U.S. patent application number 10/778357 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-19 for linkable-shared friendship objects.
Invention is credited to Jacquin, Heidi L..
Application Number | 20050103051 10/778357 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35788538 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050103051 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jacquin, Heidi L. |
May 19, 2005 |
Linkable-shared friendship objects
Abstract
A friendship object kit comprising at least a pair of friendship
objects that are packaged and sold together, where a first one of
the friendship objects is for a first person to keep and second one
of the friendship objects is for a second person to receive from
the first person, the pair of friendship objects each comprising a
connector mechanism associated with it so that multiple friendship
objects from different pairs of friendship objects can be linked
together by one person. The friendship objects may be substantially
similar or complimentary and made in a variety of shapes and
configurations.
Inventors: |
Jacquin, Heidi L.;
(Sebastopol, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MINTZ LEVIN COHN FERRIS GLOVSKY AND POPEO PC
12010 SUNSET HILLS ROAD
SUITE 900
RESTON
VA
20190
US
|
Family ID: |
35788538 |
Appl. No.: |
10/778357 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10778357 |
Feb 17, 2004 |
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10662327 |
Sep 16, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
63/33 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 25/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
063/033 |
International
Class: |
A44C 025/00 |
Claims
1. An animal-shaped friendship object, comprising: an object body
having a head at a proximal end of the object body, a tail at a
distal end of the object body, a pair of front legs extending
outward from the proximal end at a point below the head, and a pair
of back legs extending outward from the distal end at a point below
the tail; and a connecting mechanism that enables the object body
to be coupled to one or more other objects, the connecting
mechanism comprising a first connection component extending upward
from an upper surface of the object body at an approximate midpoint
between the head and the tail, and a second connection component
extending downward from a lower surface of the object body at an
approximate midpoint between the front pair of legs and the back
pair of legs.
2. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the head
is fixed relative to the object body.
3. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the head
rotates relative to the object body about the point at which it is
attached to the object body.
4. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the tail
is fixed relative to the object body.
5. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the tail
is coupled to the object body via an attachment mechanism that
enables the tail to move relative to the object body.
6. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 5, wherein the
attachment mechanism comprises a hinge.
7. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 5, wherein the
attachment mechanism comprises a ball-and-socket joint.
8. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the
front pair of legs are fixed relative to the object body.
9. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the
front pair of legs are each coupled to the object body via an
attachment mechanism that enables each of the front pair of legs to
move relative to the object body and to one another.
10. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 9, wherein the
attachment mechanism comprises a hinge.
11. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 9, wherein the
attachment mechanism comprises a ball-and-socket joint.
12. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the
back pair of legs are fixed relative to the object body.
13. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the
back pair of legs are each coupled to the object body via an
attachment mechanism that enables each of the back pair of legs to
move relative to the object body and to one another.
14. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 13, wherein the
attachment mechanism comprises a hinge.
15. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 13, wherein the
attachment mechanism comprises a ball-and-socket joint.
16. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the
first connection component comprises a ring.
17. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the
ring is integral with the object body.
18. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the
ring is screwed into a threaded bore in the object body that is
positioned vertically at an approximate midpoint between the head
and the tail.
19. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the
second connection component comprises a strip of hook and loop
fastener.
20. A friendship object kit, comprising: at least two animal-shaped
friendship objects that are packaged and sold together, wherein
each of the at least two animal-shaped friendship objects
comprises: an object body having a head at a proximal end of the
object body, a tail at a distal end of the object body, a pair of
front legs extending outward from the proximal end at a point below
the head, and a pair of back legs extending outward from the distal
end at a point below the tail; and a ring extending upward from an
upper surface of the object body at an approximate midpoint between
the head and the tail, and a strip of hook and loop fastener
extending downward from a lower surface of the object body at an
approximate midpoint between the front pair of legs and the back
pair of legs; wherein each of the at least two animal-shaped
friendship objects may be linked by threading the strip of hook and
loop and fastener from the first of the at least two animal-shaped
friendship objects through the ring of the second of the at least
two animal-shaped friendship objects and securing the hook and loop
fastener to itself.
21. A friendship object kit comprising at least a pair of
friendship objects that are packaged and sold together, wherein a
first friendship object of the pair is for a first person to keep
and a second friendship object of the pair is for a second person
to receive from the first person, the first and second friendship
objects each comprising a connecting mechanism to enable multiple
friendship objects from different pairs of friendship objects to be
linked together by one person.
22. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein the first and
second friendship objects are plush animal-shaped objects.
23. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein the first and
second friendship objects are animal-shaped objects.
24. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein the connecting
mechanism comprises at least a jewelry clasp.
25. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein the connecting
mechanism comprises hook and loop fastener material.
26. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein at least the
second friendship object is personalized by the first person before
receipt by the second person.
27. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein the first and
second friendship objects are personalized by a visual message.
28. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein a recipient of
multiple friendship objects can connect the friendship objects
together via the connecting mechanisms of the respective friendship
objects.
29. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein a recipient of
multiple friendship objects can connect the friendship objects
together to form a wearable article.
30. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein a recipient of
multiple friendship objects can connect the friendship objects
together via the connecting mechanisms of the respective friendship
objects to form a wearable article.
31. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein the first and
second friendship objects are substantially similar.
32. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein the first and
second friendship objects are complimentary.
33. The friendship object kit of claim 32, wherein the first and
second friendship objects are complimentary to create a static
synergistic effect when brought close together or in contact.
34. The friendship object kit of claim 32, wherein the first and
second friendship objects are complementary to create a dynamic
synergistic effect when brought close together or in contact.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/662,327, filed Sep. 16, 2003, which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to two or more friendship objects that
may be sold together, wherein one object may be kept by one person
and a second object may be given to a second person. Each object
may comprise a connector to enable multiple friendship objects to
be linked or otherwise connected together to form jewelry, chains
or other linked objects.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Friendship bracelets per se are known. Typically these items
are given by one friend to another and worn as a symbol of
friendship. Generally, each item is created and exists in
isolation.
[0004] Other types of friendship objects are also known. For
example, with some friendship objects, two halves of one object may
be joined together to complete the object. In these instances, each
of two friends may keep one of the two objects and when the two
friends get together, they can join the two objects together. For
example, friendship rings are known. With friendship rings, each
person has a single ring. When the rings are brought together, some
synergistic result occurs. This pair of objects may be created and
exist in an isolated pair.
[0005] Charm bracelets are also known. With charm bracelets, a
person may typically collect a number of charms. Each charm is
usually connected to a bracelet, but not to each other. While a
first friend could give a charm to a second friend, there is
typically no corresponding charm kept by the first friend.
[0006] Other types of friendship tokens exist.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, two or more
friendship objects may be sold together, wherein a first person
keeps one of the objects and gives a second object to a second
person (e.g., a friend, team mate, co-worker, customer or other
person) that keeps the second object. Each of the friendship
objects may be substantially identical or complimentary. Each
preferably has a connecting mechanism associated with it so that a
person can collect and link together friendship objects given to,
or received from, a number of friends. In this way, multiple pairs
of friendship objects may be created and used together.
[0008] According to other embodiments, more than two friendship
objects may be created and packaged together. In this way, more
than two friends can "share" similar or complimentary friendship
objects. Thus, two or more friends can share multiple objects and
link together the multiple friendship objects.
[0009] According to some embodiments, the friendship objects may be
adapted to enable the linked objects to form a necklace, a
bracelet, or other item of jewelry, or a belt, or other object that
may typically be worn by an individual. According to other
embodiments, the objects may be linked together to form chains or
other linked structures. These structures may be attached to
bookcases, knapsacks, or other structures.
[0010] According to one embodiment, the objects may be
substantially identical such that each friend has a substantially
identical replica of what the other friend has. Alternatively, the
objects may be complimentary so that, when the objects are brought
together, some synergistic effect occurs. For example, each of the
objects may individually include a portion of a visual message so
that when the objects are brought together, the entire message is
visible, either in a static or dynamic manner (as discussed below).
Audible and other forms of synergistic cooperation may be
implemented.
[0011] The connecting mechanism may include one or more of a
jewelry clasp, a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro.TM.), a clip,
or any other suitable connecting mechanism. In some embodiments,
the friendship objects may be directly connected to one another. In
other embodiments, they are indirectly connected (e.g., through a
chain or other intermediate connector portion).
[0012] In various embodiments, the friendship objects may be made
of a variety of materials and may comprise any one of a variety of
shapes or configurations. According to one embodiment, the
friendship objects may be plush objects such as stuffed animals or
other stuffed objects. In other embodiments, the friendship objects
may comprise more rigid objects. Alternatively, the objects can be
shapes (e.g., hearts or other shapes), fruits, flowers,
automobiles, characters, sports-related objects, hobby-related
objects, logos, mascots, or any other suitable shape.
[0013] According to another embodiment, the friendship objects may
be adapted to enable various forms of personalization. For example,
the personalization may be in the form of a written message, an
engraved or embroidered message, or other visual message. According
to other embodiments, the personalization may be in the form of a
personal voice message (e.g., recorded on a voice chip), a
pre-recorded message or other audible personalization. Various
combinations of personalization techniques may be used.
[0014] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the
invention will be apparent through the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments and the drawings attached hereto. It is also
to be understood that both the foregoing general description and
the following detailed description are exemplary and not
restrictive of the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a package including a pair
of friendship objects, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a friendship object having
a connecting mechanism oriented along its vertical axis, according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a friendship object having
a connecting mechanism oriented along its horizontal axis,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a plurality of friendship
objects linked together, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a friendship object
including a personalized message, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0020] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate side and front views, respectively,
of an object body, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 5C is an illustration depicting how one or more
appendages or extensions may be coupled to an object body,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate exemplary front and side views,
respectively, of a friendship object resembling a dog, according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate exemplary front and side views,
respectively, of a friendship object resembling a bird, according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate exemplary front and side views,
respectively, of a friendship object resembling a horse, according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate exemplary front and side views,
respectively, of a friendship object resembling a zebra, according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate exemplary side and front views,
respectively, of two friendship objects nested together for
packaging purposes, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0027] FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate exemplary front and side views,
respectively, of two connected friendship objects, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] One aspect of the invention relates to at least a pair of
(or more) friendship objects that may be created, packaged and/or
sold together. Preferably, one person may keep one of the
friendship objects and give a second friendship object to a second
person. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a package 100 may include at
least a pair of friendship objects (102, 104). Each of the
friendship objects (102, 104) may be substantially identical or
complimentary. Each friendship object (102, 104) may include one or
more connecting mechanisms, generally designated 106. According to
one embodiment, the connecting mechanism may include a first
connection component 106a and a second connection component 106b.
The connecting mechanism (and/or connection components) may be used
to connect together or link multiple friendship objects, so that
multiple friends can share and link together multiple friendship
objects. In one embodiment (not shown), the connecting mechanism
may include a jewelry clasp. For example, a first connection
component 106a of a first object may be a substantially solid ring
(or other shape) and a second connection component 106b may include
a latch that can be opened, connected to the first connection
component of second friendship object, and closed. In another
embodiment, the connecting mechanism 106 may include a hook and
loop fastener material (e.g., Velcro.TM.). Any suitable connecting
mechanism may be used such that the objects are linked
together.
[0029] According to one embodiment, a connection component (e.g.,
106a) of a friendship object may be directly coupled to a
connection component (e.g., 106b) of another friendship object.
According to another embodiment, connection components (106a, 106b)
of a pair of friendship objects (e.g., 102, 104) may be coupled via
an intermediate connector, for example, a chain, or any suitable
structure.
[0030] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate friendship object 102 having
connection components (106a, 106b) for linking to one or more other
friendship objects. According to one embodiment, friendship object
102 may include one or more connection components (106a, 106b)
oriented along any axis or orientation. For example, in some
embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, friendship object 102 may
include one or more connection components (106a, 106b) oriented
along the vertical axis of object 102. In other embodiments, as
illustrated in FIG. 2B, friendship object 102 may include one or
more connection components (106a, 106b) oriented along the
horizontal axis of object 102.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of friendship objects
(e.g., 102, 112, 114, 116) may be linked together. In some
embodiments, each of the plurality of friendship objects (e.g.,
102, 112, 114, 116) may include a connector 108 coupled to
connection components (106a, 106b). Connector 108 may enable
linking one friendship object to another friendship object. In
other embodiments, each of the plurality of friendship objects
(e.g., 102, 112, 114, 116) may be directly linked together via
connection components (106a, 106b) without intermediate connector
108.
[0032] In one embodiment, a plurality of friendship objects (e.g.,
102, 112, 114, 116) may be adapted to enable the linked objects to
form a necklace, bracelet, anklet, belt, or other item of "jewelry"
that may typically be worn by an individual. In another embodiment,
a plurality friendship objects (e.g., 102, 112, 114, 116) may be
linked together to form zipper pulls, key chains or other objects
that may be attached to structures such as bookcases, knapsacks and
other structures.
[0033] According to one embodiment, the friendship objects (e.g.,
102 and 104) may be substantially identical so that each friend has
a substantially identical replica of what the other friend has.
According to another embodiment, the friendship objects may be
complimentary so that when the objects are brought together some
synergistic effect occurs. For example, each of the objects may
contain a portion of a visual message so that when they are brought
together the entire message is visible. Other forms of synergistic
cooperation can be implemented.
[0034] As opposed to this static synergistic effect, a dynamic
synergistic effect may occur. For example when one object is
brought close to or in contact with a second object, that
triggering activity may cause at least one (or more) of the objects
to exhibit a dynamic behavior. The dynamic behavior may include
causing an audible message or other sound to occur, causing a
visual display or other visual effect to occur, or to cause some
other dynamic effect to occur. One example is shown in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,050,695, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
[0035] According to another embodiment, the friendship objects may
be adapted to enable various forms of personalization. For example,
the personalization may be in the form of a written message, an
engraved or embroidered message, or other visual message. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, friendship object 102 may include a
personalized message 120 engraved or embroidered on its
surface.
[0036] The personalization may also be in the form of one or more
personal or pre-recorded voice message (e.g., recorded on a voice
chip 122), or other audible personalization. In some embodiments,
friendship object 102 may include a voice recording and a playback
mechanism to enable a friendship object to be personalized by
recording or re-recording on a voice chip one or more audible
messages. In one embodiment, friendship object 102 may be
personalized by a first person before receipt by a second person.
According to another embodiment, the personalization may occur when
both friends are present.
[0037] The friendship objects can be made of a variety of materials
and can be in any one of a variety of shapes or configurations.
According to one embodiment, the friendship objects may be plush
objects such as stuffed animals or other stuffed objects.
Alternatively, the objects can be shapes, including but not limited
to hearts, fruits, trees, automobiles, planets, houses, people,
logos, or mascots.
[0038] The connecting mechanism may be located on the friendship
object in a location and/or orientation to enable or facilitate the
linking of certain types of objects for certain purposes. For
example, in one embodiment, as shown for example in FIG. 4, the
first connection component and second connection component extend
along an axis that is substantially vertical with respect to object
102. In other embodiments, the connection components may be located
on an axis substantially perpendicular to that axis. For the
particular object shown, the height (along what was referred to as
the vertical axis) is less than the length (along a perpendicular
axis). If it is desired to maximize the length of a link, it may be
desirable to locate connection components along a longer axis of
the friendship objects. If it is desired to increase the number of
objects that can be linked in a given length, it may be desirable
to locate the connection components along a substantially shorter
axis of the friendship objects.
[0039] In other embodiments, more than one set of connection
components can be located on a friendship object, along
substantially perpendicular axes or otherwise.
[0040] According to another embodiment, the shape, color or other
characteristics of object 102 can have significance. For example, a
common designator may be used to indicate whether an object was one
that the person received from a particular person or if it
corresponds to an object that the person received from a different
friend. In this way, friends can "compete" to see who can collect
the most of a particular type of friendship object. Therefore, a
common designator may makes an object recognizable from a specific
person.
[0041] According to an embodiment of the invention, the various
friendship objects disclosed herein may be fabricated from a common
manufacturing blank or object body. FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate side and
front views, respectively, of an object body 200 that maybe
manufactured into a friendship object.
[0042] According to one embodiment, object body 200 may comprise a
pair of front legs 205 (or other appendages or extensions) and a
pair of back legs 210 (or other appendages or extensions). Each
pair of legs (205, 210) may be integral with and fixed relative to
object body 200, or may pivot or bend at a point where they are
coupled to object body 200 via a hinge or other known attachment
mechanism. In some implementations, the front pair of legs 205 may
be bendable while the back pair of legs 210 may be fixed relative
to object body 200, or vice versa. Other configurations are
possible.
[0043] Object body 200 may comprise any type of plastic, wood,
metal, fabric, or other material, and may be produced using any
known manufacturing technique (e.g., injection molding). Object
body 200 may further comprise a first location 220 where a head (or
other appendage or extension) may be attached to object body 200,
and a second location 240 where a tail (or other appendage or
extension) may be attached to object body 200. In an alternative
embodiment, not illustrated, object body 200 may comprise integral
head and/or tail pieces that may be machined during the
manufacturing process to resemble a particular animal or other
friendship object. Similar to the legs (205, 210), the head and/or
tail pieces may also be moveable with respect to object body 200.
For example, a head may rotate about its connection point (220) to
object body 200, while a tail may bend at the point 240 where it is
attached to object body 200 using known attachment mechanisms
(e.g., a hinge). Other configurations are possible.
[0044] As illustrated in FIG. SC, for example, object body 200
(resembling a dog) may comprise a recess 204 (at first location
220) adapted to receive a post 202 that is integral with head 224.
Post 202 may further comprise a bulbous head adapted to "snap-in"
to recess 204 so as to create a snug fit, yet enable head 224 to
rotate relative to object body 200 in a direction illustrated by
arrows "A." Such a coupling may generally be referred to herein as
a ball and socket joint. Other known coupling mechanisms may be
used. Similarly, object body 200 may further comprise a recess 208
adapted to receive a post 206 that is integral with leg 212. Post
206 may also comprise a bulbous head adapted to "snap-in" to recess
208 so as to create a snug fit, yet enable leg 212 to rotate
relative to object body 200 in a direction illustrated by arrows
"B." This coupling may also be generally referred to as a ball and
socket joint. Although only the attachment (or coupling) mechanisms
for head 224 and leg 212 are illustrated, the tail and remaining
three legs may also be coupled to object body 200 in a similar
manner.
[0045] Fabricating a plurality of friendship objects from a common
manufacturing blank or object body 200 is advantageous, as it
facilitates the manufacturing process by reducing and/or
eliminating the need to utilize a variety of different fabrication
techniques and or/equipment depending on what form the friendship
object is to take. Other benefits may be realized. As an example,
FIGS. 6-9 each illustrate different animals that may be fabricated
from common object body 200.
[0046] FIGS. 6A-6B are exemplary front and side view illustrations,
respectively, wherein object body 200 is fabricated to resemble a
dog. A dog head may be attached to, or formed integrally with,
object body 200 at location 220, and a dog tail may be attached to,
or formed integrally with, object body 200 at location 240.
[0047] FIGS. 7A-7B are exemplary front and side view illustrations,
respectively, wherein object body 200 is fabricated to resemble a
bird. A bird head may be attached to, or formed integrally with,
object body 200 at location 220, and a bird tail may be attached
to, or formed integrally with, object body 200 at location 240.
[0048] FIGS. 8A-8B are exemplary front and side view illustrations,
respectively, wherein object body 200 is fabricated to resemble a
horse. A horse head may be attached to, or formed integrally with,
object body 200 at location 220, and a horse tail may be attached
to, or formed integrally with, object body 200 at location 240.
[0049] Similarly, FIGS. 9A-9B are exemplary front and side view
illustrations, respectively, wherein object body 200 is fabricated
to resemble a zebra. A zebra head may be attached to, or formed
integrally with, object body 200 at location 220, and a zebra tail
may be attached to, or formed integrally with, object body 200 at
location 240.
[0050] Although FIGS. 6-9 illustrate animals, the friendship
objects of the invention may, as described above, comprise any
number of shapes or configurations. As such, FIGS. 6-9 should not
be viewed as limiting.
[0051] In addition to facilitating the manufacturing process,
fabricating friendship objects from a common manufacturing blank or
object body 200 (FIGS. 5A-5B) is also advantageous for packaging
purposes. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-10B, a pig and a
tiger fabricated from an identical object body 200 are
complimentary shaped, thus enabling the pig and the tiger to be
easily "nested" or stacked together. This is advantageous for
reducing the size of a product package in which these two
friendship objects may be sold. It also enables more friendship
objects (e.g., animals) to be packaged together than would
otherwise be possible with articles of varying shapes and sizes.
Additionally, the ability to stack or nest various friendship
objects together facilitates the task of storing and/or keeping
track of numerous friendship objects.
[0052] As recited above and illustrated in, for example, FIGS. 1-4,
a connecting mechanism may be positioned on a friendship object in
any number of locations and/or orientations to enable or facilitate
the linking together of various friendship objects, and may further
comprise one or more connection components. According to one
embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11B, two
friendship objects (e.g., a dog and a horse) are illustrated, each
having a first connection component 310 and a second connection
component 320.
[0053] According to an embodiment of the invention, first
connection component 310 may comprise a ring (e.g., an eyelet)
which may be integral with the friendship object, or screwed into a
threaded bore (not illustrated) provided in the top of the
friendship object and positioned along its' vertical axis. First
connection component 310 may be made of any material (e.g., wood,
plastic, metal, etc.), may have any shape or design, and may extend
upward from an upper surface of the object body at an approximate
midpoint between the head and the tail. First connection component
310 may also be positioned at any other position on the object body
(e.g., FIG. 2B). Other configurations are possible.
[0054] Second connection component 320 may comprise a strip of
fabric, which may further comprise a hook and loop fastener (e.g.,
Velcro.TM.). Connection component 320 may extend downward from a
lower surface of the object body at an approximate midpoint between
the front pair of legs and the back pair of legs. Second connection
component 320 may also be positioned at any other position on the
object body (e.g., FIG. 2B). Other configurations are possible.
Although the foregoing and following description each refer to a
hook and loop fastener, any type of fastening device, in any shape,
comprised of any material may also be utilized to achieve the
functionality of second connection component 320.
[0055] According to one embodiment, a portion of hook material 315a
and a portion of loop material 31 5b may be positioned along strip
320. In operation, loop material 315b may mate with hook material
315a when strip 320 is fed through connection component 310 (the
ring) and folded back over itself in the direction of arrow "A," as
illustrated. In this regard, two or more friendship objects may be
quickly and conveniently secured to one another. It should be
recognized that, in an alternative embodiment, hook material 315a
and loop material 315b may be reversed on strip 320. Other
fasteners may be used.
[0056] According to one embodiment, each friendship object may
further comprise an additional portion of either hook or loop
material (not illustrated) mounted on (or integral with) the lower
or other surface of the object body to enable either the portion of
hook material 315a or the portion of loop material 315b to be
secured to the lower or other surface of the object body if second
connection component 320 is not being used to connect to another
friendship object. In this regard, the last friendship object of a
"chain" of friendship objects may not have second connection
component 320 dangling free beneath itself.
[0057] Alternatively, rather than providing an additional portion
of either hook or loop material mounted on (or integral with) the
lower or other surface of each friendship object, multiple
friendship objects may be packaged together and sold as a kit or
collection, wherein one of the friendship objects is not provided
with a second connection component 320. In this regard, the
friendship object that is not provided with second connection
component 320 may be designated as the last friendship object of
the "chain" of friendship objects provided in the package.
[0058] In yet another alternative embodiment, friendship objects
not having a second connection component 320 may be packaged
individually and sold or provided as designated friendship objects
to be used at the end of a friendship object chain. Other
configurations are possible.
[0059] Other embodiments, uses and advantages of the invention will
be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the
specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The
specification should be considered exemplary only, and the scope of
the invention is accordingly intended to be limited only by the
following claims.
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