2. The Background Art Socks with ornamental elements are available in the marketplace today. Many of these socks have small bows and/or ribbons sewn to them and are often worn by children, particularly young girls. These ornamental elements are often a color different than the color of the sock. Typically the color of the ornament is chosen to match the clothing of the child. Such matching often improves the overall appearance of a child's clothing by giving a more coordinated look.

Because the aforesaid ornamental elements are sewn to the socks, and are therefore permanently affixed to the socks, these ornamental elements need to be washable. Requiring that the ornaments be washable greatly reduces the possible materials and/or items that could be placed on socks as ornamental elements. In addition, the permanency of typical ornaments on socks limits a pair of socks to the permanently attached ornament. As a result, if one wishes to have many different ornaments to wear with socks, one typically needs to buy many different pairs of socks that have the desired ornaments.

After being washed and dried several times, and sometimes even after only one washing and drying, the ornamental elements lose some of their color and ability to maintain the same form or stiffness. Thus, over time the ornaments deteriorate in appearance to the point where they may actually detract, rather than enhance, the appearance of one's attire.

Some users of these socks with ornamental items may attempt to restore the item to its original new look. For example, a parent may attempt to iron a bow on a particular sock to enhance its appearance. Because these ornamental items are often rather small, it is very difficult to effectively iron them. A great deal of time could be spent trying to improve the appearance of these ornamental items, and because of their form and/or size, very little improvement in appearance may be realized.

One solution has been to add fasteners to the sock and ornament so that the ornament can be removed or mixed and matched with the sock. This is evident in U. S.

Patent No. 5, 038, 413, which teaches of using fasteners on matching socks so that they

can be fastened together. An ornament can be placed on the fasteners when worn so that the fasteners are not visible. Unfortunately, the'413 patent suffers from requiring that the pair of socks have different types of fasteners, so that if one sock is lost, the whole pair must be replaced.

One approach has been to use a very stiff backing, such as a plastic backing, as taught in U. S. Patent 5, 308, 671, issued to Wells. The backing is placed in a diamond orientation with the fastener located in the upper corner, in order to shift the center of gravity below the fastening location. Further, the stiff material is used to keep the ornament from drooping down the stocking once fastened. Unfortunately, the ribbon or bow upon which this backing is attached must be large to accommodate the backing material, larger than is sometimes desirable. Additionally, the backing can cause injury with the pointed edges of the diamond, which can poke through a thin stocking and either damage the stocking itself or injure the wearer. Further, the manufacturing steps are increased because of the addition of this rigid backing element. Each stage added increases the overall cost of the product, which means a higher price to the consumer.

Another desire of those using socks with ornaments is to accessorize the dress ensemble to include matching bows on the wrist, the clothes, or even in the hair via a bonnet, hair ribbon, or the like. With the addition of a snap feature on the bow or other decorative ornaments, the same motif can be used on the dress, the sock, the hair ribbon, to achieve a coordinated look. Of course, an eclectic look is possible with different ornaments of varying design used instead. However, the current fasteners are unsuitable in the same manner as those used on the socks.

Additionally, certain types of ornaments look more appealing when oriented in a particular way. Unfortunately, the typical snap fasteners used in the prior art are circular and if on end or another, or the top portion of the ornament is heavier than the other portions, gravity pulls it down to its lowest point by pivoting about the circular fastener. This also applies to buttons and buttonhole fasteners. Thus, the ornament will not be presented in an aesthetically appealing arrangement if it rotates on its side or upside down. The design described in U. S. Patent 5, 308, 671 lowers the center of gravity below that of where the snap is located, but it suffers from other drawbacks as previously mentioned.

Accordingly, what is needed is a fastening arrangement for the attachment of ornaments to sock articles that over comes the problems of the prior art, namely, that the orientation is maintained without having to permanently attach the ornament to the sock and that the ornaments are not overly difficult to manufacture. Further, what is needed

is an assembly of articles that match the sock and allow similar or different ornaments be utilized as accessories to complement the ornaments on the socks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention as embodied and broadly described herein, an assembly for removably attaching an ornament to an article of clothing, such as a sock or headband, is disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including first fastener, the first fastener being affixed to the sock, an ornament, a second fastener for attaching the ornament to the sock, and third and fourth fastener, for fixedly orienting the ornament in a desired orientation. The second fastener is affixed to the ornament, and the second fastener is configured so as to cooperate with and removably attach to the first fastener to removably attach the ornament to the sock. As broadly described herein, the first and second fasteners may include a variety of fasteners including snap fasteners and buttons and corresponding buttonholes. The third and fourth fasteners include hook and loop fasteners and the like used to maintain the orientation of the ornament upon placement on the sock or other clothing article, such as, for example, the head band or visor, a wrist band, a dress collar or blouse lapel, a garter or other intimate apparel, shirts and the like.

Additionally, the ornaments, when in the form of bows or ribbons, are fashioned with a wrap around ribbon upon which the snap fastener and hook and loop fastener are attached so that a compact bow tie can be achieved. This eliminates the need for any stiff backing material and the use of the additional fastener allows the first fastener to be placed in a centered, rather than an offset, position. A wire is added to the ribbon wrap and a knot formed on the back side of the bow where the fasteners attach. This allows a mechanical assembly to be performed, thereby increasing production and overcoming the problems of the prior art in requiring special backing materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which : Figure 1 is a perspective view of one presently preferred embodiment of an assembly for removably attaching an ornament to a stocking, where the ornament to be attached is a bow, and where the means for attaching the ornament is a snap fastener ;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly for removably attaching an ornament to a stocking, where the ornament to be attached is a bow, and where the means for attaching the ornament is a button and buttonhole fastener ; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly for removably attaching an ornament to a stocking, where the ornament to be attached is an ornamental baseball, and where the means for attaching the ornament is a plurality of hook and loop fasteners ; Figure 4 illustrates the hook or loop material attached to the sock in a fanciful pattern and with a recessed fastener structure ; Figure 5 illustrates the loop material has a recess for attaching the socket structure to the ornament ; Figure 6 illustrates the hook material with a recess for attaching the stud structure to the sock ; and Figure 7 illustrates a bow with a ribbon tie with wire insert fashioned after a manner in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus and methods of the present invention, as represented in Figures 1 through 6, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but it is merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.

The presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.

Shown in Figure 1 is one presently preferred embodiment of an assembly 10 for removably attaching an ornament to a stocking. The stocking includes first means for attaching, which is affixed to the stocking, and third means for fixedly orienting the ornament and that is affixed to the stocking. The assembly 10 includes an ornament 12, second means for attaching the ornament 12 to the stocking, and fourth means for fixedly orienting the ornament in a desired orientation. The first attaching means is affixed to the stocking, and the second attaching means is affixed to the ornament 12. Depending upon the specific embodiment of the attaching means, different suitable methods may be used to affix the attaching means to the stocking or the ornament 12. This will be discussed further herein.

The present invention may be applied to a wide variety of stockings to facilitate removably attaching an ornament 12 to the stockings. Stockings include many different types of coverings for the feet and or legs such as socks (including socks with lace), hosiery, pantyhose, and the like. The presently preferred embodiments, as shown in the figures, illustrate the invention as disclosed herein as applied to socks 14. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention could be applied to many different types of stockings. Further still, the fasteners can be added to other types of clothing, such as, for example, head bands, hand gloves, wrist bands, blouses, skirts, shirts, intimate apparel, coats, sweaters and more. Additional ornaments can be provided that complement the ornaments on the stockings in a dress scheme or assembly. For example, a head band can have a matching bow like that affixed to the sock. Or, a hat can have a bow affixed to it to complement the bow on the sock. Other combinations are possible.

The first attaching means and the second attaching means cooperate with one another whereby the attaching means removably attach to one another. As a result, the ornament 12 removably attaches to the sock 14 because the second attaching means, affixed to the ornament 12, removably attaches to the first attaching means which is affixed to the sock 14. Examples of possible attaching means that cooperate with one another to removably attach to one another will be further discussed herein. Further, the attachment is supplemented with the third and fourth attachment means in an arrangement that fixedly orients the ornament in a desired orientation, regardless of the first and second attaching means.

The sock 14 may be divided into a foot portion 16 and an ankle portion 18. The foot portion 16 of the sock 14 is the part of the sock 14 that substantially surrounds the foot (not shown). The ankle portion 18 of the sock 14 is the part of the sock 14 that substantially surrounds the ankle (not shown) and leg (not shown). In the presently preferred embodiment, the first attaching means is affixed to the ankle portion 18 of the sock 14.

The first attaching means and the second attaching means may be structural attachment members made to cooperate and removably attach to one another. A variety of structural attachment members may be used to accomplish the first and second attaching means. Through the figures and this detailed description, several preferred embodiments will be described that are exemplary of the inventive principles contained herein.

It has been found that the first attachment member, affixed to the ankle portion 18 of the sock 14, tends to create additional stress and wear on the part of the sock 14

adjacent the first attachment member. After a period of time, such stresses often cause the sock 14 material to tear near the first attachment member. The presently preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, has the ankle portion 18 folded down to create a thick portion 20. This thick portion 20 adds strength to that part of the sock 14 where the first attachment member is secured. In addition, many wearers of these types of socks 14 at times prefer the ankle portion 18 to be folded.

It will be appreciated, however, that the ankle portion 18 of the sock 14 does not need to be folded in order to practice the present invention. For example, Figures 4 and 5 illustrate such embodiments. Other embodiments may be made where the ankle portion 18 of the sock 14 is thicker by virtue of the fabrication of the material of sock 14 and not by the ankle portion 18 being folded over. A sock may be used with the present invention where the entire sock is thicker than a typical sock. Alternatively, a backing material (not shown) may be placed on the inside of the ankle portion 18 to add strength to the ankle portion 18 of the sock 14. A variety of socks, varying in length, thickness, material, etc., can be used with the present invention.

The first attaching means and the second attaching means may be achieved through many different types of fasteners. The types of fasteners used with the present invention provide a removable ornament 12 to the sock 14. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many different types of attaching means could be used. The specific means as discussed and illustrated with the figures are only meant to be exemplary of the inventive principles contained herein, and are not meant to limit the means claimed.

As shown in Figure 1, the first attaching means and the second attaching means may comprise one or more snap fastener. Typically snaps include a stud structure 22 (sometimes referred to as a ball structure) and a socket structure 24, where the stud structure 22 snaps into the socket structure 24. The stud structure 22 may be affixed to either the sock 14 or the ornament 12, and the socket structure 24 also may be affixed to either the sock 14 or the ornament 12. With the snap fastener shown in Figure 1, the ornament 12 removably attaches to the sock 14 by enabling the ornament 12 to be snapped to the sock 14. In the preferred embodiment, the stud fastener is affixed to the ornament 12 and the aperture fastener is attached to the sock. This is preferred as when socks are washed, the aperture fastener is less likely to fall off during washing as would the stud fastener. Further, the stud fastener can cause damage to the interior of the washer or dryer so it is preferred that it be placed on the ornament, as the ornament is rarely, if ever machine washed.

Affixed around the periphery of each snap fastener is either a hook or loop fastener 23 and 25, such as the well known VELCRO, that mate with one another upon

the snapping together of the snap fasteners. The hook and loop fasteners server as the third and four attaching means for fixedly orienting the ornament in a desired orientation.

It does not matter which is placed on the ornament or the sock. The hook fastener 23 can be placed on either article while the loop fastener 25 likewise can be placed on the opposite article. The fasteners 23 and 25 can be affixed to the sock or ornament portions using sewing techniques or fabric glue. Other methods of affixing the hook and loop fasteners to the articles is within the skilled artisan's knowledge. The hook and loop fastener supplements the socket structure 24 and post element 22. For ornaments that would swivel about the snap fastener and be skewed in an aesthetically unappealing manner, the hook and loop fastener fixedly holds the ornament so that it remains in a static position relative to the sock.

The embodiment shown in Figure 1 has the socket structure 24 affixed to the ankle portion 18 of the sock 14. The socket structure 24 may be attached to the ankle portion 18 of the sock 14 in a variety of ways. In the presently preferred embodiment, the socket structure 24 is attached to the ankle portion 18 of the sock 14 through use of pliers (not shown) made for clamping the socket structure 24 onto a surface.

The ornament 12 in Figure 1 is a bow 12. The stud structure 22 of the snap may be affixed to the bow 12 through use of the clamping pliers as mentioned in relation to the socket structure 24. In the presently preferred embodiment, the stud structure 22 is affixed to a ribbon 26 which is wrapped around or glued to the bow 12. A wire (not shown) may also be used to tie the bow. The wire securely fastens bow 12 in a tight bunch, which makes for a compact knot section, which attaches to the sock. Further, an ornamental knot is placed in the ribbon on the opposite side of where stud structure 22 is located.

Other means may be used to attach the stud and socket structures 22, 24 to their positions besides the clamping pliers, as mentioned. For example, in mass production, an automated system may be used where a machine affixes the stud and socket structures 22, 24 to their appropriate places. The clamping pliers are simply one method which may be used to affix the stud and socket structures 22, 24. The use of the wire may be preferred as the metal wire clamps the bow securely during assembly. Also, no glue or adhesives would be necessary, which tend to fail over time, for securing the ribbon around the bow. Further, stud structure 22 may also be used to hold the ribbon in place, once the ribbon is cinched tightly enough to gather the bow in a pleasing manner.

Referring now to Figure 2, the first attaching means and the second attaching means may be one or more buttons 124 and corresponding buttonholes 122 whereby the ornament 112 may be buttoned onto the ankle portion 118 of the sock 114. The button

124 may be affixed to either the sock 114 or the ornament 112, and the buttonhole 122 may be formed in either the sock 114 or the ornament 112. With the button 124 and buttonhole 122 fastener shown in Figure 2, the ornament 112 removably attaches to the sock 114 by enabling the ornament 112 to be buttoned to the sock 114. Further, hook and loop fasteners 123 and 125 are placed about the periphery of button 124 and buttonhole 122 in order to maintain the orientation of the ornament 112 with respect to the sock 114 In Figure 2 the button 124 is sewn to the ankle portion 118 of the sock 114. The buttonhole 122 has been formed in a piece 126 of material that has been glued to the ornament 112.

The sock 114 of Figure 2 includes lace 115 around the bottom of the ankle portion 118. The lace 115 may be attached to the sock 114 in a variety of ways, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The lace 115 of the embodiment in Figure 2 is sewn to the bottom of the folded ankle portion 118, as shown.

Some commercially available hook and loop fasteners come with adhesive backing already in place such that the patches 123, 125 may be readily affixed to their respective surfaces. Another possible means for affixing the patches 123, 125 to their surfaces is to sew the patches 123, 125 to the surfaces.

A variety of ornaments 12 may be attached to the socks 14 to provide different aesthetic effects for appealing to different tastes. The embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 illustrated an ornament 12, 112 comprising a bow and flowers. As shown through Figures 3-6, different ornaments 12 may be attached to socks 14 through use of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a baseball type of ornament 212 being removably attached to the sock 214.

The socks 14, 114, 214 of Figures 1-3 included ankle portions 18, 118, 218 with folds in them. As discussed earlier, these folds create a thick portion 20 which adds strength to the material of the sock 14 adjacent the first attaching means. It is not necessary, however, for socks 14 of the present invention to include a folded portion 20.

As shown in Figure 4, socks 314 used with the present invention may not have a folded down ankle portion 318. The ornament 212 depicted in Figure 3 is an ornamental soccer ball 212.

The stud structure 222 of the snap may be affixed to the ornamental baseball 212 through use of the clamping pliers as well. Of course, as discussed earlier, other means may be used to affix the stud and socket structures 222, 224 to their respective surfaces.

Figures 4-6 illustrate an alternative embodiment of attachment of the VEL, CRO and the snap fastener. Sock 314 has an ornament 330 attached there to using the snap fastener and VELCRO. Ornament 330 has the socket structure 324 while sock 314 has

the VELCRO and stud structure like that shown in Figures 1 and 3. Figure 5 depicts how the socket structure 324 mates in a recessed opening in loop portion 334. Likewise, in Figure 6, stud structure 322 mates with the hook portion 336 in a recessed opening 338.

This structure provides for a more level attachment of the ornament to the sock with the snap fastener being recessed into the sock. The nylon backing 340 of the hook and loop materials can be fixedly attached to the sock or ornament via heat application where the nylon is melted to the surface of the target item. Further, although it has been described that the hook portion 336 attaches to the stud structure 322, the hook portion may actually be mated with the socket structure while the stud structure mates with the loop portion.

The design of the hook and loop portions can be made into fanciful designs, for example, a daisy pattern is shown in the figures. Other fanciful designs are possible and are desirable should the ornament be detached and the sock worn without the ornament.

These fanciful designs can include, but are not limited to, various flower patterns such as a fleur-de-lis, a rose, a tulip, or fruit designs such as an apple, an orange, a banana.

Other designs may include animals and dinosaurs or sport emblems.

From the above discussion, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides an assembly for removably attaching an ornament to a stocking. The ornaments to be attached to the stocking, or sock, may enhance the appearance of a sock.

Because the ornament is removably attachable to the sock, the ornament may be constructed of a variety of materials, including those that are not readily washable. This ability to use non-washable materials in constructing the ornament increases the number of possible materials and/or substances that can be used in constructing the ornaments.

Another benefit of the present invention is that the ornament may be removed from the sock before washing the sock. This may increase the useful life of an ornament by enabling the item to maintain a new and sharp appearance over a longer period of time. In addition, the present invention increases the versatility of a particular sock ornament by allowing it to be worn with many different pairs of socks.

Figure 7 illustrates an alternative clothing article upon which an ornament may be attached. A head band 410 is illustrated that has a first fastener 424 and a third fastener 428 placed with the first fastener 424. An ornament 412 is also shown that has a second fastener 422, which mates with first fastener 424, and a fourth fastener 426, which is located proximate the second fastener 422 and mates with third fastener 428 on headband 410. The fasteners include the stud and socket structures previously shown, for example, in Figure 1, and the second type of fasteners 426 and 428 are hook and loop fasteners as previously described.

A cinch ribbon 423 is used to bind ornament 412 and receive fasteners 422 and 426. Band ribbon 430 is used to secure fasteners 424 and 418 to head band 410.

The present invention maybe embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed and desired is :