STUFFED NOVELTY WITH ATTACHMENT DEVICE

Abstract

A stuffed novelty including a stuffed article, a compressible material, a fastening mechanism, and an attachment band. The stuffed article has a fabric shell, and the compressible material is enclosed within the fabric shell. The fastening mechanism is attached to a first region of the stuffed article. The attachment band includes an elastic band coupled at a first end of the elastic band to a second region of the stuffed article. The second region of the stuffed article is remote from the first region of the stuffed article. A second end of the elastic band, opposite the first end of the elastic band, is configured to be removably attached to the fastening mechanism.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of provisional Application No. 62/664,466 filed Apr. 30, 2018, which is incorporated into the present disclosure by this reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front view of a stuffed novelty, according to embodiments. FIG. 1B is a detail view of a portion of the stuffed novelty of FIG. 1A illustrating an alternative configuration for the elastic band.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the stuffed novelty of FIG. 1A attached to an example strap.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the stuffed novelty of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4 is an alternative front view of the stuffed novelty of FIG. 1A, in which the stuffed novelty includes a pocket or other compartment.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the stuffed novelty of FIG. 4, in which the compressible material is shown in an uncompressed state.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the stuffed novelty of FIG. 4, in which the compressible material is shown in an example compressed state.

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of a stuffed novelty attached to a strap, according to embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates multiple stuffed novelties attached to a strap, according to embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a raised-profile button, according to embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the raised-profile button of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the raised-profile button of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11A is a partial front view of a stuffed novelty, according to embodiments.

FIG. 11B is a partial side view of the stuffed novelty of FIG. 1A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described in this disclosure, embodiments are directed to a stuffed novelty with attachment device. For brevity and easier reading, the “stuffed novelty with attachment device” will be referred to as simply the “stuffed novelty” in this disclosure. The stuffed novelty may be, for example, a stuffed animal that can be attached to a strap, such as a backpack strap or seatbelt strap. Embodiments may also include a compartment for holding, storing, or enclosing, for example, a mobile device, an identification card, or a credit card. Accordingly, embodiments may provide apparatus and methods to decorate a strap, hold an object, or visually identify, for example, the backpack or seatbelt strap to which the stuffed novelty is attached.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a stuffed novelty, according to embodiments. FIG. 1B is a detail view of a portion of the stuffed novelty of FIG. 1A illustrating an alternative configuration. FIG. 2 is a side view of the stuffed novelty of FIG. 1A attached to an example strap. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the stuffed novelty of FIG. 1A. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-3, a stuffed novelty 100 may include a stuffed article 101, an attachment band 102, and a fastening mechanism 103.

The stuffed article 101 may be, for example, a stuffed animal, stuffed figurine, plush toy, or other item (including, as examples, a pouch or a pocket) having a fabric shell 128 that contains a compressible material 125. In some embodiments, the stuffed article 101 may resemble, for example, a human being, another animal, or another organism. The resemblance may be a characterization or other exaggeration. The fabric shell 128 may be or include, for example, cloth or another textile. The compressible material 125 may be, for example, batting or other filling made from natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, or synthetic fibers or pellets such as polyester; foam, such as foam rubber, polyurethane foam, or shredded foam; down or other feathers; or kapok.

The fabric shell 128 may include stitches, welding, gluing, or other such joints to define one or more contained volumes 129, or encapsulated chambers, within the fabric shell 128. Alternatively, the contained volume 129 may be one or more bladders, bags, or sacks within the fabric shell 128. In embodiments having such a contained volume, the compressible material may be displaced within the contained volume, which encompasses the compressible material, but only to the extent of the contained volume. For example, FIG. 1A shows an outline of an example contained volume 129. While the precise boundaries of the contained volume 129 may be flexible (such as, for example, when a bladder, bag, or sack within the fabric shell 128 is made of a flexible material), the compressible material 125 may be constrained to remain within the contained volume 129, thus limiting the extent to which the compressible material 125 may be displaced. In embodiments, the contained volume 129 may be substantially coextensive with the fabric shell 128. As used in this disclosure, “substantially coextensive” means largely or essentially coinciding in space without requiring perfect coincidence. In other embodiments, the contained volume 129 might not be coextensive with the fabric shell 128. Hence, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the contained volume 129 might not extend into the arms or legs of the stuffed article 101.

The attachment band 102 may include an elastic band 104 having two ends. In embodiments, the elastic band 104 may be a closed, elastic ring, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 1A. In embodiments, the elastic band 104 may be a single elastic cord or cable doubled onto itself at a midpoint of the elastic cord or cable, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 1B. A first end 105 of the elastic band 104 may be coupled to the stuffed article 101.

For example, the first end 105 of the elastic band 104 may be fixedly attached to the stuffed article 101 by, for example, being sewn into a seam in the stuffed article 101. A seam is beneficial because it may better distribute the load imparted to the stuffed article 101 by the attachment band 102 at its attachment point when the attachment band 102 is under tension. Hence, for example, the elastic band 104 may be sewn into the stuffed article 101 the seam 130 (see FIG. 3).

An opposite, second end 106 of the elastic band 104 may be removably attached to the stuffed article 101 by way of the fastening mechanism 103 on a side of the stuffed article 101 that is remote (such as, for example, substantially opposite) from where the first end 105 is coupled to the stuffed article 101. As used in this disclosure, “substantially opposite” means largely or essentially across from, without requiring perfect contraposition.

Hence, for example, in embodiments where the stuffed article 101 resembles a human being or another animal, the attachment band 102 may be attached to the torso 132 of the stuffed article 101, with the first end 105 of the elastic band 104 being coupled to the stuffed article 101 near where the right arm (or foreleg) 133 of the stuffed article 101 attaches to the torso 132 and the second end 106 of the elastic band 104 being attached near where the left arm (or foreleg) 134 of the stuffed article 101 attaches to the torso 132. While the attachment point of the first end 105 of the elastic band 104 may be below the attachment point of the right arm 133 of the stuffed article lot, the attachment point of the second end 106 of the elastic band 104 (being at the fastening mechanism 103) may be in the left side of the chest region 131 of the torso 132 of the stuffed article lot. In this context, “below” means between the attachment point of the right arm (or foreleg) 133 and the attachment point of the same-side leg (or hind leg) 135 of the stuffed article 101.

As used in this disclosure, directions such as “right,” “left,” “above,” “below,” and “under” are used for convenience and in reference to the views provided in figures. But the stuffed novelty 100 may have a number of orientations in actual use. Thus, a feature that is to the right, to the left, above, below, or under in the figures may not have that same orientation or direction in actual use. Also, features that are shown in the figures as being on the right side of the stuffed article 101 could instead be on the left side of the stuffed article 101, and vice versa.

In embodiments, the attachment band 102 may include a sleeve 107 that surrounds at least a portion of the elastic band 104 of the attachment band 102. The sleeve 107 may be made from or include, for example, cloth or another textile, rubber, silicone, or PVC. The sleeve 107 may help to protect the elastic band 104 from abrasion or other damage. The sleeve 107 may also help to keep the elastic band 104 from catching or pinching nearby materials, such as a user's hair or clothing. In addition, the sleeve 107 may help to contain the elastic band 104 and may help to keep the elastic band 104 from binding or twisting.

The fastening mechanism 103 is affixed to the stuffed article 101. As noted above, in embodiments where the stuffed article 101 resembles a human being or another animal, the fastening mechanism 103 may be affixed to the torso 132 of the stuffed article 101, for example, in the chest region-especially the left side of the chest region 131—of the torso 132. The fastening mechanism 103 may be, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener, snap, magnet, clip, clasp, button, or other fastener. Since many fasteners have multiple parts (often two parts that engage), a first part of the fastener may be, or may be affixed to, the fastening mechanism 103 and a second part of the fastener may be affixed to, or may be part of, the attachment band 102. For example, the elastic band 104 may include one part of a snap fastener at the second end 106 of the elastic band 104, while the fastening mechanism 103 includes the second part of the snap fastener. In other embodiments, both parts of a two-part fastener may be affixed to the attachment band 102, such as, for example, the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, where the attachment band 102 includes both parts of a hook-and-loop fastener 119.

The fastening mechanism 103 may be a button, and the attachment band 102 may include a buttonhole or loop, such as the loop 108 illustrated in FIG. 1A, configured to accept the button. In embodiments where the elastic band 104 is a closed, elastic ring, the loop 108 may be the second end 106 of the elastic band 104, such as illustrated in FIG. 1A. In embodiments where the fastening mechanism 103 is a button, the button may have a variety of shapes. For example, the button may be generally disc-shaped, such as shown in FIGS. 1A and 2. The button also may be generally heart-shaped. Also, the fastening mechanism 103 may be a raised-profile button 109 as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-5B and described below for FIGS. 8-9.

As noted above, FIG. 2 illustrates the stuffed article 101 attached to a strap 116. The strap 116 may be a backpack shoulder strap or a seatbelt strap. To install the stuffed novelty 100 to the strap 116, the attachment band 102 may be passed around the strap 116 and then coupled to the fastening mechanism 103.

The distance from the first end 105 of the elastic band 104 to the second end 106 of the elastic band 104 is may be the same as, or somewhat less than, the distance from the first end 105 of the elastic band 104 to the fastening mechanism 103, measured along the surface of the stuffed article 101 (around the back side of the stuffed article 101). Accordingly, when the attachment band 102 is wrapped around the strap 116 and then coupled to the fastening mechanism 103, the stuffed article 101 may scrunch or compress or the elastic band 104 of the attachment band 102 may stretch, or both, to cause the stuffed novelty 100 to be securely attached to the strap 116. This is described further with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

Returning to FIG. 1A, the attachment band 102 may have an initial length 123 and a final length 124. The initial length 123 is the length of the attachment band 102 when the attachment band 102 is subjected to no tensile forces other than perhaps gravity. The initial length 123 may be about the same as the width 117 of the strap 116 (see FIG. 2). The final length 124 is the length of the attachment band 102 when the attachment band 102 is wrapped around the strap 116 and coupled to the fastening mechanism 103 (as, for example, shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B).

The final length 124 is preferably between about 100% and about 525% of the initial length 123. More preferably, the final length 124 is between about 100% and about 425% of the initial length 123. Even more preferably, the final length 124 is between about 100% and about 325% of the initial length 123. Hence, by way of example, for an initial length 123 of about two inches, the final length 124 minus the initial length 123 may be between about zero inches and about four and a half inches.

FIG. 4 is an alternative front view of the stuffed novelty of FIGS. 1A-3. As shown in FIG. 4, the stuffed article 101 may be or may include a pocket or other compartment 121 for holding, storing, or enclosing an object, such as a mobile device, an identification card, a credit card, or keys as examples. The mobile device could be, for example, a smartphone or other cellphone. FIG. 4 illustrates a pocket 121 holding a credit card 122.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the stuffed novelty of FIG. 4, in which the compressible material is shown in an uncompressed state. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the compressible material 125 has an uncompressed height, or thickness 126. The uncompressed thickness 126 is the thickness of the compressible material 125 when the compressible material 125 is subject to no compressive forces other than perhaps gravity and ambient air pressure. The illustrated example shows an approximately 0% compression of the compressible material 125 when the attachment band 102 is coupled to the fastening mechanism 103.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the stuffed novelty of FIG. 4, in which the compressible material is shown in an example compressed state. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the compressible material 125 has a compressed height, or thickness 127. The illustrated example shows an approximately 90% compression of the compressible material 125 when the attachment band 102 is coupled to the fastening mechanism 103.

Accordingly, a system of components may be used to attach the stuffed novelty 100 to a strap 116. The system may include, for example, the compressible material 125, the contained volume 129 within the fabric shell 128, and the attachment band 102, each as discussed above. The compressible material 125 may be compressed within the contained volume 129 or the elastic band 104 of the attachment band 102 may stretch to accommodate different sizes of straps 116, or both. Thus, in some configurations, the elastic band 104 may barely stretch (for example, to between about 100% and about 150% of its initial length), while the compressible material 125 may compress a lot (for example, to between about 80% and about 90% compression). In some configurations, the elastic band 104 may stretch a lot (for example, to between about 475% and about 525% of its initial length), while the compressible material 125 barely compresses (for example, to between about 0% and about 10% compression). In some configurations, the elastic band 104 stretches by an amount (for example, to between about 300% and about 350% of its initial length) that is comparable to how much the compressible material 125 compresses (for example, to between about 45% and about 55% compression). Hence, the stuffed novelty 100 may be locked in place on the strap 116 by the compression and containment of the compressible material 125, the tension of the attachment band 102, or both.

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of a stuffed novelty 600 attached to a strap 116. The strap 116 may be a backpack shoulder strap or a seatbelt strap. The stuffed novelty 600 may be as described above for the stuffed novelty 100 of FIGS. 1A-5B, except as noted here.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the attachment band 102 may include an attachment strap 118 having a hook-and-loop fastener 119 at the second, free end of the attachment strap 118. And the fastening mechanism 103 may be or include a loop or other bracket 120 affixed to the stuffed article lot. The bracket 120 may be sewn into the stuffed article lot, such as at a seam in the stuffed article 101. For example, the bracket 120 may be sewn into the stuffed article 101 at a left-side seam 142. Accordingly, the attachment strap 118 may be pulled through the bracket 120, doubled back on itself, and then fastened with the hook-and-loop fastener. This causes the stuffed article 101 to scrunch or compress, causing the stuffed novelty 600 to be securely attached to the strap 116.

FIG. 7 illustrates multiple stuffed novelties attached to a strap. The strap may be a backpack shoulder strap or a seatbelt strap. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a first stuffed novelty 750 may be installed onto the strap 116 above a second stuffed novelty 751. Each of the first stuffed novelty 750 and the second stuffed novelty 751 may be as described above for the stuffed novelty 100 of FIGS. 1A-5B or the stuffed novelty 600 of FIG. 6.

Accordingly, in embodiments where the stuffed article resembles a human being or another animal, a region 143 (shown in FIG. 6 for the second, lower stuffed article 751) between the legs of the first, upper stuffed novelty 750 is configured to accommodate a head portion 144 (the head or neck or both) extending from a shoulder portion 145 of a main body 146 of the second, lower stuffed article 751, such as illustrated in FIG. 7. The first stuffed novelty 750 and the second stuffed novelty 751 may be interchangeable, meaning that the second stuffed novelty 751 may be the upper item and the first stuffed novelty 750 may be the lower item. In such an interchangeable configuration, a region 143 between the legs of the second stuffed novelty 751 is likewise configured to accommodate a head portion 144 (the head or neck, or both) extending from a shoulder portion 145 of a main body 146 of the first stuffed article 750.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a raised-profile button 109, according to embodiments. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the raised-profile button of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a rear view of the raised-profile button of FIG. 8. As used in this disclosure, a “raised-profile button” includes a button body 112 having a substantially flat portion 136 with a front face 137 and a back face 138. As used in this disclosure, “substantially flat” means largely or essentially flat without requiring perfect flatness. The back face 138 is substantially parallel to the front face 137. As used in this disclosure, “substantially parallel” means largely or essentially equidistant at all points, without requiring perfect parallelism.

The back face 138 has a maximum planform dimension 139. As used here, maximum planform dimension 139 of the back face 138 means the longest dimension of the back face 138 when viewed from the perspective of the rear view, such as the view shown in FIG. 10. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the back face 138 is circular; thus, the maximum planform dimension 139 in this example would be the diameter of the circle. In embodiments, where the back face 138 is rectangular, the maximum planform dimension 139 of the back face 138 would be the distance between opposite corners of the rectangle.

A pedestal portion 111 extends from the back face 138 of the substantially flat portion 136 and has a maximum planform dimension 140. As used here, maximum planform dimension 140 of the pedestal portion 111 means the longest dimension of the pedestal portion 111 when viewed from the perspective of the rear view, such as the view shown in FIG. 10. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the pedestal portion 111 is circular; thus, the maximum planform dimension 140 in this example would be the diameter of the circle. In embodiments, where the pedestal portion 111 is rectangular, the maximum planform dimension 140 of the pedestal portion 111 would be the distance between opposite corners of the rectangle.

The maximum planform dimension 140 of the pedestal portion 111 is less than the maximum planform dimension 139 of the back face 138 of the flat portion. Thread through-holes 110 are centrally distributed about the front face 137 of the substantially flat portion 136 and extend through the button body and the pedestal portion 111. There may be four thread through-holes 110, positioned substantially as shown in FIG. 8.

For the raised-profile button 109, preferably the width 113 of the pedestal portion 111 is between about 20% and about 100% the width 114 of the button body 112. More preferably, the width 113 of the pedestal portion 111 is between about 40% and about 80% the width 114 of the button body 112. Even more preferably, the width 113 of the pedestal portion 111 is between 55% and 65% the width 114 of the button body 112.

For the raised-profile button 109, preferably the overall width of the button body 112 and the pedestal portion 111 (that is, the width 113 of the pedestal portion 111 plus the width 114 of the button body 112) is between about 10% and about 50% the diameter 115 of the button body 112. More preferably, the overall width of the button body 112 plus the pedestal portion 111 is between about 20% and about 40% the diameter 115 of the button body 112. Even more preferably, the overall width of the button body 112 plus the pedestal portion 111 is between 25% and 35% the diameter 115 of the button body 112.

As compared to a conventional button, the raised-profile button 109 may provide improved performance by reducing the likelihood of the button coming undone from its buttonhole (such as, for example, the loop 108) when the button is applied to a compressible object, such as the stuffed article 101. For example, the loop 108 may rest within a channel formed between the fabric shell 128 and the back face 138 of the substantially flat portion 136 of the button body 112, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 11A is a partial front view of a stuffed novelty attached to a strap 116, according to embodiments. FIG. 11B is a partial side view of the stuffed novelty of FIG. 11A. The second stuffed novelty illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11B may be as described above for the stuffed novelty 100 of FIGS. 1A-5B or the stuffed novelty 600 of FIG. 6, except as noted here.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11B, the first end 105 of the elastic band 104 may be removably attached to the stuffed article lot. The first end 105 of the elastic band 104 may include either a clasp 147 or a catch 148 of a clasp-and-catch fastener 149, while the stuffed article 100 may include the other of the clasp 147 or the catch 148 of the clasp-and-catch fastener 149. As shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, the catch 148 may be a loop or sleeve configured to accept a portion of the clasp 147.

Likewise, the fastening mechanism 103 may include either a clasp 147 or a catch 148 of a clasp-and-catch fastener 149, while the second end 106 of the elastic band 104 may include the other of the clasp 147 or the catch 148 of the clasp-and-catch fastener 149. As illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11B, the catch 148 may be a loop or sleeve configured to accept a portion of the clasp 147.

Accordingly, the first end 105 of the elastic band 104 or the second end 106 of the elastic band 104, or both, may include all or part of a fastening mechanism, such as the clasp-and-catch fastener 149, a hook-and-loop fastener, snap, magnet, clip, clasp, button, or other fastener. Since many fasteners have multiple parts (often two parts that engage), a first part of the fastener may be, or may be affixed to, the fastening mechanism 103 and a second part of the fastener may be affixed to, or may be part of, the second end 106 of the elastic band 104. Likewise, a first part of the fastener may be, or may be affixed to, the stuffed article 101 and a second part of the fastener may be affixed to, or may be part of, the first end 105 of the elastic band 104. In embodiments having a button affixed to the stuffed article lot, the first end 105 of the elastic band 104 may include a buttonhole or loop (such as the loop 108 illustrated in FIG. 1A for the second end 106 of the elastic band 104) configured to accept the button.

EXAMPLES

Illustrative examples of the disclosed technologies are provided below. An embodiment of the technologies may include one or more, and any combination of, the examples described below.

Example 1 includes a stuffed novelty comprising: a stuffed article having a fabric shell; a compressible material enclosed within the fabric shell; a fastening mechanism attached to a first region of the stuffed article; and an attachment band comprising an elastic band coupled at a first end of the elastic band to a second region of the stuffed article, the second region of the stuffed article being remote from the first region of the stuffed article, a second end of the elastic band, opposite the first end of the elastic band, configured to be removably attached to the fastening mechanism.

Example 2 includes the stuffed novelty of claim 1, further comprising one or more contained volumes within the fabric shell, in which the compressible material is encompassed by the one or more contained volumes, the one or more contained volumes configured to allow displacement of the compressible material within the one or more contained volumes.

Example 3 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-2, in which the attachment band further comprises a sleeve surrounding at least a portion of a length of the elastic band.

Example 4 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-3, in which the elastic band comprises a closed elastic loop extending from the first end of the elastic band to the second end of the elastic band, and in which the attachment band further comprises a sleeve surrounding at least a portion of a length of the closed elastic loop.

Example 5 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-4, further comprising a storage compartment on an outside of the stuffed article.

Example 6 includes the stuffed novelty of Example 5, in which the storage compartment comprises a pocket.

Example 7 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-6, in which the fastening mechanism comprises a button and the elastic band comprises a loop configured to accept the button within the loop.

Example 8 includes the stuffed novelty of Example 7, in which the button is a raised-profile button.

Example 9 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-6, in which the fastening mechanism comprises a bracket and the elastic band comprises a hook-and-loop fastener configured to close around the bracket.

Example 10 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-6, in which the fastening mechanism comprises a first part of a multipart fastener, and in which the second end of the elastic band comprises a second part of the multipart fastener.

Example 11 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-10, in which the elastic band is fixedly attached at the first end of the elastic band to the second region of the stuffed article.

Example 12 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-10, in which the elastic band is removably attached at the first end of the elastic band to the second region of the stuffed article.

Example 13 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-6, 11, and 12, in which the second region of the stuffed article comprises a first part of a multipart fastener, and in which the first end of the elastic band comprises a second part of the multipart fastener.

Example 14 includes the stuffed novelty of any of Examples 1-13, in which the second region of the stuffed article is a seam in the fabric shell of the stuffed article.

Example 15 includes a method of attaching stuffed novelties to a strap external to the stuffed novelties, the method comprising: positioning a first stuffed novelty adjacent to the strap, the first stuffed novelty comprising a stuffed article having a fabric shell, a compressible material enclosed within the fabric shell, a fastening mechanism attached to a first region of the stuffed article, and an attachment band comprising an elastic band coupled at a first end of the elastic band to a second region of the stuffed article, the second region of the stuffed article being remote from the first region of the stuffed article, a second end of the elastic band, opposite the first end of the elastic band, configured to be removably attached to the fastening mechanism; passing the second end of the elastic band around the strap; and coupling the second end of the elastic band to the fastening mechanism.

Example 16 includes the method of Example 15, further comprising elongating the elastic band before coupling the second end of the elastic band to the fastening mechanism.

Example 17 includes the method of Example 16, in which the elastic band has an initial length from the first end of the elastic band to the second end of the elastic band before elongating the elastic band, and in which the elastic band has a final length from the first end of the elastic band to the second end of the elastic band when the elastic band is coupled to the fastening mechanism, in which elongating the elastic band comprises elongating the elastic band until the final length is less than 525% of the initial length.

Example 18 includes the method of any of Examples 15-17, further comprising compressing the compressible material enclosed within the fabric shell before coupling the second end of the elastic band to the fastening mechanism.

Example 19 includes the method of Example 18, further comprising elongating the elastic band before coupling the second end of the elastic band to the fastening mechanism.

Example 20 includes a method of attaching stuffed novelties to a strap external to the stuffed novelties, the method comprising: positioning a first stuffed novelty adjacent to the strap, the first stuffed novelty comprising a stuffed article having a fabric shell, a compressible material enclosed within the fabric shell of the first stuffed novelty, two legs extending from a main body of the first stuffed novelty, a fastening mechanism attached to a first region of the stuffed article of the first stuffed novelty, and an attachment band comprising an elastic band coupled at a first end of the elastic band of the first stuffed novelty to a second region of the stuffed article of the first stuffed novelty, the second region of the stuffed article of the first stuffed novelty being remote from the first region of the stuffed article of the first stuffed novelty, a second end of the elastic band of the first stuffed novelty, opposite the first end of the elastic band of the first stuffed novelty, configured to be removably attached to the fastening mechanism of the first stuffed novelty; passing the second end of the elastic band of the first stuffed novelty around the strap; coupling the second end of the elastic band of the first stuffed novelty to the fastening mechanism of the first stuffed novelty; positioning a second stuffed novelty adjacent to the strap, the second stuffed novelty comprising a stuffed article having a fabric shell, a head portion extending from a shoulder portion of a main body of the second stuffed novelty, a compressible material enclosed within the fabric shell of the second stuffed novelty, a fastening mechanism attached to a first region of the stuffed article of the second stuffed novelty, and an attachment band comprising an elastic band coupled at a first end of the elastic band of the second stuffed novelty to a second region of the stuffed article of the second stuffed novelty, the second region of the stuffed article of the second stuffed novelty being remote from the first region of the stuffed article of the second stuffed novelty, a second end of the elastic band of the second stuffed novelty, opposite the first end of the elastic band of the second stuffed novelty, configured to be removably attached to the fastening mechanism of the second stuffed novelty; passing the second end of the elastic band of the second stuffed novelty around the strap; coupling the second end of the elastic band of the second stuffed novelty to the fastening mechanism; and positioning the head portion of the second stuffed novelty between the two legs extending from the main body of the first stuffed novelty

Example 21 includes the method of Example 20, further comprising resting the two legs of the first stuffed novelty on the shoulder portion of the second stuffed novelty.

Example 22 includes a raised-profile button comprising: a button body comprising a substantially flat portion having a front face and a back face, the back face being substantially parallel to the front face, the back face having a maximum planform dimension; a pedestal portion extending from the back face of the substantially flat portion and having a maximum planform dimension, the maximum planform dimension of the pedestal portion being less than the maximum planform dimension of the back face of the flat portion; and thread through-holes centrally distributed about the front face of the substantially flat portion and extending through the button body and the pedestal portion.

Example 23 includes the raised-profile button of Example 22, in which the button body has a width defined as a distance between the front face of the substantially flat portion and a the back face of the substantially flat portion, in which the pedestal portion extends from the back face of the substantially flat portion by a pedestal width, the pedestal width being between about 20% and about 100% the width of the button body.

Example 24 includes the method of any of Examples 22-23, in which the width of the button body is between about 10% and about 50% the maximum planform dimension of the back face of the substantially flat portion.

The previously described versions of the disclosed subject matter have many advantages that were either described or would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill. Even so, all of these advantages or features are not required in all versions of the disclosed apparatus, systems, or methods.

Additionally, this written description makes reference to particular features. It is to be understood that the disclosure in this specification includes all possible combinations of those particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in the context of other aspects and embodiments.

Also, when reference is made in this application to a method having two or more defined steps or operations, the defined steps or operations can be carried out in any order or simultaneously, unless the context excludes those possibilities.

Furthermore, the term “comprises” and its grammatical equivalents are used in this application to mean that other components, features, steps, processes, operations, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” or “which comprises” components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or it can contain components A, B, and C along with one or more other components.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A stuffed novelty comprising:

a stuffed article having a fabric shell;

a compressible material enclosed within the fabric shell;

a fastening mechanism attached to a first region of the stuffed article; and

an attachment band comprising an elastic band coupled at a first end of the elastic band to a second region of the stuffed article, the second region of the stuffed article being remote from the first region of the stuffed article, a second end of the elastic band, opposite the first end of the elastic band, configured to be removably attached to the fastening mechanism.

2. The stuffed novelty of claim 1, further comprising one or more contained volumes within the fabric shell, in which the compressible material is encompassed by the one or more contained volumes, the one or more contained volumes configured to allow displacement of the compressible material within the one or more contained volumes.

3. The stuffed novelty of claim 1, in which the attachment band further comprises a sleeve surrounding at least a portion of a length of the elastic band.

4. The stuffed novelty of claim 1, in which the elastic band comprises a closed elastic loop extending from the first end of the elastic band to the second end of the elastic band, and in which the attachment band further comprises a sleeve surrounding at least a portion of a length of the closed elastic loop.

5. The stuffed novelty of claim 1, further comprising a storage compartment on an outside of the stuffed article.

6. The stuffed novelty of claim 1, in which the fastening mechanism comprises a button and the elastic band comprises a loop configured to accept the button within the loop.

7. The stuffed novelty of claim 1, in which the fastening mechanism comprises a bracket and the elastic band comprises a hook-and-loop fastener configured to close around the bracket.

8. The stuffed novelty of claim 1, in which the fastening mechanism comprises a first part of a multipart fastener, and in which the second end of the elastic band comprises a second part of the multipart fastener.

9. The stuffed novelty of claim 1, in which the elastic band is fixedly attached at the first end of the elastic band to the second region of the stuffed article.

10. The stuffed novelty of claim 1, in which the elastic band is removably attached at the first end of the elastic band to the second region of the stuffed article.

11. The stuffed novelty of claim 1, in which the second region of the stuffed article comprises a first part of a multipart fastener, and in which the first end of the elastic band comprises a second part of the multipart fastener.

12. A method of attaching stuffed novelties to a strap external to the stuffed novelties, the method comprising:

positioning a first stuffed novelty adjacent to the strap, the first stuffed novelty comprising a stuffed article having a fabric shell, a compressible material enclosed within the fabric shell, a fastening mechanism attached to a first region of the stuffed article, and an attachment band comprising an elastic band coupled at a first end of the elastic band to a second region of the stuffed article, the second region of the stuffed article being remote from the first region of the stuffed article, a second end of the elastic band, opposite the first end of the elastic band, configured to be removably attached to the fastening mechanism;

passing the second end of the elastic band around the strap; and

coupling the second end of the elastic band to the fastening mechanism.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising elongating the elastic band before coupling the second end of the elastic band to the fastening mechanism.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising compressing the compressible material enclosed within the fabric shell before coupling the second end of the elastic band to the fastening mechanism.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising elongating the elastic band before coupling the second end of the elastic band to the fastening mechanism.

16. A method of attaching stuffed novelties to a strap external to the stuffed novelties, the method comprising:

positioning a first stuffed novelty adjacent to the strap, the first stuffed novelty comprising a stuffed article having a fabric shell, a compressible material enclosed within the fabric shell of the first stuffed novelty, two legs extending from a main body of the first stuffed novelty, a fastening mechanism attached to a first region of the stuffed article of the first stuffed novelty, and an attachment band comprising an elastic band coupled at a first end of the elastic band of the first stuffed novelty to a second region of the stuffed article of the first stuffed novelty, the second region of the stuffed article of the first stuffed novelty being remote from the first region of the stuffed article of the first stuffed novelty, a second end of the elastic band of the first stuffed novelty, opposite the first end of the elastic band of the first stuffed novelty, configured to be removably attached to the fastening mechanism of the first stuffed novelty;

passing the second end of the elastic band of the first stuffed novelty around the strap;

coupling the second end of the elastic band of the first stuffed novelty to the fastening mechanism of the first stuffed novelty;

positioning a second stuffed novelty adjacent to the strap, the second stuffed novelty comprising a stuffed article having a fabric shell, a head portion extending from a shoulder portion of a main body of the second stuffed novelty, a compressible material enclosed within the fabric shell of the second stuffed novelty, a fastening mechanism attached to a first region of the stuffed article of the second stuffed novelty, and an attachment band comprising an elastic band coupled at a first end of the elastic band of the second stuffed novelty to a second region of the stuffed article of the second stuffed novelty, the second region of the stuffed article of the second stuffed novelty being remote from the first region of the stuffed article of the second stuffed novelty, a second end of the elastic band of the second stuffed novelty, opposite the first end of the elastic band of the second stuffed novelty, configured to be removably attached to the fastening mechanism of the second stuffed novelty;

passing the second end of the elastic band of the second stuffed novelty around the strap;

coupling the second end of the elastic band of the second stuffed novelty to the fastening mechanism; and

positioning the head portion of the second stuffed novelty between the two legs extending from the main body of the first stuffed novelty

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising resting the two legs of the first stuffed novelty on the shoulder portion of the second stuffed novelty.

18. A raised-profile button comprising:

a button body comprising a substantially flat portion having a front face and a back face, the back face being substantially parallel to the front face, the back face having a maximum planform dimension;

a pedestal portion extending from the back face of the substantially flat portion and having a maximum planform dimension, the maximum planform dimension of the pedestal portion being less than the maximum planform dimension of the back face of the flat portion; and

thread through-holes centrally distributed about the front face of the substantially flat portion and extending through the button body and the pedestal portion.

19. The raised-profile button of claim 18, in which the button body has a width defined as a distance between the front face of the substantially flat portion and a the back face of the substantially flat portion, in which the pedestal portion extends from the back face of the substantially flat portion by a pedestal width, the pedestal width being between about 20% and about 100% the width of the button body.

20. The raised-profile button of claim 18, in which the width of the button body is between about 10% and about 50% the maximum planform dimension of the back face of the substantially flat portion.