Attachment apparatus for button and process for using same

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a device, which includes a button and an attachment apparatus. The attachment apparatus is a contiguous member that allows for the device to be attached to material without sewing. In this way, a user without sewing experience or tools may attach the button device to a garment or fabric.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A device comprising:
 a button including:
 a female component including a front side and a back side, wherein the back side includes a receptacle; 
 a male component positioned inside the receptacle of the female component; and 
   an attachment apparatus affixed to the male component, the attachment apparatus including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion includes a clasp, wherein the second portion includes a point, and wherein the clasp is configured to receive the second portion.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the back side of the female component includes a prong disposed about a perimeter of the receptacle, and wherein the prong is configured to hold the male component inside the receptacle of the female component. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the clasp includes a catch configured to hold the second portion in the clasp when closed. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the front side of the female component includes at least one hole. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one hole includes thread. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment apparatus is continuous. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion is parallel to the second portion. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment apparatus further includes a third portion attached between a first end of the first portion and a second end of the second portion, wherein the third portion is perpendicular to the first portion. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the third portion affixes the attachment apparatus to the male portion. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the male portion includes a hole, and wherein the third portion extends through the hole, thereby positioning at least a part of the first portion inside the receptacle of the female connector and the second portion outside the receptacle of the female connector. 
     
     
         11 . A method comprising:
 providing a device, wherein the device comprises:
 a button including:
 a female component including a front side and a back side, wherein the back side includes a receptacle; 
 a male component positioned inside the receptacle of the female component; and 
 
 an attachment apparatus affixed to the male component, the attachment apparatus including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion includes a clasp, wherein the second portion includes a point, and wherein the clasp is configured to receive the second portion; 
   inserting the point of the second portion into a first side of a material;   passing the point of the second portion through the material;   tilting the point of the second portion and inserting the point into a second side of the material, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side;   passing the point of the second portion through the material; and   forcing the second portion of the attachment apparatus upward and positioning the second portion into the clasp to fasten the device to the material.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the back side of the female component includes a prong disposed about a perimeter of the receptacle, and wherein the prong is configured to hold the male component inside the receptacle of the female component. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the clasp includes a catch configured to hold the second portion in the clasp when closed. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the front side of the female component includes at least one hole. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one hole includes thread. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the attachment apparatus is continuous. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the first portion is parallel to the second portion. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the attachment apparatus further includes a third portion attached between a first end of the first portion and a second end of the second portion, wherein the third portion is perpendicular to the first portion. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the third portion affixes the attachment apparatus to the male portion. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the male portion includes a hole, and wherein the third portion extends through the hole, thereby positioning at least a part of the first portion inside the receptacle of the female connector and the second portion outside the receptacle of the female connector.