ARTICLE OF BUTTON JEWELRY

Abstract

One embodiment of an article of button jewelry for covering a button of apparel may include a plurality of stones. The article may also include a body member having a first surface, which may include a plurality of seats. These seats may be arranged in a pattern and may receive the stones therein. The body member may also have a second surface, which may have a plurality of securing members including a first securing member and a second securing member. The article may also include a fastener having a portion that may be pivotally carried by the first securing member. Furthermore, the fastener may another portion that may be capable of latching with the second securing member. The fastener may be constructed and arranged to be coupled with the button to cover the button and carry the body member on the button.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/102,436 filed on Oct. 3, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to buttons, and, more particularly to an article for covering and accessorizing buttons.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In today's fashion-conscious world, people may wear apparel and adorn themselves in a manner to project confidence, success and personal style. A variety of stylized clothes are worn by people, especially by women, to enhance their appearance. In addition, various accessories may be worn to accentuate that appearance. For example, one accessory may be a belt worn with pants and the like. The belt may have a designer buckle to decorate the pants and cover a button present on the pants. Usually, the belt is passed through loops on the pants and then buckled together. However, the belt, when worn by an individual, may create the appearance of a larger waistline for that individual. This appearance is typically objectionable to many people including, for example, figure-conscious women who prefer to appear thin.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One embodiment of an article of button jewelry for covering a button of apparel may include a plurality of stones. The article may also include a body member having a first surface, which may include a plurality of seats. These seats may be arranged in a pattern and may receive the stones therein. The body member may also have a second surface, which may have a plurality of securing members including first and second securing members. The article may also include a fastener that may have a portion pivotally carried by the first securing member. Furthermore, the fastener may another portion that may be capable of latching with the second securing member. The fastener may be constructed and arranged to be coupled with the button to cover the button and carry the body member on the button.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of an article of button jewelry for covering a button;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the article of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded rear view of the article of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an article of button jewelry, showing the article including a chain and a clip carried by the chain;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of an article of button jewelry;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of an article of button jewelry;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the article of FIG. 4, showing the article coupled to a button of apparel;

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the article of FIG. 4, showing the article coupled to the button of the apparel; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an article of button jewelry, showing the article having an elongated chain that wraps around a torso of an individual adorning the article.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides an article of button jewelry that may be removably attached to a button of apparel for covering the button. Examples of the apparel include, but are not limited to, capris, pants and jeans.

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of an article of button jewelry 100 (“button jewelry”) may include a plurality of stones 110, which in this form may include rhinestones. The stones 110 may instead include one or more gems, rhinestones, pearls, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, garnets, topazes, chatons, diamonds, or any combination thereof. Further, the stones 110 may belong to various varieties, such as precious stones, semi-precious stones, artificial stones, the like or any combination thereof. Of course, the stones may be made of other suitable materials including, for example, smooth or satin finish metals.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the button jewelry 100 may also include a body member 102, which in this form may have a shape of a skull and cross bone combination. Of course, the body member 102 may instead have other shapes including, for example, a sun design, a moon design, a danger sign, a floral design, a butterfly design, and the like. Furthermore, the body member 102 may be made of a metal, such as hematite, rhodium, alloys and the like. However, the body member 102 may instead be made of other durable non-metals such as, plastics, and the like, may be utilized for manufacturing the body member 102.

As shown in FIG. 1, the body member 102 may have a first surface 106, such as a front side, which may include a plurality of seats 107 arranged in a pattern. The seats 107 may receive and carry the stones 110 on the body member 102 by, for example, an adhesive. In another embodiment, the stone 110 may be held within the seat 107 by enclosing one or more surfaces of the body member 102 defining the seat around the stone 110. However, the stone 110 may be held within the seat by other suitable fasteners. Further, the seats 107 may be arranged in the pattern based on the number of stones 110 and the shape of the body member 102. For example, if the body member 102 is shaped in form of a skull and cross bone pattern, the stones 110 may include pink rhinestones arranged as eyes of the skull while other stones may include white rhinestones arranged as the remaining portion of the skull and cross bones. It is contemplated that a combination of different types of stones may be carried in the seats on the first surface 106 to provide the desired pattern.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the body member 102 may also have a second surface 108, such as a back side, which may include a periphery carrying a plurality of securing members, including first and second securing members. The first securing member in one form may include a central member 112, and the second securing member may include a first outer member 114 and second outer member 116. The central member 112 may have opposing resilient ends defining a slot 111 that may be communicated with a recess 113 (FIG. 2). Further, the first and second outer members 114, 116 may have a respective one of apertures 124, 126 (FIG. 3). Each securing member may be configured integrally on the second surface 108 by a process known in the art to form a one-piece unit. For example, the securing members may be molded while manufacturing the body member 102. In another embodiment, the securing members may be welded to the body member 102. In yet another embodiment, the securing members may be attached to the body member 102 by an adhesive. However, the securing members may be carried by the second surface 108 by other fasteners. Further, the securing members may be made of a metal, such as hematite, rhodium, alloys and the like. Of course, the securing members may be made of durable nonmetals, such as plastics, and the like.

Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, the button jewelry 100 may also have a coupling member or fastener 104 carried by the securing members. The fastener 104 in this form may be a clip, such as an elongated metal rod, having a U-shaped apex portion 118 that may be pivotally coupled to the central member 112. For example, the U-shaped apex portion 118 may be received through the slot 111 of the central member 112, such that opposing end portions of the central member 112 may resiliently flex outwardly with respect to each other and then return to their original positions when the U-shaped apex portion 118 is fully received within the recess 113. It is also contemplated that the central member 112 may instead be a hinge or other suitable securing member upon which any portion of the fastener 104 may be pivotally carried.

The apex portion 118 may have first and second attaching members, which may extend outwardly from opposing ends of the apex portion 118. The first and second attaching members in one form may be first and second legs 120, 122 that may be made of resilient metal constructed and arranged to retain a button 502 (FIG. 8) therebetween. The first leg 120 may be carried by the first outer member 114 for attaching the fastener 104 to the body member 102. For example, the first leg 120 may have a tip portion 128 that may be received or latched within the aperture 124 of the first outer member 114. In addition, the second leg 122 may be carried by the second outer member 116 for attaching the fastener 104 to the body member 102. For example, the second leg 122 may have a tip portion 130 that may be received or latched within the aperture 126 of the second outer member 116. Of course, other mechanisms known in the art, such as hooking, snap-fitting, and the like, may be used for coupling the first and second legs 120, 122 to a respective one of the first and second outer members 114, 116.

Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of button jewelry 200 may be similar to the button jewelry 100 of FIG. 1. However, the button jewelry 200 may further include a chain 202 (“chain 202”) that may extend from and be carried by the body member 102 through conventional fasteners, such as hooks, rings, and the like. Of course, the chain 202 may instead be coupled to other portions of the body member 102 as desired. In addition, the chain 202 may be removably coupled to the body member 102. The chain 202 may include an end portion 206 and a fastener 204 carried by the end portion 206. The fastener 204 may be adapted to couple to a portion of apparel such as, a belt loop, a pocket, and the like. The fastener 204 in this form may be a clip or a hook for securing the end portion 206 to the apparel to, for example, suspend the chain by the fastener 204 and the body member 102. Of course, the fastener 204 may be other suitable fasteners. In addition, the fastener may have a design such as, a leaf, beads, and the like, to enhance an aesthetic appeal of the chain 202. Further, the chain 202 may be made of metal, plated with gold or silver, or made of various other materials.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is shown apparel 500 and the button jewelry 200 of FIG. 4, carried by the apparel 500. As best shown in FIG. 8, the apparel 500 may include a button 502 that may have a neck 504 and a head 506 extending from the neck 504. As described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4, the fastener 104 may be slid over the button 502, such that the head 506 may be received between the fastener 104 and the body member 102, and the neck 504 may be received between the first and second legs 120, 122 of the fastener 104. Further, the clip 204 may be attached to the belt loop 508 of the apparel 500.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of button jewelry 200 may be similar to the button jewelry 100 of FIGS. 4 and 7. However, the button jewelry 200 may further include an elongated chain 203 (“Chain 203”) that may be longer than the chain 202 of FIGS. 4 and 7, such that the chain 203 may partially wrap around the body of the clasp 205 may be fastened to a second loop rather than the first loop.

Referring now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of button jewelry 300 may include a body member 302 and a chain 304 that may extend from the body member 302. The body member 302 may be shaped as a flower, have seats arranged in the pattern of the flower, and have stones received within those seats. In other respects, the body member 302 may be similar to the body member 102 of FIG. 1. Accordingly, for the sake of brevity, the body member 302 is not described in detail. Further, the chain 304 may be similar to the chain 202 of FIG. 4. However, the chain 304 may have an end portion 306 including an anchor 308, which may have a shape of a decorative leaflet. The anchor 308 may be carried by a portion of the apparel, such that the chain 304 may be suspended by the body member 302 and the anchor 308. For example, the anchor 308 in one form may be sized to be snugly received through a belt loop or within a pocket. The anchor 308 may also include a rear surface (not shown) and a clip (not shown) carried on the rear surface (not shown). The clip may be attached to the loop of the apparel, a pocket of the apparel or other portions thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 6, still another embodiment of an article of button jewelry 400 may include a body member 402 and a pair of chains 404, 406 that may extend from the body member 402. Of course, the button jewelry may have more or less than two chains as desired. The body member 402 is similar to the body member 302 of FIG. 5. Accordingly, for the sake of brevity, the body member 402 is not described in detail herein. The chains 404, 406 may have end portions 408 that may be adapted to unite together. The end portions 408 may include decorative accessories, such as chains 407, 409 and pearls 410, 412 suspended from a respective one of the chains 407, 409. Further, the end portions 408 may include further fasteners, such as a hook 414, for coupling the button jewelry 400 to a portion of the apparel, such as a loop or a pocket.

The articles of button jewelry may be beneficial for accessorizing apparel by covering a button of the apparel without creating the appearance of a large waistline. Furthermore, the button jewelry may be removably attached to buttons on various outfits, including those that have loops and those that do not have loops.

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to an article of button jewelry for covering a button of apparel as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The terms, “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, elevation or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element with another. Further, the terms, “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An article of button jewelry for covering a button of apparel, the article comprising:

a plurality of stones;

a body member including, a first surface having a plurality of seats arranged in a pattern, the plurality of seats receiving the plurality of stones therein; and a second surface having a plurality of securing members, the plurality of securing members including a first securing member and a second securing member; and

a fastener having a portion pivotally carried by the first securing member, and the fastener having another portion capable of being latched with the second securing member, the fastener constructed and arranged to be coupled with the button to cover the button and carry the body member on the button.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the plurality of stones comprises at least one of a gem, a rhinestone, a pearl, a ruby, a sapphire, an emerald, a garnet, a topaz, a chaton, a diamond, a metal, a precious stone, a semi-precious stone, and an artificial stones.

3. The article of claim 1, wherein the body member may be made of at least one of a hematite, a rhodium, an alloy, a plastic, a metal and a non-metal.

4. The article of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a clip having a U-shaped apex portion and first and second legs extending from the U-shaped apex portion.

5. The article of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second legs has a tip portion, and the second member has an aperture adapted to receive the tip portion of one of the first and second legs.

6. An article of button jewelry for covering a button of apparel, the article comprising:

a plurality of stones;

a body member including, a first surface having a plurality of seats arranged in a pattern, the plurality of seats receiving the plurality of stones therein; and a second surface having a plurality of securing members, the plurality of securing members including a first securing member and a second securing member;

a first fastener having a portion pivotally carried by the first securing member, and the fastener having another portion capable of being latched with the second securing member, the first fastener constructed and arranged to be coupled with the button to cover the button and carry the body member on the button; and

at least one chain extending from the body member.

7. The article of claim 6, wherein the plurality of stones comprises at least one of a gem, a rhinestone, a pearl, a ruby, a sapphire, an emerald, a garnet, a topaz, a chaton, a diamond, a metal, a precious stone, a semi-precious stone, and an artificial stones.

8. The article of claim 6, wherein the body member may be made of at least one of a hematite, a rhodium, an alloy, a plastic, a metal and a non-metal.

9. The article of claim 6, further comprising a second fastener carried by an end portion of the at least one chain and adapted to releasably couple with one of the body member and a portion of the apparel, such that the at least one chain is suspended by the body member and the second fastener.

10. The article of claim 9, wherein the second fastener is one of a clip, a hook and an anchor.

11. The article of claim 6, wherein the at least one chain is configured to wrap around a body on which the apparel is worn.

12. The article of claim 6, wherein the first fastener is a clip having a U-shaped apex portion and first and second legs extending from the U-shaped apex portion.

13. The article of claim 6, wherein each of the first and second legs has a tip portion, and the second member has an aperture adapted to receive the tip portion of one of the first and second legs.