Buttonhole Margin Sleeve

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/833,325 filed on Nov. 18, 2024, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to accessories for garments and more particularly to a fastening device configured to secure ornamental jewelry or decorative articles to clothing without piercing, stitching, or otherwise altering the fabric.

Description of the Related Art

Various jewelry and fastening devices have been developed to attach decorative elements to garments. Many of these devices rely on pins, clamps, or teeth that penetrate or abrade the fabric to secure a decorative piece. These methods can cause damage to clothing, require additional backing parts, and are often cumbersome to use.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a reusable fastening device that securely attaches an ornamental element to a garment without harming the fabric or altering its structure, and that allows the user to quickly install or remove the accessory.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a Buttonhole Margin Sleeve that allows ornamental jewelry or other decorative pieces to be removably attached to a garment without piercing or modifying the fabric. The device is positioned on the buttonhole margin of the garment and grips the fabric using a pair of opposed hooks formed from a rigid or semi-rigid sleeve body.

The buttonhole margin is defined herein as the narrow strip of fabric between a garment's buttonhole and its outer vertical edge. In prior disclosures this region was referred to as the “center gap,” and for the purpose of this application, the term buttonhole margin shall be understood to include that same region.

When installed, the sleeve wraps around the fabric of the buttonhole margin so that one hook engages the outer edge of the margin and the other hook engages the edge of the buttonhole. A front-facing eyelet provides a secure point for attaching jewelry, chains, charms, or other adornments.

In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve is used on the waist buttonhole margin of pants, where the inherent stiffness of the material allows the sleeve to maintain a firm grip. In alternative embodiments, a sleeve may be used on shirts or other garments having thinner fabric. In such cases, a removable stiffener, such as, but not limited to, an adhesive-backed strip formed from disposable collar-stay material, may be affixed to the rear of the buttonhole margin to provide rigidity for reliable engagement.

The invention thus allows ornamentation to be symmetrically centered on the garment opening, creating an aesthetically pleasing appearance while preserving the integrity of the fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view showing an buttonhole margin sleeve embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a right-side plan view showing the buttonhole margin sleeve embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a back-side plan view showing the buttonhole margin sleeve embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top-side plan view showing the buttonhole margin sleeve embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a left-side plan view showing the buttonhole margin sleeve embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from the top of the front of the sleeve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the bottom of the front of the sleeve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from the top and left-side of the front of the sleeve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front plan view of pants with a buttonhole margin area;

FIG. 10 is a front view photograph of an alternate sleeve embodiment proximate to the buttonhole margin;

FIG. 11 is a front view photograph of the alternate sleeve embodiment attached to the buttonhole margin prior to insertion of button into the buttonhole;

FIG. 12 is a left-side rearview photograph of the alternate sleeve embodiment attached to the buttonhole margin prior to insertion of button into the buttonhole;

FIG. 13 is a left-side front view photograph of the alternate sleeve embodiment attached to the buttonhole margin with the button inserted into the buttonhole; and

FIG. 14 is a front view photograph of the alternate sleeve embodiment attached to the buttonhole margin with the button inserted into the buttonhole with an ornamental adornment attached to the eyelet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Terminology

As defined herein, the term “buttonhole margin” refers to the strip of fabric between a garment buttonhole and the outer edge of the garment opening. This region was referred to as the “center gap” in the provisional application, and both terms are interchangeable with the above meaning for purposes of this disclosure.

Description

With reference to the Figures for purposes of illustration, the buttonhole margin sleeve 10 (FIGS. 1-5) is formed from hardened metal, stainless steel, silver or other rigid material having sufficient resilience and thickness to exert clamping pressure when fitted over fabric resistant to crimping. The sleeve or cuff 10 (FIGS. 1 and 4) includes a body 12 with front 14 and back 16 surfaces that tapers longitudinally (FIG. 3) from a wide width 18 to narrow width 20. The longitudinal ends (FIGS. 1 and 4) curve in on themselves to form hooks 22 and 24 having generally equal diameters that noticeably differ in size due to the tapering width. The ends of the hooks terminate with flat beveled edges 26 and 28. A semi-circular mount extension 30 extends from the end of the wide-width end 22, preferably, but not limited to, radially away from the diameter of the hook 22. The addition of the mount 30 provides a slightly longer arc to the wide hook 22. An eyelet 32 (FIG. 2) is formed in the center of the semicircular mount 30 to support a chain link or string for supporting a decorative article suspended therefrom.

It will be appreciated that the buttonhole margin sleeve may be formed from a mold into which molten metal is poured, cooled and then machined smooth. Other methods of manufacture can include stamp cutting of the shape and bending to form the hooks and the mount extension, with the eyelet being drilled into the mount extension. Other manufacturing techniques known to those skilled in the art may also be used without departing the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, representative dimensions of one embodiment 10 suitable for use on pant fabrics, including an overall length 34 of approximately 14 mm and a thickness 36 of greater than 1 mm. These dimensions are believed to be preferred measurements for spanning the majority of buttonhole margins for most pants. From the mount 30 to the back 16, the sleeve depth 38 (FIG. 2) is at most 10 mm. The wide width is at most 7 mm 40 (FIG. 3), while the narrow width is at most 4 mm 42 with the mount 30 being at most 2 mm 44.

The three perspective views of the sleeve, shown for example in FIGS. 6-8 from slightly different rotational orientations, highlight the overall curved and contoured appearance of the device. When viewed together, these perspectives illustrate how the body of the sleeve transitions smoothly between the larger hook 22 with mount 30 supporting the eyelet 32, the smaller hook 24, and the central region 12. The curvature of the hooks 22 and 24 and the gentle sweep of the intermediate bar 12 create a streamlined profile that conforms naturally to the shape of the buttonhole margin. The combination of these views conveys the continuous, flowing geometry of the design, emphasizing that the sleeve does not employ sharp angles or abrupt edges but instead relies on a cohesive curved form that enhances both its aesthetic appeal and functional engagement with the garment.

In a typical pair of pants 50 (FIG. 9), the front fly 52 includes two overlapping panels 54 and 56 that meet along a central vertical seam 58 that joins the two legs 60 and 62 of the garment. The buttonhole 64 is positioned on the outer overlapping panel 56, spaced inward from its outer vertical edge 66. The region between this outer edge 66 and the buttonhole 64 forms the buttonhole margin 68. When the pants are worn, the button 70 on the inner overlapping panel passes through the buttonhole 64, bringing the outer edge 66 buttonhole margin 68 into alignment with the central seam 58 of the garment.

FIGS. 10 through 13 depict the installation of the sleeve on the buttonhole margin of pants. In FIG. 10, the sleeve 80 is moved in place so that the larger hook 82 engages the outer edge 84 of the margin 86 to the left of the buttonhole 88 when viewed from the front, while the smaller hook 90 slides around the inner edge adjacent the buttonhole 88. Because pant materials are typically stiff, the sleeve 80 remains securely anchored by the natural tension of the fabric to resist fabric crimping.

As shown in FIG. 11, the user has aligned the sleeve 80 with the buttonhole margin 86 and slid the larger hook 82 over the outer edge 84. It may be appreciated that the larger hook 82 width resists movement along the outer edge 84 to help keep the sleeve 80 aligned with the buttonhole 88.

In FIG. 12, the sleeve 80 is fully attached prior to buttoning. It may be appreciated that the engagement of the sleeve 80 does not interfere with the buttoning or unbuttoning of the pants. The buttonhole margin is part of a hem 92 that includes multiple layers of fabric that provide sufficient support to resist crimping and maintain the margin 86 between the hooks 82 and 90 of the sleeve 80 even when the pants are unbuttoned. In some embodiments the back bar incorporates an ornamental design 94, logo, or functional projection to aid packaging or display.

When the pant button 95 is fastened as shown in FIG. 13, the sleeve 80 is locked firmly in place.

The mount 96 with eyelet 98 protrudes forward, allowing an ornamental article 100 to be attached as illustrated in FIG. 14. In this configuration, an attachment element 100 located on the buttonhole margin, such as the eyelet 98 of the sleeve described herein, becomes visually aligned with the central seam 102 and thereby provides a symmetrical and centered mounting location for ornamental articles.

The same general structure may be employed on shirt buttonhole margins (not shown). However, due to the thinner fabric, a stiffener may be used. In one example, the shirt maybe manufactured with a thicker hem spanning the buttonhole margin to resist crimping as a stiffener. In another example, the stiffener may be a narrow strip of material (not shown) similar to that used for disposable collar stays spanning the buttonhole margin and may include an adhesive backing. The user applies the stiffener to the rear of the shirt's buttonhole margin to provide the rigidity necessary for the sleeve to grip the fabric securely.

After application of the stiffener, the sleeve is attached in the same manner as described for pants. Once in place, the device provides a centered and balanced attachment point for jewelry on the shirt front.

The sleeve may be made from various metals such as stainless steel, brass, or aluminum, or from rigid polymer composites. The outer surfaces may be polished, plated, or coated for decorative or corrosion-resistant purposes.

The back bar may vary in form from a simple straight bar to a curved or ornamental structure. In some embodiments, the eyelet is used with detachable clasps such spring ring or lobster clasps or maybe a magnetic clasp, allowing the user to exchange jewelry pieces.

The sleeve may be produced in different sizes to fit garments of varying thickness and sizes. The hooks may have flared or contoured edges to improve grip without damaging the fabric.

During use, the user positions the sleeve at the desired buttonhole margin, engages the larger hook with the garment edge, then slides the smaller hook into position at the buttonhole. The stiffness of the garment fabric, together with the tension of the sleeve hooks, provides a stable grip. When the button is closed, the device is held securely between the overlapping portions of fabric. Experimentation discussed below, has shown the design as described stays attached to the buttonhole margin even after the pants have been laundered through a washer and dryer.

The visible front eyelet functions as an anchor point for attaching jewelry such as pendants, chains, or other adornments. The ornament hangs in alignment with the garment's vertical center line, creating a balanced and symmetrical appearance. The device may be easily removed by unbuttoning the garment and withdrawing the hooks. Ornaments of the type suitable for hanging may be

For men, the sleeve can serve as a fashion alternative to a tie or lapel pin, while for women it provides a simple means of adding adornment to shirts or pants without altering the garment.

Experimentation

Extensive experimentation was conducted during development of the Buttonhole Margin Sleeve in order to achieve a configuration that provided reliable attachment to the buttonhole margin of a garment while maintaining a visually unobtrusive profile and eliminating the need for pins or penetrating fasteners. The design evolved through multiple prototype iterations involving variations in geometry, materials, and positioning relative to the garment.

Initial prototypes were formed from very thin wire and aluminum strips with a soldered wire eye hook. These early designs were forward facing, with the connecting bar visible on the front side of the buttonhole margin when viewed from the exterior of the garment. Testing revealed several limitations. The thin materials, although visually minimal, lacked sufficient rigidity and clamping force to hold the garment securely. The forward-facing configuration also made the device more noticeable than desired. The design objective was for the ornamental article to remain the visual focus while the fastening device itself remained subdued and largely concealed.

These findings led to two significant modifications. First, the design was reversed so that the majority of the sleeve structure was positioned on the rear side of the buttonhole margin rather than the front. This substantially reduced visibility of the fastening device. Second, the dimensions of the sleeve were increased. The widened and enlarged structure improved stability and grip, particularly along the leading edge of the buttonhole margin. Because the main body of the sleeve was now concealed behind the garment, the increased size did not detract from the visual appearance yet substantially improved functional performance.

An important component of the experimentation process was determining the appropriate length of the device. Although the width of the buttonhole margin tends to be relatively consistent within the apparel industry, meaningful variation exists among styles and manufacturers. The design objective was to create a sleeve that would fit comfortably and securely on at least eighty five percent of commercially available pants. This required iterative testing across approximately one hundred different garments, including denim jeans, dress pants, and various thicknesses of cotton and synthetic fabrics. Through repeated trial and error, the length of the sleeve and the spacing of the hooks were optimized to provide a secure clamping fit that required minimal manipulation during installation and that could be removed without excessive force.

Testing also revealed the importance of material selection. Softer metals, although easier to form, tended to deform over time due to the stresses imparted during movement of the wearer and the repeated loading at the waistband area. These materials were prone to twisting or gradually losing their shape. Harder metals offered superior durability, retention of fabric spring bias, and more consistent long-term performance. As a result, the sleeve was ultimately formed from stronger metal compositions capable of withstanding repeated use.

Additional real-world testing further validated the design. The device was applied to a variety of pant styles and subjected to repeated household washing and drying cycles. The sleeve consistently remained attached to the garment even when the button was not engaged, demonstrating that the clamping properties were sufficient to withstand agitation, tumbling, and the typical mechanical stresses encountered during laundering.

The experimentation process described above produced a fastening device that is both discreet in appearance and highly effective in securely attaching ornamental articles to a garment using the buttonhole margin as the anchoring region.

Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.