Pin Display Device

Abstract

The pin display device is a layered band or strap of material that integrates multiple clutch fasteners to accept, secure and release ornamental pins having one or more prongs for display and can be used as a wristband, hatband, or component of a belt or carry bag. The pin display device can be integrated into animal equipment such as horse halters or dog collars to sort and identify animals or distinguish certified service animals.

Claims

1. A pin display device for use with one or more ornamental pins, each ornamental pin having an ornamental body and at least one prong, the ornamental body having a back side and the prong projecting from the back side of the ornamental body, the pin display device comprising: an outer band having first and second free ends; means for releasably securing together said first and second free ends of said outer band; an inner band; a middle band coextensive with a portion of said outer band, the middle band also being coextensive with at least a portion of said inner band, said middle band being positioned between said outer band and said inner band, said middle band, said outer band, and said inner band being attached together with said middle band being captured between said outer band and said inner band, said middle band having one or more openings; and one or more clutch fasteners each being received at least in part within a respective one of said one or more openings of said middle band, said middle band, said outer band, and said inner band cooperatively securing each of said one or more clutch fasteners in position relative to said respective one of said one or more openings of said middle band, wherein each of said one or more clutch fasteners can receive at least a portion of the prong of a respective ornamental pin through said outer band to thereby releasably secure the respective ornamental pin to the pin display device.

2. The pin display device according to claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of said clutch fasteners and a plurality of openings in said middle band of the same number as said plurality of clutch fasteners.

3. A pin display device according to claim 1, wherein said middle band, said outer band, and said inner band are attached together by stitching.

4. A pin display device according to claim 1, wherein said means for releasably securing together said first and second free ends of said outer band comprises: a buckle having a prong provided at said first free end of said outer band; and a plurality of holes provided along a portion of said outer band proximate said second free end of said outer band for selective engagement by said prong of said buckle for releasably securing together said first and second free ends of said outer band.

5. A pin display device according to claim 1, wherein said outer band is provided with one or more prong passage holes equal in number to said one or more openings of said middle band, each of said one or more prong passage holes being in registry with a respective one of said one or more openings of said middle band, wherein each of said one or more prong passage holes allows the prong of a respective ornamental pin to pass through said outer band and engage a respective one of said one or more clutch fasteners when the respective ornamental pin is secured to the pin display device.

6. A pin display device according to claim 1, wherein said inner band is provided with one or more fastener access holes equal in number to said one or more openings of said middle band, each of said one or more fastener access holes being in registry with a respective one of said one or more openings of said middle band, wherein each of said one or more fastener access holes allows a user to operate a respective one of said one or more clutch fasteners to allow removal of the prong of a respective ornamental pin from said respective one of said one or more clutch fasteners when the user desires to remove the respective ornamental pin from the pin display device while said respective one of said one or more clutch fasteners remains captured at least in part by said inner band.

7. A pin display device according to claim 2, wherein said middle band, said outer band, and said inner band are attached together by stitching.

8. A pin display device according to claim 7, wherein said means for releasably securing together said first and second free ends of said outer band comprises: a buckle having a prong provided at said first free end of said outer band; and a plurality of holes provided along a portion of said outer band proximate said second free end of said outer band for selective engagement by said prong of said buckle for releasably securing together said first and second free ends of said outer band.

9. A pin display device according to claim 8, wherein said outer band is provided with a plurality of prong passage holes equal in number to said plurality of openings of said middle band, each of said plurality of prong passage holes being in registry with a respective one of said plurality of openings of said middle band, wherein each of said plurality of prong passage holes allows the prong of a respective ornamental pin to pass through said outer band and engage a respective one of said plurality of clutch fasteners when the respective ornamental pin is secured to the pin display device.

10. A pin display device according to claim 9, wherein said inner band is provided with plurality of fastener access holes equal in number to said plurality of openings of said middle band, each of said plurality of fastener access holes being in registry with a respective one of said plurality of openings of said middle band, wherein said plurality of fastener access holes allows a user to operate a respective one of said plurality of clutch fasteners to allow removal of the prong of a respective ornamental pin from said respective one of said plurality of clutch fasteners when the user desires to remove the respective ornamental pin from the pin display device while said respective one of said plurality of clutch fasteners remains captured at least in part by said inner band.

11. A pin display device according to claim 2, wherein said means for releasably securing together said first and second free ends of said outer band comprises: a buckle having a prong provided at said first free end of said outer band; and a plurality of holes provided along a portion of said outer band proximate said second free end of said outer band for selective engagement by said prong of said buckle for releasably securing together said first and second free ends of said outer band.

12. A pin display device according to claim 11, wherein said outer band is provided with a plurality of prong passage holes equal in number to said plurality of openings of said middle band, each of said plurality of prong passage holes being in registry with a respective one of said plurality of openings of said middle band, wherein each of said plurality of prong passage holes allows the prong of a respective ornamental pin to pass through said outer band and engage a respective one of said plurality of clutch fasteners when the respective ornamental pin is secured to the pin display device.

13. A pin display device according to claim 12, wherein said inner band is provided with plurality of fastener access holes equal in number to said plurality of openings of said middle band, each of said plurality of fastener access holes being in registry with a respective one of said plurality of openings of said middle band, wherein said plurality of fastener access holes allows a user to operate a respective one of said plurality of clutch fasteners to allow removal of the prong of a respective ornamental pin from said respective one of said plurality of clutch fasteners when the user desires to remove the respective ornamental pin from the pin display device while said respective one of said plurality of clutch fasteners remains captured at least in part by said inner band.

14. A pin display device according to claim 2, wherein said outer band is provided with a plurality of prong passage holes equal in number to said plurality of openings of said middle band, each of said plurality of prong passage holes being in registry with a respective one of said plurality of openings of said middle band, wherein each of said plurality of prong passage holes allows the prong of a respective ornamental pin to pass through said outer band and engage a respective one of said plurality of clutch fasteners when the respective ornamental pin is secured to the pin display device.

15. A pin display device according to claim 14, wherein said inner band is provided with plurality of fastener access holes equal in number to said plurality of openings of said middle band, each of said plurality of fastener access holes being in registry with a respective one of said plurality of openings of said middle band, wherein said plurality of fastener access holes allows a user to operate a respective one of said plurality of clutch fasteners to allow removal of the prong of a respective ornamental pin from said respective one of said plurality of clutch fasteners when the user desires to remove the respective ornamental pin from the pin display device while said respective one of said plurality of clutch fasteners remains captured at least in part by said inner band.

16. A pin display device according to claim 7, wherein said outer band is provided with a plurality of prong passage holes equal in number to said plurality of openings of said middle band, each of said plurality of prong passage holes being in registry with a respective one of said plurality of openings of said middle band, wherein each of said plurality of prong passage holes allows the prong of a respective ornamental pin to pass through said outer band and engage a respective one of said plurality of clutch fasteners when the respective ornamental pin is secured to the pin display device.

17. A pin display device according to claim 16, wherein said inner band is provided with plurality of fastener access holes equal in number to said plurality of openings of said middle band, each of said plurality of fastener access holes being in registry with a respective one of said plurality of openings of said middle band, wherein said plurality of fastener access holes allows a user to operate a respective one of said plurality of clutch fasteners to allow removal of the prong of a respective ornamental pin from said respective one of said plurality of clutch fasteners when the user desires to remove the respective ornamental pin from the pin display device while said respective one of said plurality of clutch fasteners remains captured at least in part by said inner band.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIGS. 1-2 are views of a first embodiment of a pin display device in accordance with the present invention showing decorative or ornamental pins mounted thereto.

[0025] FIGS. 3-4 are exploded views of the first embodiment of a pin display device in accordance with the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the outer band of the pin display device in accordance with the present invention.

[0027] FIGS. 6-7 are views of the first embodiment of a pin display device in accordance with the present invention showing decorative or ornamental pins mounted thereto and the ends of the device disconnected.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of second embodiment of a pin display device in accordance with the present invention showing an alternative buckle design.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a clutch fastener for use with a pin display device in accordance with the present invention.

[0030] The same reference characters denote the corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, the present invention is directed to a strap-like device 100 for displaying decorative pins 101 such as lapel pins or the like. The display device 100, also referred to herein as a pin band, is a layered band of material that integrates multiple vertical spring clutch fasteners to accept, secure and release single prong lapel pins for display as a wristband, hatband, or component of a belt or carry bag.

[0032] The pin band 100 can be integrated into animal equipment such as horse halters or dog collars to sort and identify animals or distinguish certified service animals.

[0033] The pin band 100 is constructed of an outer band 102, a middle band 104, and an inner band 106. The outer band 102 has holes 108 to allow pin prongs 110 to pass through the outer band 102. The middle band 104 has holes or openings 112 each of which receives at least a portion of a corresponding clutch fastener 114 in registry with a corresponding hole 108 of the outer band 102 to allow a pin prong 110 to enter the clutch fastener 114 and be releasably captured by the clutch fastener 114. Accordingly, at least a portion of each pin prong 110 is received in the corresponding clutch fastener and in the corresponding opening 112 of the middle band 104 when the corresponding decorative pin is mounted to the pin display band 100. Preferably, the middle band 104 forms a pad of sufficient thickness to accommodate and conceal at least a portion of the corresponding clutch fastener 114 and allows the decorative pin ornament 116 to lie flat against the outer band 102. Depending on the type of clutch fastener 114, each opening 112 may receive the cylinder of the corresponding clutch fastener 114.

[0034] The inner band 106 contains the clutch fasteners 114 securely within the openings 112 of the middle band 104 while still allowing for clutch fasteners to function properly. Depending on the type of clutch fastener used the inner band 106 may completely close off the corresponding opening 112, or the inner band 106 may be provided with one or more openings 118 that are in registry with one or more corresponding openings 112 of the middle band 104. The openings 118 are sized to allow a user access to the clutch fasteners 114 for operating the clutch fasteners, at least for performing the release function of the clutch fastener, while securely holding or capturing the clutch fastener 114 in position at least in part within its corresponding opening 112 of the middle band 104. In one preferred embodiment, the openings 118 allow a user access to the clutch fasteners 114 for operating the clutch fasteners by providing for at least the head portion or knob 120 of the clutch fastener 114 to project outward from the back side of the inner band 104, where it can be easily accessed by the user.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the clutch fasteners 114 are of the type that has a head portion or knob 120 and a hollow body 122, which contains the clutch mechanism. The clutch fasteners 114 form the mechanism by which the decorative pins are secured to and released from the pin display band 100. Referring to FIG. 9, the hollow body 122 of the clutch fastener 114 has a dome portion 124 that receives the knob 120 and a cylinder 126 which contains the clutch mechanism. The knob 120 is gripped to release the decorative pin 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the clutch, fasteners 114 are of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,621,386, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The knob 120 is biased by spring 128 to push a cage 130 into a tapering cup 132. The cage 130 carries ball or roller bearings 134. As the cage 130 is pushed into the tapering cup 132 by the pressure of the spring 128, the tapering walls of the cup 132 force the ball bearings 134 against the prong 110 of the decorative pin 101 to frictionally secure the prong 110 within the clutch fastener 114. In turn, once the prong 110 is secured within the clutch fastener 114, the decorative pin 101 will be secured to the pin display band 100. Pulling the knob 120 outward away from the hollow body 122 moves the ball bearings 134 along with the cage 130 to a wider portion of the tapering cup 132, where the tapering walls of the cup are farther apart, which allows the ball bearings 134 to move away from and release the prong 110. Once the prong 110 is released the decorative pin can be removed from the pin display band 100.

[0036] In use, the prong 110 of the decorative pin 101 is inserted through the outer band 102, passing through at least a portion of the middle band 104 where the prong 110 is received in the corresponding clutch fastener 114. The decorative pin 101 can be removed from the band 100 by gripping and pulling the knob 120 of the clutch fastener 114 and placing an opposing pulling force on the decorative pin 101.

[0037] The free ends 136 and 138 of the outer band 102 can be releasably secured to each other by any appropriate means. In the illustrated example, a buckle 140 is provided at the first free end 136 of the outer band 102. The buckle 140 includes a frame 142 and a prong 144. The buckle 140 is engageable with any one of a plurality of holes 146, as selected by the user, provided in a portion 148 of the outer band 102 proximate the second free end 138 to secure the free ends 136 and 138 to each other. A Keeper 150 helps keep the portion 148 of the outer band 102 proximate the second free end 138 from disengaging from the buckle 140 accidentally.

[0038] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, the buckle 140 may be replaced with a buckle 152 that has a prong 154 that is pivotally attached to a center post 156 in the frame 158 rather than to one side of the buckle frame as in the buckle 140. The use of the keeper 150 would be optional with the buckle 152 as the rear member 160 of the buckle frame 158 can act as a keeper. Other means that can be used for releasably securing the free ends 136 and 138 of the outer band 102 include, but are not limited to, complementary hook and loop fastener portions provided on the portions of the outer band 102 proximate the free ends 136 and 138, single or double rings that one free end of the outer band 102 can be looped through, snap hooks and any other means suitable for connecting the ends of a strap or straps.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the clutch fasteners 114 are positioned in their respective openings 112 in the middle band 104, with the knobs of the fasteners 114 protruding from the respective openings 118 in the inner band 106, and the bands 102, 104, and 106 are sewn or stitched together by stitching along or near their coextensive borders and at the ends of the inner band 106 to assemble the pin display band 100 together. Alternatively, the middle and outer bands 104 and 102 only may be stitched together at or near their coextensive borders, while the inner band 106 is stitched at least to the outer band at its ends. The inner band 106 can then be securely held against the middle band 104 all along the length of the middle band by a hook and loop fastener arrangement. This arrangement allows the inner band 106 to be pulled away from the middle ban 104 when needed in order to allow repair or replacement of the clutch fasteners 114.

[0040] The pin display band 100 provides means to display several decorative pins in a grouping. The pin display band 100 can be personalized by removing and inserting various decorative pins. The pin display band 100 secures the decorative pins in a location to decrease the risk of loss. The pin display band 100 provides means to display decorative pins without causing damage to clothing. The pin display band 100 provides increased visibility of decorative pins to enhance marketing efforts of companies and organizations. The pin display band 100 provides means to display additional achievement recognition decorative pins while adhering to organizational dress codes. For example, the Future Farmers of America (F.F.A.) dress code prohibits more than your top three achievement pins to be displayed on your lapel at one time.

[0041] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.