Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Backqround of the Invention
This invention relates to ornamentations and more particularly to
multi-part ornamentations particularly in the form of buttons,
jewelry, liquid container closures, buckles for belts, and knobs
for furniture and the like and the method of fabrication thereof.
Ornamentations, particularly in the form of buttons, items of
jewelry such as broaches, pins, rings, earrings, bracelets,
pendants, belt buckles and knobs for furniture and the like are
used extensively to decorate households, wearing apparel and
one's person.
Buttons are extensively use on garments as fastening devices and
for ornamentation. Jewelry is similarly worn on the person.
Knobs serve to assist in gaining access to cabinets, furniture,
and similar items. Buckles are to secure two ends of a belt or
strap together or as decorative ornaments for shoes, fabric
hangings, and for many other purposes. Bottle containers have
aesthetically selected cap shapes, which in many instances act as
trademarks, to distinguish one bottle container from another.
The items of ornamentation include a base member which is used to
facilitate holding of the item for use. Buttons, for examplel
include holes or a loop through which thread or other fastening
material is passed to attach and secure the button to a garment.
Jewelry pieces include pins, catches, loops, chains, clips,
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clasps and other devices by which the decorative part of the
jewelry item is positioned for show. The general construction of
a buckle usually requires some form of mechanism, clasp or device
for attaching the buckle to its belt or strap. Containers,
especially liquid bottle containers have screw-like threads to
facilitate capping the container. Knobs have means for
attachment to an item of cabinetry, furniture, or the like, such
as a channel through its stem through which a screw passes for
attaching to the furniture. For the purpose of this invention,
ornamentations include buttons, jewelry, container caps, buckles
and knobs for furniture and the like.
In the art, each of the above ornamentation types is produced by
a manufacturer as a unitary construction. As a result, the
manufacturer must stock a relatively large inventory of many
different types of items. The present invention provides a
system whereby a single base item may be attached to any of a
wide variety of decorative caps. This construction thus permits
use of a single base member with many different cap members and
allows the manufacturer of such articles to minimize the number
of items in inventory by reducing the number of bases for making
such assemblies. The base member provides an attachment portion
and a decorative cover for the base. The base and cover are
permanently and non-removably snapped together once assembled.
The prior art recognizes changeable items of ornamentation
wherein a base member and a decorative member snap together in a
2 ~3 rjl ~ 6 ~ 1~
removable fashion so that the ornamentation can be changed by the
user at will. In contrast, the base and cover of this invention
are not so removable.
In the prior art several other multi-part ornamental
configurations in the form of buttons, jewelry and the like are
known. U.S. patent 3,715,718 shows a button assembly secured to
a base by the use of an adhesive. The use of such adhesive is
messy. This patent also provides for snapping a decorative
member for the button in place but this form of manufacture
limits the ornamentation carrier to one having a ridge about the
decorative member and to one where the decorative member is
fabricated from springy material. U.S. patent 3,439,439 shows a
decorative button assembly for use with coins as the decorative
element which are loosely held in place. Other multi~part
constructions are shown in U.S. patents 55,791; 316,253; and
327,442. Multi-part constructions using a base and a decorative
part that assembles to the base with a snap type action are shown
in U.S. patents 2,087,074; 3,414,949; 3,133,331; 4,742,696;
4,959,890. All these use fastening elements to position the
decorative member to its carrier so that both snap together and
also snap apart easily. This action also permits separation of
the decorative member from the base when not desired and loss of
the decorative member.
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The present invention provides multi-part ornamentations
particularly in the form of buttons, jewelry, container closures,
buckles and knobs for furniture wherein any of several decorative
facings can be attached to a given base member, thus permitting a
large variety of ornamental configurations with a smaller
inventory requirement for the manufacturer. The facings, once
attached to a base are permanently, i.e. non-removably attached
to the base.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides an ornamental assembly comprising:
(a) base means including attaching means for securing said
base means to an article;
(b) decorative cap means for co-action with and mounting to
said base means;
(c) said base means and said cap means together carrying
securing means for non-removably securing said base means and cap
means together into an ornamental assembly; said securing means
including securing elements which readily co-act to secure said
base means and cap means together and which prevent separation of
said base means and said cap means.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be
in part discussed and in part apparent from a consideration of
the detailed description of the preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a vertical section through an item of ornamentation
in the form of a button assembly incorporating the instant
invention and enlarged to better show details thereof.
Figure 2 is a vertical section through an alternative item of
ornamentation in the configuration of another button assembly
construction incorporating the instant invention enlarged to
better show details thereof.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of another alternative item of
ornamentation in the configuration of another button assembly
construction incorporating the instant invention and enlarged to
better show details thereof.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of an intermediate member of the
assembly of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a vertical section through the assembly of Figure 3.
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective showing of another
alternative item of ornamentation in the configuration of still
another button assembly construction incorporating the instant
invention, enlarged to better show details thereof.
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Figure 7 is a vertical section through the assembled button
assembly construction of the button assembly of Figure 6, further
enlarged to better show details thereof.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of another alternative item of
ornamentation in the configuration of a button cap, incorporating
the instant invention.
Figure 9 is another perspective view of the button cap of Figure
8 with a manufacturing step performed thereon.
Figure 10 is a side view of a button base for the button cap of
Figures 8 and 9.
Figure 11 is a sectioned view of yet another button cap
incorporating the instant invention.
Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of another item of
ornamentation in the ~onfiguration of yet another button assembly
incorporating the instant invention.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of the cap or cover for the
button assembly of Figure 11, looking in from the bottom to
better show details thereof.
~ ~r~ d f; ~ f)
Figure 14 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the cover
for the assembly of Figure 12 showing one of the latching
elements of the butto~l assembly Of Figures 12 and 13.
Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of y~t another item of
ornamentation in the configuration of a finyer ring incorporating
the instant invention.
Figure 15 is a vertical sectional view of the cover for the
finger ring taken on line 16-16 of Figure 15.
Figure 17 is a vertical sectional view of a portion of the cover
of Figures 15 and 16 enlarged to better show details thereof.
Figure 18 is a schematic exploded showing of yet another
alternative item of ornamentation in the configuration of a pin
or broach incorporating the instant invention.
Figure 19 is a perspective view of still a further alternative
item of ornamentation in the configuration of a pendant
incorporating the instant invention.
Figure 20 is and exploded perspective view of the pendant of
Fi~ure 19.
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Figure 21 is a vertical section through a still further
alternative item of ornamentation in the cunfiguration o~ yet
another pendant incorporatlng the instant invention.
Figure 22 is a vertical section of another alternative item o~
ornamentation in the configuration of a pendant incorporating the
instant invention.
Figure 23 is a detail of the circled portion of the pendant of
Fig. 22 enlarged to better show details thereof.
Figure 24 is a vertical section of an alternative construction
for retaining the decorative portion of the pendant of Figures 22
and 23 in position on its base.
Figure 25 shows a bottom cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the cap previously described in Figure 1 showing
catches which prevent cap rotation.
Figure 26 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention where the cap member is provided with chevron shaped
catches for cooperation with a base member.
Figure 27 shows a cross-sectional view of the cap member of
Figure 26.
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Figure 28 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention where the base member is provided with chevron shaped
catches for cooperation with a cap member.
Figure 29 shows a cross-sectional view of the base member of
Figure 28.
Figure 30 shows a break-away perspective view of another
embodiment of the invention where base and cap members are
configured as a bead having internal complementary, raised and
recessed chevron engagements.
Figure 31 shows a perspective view of the engaged bead of Figure
30.
Figure 32 shows a perspective view of the engaged bead of Figure
30 with an additional ornamental band.
Figure 33 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a cap
member.
Figure 34 is a perspective showing of a buckle assembly
incorporating the instant invention.
Figure 35 is a perspective showing of base member for the buckle
assembly of Figure 34.
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Figure 36 i6 a vertical sectional view of the buckle assembly of
Figure 34.
Figure 37 is a perspective showing of a container in the form of
a bottle with a closure assembly incorporating the instant
invention.
Figure 38 is a vertical sectional view of a portion of the
closure assembly of Figure 37 enlarged to better show details
thereof.
Figure 39 is an exploded perspective view of a knob assembly
according to the invention.
Figure 40 is an exploded perspective view of a knob incorporating
the instant invention.
12
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The preferred embodiment will be described in detail with respect
to a button or jewelry item, however, the base or closure member
can also be a container closure, belt buckle, knob ~or a cabinet,
etc. The latter constructions will be discussed and illustrated
more briefly hereinafter. However, the requisite modifications
will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
With reference to Figure 1 there is generally shown at 10 an item
of ornamentation in the configuration of a button assembly
including a button base member 12 and a button cap member 14 all
incorporating the instant invention. Base 12 is made from
materials conventionally utilized to fabricate buttons such as
plastic, metal, wood, bone or the like and includes an anchor or
loop 20 conventionally secured to and extending from an underside
22 of button base 12. Anchor 20 is of a size, configuration and
disposition to receive a fastening medium such as wire or thread
to facilitate fastening assembly 10 to an article, such as
clothing~ A groove 24 is formed in a side surface 26 of button
base 12 and extends around the periphery of button base 12 at a
predetermined location between underside 22 and a top 30 of
button base 12. The button base 12 may be circular, oval, SquarQ
or any other conventional configuration. If desired, groove 24
may be continuous or discontinuous.
13
Button cap member 14 includes an upper surface 40 and side wall
42 including a side surface 44 dependiny therefrom thus forminy a
cap-like member. Surfaces 40 and 44 may, if desired, be
decorated with any desired surface texture, color, or design.
Side wall 42 includes an inner surface 46 having an open
configuration corresponding to the circumferential configuration
of side surface 26 of button base 12. An outwardly extending rib
50 extends about inner surface 46 of side wall 42 at a location
thereon to co-act with groove 24 of button base 12. Rib 50 may
be discontinuous or continuous and is formed discontinuous if
groove 24 is so ~ormed to correspond to and co-act with groove
24.
At least side wall 42 of button cap member 14 is formed to be
resilient so that it can snap over button base 12 so that its rib
50 will snap into and co-act with groove 24 to secure button cap
member 14 to button base 12. The resilience of side wall 42 and
the co-action of rib 50 and groove 24 is selected to permit
relatively easy assembly of button cap member 14 and button base
member 12 but not permit disassembly thereof.
It is an important feature of this invention that the cap and
base members of the assembly be substantially permanently and
non-removably attached to one another once they are snapped
together. This means that once these parts are united,
essentially the only way they can be separated again would be to
1~
physically break them apart so that they would subsequently be
non-usable, i.e. not re-attachable. This is important since if
an item readily disassembles, consumers would find it
unacceptable. For example, if a button on a garrnent comes apart
either in a store, or in use, the customer would find that entire
garment to be unacceptable. Hence readily detachable buttons,
jewelry items and the like would not be commercially viable. An
important ~eature of this invention is that the ornamentation
assemblies must be non-removable once attached. This non-
removable attachment is achieved in the absence of adhesives. In
a more preferred embodiment, the ornamentation elements are also
non-rotatable with respect to one another and in the most
preferred embodiment, the elements are substantially not movable
wi~h respect to one another.
Ornamentation 10 of Figure 1 may just as well be a piece of
jewelry such as a ring, broach, pin, pendant, tie tack, one of a
pair of earrings, a belt, bottle closure, knob or the like with
cap member 14 comprising the decorative portion of the piece of
jewelry and base member 12 serving as the base for the decorative
portion. The size and configuration of such base member 12 and
its decorative portion 14 would be selected to be appropriate to
the type of item. Anchor 20 would be replaced by an appropriate
attaching structure such as a finger loop for a ring, a pin with
catch for a pin or broach, clips for earrings, a loop for a
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pendant, a screw closure for a bottle, a knob stem or a buckle
clasp attachment.
Figure 2 shows another embodiment of ornamentation in the
configuration of a button assembly 100 including a base member
112 and a cap member 114. Base member 112, includes an anchor
120 suitably secured to and extending from an underside 122 of
base member 112. Anchor 120 is of a configuration to receive a
fastening medium, such as wire or thread to allow attaching
assembly 100 to an article such as clothing.
Base member 112 is generally cup shaped and further includes an
upwardly extending side wall 126 about its periphery terminating
in an in-turned lip or rib 128 disposed at a predetermined height
above a top surface 130 of base member 112. The circumferential
configuration of base member 112, like that of base 12 of Figure
1, may be circular, oval, square, rectangular or any other
conventional configuration~ If desired lip or rib 128 may be
continuous or discontinuous or may have fastening means at its
tip such as a bead or a hook.
Button cap member 114 includes an upper surface 140, upper side
wall 142, lower side wall 144 and a lower surface 146. Surface
140 and the surface of upper side wall 142 may, if desired, be
decorated. The surfaces of lower side wall 144, and if desired
upper side wall 142, have a peripheral configuration
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2 ~ 9 ~
correspondiny to that of side wall 126 of base member 112; with
the peripheral configuration of lower side wall 144 of reduced
diameter to that of upper side wall 142 and also corresponding to
the internal peripheral configuration of lip 128 and of an
internal surface 150 of side wall 126 of button base 112. The
height of lower side wall 144 is such that lower surface 146 of
cap 114 will not bottom against upper surface 130 of base member
112.
A circumferential groove 160 extends around the periphery of cap
member 114 at the upper extremity of lower side wall 144 thereof
proximate upper side wall 142. Groove 160 may be continuous or
discontinuous and if discontinuous along with lip 128, the groove
will correspond to rib 128 and co-act therewith as it will if
groove 160 is continuous.
Preferably side wall 126 of base member 112 is formed to be
resilient and so that its lip or rib 128 will receive and snap
over lower side wall 144 of cap 114 and into groove 160 to co-act
therewith and secure cap member 114 to base 112 permanently.
The resilience of side wall 126 of base member 112 and the co-
action of lip 128 thereof with lower side wall 144 and groove 160
is selected to permit relatively easy assembly of cap member 114
and base member 112 but not permit disassembly thereof. Again,
the anchor could be modified as above.
17
Figures 3, 4 and 5 together show yet another embodiment of
ornamentation in the configuration of a button assembly 300
incorporating the instant invention. A button cap member 302 is
formed to co-act with a button base member 304 and with an
intermediate button member 306 disposed therebetween as shown in
Figures 3 and 5.
As shown in Figure 5, base member 304 includes a disc-like body
310 having a side surface 312, an upper surface 314 and a lower
surface 316 from which extends an anchor or hook 318 formed with
an opening (not shown) to receive a fastening member such as a
thread (not shown) for purposes of securing assembly 300 to an
article of clothing. At least upper surface 314 of base member
304 may be decorated like the selected surfaces of button cap
members 14 and 114 of the Figure 1 and 2 embodiments, or if
desired the entire body 310 of base member 304 may be covered by
a fabric such as cloth, plastic, or leather.
Intermediate member 306 is disc-like and its peripheral
configuration conforms to that of base member 304 and cap member
302. Intermediate member 306 may be formed of relatively thin
material dished upwardly as shown in Figures 4 and 5 and with a
selected design 330 cut therein and therethrough to form an
opening 332 and, if the design so employs, a number of leaf-like
elements 334 disposed thereabout. Opening 332 may be centrally
18
o
located with leaf~like elements 334 disposed thereabout.
Preferably there is an opening through intermediate member 306
through which upper surface 314 of base member 302 can be seen.
Intermediate member 306 also need not be dished as shown but may
be just a relatively flat member.
Cap member 302 preferably includes a ring-like side wall 350
having a lower opening 352 (Figure 5) at its bottom, a
circumferential rib 354 ~Figures 3 and 5) around its top edge,
and a plurality of lace-like strips 356 spanning an upper opening
358 dividing it into a plurality of smaller openings 359. A
bead-like rib or hook 360 (Figure 5) extends about the periphery
of lower opening 352 for co-action with button base member 304.
The height of side wall 350 is selected so that bead 360 will
snap beneath lower surface 316 of base member 304, when base
member 304 is disposed within cap member 302 and when
intermediate member 306 is disposed on upper surface 314 of base
memb~r 302 as shown in Figure 5 and co-act with lower surface 316
of base member 30~ and side wall 312 thereof to secure button cap
member 302 and intermediate member 306 together with base member
304 to form button assembly 300. The resilience of at least side
wall 350 of cap member 302 permits a relatively easy snapping of
cap member 302 over base member 304 and intermediate member 306
and thus assembly of button 300, but does not permit disassembly
thereof. Leaf-like ribs 356 may be of any desired thickness,
confiyuration, disposition and number and need not necessarily
19
completely span upper opening 358. Preferable there are
sufficient smaller openings 359 to view intermediate member 306
and base member 302.
Figures 6 and 7 together show another configuration of a button
assembly 400. ~ top cap mPmber 402 is formed to co-act with a
base member 404 with an intermediate-cap member 406 disposed
therebetween. Button base member 404 includes a disc-like hody
410 having a side surface 412, an upper surface ~14 and a lower
surface 416 from which extends an anchor 418 formed with an
opening 420 to receive a fastening member such as a thread (not
shown) for purposes of securing button assembly 400 to an article
of clothingO Upper surface 414 of base member 404 may he
decorated like that of base member 314 of assembly 300 (Figures
3-5) or like base member 304, base memb~r 404 may be covered by
fabric such as cloth, plastic, or leather.
Button top-cap member 402 and button intermediate-cap member 406
are each cup-like and similar in configuration except that
intermediate-cap member 406 is of a size and configuration to
snap over and non-removably attach with button base member 404
and top-cap member 402 is of a size and configuration to snap
over and non-removably attach with both intermediate-cap member
406 and button base member 404.
3 ~3
Intermediate-cap member 40~ may include a riny-like side wall 440
having a lower opening 442 tFigure 7) at its bottom~ a
circumf~rential rib 444 around its top edge and a plurality o~
leaf-like cut-out members 446 extending into an upper opening
448. A bead-like rib 450 (Figure 7) extends about the
circumferential periphery of lower opening 448 for co-action with
base member 404. The height of side wall 440 is selected so that
bead 450 thereof will snap beneath lower surface 416 of base
member 404, when base member 404 is disposed within intermediate-
cap member 406 as shown in Figure 7, and will co-act with lower
surface 416 and side wall 412 of button base member 404 to secure
intermediate-cap member 406 in place permanently.
Top-cap member 402, like intermediate-cap member 406, includes a
ring-like side wall 460 having a lower opening 462 ~Figure 7) at
its bottom, a circumferential rib 464 around its top-edge and a
plurality of leaf-like cut-out members 466 extending into an
upper opening 468. A groove 470 extends about the
circumferential periphery of an inner surface of top cap 402
proximate lower opening 448 for co-action with intermediate-cap
member 406 and base member 404 as will be hereinafter described.
The height of side wall 460 is selected 50 that groove 470
thereof will snap onto an outer bead 472 proximate a lower edge
of side wall 440 of intermediate-cap member 406, as shown in
Figure 7, when top-cap member 402 is disposed over intermediate-
21
cap member ~06 and will co-ack with same to secure kop-cap member
402 in place permanently.
Figures 8-10 shows yet another embodiment of ornamentation in the
configuration of a button cap 502. Cap 502 may be made, for
example, of metal, such as brass or aluminum. Fitted along a
free marginal edge of cap 502 may be a grommet or collar 504.
Collar 504 may be made of any suitable material, such as rubber
or plastic. Collar 504 may be substantially ring-shaped and may
have a slit cut circumferentially (not shown) to admit the
marginal edge of the cap 502.
In the next step, the edge of the cap 502 is bent inwardly (as in
Figure 9). A button base 506 is of a similar construction to
those disclosed hereinabove. A chamfer 508 (Figure 10) is formed
at the lower or bottom portion of base 506. On assembly, cap 502
is forced over base 506 and collar 504 snapped into chamfer 508
locking cap 50~ into position.
It will also be understood that the cap (e.g., the cap of Figure
4 or 6) may have a central portion internally threaded. Thus, as
shown in Figure 11, a cap 302' may have a threaded opening 606
formed in its top wall adjacent to its circumferential portion
~54'. A design-bearing top wall 608 may then be threaded into
the top. Once threaded into position, the consumer will not be
aware that the design is inserted into the button. This assembly
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enables the manufacturer to employ any of a multiplicity of
design elements to be used with a single shaped cap and base.
While the ~arious ribs 50, 128, 360, 450 and 472 of the
respective embodiments of Figures 1, 2, 3~5 and 6-7 respectively
have been shown as being continuous about the circumference of
their respective members, they may just as well be discontinuous
as long as there is sufficient rib to co-act with the respective
grooves to provide the desired and required secure attachment of
caps and bases. Likewise the grooves can be discontinuous.
With reference to Figures 12-14 there is generally shown at 610 a
button assembly including a button base member 612 and a button
cap member 614. Button base 612 includes an anchor 620 extending
from an underside 652 of button base 612.
Button cap member 614 includes an upper surface 640 and side wall
642 depending therefrom thus forming a cap-like member. Surfaces
640 may, if desired, be decorated. Side wall 642 includes an
inner surface 646 (Figures 13 and 14) having an open
configuration corresponding to the circumferential configuration
of side surface 648 (Figures 12 and 14) of button base 612. A
plurality of inwardly extending ribs or latching elements 650
extend about inner surface 646 of side wall 642 at locations
thereon to co-act with bottom surface 652 of button base 612.
Latching elements 650 are formed discontinuous and spaced about
23
2 ~ 7 ~ 3
inner surface 646 and so as to correspond -to and co-act with
bottom surface 652 of button base 612 for permanent attachment.
At least side wall 642 of button cap member 614 is formed to be
resilient and so that it can snap over button base 612 so that
latching elements will snap beneath and co-act with bottom
surface 652 of button base 612. The resilience of side wall 642
and the co-action of latching elements 650 with button base 652
is selected to permit relatively easy assembly of button cap
member 614 and button base member 612 but not to permit
disassembly thereof.
Figures 15, 16 and 17 together show yet another embodiment of
ornamentation in the configuration of a piece of jewelry such as
a finger ring 700. Ring 700 includes a base member 702 (Figures
15 and 17) formed of appropriate ring material such as metal
(gold, silver, etc.) plastic, wood or the like and having an
upper surface 704 which may or may not be decorated and a lower
surface 706 to which is secured a finger loop 708 appropriately
sized.
A snap cover 720 (Figures 15-17) is formed cap-like and of
suitable metal, plastic or other materials and of a size and
configuration to receive base body 702 within an inside space
722. A pair of substantially parallel and spaced latching rings
or ribs 730r 732 are formed within and extending from an inner
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surface 734 of cover 720. The lower ring or rib 730 is
configured and disposed to co-act with a lower surface of base
702 to retain base 702 and cover 720 positioned one with respect
to the other.
An insert 740 (Figures 15 and 17) is formed of suitable material
such as metal, plastic or the like to provide a decorative effect
when disposed between snap cover 720 and base 702 as shown in
Figurs 17. Insert 740 may be solid, or cut-out to form a design
742 (Figure 15~ disposed within a circumferential ring 744.
Insert 740 is configured to be snapped in place within space 722
of cover 720 and to be secured in position by co-action of ring
744 of insert 740 with latch ring or rib 732 as shown in Figure
17.
If desired, ring or rib 732 may be formed to co-act with and be
spaced from an upper ridge 750 to define with rib 732 a
circumferential groove 752 sized and configured to receive and
secure in position circumferential ring 744 of insert 740. This
construction will permit a pre-assembly of selected inserts 7~0
and snap covers 720 as a sub-assembly for later combination with
base 702. Latch rings or ribs 730, 732 may be formed continuous
as described or as discrete and discontinuous spaced members
disposed about and extending from inner surface 734 of snap cover
720.
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The assembly of ~igures 15-17 shows a base 702, a cover 720 and a
single insert 740 which engages the inside of the cap. It is
contemplated that one can provide several levels of similar
inserts, each partially overlapping one another inside of the cap
720 in a multi-level arrangement.
Figure 18 shows yet another embodiment of the invention. A base
member 802 is formed of relatively plain and conventional
material and into a configuration and size to receive and carry a
cover member 804 of a size and configuration to be received by
and non-removably snapped onto base member 802 in a manner
substantially identical to the co-action between the base and cap
members of previously described embodiments. Cover member 804 is
formed from cloth covered or otherwise decorated and
aesthetically pleasing ornamented material and so as receive on
its surface 806 a first half 808 of fastening means such as ~
conventional fastener the other half 810 of which is carried by
yet another element of ornamentation 812. Ornamentation 812 is
smaller than snap type cover member 804 and fastener halves 808,
810 are preferably disposed to position ornamentation element 812
so as to be centered on cover member 804. A non-centered
disposition for ornamentation element 812 on cover member 804 may
also be selected. A conventional pin or clasp 818 is fixedly
secured to a rear surface 820 of base member 802.
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Figures 19 and 20 together show another embodiment of
ornamentation in the configuration of a pendant 840. An element
842 in the configuration of a gem, stone, metal, design, plastic
bauble or similar piece of jewelry ornamentakion is disposed
within an outer cover 844 in the configuration of a ring. A pair
of snap-in retainers 850, 852 (Figure 20) are of a size and
configuration to co-act with outer cover 844 and ornamentation
element 842 to retain ornamentation element 842 in position
within outer cover 844. Each snap-in retainer 850, 852 .is
provided with a number of latching elements 860 that co-act with
a ridge-like circumferential lip 862 within outer cover to
permanently seat and snap retainers 850, 852 and outer cover 844
together with ornamentation element 842 disposed therebetween as
shown in Figure 19. If preferred, latching elements 860 may be
formed together as a continuous ring about the circumference of
retainers 850, 852. A plurality of fingers 864 of selected
configuration extend from each retainer 850, 852 to positions in
front of ornamentation element 842 to further hold element 842 in
position within cover 844 and retainers 860. A loop 868 of
conventional construction extends out from cover 844 to
facilitate hanging ornamentation 840 from a chain, rope, string
or the like.
Figure 21 shows another embodiment in the configuration of
pendant 880 including an outer cover or ring 882 formed with
circumferential lips 884, 886 and within which is disposed an
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ornamentation piece 890 which may be similar to ornamentation
piece 842 of Figures 19 and 20 and similarly held in place. A
front applique 892 and a rear applique 894 are dlsposed
respectively on opposite sides 896~ 898 respectively of
ornamentation piece 890 and along with piece 890 are secured in
position by lips 884, 886. The circumferential configuration of
piece 890 and of appliques 892, 89~ may be as desired and the
decoration or configuration of appliques 892, 894 may also be as
desired and either identical or different. A loop 899 of
conventional construction is carried by ring 882 to facilitate
hanging ornamentation 880 from a chain~ cord, or rope.
Figures 22, 23 and 24 show other embodiments of ornamentation in
this instance in the configuration of pendants 900 (Figures 22
and 23) and 902 (Figure 24). Each pendant 900, 902 mounts a pair
of ornamentation pieces 904, 906 respectively which may be jewel
or decorative material. A base member 910 is provided for
pendant 900 and includes a rear wall 912 and a circumferential
wall 914 with a first portion 916 extending in a first direction
from rear wall 912 and a second portion 918 extending in a second
direction from rear wall 918. Rear wall 918 is preferably
centered with respect to circumferential wall 914 but may be
otherwise disposed with respect to same as long as two spaces 920
and 922 are provided each of a size and configuration to receive
a respective ornamentation piece 904.
Innar surfaces 930, 932 of circumferential wall 914 are each
respectively formed with a circumferential rib 934, 936 disposed
to snap over circumferential edges 938, 940 o~ ornamentation
pieces 904 to hold and retain ornamentation pieces 904 in
position within spaces 920, 922. If pre~erred ribs 934, 936 may
be continuous or discontinuous or replaced by spaced latching
members similar to those shown in the embodiment of Figure 12. A
conventional loop 940 is provided for pendant 900 to facilitate
hanging pendant 900 from a chain, wire, rope, or string.
Pendant 902 also includes a base member 950 similar to base
member 910 of pendant 900 in that it includes a rear wall 952 and
a wall 954 providing a first portion 956 and a second portion 958
within which rear wall may be centered as shown in Figure 24 or
otherwise disposed. A first ornamentation space 960 is defined
between first portion 956 and one surface of rear wall 952 and a
second ornamentation space 962 is defined between second portion
958 and the other surface of rear wall 952. Spaces 960, 962 are
each of a size and configuration to receive a respective
ornamentation piece 906.
Inner surfaces 970, 972 of wall 954 ar~ each respectively formed
with a rib 974, 976 disposed to snap into and attach with grooves
978, 980 respectively of pieces 906 to hold and retain them
pieces in position within spaces 960, 962. If preferred ribs
974, 976 may be discontinuous or replaced by spaced latching
members such similar to those shown in the embodiment of Figure
29
-` ?,~7~6~
12. A conventional loop 982 is provided for pendant 902 similar
to loop 940 of pendant 900.
As heretofore described, the cap and base members, or combination
cap and base with intermediate members are constructed in such a
fashion that they are not removable ~rom each other once
assembled. Referring once again to Figure 1 as one embodiment of
this feature, once cap 1~ is pressed onto base 12, rib 50 slips
into groove 24. Rib 50 and groove 24 are fashioned so that they
are not separable from one another. In one embodiment, the lower
edge of rib 50 may be rounded but the top edge may be flat so
that it will not slip in an upward direction out of groove 24.
Alternatively, rib 50 may hook into groove 24 or into a channel
within groove 24. In another preferred embodiment, the groove of
the base member, or the cap member as the case may be, may be
provided with a series of stop catches to prevent rotation of the
cap with respect to the base. Figure 25 shows a bottom cross-
sectional view of another embodiment of the cap 14 previously
described in Figure 1. The cross section is made through rib 50
which is provided with a series of fan like projections 51 which
catch the inside of groove 24 and prevent rotation.
Figures 26-2g show another embodiment of the invention where cap
member 14 and base member 12 are provided with complementary
chevron members 13 and 15 respectively. Cap member 14 is
provided with several V-shaped recesses which snap together with
.
V-shaped raised portions 13 on the base member. Alternatively,
the V-shaped raised portions can be on the inside of the cap
member 14 and the recesses can be disposed on base 12. When the
cap and base of Figures 26 and 28 are snapped together in a
manner analogous to that of Figure 1, the complementary chevrons
engage and the cap and base are non-removably, non-rotatably and
non-movably attached. Figures 27 and 29 show cross-sectional
views of the chevron configured members of Figure 26 and 2~.
Figure 30 shows another embodiment of the invention where a base
member 17 and a cap member 19 are configured as a bead having
complementary raised and recessed chevron engagement portions 21
and 23. Figure 31 shows an outer view of such a bead when
attached. Figure 32 shows another attached bead having an
ornamental band 25 and internal mating chevrons 21 and 23.
Figure 33 shows another embodiment of the invention wherein a cap
member 25 is provided with a circumferential metal ring 27 around
its outer periphery. Inside the ring is a plastic retainer 29.
The retainer is held in place by a crimped over edge 31 of the
metal ring. Inside of the retainer 29 is annular channel 33
which has either groove or rib means as previously described for
cooperation with the complementary base means. Similarly, this
ring and retainer could be provided on the base means for
cooperation and engagement with complementary cap means.
2 ~ rl ~
With reference to Figure 34 there is shown at 1100 a buckle
assembly including a buckle base member 1110 (Figures 34 and 35)
and a buckle cap member 1112 (Figures 34 and 36) all
incorporating the instant invention. Buckle base member 1110
(Figure 35) includes a frame 1114 upon which a covering of fabric
1116 is secured. Base member 1110 is, substantially rectangular
in configuration with rounded corners. Other configurations may
just as well be used for buckle base 1110.
A cross-bar 1130 spans opposite sides 1132, 1134 of buckle base
member 1110 and with sides 1132 and 1134 and other sides 1140,
1144 define two openings 1150, 1160. Cross-bar 1130 serves as an
attachment place for a belt, strap or the like (not shown) which
may be secured thereabout permanently as by rivets or the like or
interchangeably as by snaps in conventional manners. Openings
1150, 1160 serve as receptacles for the belt's other end when it
is worn.
Buckle cover member 1112 is fitted over and secures to buckle
base member 1110 as shown in Figure 36. A rib 1170 surrounds and
extends out from an interior surface 1172 of buckle cap 1112,
while another rib 1180 surrounds and extends out from an opposite
interior surface 1182 of buckle cover 1112. Ribs 1170, 1180 may
be continuous or discontinuous and form either a unitary or a
plurality of latching elements disposed in spaced relationship
about inner surfaces 1172, 1182 of cap or cover 1112. Whether
~ ~ r~
continuous or discontinuous ribs 1170, 1180 are disposed and
sized to snap over buckle base member 1110 and positioned beneath
and in co-acting relationship with a bottom surface 1190 of
buckle base member 1112. The walls 1194 of buckle cap member
lllO are fabricated from metal or plastic stock to be flexible to
facilitate snapping of buckle cover member 1112 over buckle base
member 1110 and the positioning of ribs 1170, 1180 beneath bottom
surface 1190 of buckle base member 1110.
Buckle cap or cover member 1112 may have punch outs 1198 (Figur~
33) formed therethrough to provide an aesthetically pleasing
design and/or it may have its surface 1200 otherwise decorated
and/or ornamented. Cap member 1112 may be fabricated from
precious metals such as gold, silver or the like, from non-
precious metals such as brass, copper, etc., from plastic or from
any suitable substance or material. Buckle base member 1110 may
or may not be fabric covered. It may be fabricated from suitable
plastic or the like and may or may not have its surfaces
decorated or ornamented. The treatment of the surface of base
member 1110, when cap or cover member 1112 is formed with
openings 1198, will be observable.
With reference to Figure 37 there is shown at 3000 a container
assembly attached to a bottle 3010 sized and shaped to hold a
desired substance such as a cosmetic. A closure 3020 is provided
for bottle 3010. Closure 3020 includes a set of internal screw
2~Y~)d,;~J
threads 3022 which are sized, shaped and configured to co-act
with external threads 3024 formed about a neck 3026 formed on top
of bottle 3010. Reference to a container includes bottles,
flasks, and other similar items in which substances may be placed
and which are to be covered by a closure, cap, cover or the like.
While tha closures are shown as including multiple screw threads,
sinqle screw threads may serve just as well and other closing
arrangements such as snap on closures are also included. Closure
3020 is an assembly including a closure base member 3030 and a
closure cap member 3040. Figure 38 shows further details of
closure assembly with its base or body mamber 3030 formed of
suitable and appropriate material such as metal, plastic or the
like. The outer surface 3040 of snap cover 3050 is formed cap-
like and of suitable metal, plastic or other materials and of a
size and configuration to receive within an inside space 3052
provided therewithin and to co-act with base body member 3030. A
pair of substantially parallel and spaced latching rings or ribs
3060, 3062 are formed within and extending from an inner surface
3064 of cover 3050. The lower ring or rib 3062 is configured and
disposed to co-act with a lower surface of base 3030 to retain
base 3030 and cover 3050 positioned one with respect to the
other.
Optional insert 3070 is formed of suitable material such as
metal, plastic or the like so as to provide a decorative effect
when disposed between snap cover 3050 and base 3030. Insert 3070
34
2 ~ 7 L ~ ~ ~
is sized and con~igured to be snapped in place within space 3052
of cover 3050 and to be secured in positisn by co-action of ring
3074 of insert 3070 with latch ring or rib 3060 as shown in
Figure 38. If desired, ring or rib 3060 may be formed to co-act
with and be spaced from an upper ridge 3080 to define with rib
3060 a circumferential groove 3082 sized and configured to
receive and secure in position circumferential ring 3074 of
insert 3070. This construction will permit a pre-assembly of
selected inserts 3070 and snap covers 3050 as a sub-assemhly for
later combination with base 3030. Latch rings or ribs 3060, 3062
may be formed continuous as described or as discrete and
discontinuous spaced members disposed about and extending from
inner surface 3064 of snap cover 3050.
Figure 39 presents a perspective view of another embodiment of
the invention in the form of a knob assembly and shows a knob
base member 12 having a shaft 20, a gripping end 23, and a screw
113 through a channel in the shaft to facilitate fastening the
knob assembly to a cabinet, item of furniture, or the like. The
knob assembly has an intermediate decorative disk membsr 115 and
both the gripping end of the shaft and the intermediate disk
member are held together by snapping them into a ring-like cap
14. In the preferred embodiment, shaft 20 has a rib about its
outermost periphery at the gripping end 23, which rib non-
removably engages a groove 17 around the inside surface of cap
14.
2 ~ Y~ f~
Figure 40 shows yet another embodiment of the invention. Knob
assem~ly 700 includes a knob base or body member 702 formed of
suitable material such as plastic, wood or the like and having an
upper surface 704 which may or may not be decorated and a lower
surface 706 to which is secured a shaft 708. Shaft 708 is of a
size, configuration and disposition to receive a fastening means
such as screw, bolt, or nail through a channel 709 in the shaft
to facilitate fastening of the knob assembly to a cabinet, item
of furniture, or the like.
A snap cover 720 is formed cap-like and of suitable metal,
plastic or other materials and of a size and configuration to
receive knob base body 702 within an inside space 722. A pair of
substantially parallel and spaced latching rings or ribs 730, 732
are formed within and extending from an inner surface 734 of
cover 720. The lower ring or rib 730 is configured and disposed
to co-act with a lower surface of base 702 to retain base 702 and
cover 720 positioned one with respect to the other.
An insert 740 is formed of suitable material such as metal,
plastic or the like to provide a decorative effect when disposed
between snap cover 720 and base 702. Insert 740 may be solid, or
cut-out to form a design 742 disposed within a circumferential
ring 744. Insert 740 is sized and configured to be snapped in
place within space 722 of cover 720 and to be secured in position
36
?, ~
by co-action of ring 744 of insert 740 with latch riny or rib
732. If desired, ring or rib 732 may be formed to co-act with
and be spaced from an upper ridge 750 to define with rib 732 a
circumferential groove 752 sized and configured to receive and
secure in position circumferential ring 744 of insert 740. This
construction will permit a pre-assembly of salected inserts 740
and snap covers 720 as a sub assembly for later combination with
base 702.
From the above description it will thus be seen that there has
been provided improved ornamentations in the configuration of
button assemblies and jewelry pieces which are constructed from
bases, caps and intermediate members which snap together in
selected combinations to provide a large and wide variety of
ornamentations, jewelry pieces and buttons from a small number of
individual members in a simple and efficient manner. However,
the base or closure member can also be a container closure, belt
buckle, knob for an item of cabinetry, or the like.
It is understood that although the preferred forms of the
invention have been shown, various modifications may be made in
the details thereof without departing from the spirit as
comprehended from the following claims.
37
