U.S. patent application number 11/266970 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-31 for interchangeable systems and methods for displaying designs on clothing accessories.
Invention is credited to John J. JR. Brier.
Application Number | 20070118977 11/266970 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38086001 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070118977 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brier; John J. JR. |
May 31, 2007 |
Interchangeable systems and methods for displaying designs on
clothing accessories
Abstract
A method for interchangeably displaying a design on clothing
accessories is provided. The method includes generating at least
one design depicting an image. Next, a selection of at least one
design for display is allowed. Thereafter, the design may be
affixed to an identified clothing accessory. A system for
interchangeably displaying a design on clothing accessories is also
provided.
Inventors: |
Brier; John J. JR.;
(Pensacola, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP
ONE INTERNATIONAL PLACE, 20th FL
ATTN: PATENT ADMINISTRATOR
BOSTON
MA
02110
US
|
Family ID: |
38086001 |
Appl. No.: |
11/266970 |
Filed: |
November 4, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/338 ;
24/641 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/45665 20150115;
A41F 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/338 ;
024/641 |
International
Class: |
A41F 3/02 20060101
A41F003/02 |
Claims
1. A belt buckle for displaying a design thereon, the buckle
comprising: a clamping end for securing one end of a belt thereto;
a tightening end through which an opposite end of the belt may be
adjustably received for adjustment circumferentially about a waist
of a wearer; a surface onto which a design can be displayed; a
design including one of an embroidered design, a non-embroidered
design or a patch design; and an affixation mechanism positioned
between the design and the surface to secure the design to the
surface.
2. A belt buckle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the clamping
mechanism permits removable attachment of the one end of the belt
thereto.
3. A belt buckle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the design
includes depiction of public figures, athletes, celebrities,
specific moments from an event, or a fanciful design.
4. A belt buckle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the affixation
mechanism includes one of an adhesive or a hook and loop
system.
5. A belt buckle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the affixation
mechanism includes a male end on one of the surface of the belt
buckle or on the design and a female end on the other of the
surface of the belt buckle or the design.
6. A belt and buckle system for displaying a design, the system
comprising: a belt having opposing ends; a buckle having a clamping
end for securing one end of the belt thereto, a tightening end
through which the opposite end of the belt may be adjustably
received for adjustment circumferentially about a waist of a
wearer, and a surface onto which a design can be displayed; a
design for placement onto the buckle and including one of an
embroidered design, a non-embroidered design or a patch design; and
an affixation mechanism positioned between the design and the
surface of the buckle to which the design can be secured.
7. A system as set forth in claim 6, wherein clamping mechanism on
the buckle permits removable attachment of the one end of the belt
thereto.
8. A belt buckle as set forth in claim 6, wherein the design
includes depiction of public figures, athletes, celebrities,
specific moments from an event, or a fanciful design.
9. A system as set forth in claim 6, wherein the affixation
mechanism includes one of an adhesive, a hook and loop system, or a
snap on design.
10. A belt and buckle kit for displaying a design, the kit
comprising: a plurality of belts, each having opposing ends; a
plurality of buckles for removable attachment to individual belts
for interchangeability purposes; a plurality of designs for display
on a surface of individual buckles, the designs being one of an
embroidered design, a non-embroidered design or a patch design; and
an affixation mechanism for securing the design onto the surface of
individual buckles.
11. A kit as set forth in claim 10, wherein the designs include
depiction of fanciful designs, public figures, athletes,
celebrities, or specific moments from an event.
12. A kit as set forth in claim 10, wherein the affixation
mechanism permits removable attachment of the designs to the buckle
for interchangeability purposes.
13. A method for displaying a design on a belt buckle, the method
comprising: providing at least one design for display depicting a
fanciful design, a public figure, an athlete, a celebrity, or
specific moments from an event; identifying a belt buckle onto
which the design can be displayed; and affixing the design onto the
buckle.
14. A method as set forth in claim 13, wherein, in the step of
providing, the design includes one of an embroidered design, a
non-embroidered design, or a patch design.
15. A method for displaying a design on a belt buckle, the method
comprising: permitting (a) selection of at least one design for
display or (b) submission of a design for display, the design being
a depiction of a public figure, an athlete, a celebrity, a specific
moment of an event, or a fanciful design; allowing identification
of a buckle onto which the design can be displayed; and affixing
the design to the identified buckle.
16. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the step of
permitting includes providing the design at a store.
17. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the step of
permitting includes providing one of an in-store kiosk, an in-store
computer, an off-site computer, a home desktop, a laptop, or a
wireless handheld device for accessing the design.
18. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the step of allowing
includes providing a website through which entry is permitted for
accessing the design and buckle.
19. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the step of
permitting submission includes digitizing the submitted design for
subsequent creation of the display.
20. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the step affixing
includes providing a mechanism for interchanging the design
displayed on the buckle.
21. A method for displaying a design on a clothing accessory, the
method comprising: permitting (a) selection of at least one design
for display or (b) submission of a design for display, the design
being a depiction of a public figure, an athlete, a celebrity, a
specific moment of an event, or a fanciful design; allowing
identification of a clothing accessory onto which the design can be
displayed; and affixing the design to the identified accessory.
22. A method as set forth in claim 21, wherein the step of
permitting includes providing the design at a store.
23. A method as set forth in claim 21, wherein the step of
permitting includes providing one of an in-store kiosk, an in-store
computer, an off-site computer, a home desktop, a laptop, or a
wireless handheld device for accessing the design.
24. A method as set forth in claim 21, wherein the step of allowing
includes providing a website through which entry is permitted for
accessing the design and clothing accessory.
25. A method as set forth in claim 21, wherein the step of
permitting submission includes digitizing the submitted design for
subsequent creation of the display.
26. A method as set forth in claim 21, wherein, in the step of
allowing, the clothing accessory includes a wallet, a hat, a purse,
a scarf, a visor, a bag.
27. A method as set forth in claim 21, wherein the step affixing
includes providing a mechanism for interchanging the design
displayed.
28. A method for generating a keychain, the method comprising:
permitting (a) selection of at least one design for display or (b)
submission of at least one design for display, the design being a
depiction of a public figure, an athlete, a celebrity, a specific
moment of an event, or a fanciful design; generating opposing
layers, each having the design; and affixing the layers to one
another.
29. A method as set forth in claim 28, wherein the step of
permitting includes providing one of an in-store kiosk, an in-store
computer, an off-site computer, a home desktop, a laptop, or a
wireless handheld device for accessing the design.
30. A method as set forth in claim 28, wherein the step of
generating includes digitizing the design for subsequent creation
of the keychain.
31. A method as set forth in claim 28, wherein the step of
generating includes generating mirror images of the layers.
32. A method as set forth in claim 28, further including creating a
hole through the keychain for placement of key holding mechanism
therethrough.
33. A key chain comprising: opposing layers, each having a design
depicting a public figure, an athlete, a celebrity, a specific
moment of an event, or a fanciful design; an affixation layer
positioned between the opposing layers; and a key holding mechanism
extending through the apposing layers.
34. A key chain as set forth in claim 33, wherein the opposing
layers are mirror images of one another.
35. A key chain as set forth in claim 33, wherein the opposing
layers include distinct profiles from one another.
36. A keychain as set forth in claim 33, wherein the affixation
layer permits the opposing layers to be interchangeable with other
layers.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates generally to clothing accessories,
and more particularly to a system for interchangeably displaying
various designs on clothing accessories.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The retail market has a wide variety of companies that
provide products and clothing to targeted markets. Moreover, it has
been observed that many of these retailers are selling the same
type of products or clothing to the same targeted market. A pattern
has existed for a number of years where retailers are providing to
consumers apparels decorated with vinyl decals, embroidery, or
sewn-on-patches of various designs, including sports or
celebrity-related designs. A walk in most major malls will allow
one to see that there are many stores selling these same or similar
items to the same demographics. This, among other things, is a
strong indication of the demands consumers have for clothing with
designs displayed thereon.
[0003] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of
people (age 14-26) in 1999 was 30 million. This number represents
close to 10% of the total U.S. population. Teenagers influence
about $324 billion in spending annually, have $151 billion in
disposable income, spend $24 billion annually, and will spend $1.8
billion on-line by 2004. Teens spend an average of $80 to $100 per
week on entertainment, fashion, food, and technology. These young
people, dubbed "Generation Y", dominate almost all facets of
popular culture and are the fastest growing demographic under age
65.
[0004] It should be noted that although sometimes rebellious, teens
also want to blend in and be accepted by peers yet also find ways
to make them stand out as individuals. They seek a community of
peers to welcome them, as well as help them stand out.
[0005] In addition, teenagers wear attitude like a uniform to give
definition to their identity. This extends to clothing, hairstyle
and the type of music listened to in public. They also react to
humor, silliness, and irreverence more easily than to other styles.
They follow sports, athletes, and celebrities in growing
numbers.
[0006] Currently, specialty youth clothes and products is a billion
dollar niche in the clothing industry. Over the past ten years,
there has been a profound change in population dynamics in the U.S.
The non-metropolitan population has been growing at the almost the
same rate as the urban population making specialty youth clothes
and products a viable product line in both urban and non-urban
locations. As such the demand for athlete, celebrity, and sporting
event memorabilia has increased dramatically.
[0007] Belt buckles which display different emblems on their
surface have been made available by retailers in recent years for
those looking to make a fashion statement. Other popular clothing
accessories such as wallets and key chains have been used in a
similar way. However, the consumers have not yet been given the
ability to select the design or designs that they would like to
have displayed on the belt buckle or given the option to
interchange the design on the buckle to match the particular mood
for the day.
[0008] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide consumers the
ability to select and interchange specific designs, for instance,
fanciful designs, designs depicting favorite athletes or
celebrities, designs depicting specific moments in a sporting event
by an athlete, or designs depicting specific moments portrayed by a
celebrity, and for display on a belt buckle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a belt
buckle having a design displayed thereon. The buckle of the present
invention can be any standard belt buckle having a surface on which
a design can be placed. The design to be displayed on the belt
buckle, in an embodiment, can be an embroidered design, a
non-embroidered design, or any patch design. An affixation
mechanism can be provided between the design and the surface of the
belt buckle to affix the design to the surface of the buckle. Such
a mechanism can be, in an embodiment, an adhesive material provided
on a back side of the design as a part of that design, or be
independently provided on the surface of the belt buckle to which
the design can be affixed. The affixation mechanism may
alternatively be a hook and loop system (e.g., Velcro) with the
loop portion provided on one of the back of the design or the
surface of the belt buckle, while the hook portion may be provided
on the other of the back of the design or the surface of the belt
buckle. The affixation system may further be snap-on design with
the surface of the buckle having an female end, while the back of
the design may be attached to a sufficiently rigid male end for
attachment to the female end, or vice versa. Of course, other
affixation systems known in the art can readily be used.
[0010] The present invention also provide a belt and buckle system
having interchangeable buckles and/or belts. The system, in one
embodiment, includes a belt having opposing ends and a buckle
removably attached to one end of the belt. The ability to remove
and attach the buckle to one end of the belt permits a consumer to
interchange either the belt or buckle or both to complement his or
her particular mood for the day. The buckle, in an embodiment,
includes a surface to which a design may be displayed. The design,
in accordance with one embodiment, may be permanently or removably
affixed to the surface of the buckle. In the embodiment where the
design may be permanently affixed to the buckle, a plurality of
buckles may be provided for interchangeability. A plurality of
belts may also be provided for interchangeability purposes.
[0011] The present invention further provides a system for
displaying designs, such as an embroidered design, on clothing
accessories. The system, in an embodiment, includes a design to be
displayed, a clothing accessory, such as a wallet or keychain,
having a surface on which the design can be displayed, and an
affixation mechanism positioned between the design and the surface
of the clothing accessory. Such a mechanism can be, in an
embodiment, an adhesive material provided on a back side of the
design as a part of that design, or be independently provided on
the surface of the clothing accessory to which the design can be
affixed. The affixation mechanism may alternatively be a hook and
loop system (e.g., Velcro) with the loop portion provided on one of
the back of the design or the surface of the clothing accessory,
while the hook portion is provided on the other of the back of the
design or the surface of the clothing accessory. The affixation
system may further be snap-on design with the surface of clothing
accessory having an female end, while the back of the design may be
attached to a sufficiently rigid male end for attachment to the
female end, or vice versa. Of course, other affixation systems
known in the art can readily be used.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates belt buckle for use in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a belt and belt buckle system in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method for creating a
one-of-a kind buckle in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method for displaying a
design onto clothing accessories.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an apparatus for applying a design onto
clothing accessories.
[0017] FIG. 6A-B illustrate a key chain in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart of a method for creating a
one-of-a kind keychain in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a belt
buckle, a belt buckle and belt combination, and other clothing
accessories that can be interchangeable to allow consumers the
ability to customize different combinations of colored or styled
belts and belt buckles with displays, as well as other clothing
accessories.
[0020] Looking now at FIG. 1, there is illustrated a belt buckle 10
designed for removable attachment to a belt, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. The buckle 10 includes a
clamping end 11 for removably securing one end of a belt thereto,
and tightening end 12 through which an opposite end of a belt may
be adjustably received for adjustment circumferentially about the
waist on a wearer. To maintain the position of the belt about the
waist of the wearer, buckle 10 may be provided with a pin 13 which
may be moved (e.g., roll or slide) toward the tightening end 12.
Movement of the pin 13 toward the end 12, in one embodiment,
presses the end of the belt entering through end 12 securely
between the pin 13 and a back surface of the buckle 10. The buckle
10 also includes a surface 14 onto which a design 15, such as an
embroidered design, a non-embroidered design (i.e., picture), or
any patch design, can be displayed.
[0021] Buckle 10 may also be provided with an affixation mechanism
(not shown) between the design 15 and the surface 14 of the buckle
10 to secure the design 15 to surface 14 of the buckle 10. Such a
mechanism, in an embodiment, can be an adhesive material, such as
glue, that can be applied directly on to the surface 14 of the
buckle 10 prior to application of the design 15 to the surface 14.
The adhesive material may alternatively be a heat seal material
provided on a back side of the design 15, and which heat seal
material can be activated during application of the design 15 to
the surface 14. The affixation mechanism, in another embodiment,
may be a hook and loop system (e.g., Velcro) with the loop portion
provided on one of the back of the design 15 or the surface 14 of
the belt buckle 10, while the hook portion may be provided on the
other of the back of the design 15 or the surface 14 of the belt
buckle 10. The affixation system may further be snap-on design with
the surface 14 of the buckle 10 having, for instance, a female end,
while the back of the design 15 may be attached to a sufficiently
rigid male end for attachment to the female end. Placement of the
male and female ends of the snap-on mechanism on the design 15 and
surface 14 of the buckle 10 may of course be reversed. Other
affixation systems known in the art can also readily be used.
[0022] Although illustrated in FIG. 1 as a particular buckle, the
belt buckle 10 of the present invention may any commercially
available buckle, so long as such a buckle is removable from the
belt and provides a surface to which a design may be displayed. By
making the buckle 10 removable, the buckle 10 of the present
invention may be interchanged with a variety of belts to provide
the wearer with fashion options that can be matched to the
particular mood of the wearer for the day. Moreover, by allowing
the design 15 on the buckle 10 to be removable, design 15 as well
as the belt may interchanged to provide the wearer with additional
fashion options.
[0023] The buckle 10 may be provided as part of a belt and buckle
system 20, such as that illustrated in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2,
the system 20 includes a buckle 21 having a design 27 that can be
substantially similar to buckle 10 provided above. The system 20
further includes a belt 22 for placement circumferentially about
the waist of a wearer. The belt 22, in one embodiment, includes a
first end 23 to be securely retained within a clamping end 24 of
the buckle 21, and a second end 25 for adjustable placement through
a tightening end 26 of the buckle 21. The second end 25 of belt 22
may adjustably move through the tightening end 26 to permit the
belt 22 to accommodate variation in the waist size of the wearer.
In an embodiment of the present invention, system 20 may be
provided as part of a kit in which a plurality of buckles 21 and
plurality of belts 22 may be included to permit the wearer with
options for interchangeability. For instance, a kit of 10 different
buckles 21 and 10 different belts 22 can provide the wearer with
about 100 different combinations of belt and buckle. Of course, if
the buckle 21 is provided with removable designs, a plurality of
designs may also be provided as part of the kit. Otherwise, the
wearer may purchase commercially available designs, such as those
from www.GrooveGear.com for placement on the buckle 21.
[0024] The present invention further contemplates a method to
permit a consumer to create one-of-a kind belt buckles by
permitting the consumer to choose or provide a design of choice
which can subsequently be created for display on the belt buckle.
Such designs can be any fanciful designs, embroidered designs, a
non-embroidered design (i.e., picture), or patch designs, and can
include designs depicting public figures, such as athletes or
celebrities, or designs depicting specific moments from an event,
such as a sporting event or concert.
[0025] Looking now at FIG. 3, there is illustrated a method 30 for
the creation of a one-of-a kind belt buckle. Initially, the
consumer may select 31 a design for display on the belt buckle. In
one embodiment, the selected design can be one of many available in
a store or in a database accessible on-line through the Internet
for perusal. Alternatively, the consumer may submit 32 a design for
display on the belt buckle. The submitted design, in an embodiment,
may be a picture, a photograph, an electronic image, or a video
frame. Once submitted, the image may be digitized 33 using
appropriate methods known in the art. The digitized image
thereafter may be used as a template from which a design, an
embroidered design or patch having a substantial likeness of, for
instance, the original photograph, may be created 34 using
processes well known in the art. For instance, the digitized image
can be transformed into a substantial likeness using embroidered
thread that is applied to a fabric backing.
[0026] Thereafter, the consumer may select 35 a buckle on which the
design may be displayed. The present invention contemplates, in one
embodiment, allowing a customer to see a wide variety of buckles
from which they may choose. These buckles may, for perusal
purposes, be placed on display racks, worn by employees at the
retail store, on mannequins, in catalogs, on-line, on television,
and/or in print ads in the store. Each buckle, in an embodiment,
may be provided with a specific number for easy identification by
the store.
[0027] It should be noted that although the description is directed
to the buckle, the method of the present invention also
contemplates allowing the consumer to select the belt along with
the buckle and design in a manner similar to that associated with
the buckle.
[0028] Once the design, buckle and belt have been selected, the
order may be forwarded to a production area where the design can be
applied 36 on to the buckle. Securing of the design on to the
buckle can be by any method known in the art.
[0029] After the design has been applied onto the buckle for
display, the consumer may pay 37 for the merchandise. However, it
should be noted that, once the consumer has selected the design,
the belt and the buckle, she may pay for her order in advance of
the application of the design. Alternatively, the merchandise may
be paid at pick up.
[0030] Subsequent to payment, the consumer may pick up the order
and leave 38 the store with the merchandise. The completed order
may also be mailed to the consumer. The order process from payment
to assembly can be accomplished in about an hour or under.
Moreover, when utilizing the method of the present invention, it
can be expected that the merchandise can be ready in about 5
minutes or less, once the desired design, belt, and buckle have
been selected and paid for by the customer.
[0031] In addition to the belt and buckle system above, the present
invention further provides a method for displaying designs, such as
fanciful designs, embroidered designs, or patch designs, and can
include designs depicting public figures, such as athletes or
celebrities, or designs depicting specific moments from an event,
such as a sporting event or concert onto other clothing
accessories, such as wallets, purses, hats, visors, scarves, bags
etc.
[0032] In FIG. 4, there is illustrated a method 40 for displaying
various designs on to a wallet or purse, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. Initially, the consumer may
select 41 a design for display on the wallet. In one embodiment,
the selected design can be one of many available in a store or in a
database accessible on-line through the Internet for perusal.
[0033] Alternatively, the consumer may submit 42 a design for
display on the purse or wallet. The submitted design, in an
embodiment, may be a picture, a photograph, an electronic image, or
a video frame. The submitted design can subsequently be transformed
43 into a design display using the method described above or any
other method know in the art.
[0034] Thereafter, the consumer may select 44 a wallet or purse on
which the design may be displayed. The present invention
contemplates, in one embodiment, allowing a customer to see a wide
variety of wallets or purse from which they may choose. These
wallets or purses, as well as the designs may, for perusal
purposes, be placed on display racks, in catalogs, on-line, on
television, and/or in print ads in the store. Each design and
wallet or purse, in an embodiment, may be provided with a specific
number for easy identification by the store.
[0035] Once the design and wallet have been selected, the order may
be forwarded to a production area where the design can be applied
45 on to the wallet. Securing of the design on to the wallet can be
by any method known in the art, for instance, gluing, heat seal, or
sewn-on.
[0036] In one embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, there is
provided a portable device 50 that permits displays and/or designs,
such as patches, having heat activated adhesive backing (i.e., iron
on type patches) to be affixed to clothing accessories, such as a
wallet or purse.
[0037] The device 50, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention, includes two opposing arms 51 and 52, each
having at one end heating plate 53 and 54 respectively, and at an
opposing end handle 55 and 56 respectively. The arms 51 and 52, in
one embodiment, may be pivotally attached to one another, so that
the arms 51 and 52 may be manipulated by the handles 55 and 56 to
extend or decrease the distance between the heating plates 53 and
54. In addition, the opposing arms 51 and 52 of the device 50 may
be sufficiently elongated so as to allow the heating plates 53 and
54 to reach past the edges of clothing accessories in a manner
conducive to applying designs on to the certain areas of the
clothing accessories.
[0038] Each heating plate may be provided with a heating mechanism
(not shown) designed to allow each heat plate 53 and 54 to be
heated to a sufficiently high temperature, for instance, within a
range of from about 325.degree. F. to about 375.degree. F., needed
for the application of patches or designs that use heat activated
adhesion backing. As these plates need to engage the patches or
designs, the plates 53 and 54 may be provided with a non-stick
coating, such as Teflon, so that while pressure is applied to the
patch by the plates 53 and 54, the adhesive backing on the patch
may be melted onto the surface of the article and not get stuck to
the heat plates. The device 50 may subsequently be removed from the
article, and the design/patch permitted to cool.
[0039] Referring again to FIG. 4, after the design or designs have
been applied onto the wallet for display, the consumer may pay 46
for the merchandise, and subsequent leave 47 the store with the
merchandise. It should be noted that, once the consumer has
selected the clothes and determined the permanent location for
application of the designs, she may pay for her order in advance of
application. Alternatively, the merchandise may be paid at pick up.
The completed order may also be mailed to the consumer.
[0040] Although a heat seal method for affixing the design to the
wallet or purse is disclosed above, it should be appreciated that
other methods of affixing the design to the wallet or purse may be
used. In particular, gluing, Velcro, snap-on, or other similar
methods.
[0041] The wallet or purse created by the method of the present
invention provides a consumer with a one-of-a kind article which
can assist that consumer in making a fashion statement.
[0042] In a further embodiment of the present invention, looking
now to FIGS. 6A-B, a key chain 60 is illustrated in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. The key chain 60, in an
embodiment, includes two layers 61 and 62, each having a design,
such as those disclosed above. The key chain 60 further includes an
affixation layer 63 positioned between the two opposing layers 61
and 62. In one embodiment of the invention, layers 61 and 62 may be
mirror images of one another, so that after affixation, the key
chain 60 may be provided with a complementary profile when viewing
from either side of the key chain 60. To the extent that a
complementary profile is not desired (i.e., distinct profiles), two
distinct designs may be affixed to one another.
[0043] The affixation layer 63, in an embodiment, can be an
adhesive material, such as glue, that can be applied directly on to
the back surface of each of the layers 61 and 62 prior to
affixation of the designs to one another. The adhesive material may
alternatively be a heat seal material provided on a back side of
the layers 61 and 62, and which adhesive material can be activated
during application of the designs to one another. The affixation
layer, in another embodiment, may be a hook and loop system (e.g.,
Velcro) with the loop portion provided on one of the back of one
design, for example, layer 61, while the hook portion may be
provided on the back of the other design, for example, layer 62.
The affixation layer may further be snap-on design with one design
having, for instance, a female end, while the other design having a
male end for attachment to the female end.
[0044] The key chain 60 may further include a key holding mechanism
64, such as metal loop, or any key holding mechanism known in the
industry. The key holding mechanism 64 may be attached to the key
chain 60 by any method available, for instance, hole 65.
[0045] The present invention further provides a method for creating
a one-of-a kind keychain, similar to that described above. With
reference now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a method 70 for the
creation of a one-of-a kind key chain. Initially, the consumer may
select 71 a design or designs for use in the creation of the key
chain. In one embodiment, the selected design or designs can be one
of many available in a store or in a database accessible on-line
through the Internet for perusal. In particular, these designs, for
perusal purposes, may be placed on display racks or the employees
at the retail store, on mannequins, in catalogs, on-line, on
television, and/or in print ads in the store. Each design, in an
embodiment, may be provided with a specific number for easy
identification by the store.
[0046] Alternatively, the consumer may submit 72 a design for
display for use as a key chain. The submitted design, in an
embodiment, may be a picture, a photograph, an electronic image, or
a video frame. Once submitted, the image may be digitized 73 using
appropriate methods known in the art. The digitized image
thereafter may be used as a template from which a mirror image
designs, e.g., embroidered or picture designs or patches having a
substantial likeness of, for instance, the original photograph, may
be created 74 using processes well known in the art. For instance,
the digitized image can be transformed into a substantial likeness
using embroidered thread that is applied to a fabric backing.
[0047] Once the design or designs have been selected or the patch
created, the order may be forwarded to a production area where the
mirror image designs can be affixed 75 to one another using any
method known in the art, for instance, gluing, heat seal, snap-on,
sewing etc.
[0048] After the design has been affixed to one another, it is
transformed 76 into a key chain. The consumer may, thereafter, pay
77 for the merchandise. However, it should be noted that, once the
consumer has selected the design, the belt and the buckle, she may
pay for her order in advance of the creation of the key chain.
Alternatively, the merchandise may be paid at pick up. The
merchandise may also be mailed to the consumer.
[0049] It should be noted that if selection of any of the above
items is through an on-line website, the website for use in
connection with this embodiment may be accessed from, for instance,
an in-store kiosk, in-store computer, or through an off-site
computer, such as a home desktop, a laptop or a wireless handheld
device. Moreover, should the order be made from within the store,
the consumer may wait or, at his/her convenience, return to the
store and pick up the order once it has been completed. If the
order was placed off-site, the completed product may be set aside
to allow the consumer to go to the store and pick it up at his/her
convenience. Alternatively, the finished product may be mailed to
consumer, at his/her option, whether the order was placed in-store
or off-site.
[0050] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the consumer
may select, through the website, individual designs depicting
athletes, celebrities, or specific moments from a sporting event
they wish to purchase. These individual designs can then be shipped
the consumer, and the consumer can subsequently apply the designs
to the clothing accessories in the privacy of their own homes.
[0051] The on-demand approach, when implemented in connection with
the methods of the present invention, allows for single (i.e.,
one-off) or small orders to be placed without economic burden on
the store or the consumer that may typically be associated with
economy of scale for large orders. Of course, it should be noted
that the on-demand approach may also permit large scale orders to
be placed.
[0052] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a
system or method which may be implemented seamlessly with a website
of a licensee company to allow that company's customers to
implement the "on-demand" design protocol. In one embodiment, once
the consumer accesses, for example, the company's website and
clicks on a link to the "on-demand" design service, the consumer
will be seamless directed to the system of the present invention.
The consumer may thereafter pick out the design depicting athletes,
celebrities, or specific moments from a sporting event, the
clothing accessories onto which the design or designs will be
applied, and send in the order. The order will be logged by the
system and the order may subsequently by carried out. The completed
product may be shipped to the store from which the order was
originated for pick up by the consumer or shipped directly to the
consumer at a designated address.
[0053] A method to allow similar or matching designs to be placed
on multiple/different clothing accessories (e.g., buckle, belt,
wallet etc.) to create a unifying theme is also provided in
connection with the present invention. For example, a consumer
might select a belt, buckle, wallet or other clothing accessories
from different manufacturers or having different styles. The
consumer would then select a designs or designs to be applied that
will give the items selected a coordinated, custom or matched
appearance or theme.
[0054] In another embodiment, a kit may be provided to allow
placement of the designs onto the clothing accessories or creation
of the accessories. For example, the consumer can purchase specific
kits or sets of patches which they can then use at home to apply to
their clothing to create a uniform or style to accessorize their
clothing.
[0055] The present invention also contemplates, in an embodiment, a
method to permit consumers to purchase these products in retail
locations or on-line and to collect these products if they so
desire through continued purchase of different styles of these
products through auto-ship programs or through individual repeat
purchases.
[0056] The foregoing has outlined, in general, certain aspect of
the invention and is to serve as an aid to better understanding the
more complete detailed description which is to follow. In reference
to such, there is to be a clear understanding that the present
invention is not limited to the method or detail of construction,
fabrication, material, or application of use described and
illustrated herein. Any other variation of fabrication, use, or
application should be considered apparent as an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
* * * * *
References