell 12 and the collet 14 of the button 8, the shape of the base portions 20 is complementary to the shape of the recess. Thus, it is within the scope of the invention for the base portions 20 to have any shape. For example, the base portions 20 could form an outline of a circle, a square, rectangle, oval, heart-shaped, triangle, or any other shape. Therefore, it is within the scope of the invention for at least a portion of the base portion 20 to be straight, curvilinear, zig-zag, or angled. In the figures, the base portions 20 have a shape that is complementary to a recess that has a circular shape. Thus, in the figures the base portions 20 are curvilinear.

As discussed above, the button insert 18 has at least one linking segment 24. It is within the scope of the invention for the button insert 18 to have one, two, three, four, or more linking segments 24. For example, the button insert 18 in FIG. 1 has one linking segment 24 while the button insert 18 in FIG. 2 has two linking segments 24. The linking segment 24 can be straight or curvilinear. If the linking segment 24 is straight, there can be a bend 32a between the linking segment 24 and the base portion 20, as shown for example in the figures. Additionally, as shown in the figures, if the linking segment 24 is straight, there can be a bend 32b between the linking segment 24 and the extension portion 22. As shown in FIGS. 7-12, the linking segment 24 extends from the recess and over the collet 14.

In some embodiments, the extension portion 22 is constructed and arranged to be attachable to at least one object, as discussed below in greater detail. Therefore, it is within the scope of the invention for the extension portion 22 to have any shape or configuration. Some non-limiting examples of shapes/configurations that an extension portion 22 can have are shown in FIGS. 1-3. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the extension portion 22 extends away from the front of the button 8. The button 8 can be described as being positioned substantially within a plane and a portion of the extension portion 22 extends beyond the plane of the button 8. Note that the straight portions 28 do not have to be straight as shown for the extension portion 22 to attach to another object. Thus, for example, the straight portions 28 can be curvilinear, zig-zag or wavy. In some embodiments, the extension portion 22 has a free end 34b, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 3. In other embodiments, the extension portion 22 does not have a free end 34b, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the free end 34b is blunt. In one embodiment, the free end 34b is rounded.

The button insert 18 can also be described as comprising at least one base portion 20 positioned substantially in a first plane, at least one extension portion positioned substantially in a second plane, and at least one linking portion, shown generally at 26, extending between the first and second planes and linking the base portion 20 and the extension portion 22. In this embodiment, the linking portion 26 can comprise one, two, three, four, or more linking segments 24. For example, in FIG. 1, the linking portion 26 has one linking segment 24, and in FIG. 2, the linking portion 26 has two linking segments 24a,b.

The term ‘positioned substantially in a plane’ is used herein to allow for the fact that the base portion and the extension portion are three dimensional structures. The second plane can be substantially parallel to the first plane or the second plane can be at an angle to the first plane. In some embodiments, the angle of the second plane to the first plane is 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle of the second plane to the first plane is between 0 and 90 degrees. For insert embodiments that have two extension portions 22, it is within the scope of the invention for the first extension portion 22a to be in a first plane and the second portion 22b to be in a second plane. In some embodiments, the first and second planes are at the same angle relative to the plane of the base portion 20. In other embodiments, the first and second planes are at different angles relative to the plane of the base portion 20.

In at least one embodiment, the insert 18 has two base portions 20 where at least a portion of a first base portion 20a is disposed within a recess formed by a first shell 12a and first collet 14a and at least a portion of a second base portion 20b is disposed within a recess formed by a second shell 12b and a second collet 14b (not shown). In some embodiments, one insert 18 engages two buttons 8 so that the backs of the buttons 8 are facing one another. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the first base portion 20 is positioned substantially in a first plane and at least a portion of the second base portion 20 is positioned substantially in a second plane, the first plane being substantially parallel to the second plane.

In at least one embodiments, the at least one base portion 20, the at least one extension portion 22, and the linking portion 26 are all positioned in substantially the same plane (not shown). This can occur, for example, when the shell 12 and collet 14 of the button 8 have an opening through which an extension portion 22 can extend.

As discussed above, the button insert 18 can have more than one extension portion 22. It is within the scope of the invention for the extension portions 22 of a button insert 18 to have the same configuration, as shown, for example, in FIG. 5. It is also within the scope of the invention for the extension portions 22 of a button insert 18 to have different configurations, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4. Note that the figures show only a couple of the combinations of extension portions 22 that a button insert 18 can have. Button inserts 18 with other combinations of extension portions 22 are also within the scope of the invention.

In some embodiments, the extension portion 22 is in the shape of a French hook design used for earrings, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the extension portion 22 has a first straight portion 28a, a curvilinear portion 30, a second straight portion 28b, a third straight portion 28c, and a free end 34b. In other embodiments, the extension portion 22 has a first straight portion 28a, a curvilinear portion 30, and a second straight portion 28b. In this embodiment, there is no third straight portion 28c. In both embodiments, the first straight portion 28a extends from the linking segment 24. In some embodiments, there is a bend 32c between the first straight portion 28a and the curvilinear portion 30, as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the curvilinear portion 30 extends in front of the plane of the button 8. In one embodiment, the extension portion 22 in the form of a French hook design is used to wear the button 8 as an earring.

In other embodiments, the extension portion 22 has a loop shape, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. This extension portion 22 can also be described as being U-shaped. This extension portion 22 can be described as having a first straight portion 28a, a curvilinear portion 30 and a second straight portion 28b. The first straight portion 28a extends from the first linking segment 24a and the second straight portion 28b extends from the second linking segment 24b.

As shown in FIG. 3, the extension portion 22 has a straight portion 28, a curvilinear portion 30, and a free end 34b. The straight portion 28 in this embodiment extends from the linking segment 24. In this embodiment, the free end 34b of the extension portion 22 extends towards the straight portion 28. This extension portion 22 can be described as being P shaped. In some embodiments, there is a space between the free end 34b and the straight portion 28. In other embodiments, the free end 34b abuts the straight portion 28. It is within the scope of the invention for the curvilinear portion 30 to be positioned at different angles relative to the straight portion 28. In some embodiments, the angle of the curvilinear portion 30 relative to the straight portion 28 is 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle of the curvilinear portion 30 relative to the straight portion is between 0 and 90 degrees. In some embodiment, at least a portion of the curvilinear portion 30 extends in front of the plane of the button 8.

As discussed above, the extension portion 22 of the insert 18 is constructed and arranged to be attachable to another object. Examples of objects to which the extension portion 22 of the insert 18 can attach include another insert 18, a coupling device, a portion of an article forming an article of jewelry, for example a portion of a chain forming a necklace, a tree, a display device, a backpack, or other suitable objects. It is within the scope of the invention for two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve or more inserts 18 to be attached to one another. In some embodiments, the inserts 18 are attached to one another by their respective extension portions 22. In other embodiments, the inserts 18 are attached to one another by a coupling 38, as shown, for example, in FIG. 15. Thus, in some embodiments, the invention is directed to jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets incorporating at least one insert 18.

FIGS. 13-15 show different types of fashion accessories 40 that can be formed using the inventive inserts 18 herein. Examples of fashion accessories 40 include, but are not limited to, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, ornaments, and art. In at least one embodiment, the articles 42 forming the fashion accessory 40 are buttons 8. The articles 42 forming a fashion accessory 40 can be the same size, different sizes, the same shape, different shapes and any combination thereof.

FIG. 13 is an example of a fashion accessory 40 that is a necklace. The fashion accessory 40 comprises an article 42 that is engaged directly to a chain 44 by the extension portion 22 of the insert 18. The article 42 may also be indirectly engaged to a chain 44 by a coupling device which is engaged to the extension portion 22 of the insert 18 (not shown). If the article 42 is engaged to the fashion accessory 40 by the extension portion 22 of the insert 18, the chain 44 of the fashion accessory 40 is disposed within passageway or opening 36 defined by at least a portion of the extension portion 22. An example of passageway or opening 36 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Note that it is within the scope of the invention for the passageway/opening 36 defined by the extension portion 22 to be any size.

FIG. 14 is an example of a fashion accessory 40 that has two articles 42a,b with inserts 18. In some embodiments, the fashion accessory 40 is an ornament. In other embodiments, the fashion accessory 40 is an earring. The first extension portion 22a is used to engage the fashion accessory 40 to an object, for example, an ear, a backpack, or a tree. The second and third extension portions 22b,c engage the two articles 42a,b of the fashion accessory 40 together. In some embodiments, the second extension portion 22b has the shape shown in FIG. 3 and the third extension portion 22c has the shape shown in FIG. 2 and the third extension portion 22 is disposed within passageway 36 of the second extension portion. In some embodiments, this fashion accessory 40 is used as an ornament on a tree, tree shaped display, or any other display onto which items may be hung. In the case of ornaments made from buttons 8 with button inserts 18, the button ornament can be displayed during holidays or other events in the same manner as prior art ornaments, or as a fashion accessory for a backpack or a cellular phone.

FIG. 15 is another example of a fashion accessory 40. In this embodiment, the fashion accessory is a chain of articles 42 engaged to one another. In some embodiments, the extension portions 22 of adjacent articles 42 are directly engaged. In other embodiments, the extension portions 22 of adjacent articles 42 are engaged by a coupling device 38, as shown in FIG. 15. It is within the scope of the invention for the chain of articles 42 to be used as a necklace, earrings, a bracelet, a brooch, a belt, or any other fashion accessory 40.

In at least one embodiment, the fashion accessory 40 is a web of articles 42 formed when a plurality of articles 42 are interconnected to one another. In some embodiments, the web of articles 42 is in the form of a piece of art which can be displayed. As a non-limiting example, the plurality of articles 42 can be interconnected to form a square of articles 42 which can be displayed.

In some embodiments, objects are engaged to different portions of the insert 18, e.g. the base portion(s) 20. Non-limiting examples of objects that can be engaged to at least a portion of the insert 18 include, but are not limited to, beads, gemstones, other jewelry items, and any combination thereof. In other embodiments, the invention is directed to ornaments incorporating at least one insert 18.

The insert 18 embodiments can be made from any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, plastic, and any combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of metals that can be used include surgical stainless steel and Niobium.a Desirably, the insert 18 will be made of a spring-type resilient wire. Typically, the insert 18 will be made of a single piece of material although it is also within the scope of the invention for it to be made of more than one piece of material, where the individual pieces are joined together via welding, soldering, the use of adhesives or any other suitable technique.

The following numbered statements characterize at least one of the embodiments described above:

1. A button insert for a button, the button insert comprising:

• • a first base portion, the first base portion being constructed and arranged to engage the button insert to the button;
  • a first linking segment; and
  • a first extension portion, the first extension portion comprising a first straight portion and a first curvilinear portion, the first straight portion extending from the first linking segment and the first curvilinear portion extending from the first straight portion.

2. The button insert of statement 1, the first base portion having a configuration complementary to a configuration of a recess formed by a shell and a collet of a button.

3. The button insert of statement 1, the first extension portion further comprising a free end, the free end being blunt.

4. The button insert of statement 1, the first extension portion being P shaped.

5. The button insert of statement 1, the button insert further comprising:

• • a second extension portion, the second extension portion comprising a first straight portion and a first curvilinear portion, the first straight portion extending from the first linking portion and the first curvilinear portion extending from the first straight portion;
  • a second base portion, the second base portion having a configuration complementary to a configuration of a recess formed by a shell and a collet of a button.

6. The button insert of statement 1, the first hook portion further comprising a second straight portion, the second straight portion extending from the first curvilinear portion.

7. The button insert of statement 6, the first extension portion having a free end, the free end being an end of the second straight portion, the free end being blunt.

8. The button insert of statement 1, the first extension portion further comprising a second straight portion, the second straight portion extending from the first curvilinear portion, the button insert further comprising a second linking segment and a second base portion, the second linking segment extending from the second straight portion, the second base portion extending from the second linking segment and being configured to engage the button insert to the button.

9. The button insert of statement 8, the second base portion having a configuration complementary to a configuration of a recess formed by a shell and a collet of a button.

10. The button insert of statement 8, the first base portion having a first length and the second base portion having a second length, the first length substantially equal to the second length.

11. The button insert of statement 8, the first extension portion being U-shaped.

12. A button insert, the button insert comprising:

• • a first base portion, the first base portion being substantially in a first plane;
  • a first extension portion, the first extension portion being substantially in a second plane, the second plane being substantially parallel to the first plane; and
  • a first linking portion, the first linking portion extending between the first and second planes and linking the first base portion and the first extension portion.

13. The button insert of statement 12, the first linking portion consisting of one linking segment.

14. The button insert of statement 12, the first linking portion consisting of two linking segments.

15. The button insert of statement 12, further comprising a second base portion, the second base portion being substantially in the first plane, the first linking portion further engaging the first extension portion and the second base portion.

16. The button insert of statement 15, further comprising:

• • a second extension portion, the second extension portion being substantially in the second plane;
  • a third base portion, the third base portion being substantially in the first plane; and
  • a second linking portion, the second linking portion extending between the first and second planes and linking the second extension portion to the second and third base portions.

17. The button insert of statement 16, the second linking portion consisting of one linking segment.

18. The button insert of statement 16, the second linking portion consisting of two linking segments.

19. A fashion accessory, the fashion accessory comprising at least one button insert, the at least one button insert comprising:

• • a first base portion;
  • a first linking segment, a first end of the first linking segment extending from a first end of the first base section;
  • a first extension portion, the first extension portion having a free end, the first extension portion comprising a first straight portion, a first curvilinear portion, a second straight portion, a first end of the first straight portion extending from a second end of the first linking segment, the first curvilinear portion being between the first and second straight portions.

20. The fashion accessory of statement 19, the fashion accessory being selected from one member of the group consisting of earring, necklace, bracelet, brooch, or belt.

21. The fashion accessory of statement 19, the fashion accessory further being attached to a backpack or a cellular phone.

22. A fashion accessory, the fashion accessory comprising at least one insert, the at least one insert comprising:

• • a first base portion;
  • a first linking segment, a first end of the first linking segment extending from a first end of the first base portion;
  • a first extension portion, the first extension portion comprising a first straight portion, a first curvilinear portion, and a second straight portion, a first end of the first straight portion extending from a second end of the first linking segment, the first curvilinear portion being between the first and second straight portions;
  • a second linking segment, a first end of the second linking segment extending from a second end of the first extension portion; and
  • a second base portion, a first end of the second base portion extending from a second end of the second linking segment.

23. The fashion accessory of statement 22, the fashion accessory being selected from one member of the group consisting of earring, necklace, bracelet, brooch, or belt.

24. The fashion accessory of statement 22, the fashion accessory further being attached to a backpack or a cellular phone.

25. A fashion accessory, the fashion accessory comprising at least one button insert, the at least one button insert comprising:

• • a first base portion;
  • a first linking segment, a first end of the first linking segment extending from a first end of the first base portion;
  • a first extension portion, the first extension portion comprising a straight portion and a curvilinear portion, a first end of the straight portion extending from a second end of the first linking segment, a first end of the curvilinear portion extending from a second end of the straight portion, a second end of the curvilinear portion being a free end.

26. The fashion accessory of statement 25, the fashion accessory being selected from one member of the group consisting of earring, necklace, bracelet, brooch, or belt.

27. The fashion accessory of statement 25, the fashion accessory further being attached to a backpack or a cellular phone.

28. A button insert for a button, the button insert comprising:

• • a first base portion;
  • a first linking segment, a first end of the first linking segment extending from a first end of the first base portion;
  • a first extension portion, the first extension portion comprising a straight portion and a curvilinear portion, a first end of the straight portion extending from a second end of the first linking segment, a first end of the curvilinear portion extending from a second end of the straight portion, a second end of the curvilinear portion being a free end.

29. The button insert of statement 28, the first hook portion being P shaped.

30. The button insert of statement 29, the free end abutting the straight portion.

31. The button insert of statement 28, a second end of the first base portion being a free end.

32. The button insert of statement 28, the first base portion being substantially in a first plane, the first extension portion being substantially in a second plane, the first plane being substantially parallel to the second plane, the first linking segment extending between the first and second planes.

33. The button insert of statement 28, further comprising:

• • a second linking segment, a first end of the second linking segment extending from a second end of the first base portion;
  • a second extension portion, a first end of the second extension portion extending from a second end of the second linking segment, the second extension portion comprising a first straight portion, a curvilinear portion, and a second straight portion, the curvilinear portion being between the first and second straight portions;
  • a third linking segment, a first end of the third linking segment extending from a second end of the second extension portion;
  • a second base portion, a first end of the second base portion extending from a second end of the third linking segment.

34. The button insert of statement 33, the second base portion having a second end that is a free end.

35. An insert comprising:

• • a first base portion defining a first planar surface;
  • a first linking portion extending from the first base portion, out of the first planar surface;
  • a first hook portion extending from the first linking portion and defining a second planar surface, the second planar surface substantially parallel to the first planar surface.

The invention is also directed to the ornamental design for an insert 18 as well as an insert 18 and a button 8 as shown in the figures.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individual figures and described above may be combined or modified for combination as desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to”.

Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should be alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claim below.

This completes the description of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.

Claims

1. A button insert for a button, the button insert comprising:

a first base portion;

a first linking segment, a first end of the first linking segment extending from a first end of the first base portion;

a first extension portion, the first extension portion having a free end, the first extension portion comprising a first straight portion, a first curvilinear portion, a second straight portion, a first end of the first straight portion extending from a second end of the first linking segment, the first curvilinear portion being between the first and second straight portions.

2. The button insert of claim 1 wherein the first base portion is resilient.

3. The button insert of claim 2 wherein the first base portion is a curved member.

4. The button insert of claim 3 wherein the first base portion is in the form of coil.

5. The button insert of claim 4, a second end of the first base portion being a free end.

6. The button insert of claim 3, the first base portion being substantially in a first plane, the first extension portion being substantially in a second plane, the first plane substantially perpendicular to the second plane, the first linking segment extending between the first and second planes.

7. The button insert of claim 3, the button insert further comprising:

a second linking segment, a first end of the second linking segment extending from a second end of the first base portion;

a second extension portion, the second extension portion comprising a first straight portion, a first curvilinear portion and a second straight portion, a first end of the second extension portion extending from a second end of the second linking segment, the first curvilinear portion being between the first and second straight portions;

a third linking segment, a first end of the third linking segment extending from a second end of the second extension portion;

a second base portion, a first end of the second base portion extending from a second end of the third linking segment.

8. The button insert of claim 7, the second base portion having a second end, the second end being a free end.

9. A button insert for a button, the button insert comprising:

a first base portion;

a first linking segment, a first end of the first linking segment extending from a first end of the first base portion;

a first extension portion, the first extension portion comprising a first straight portion, a first curvilinear portion, and a second straight portion, a first end of the first straight portion extending from a second end of the first linking segment, the first curvilinear portion being between the first and second straight portions;

a second linking segment, a first end of the second linking segment extending from a second end of the first extension portion; and

a second base portion, a first end of the second base portion extending from a second end of the second linking segment.

10. The button insert of claim 9, first extension portion being U-shaped.

11. The button insert of claim 9, a second end of the first base portion being a free end, and a second end of the second base portion being a free end.

12. The button insert of claim 9, the first and second base portions being substantially in a first plane, the first extension portion being substantially in a second plane, the first plane substantially parallel to the second plane, the first linking segment extending between the first and second planes.

13. The button insert of claim 9, further comprising:

a third linking segment, a first end of the third linking segment extending from a second end of the second base portion;

a second extension portion, the second extension portion comprising a first straight portion, a first curvilinear portion, and a second straight portion, a first end of the second extension portion extending from a second end of the third linking segment, the first curvilinear portion being between the first and second straight portions;

a fourth linking segment, a first end of the fourth linking segment extending from a second end of the second extension portion;

a third base portion, a first end of the third base portion extending from a second end of the fourth linking segment.

14. The button insert of claim 13, a second end of the third base portion being a free end.

15. An insert comprising:

a first base portion lying substantially in a first plane;

a first linking segment, a first end of the first linking segment extending from a first end of the first base portion, the first linking segment extending from the first plane;

a first extension portion, a first end of the first extension portion extending from a second end of the first linking segment, the first extension portion comprising a curved portion, the first extension portion lying substantially in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane.

16. In combination, an article and an insert as recited in claim 15, the article comprising a shell and a collet, a recess formed between the collet and the shell, a portion of the insert disposed within the recess.

17. An article of jewelry comprising:

a plurality of articles, each of the articles comprising a shell and a collet, a recess formed between the collet and the shell; and

a plurality of inserts as recited in claim 15, each of said articles having at least a portion of one of said inserts disposed within the recess of the article;

wherein each insert is connected to one or more adjacent inserts.

18. An insert comprising:

a first base portion defining a first planar surface;

a first linking portion extending from the first base portion out of the first planar surface;

a first hook portion extending from the first linking portion and defining a second planar surface, the second planar surface substantially parallel to the first planar surface.