U.S. patent application number 11/687589 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-18 for decorative skin for a filing cabinet drawer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Compendium, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kobi Yamada.
Application Number | 20080224586 11/687589 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39761964 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080224586 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamada; Kobi |
September 18, 2008 |
DECORATIVE SKIN FOR A FILING CABINET DRAWER
Abstract
Planar sheets or "skins" are attachable to the outwardly facing
vertical surfaces of filing cabinet drawers. These skins may fully
or partially cover the outwardly facing surface of the filing
cabinet drawers. Also, the skins may be textured or smooth, and
they may be colored in one or more different colors. Further, the
skins may have one or more design features that are visible in the
workplace. These design features may include, but are not limited
to, patterns, graphics, pictures, photos, drawings, icons,
paintings, illustrations, symbols, calendars, quotes, holiday
specific design features, exchangeable head-torso-feet images,
text, or the like. For multiple drawer filing cabinets, multiple
skins may be provided where each skin includes a portion of a
design feature that is visibly revealed in the workplace when they
are attached to the outwardly facing surfaces of the drawers in a
predetermined or random arrangement.
Inventors: |
Yamada; Kobi; (Seattle,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DARBY & DARBY P.C.
P.O. BOX 770, Church Street Station
New York
NY
10008-0770
US
|
Assignee: |
Compendium, Inc.
Seattle
WA
|
Family ID: |
39761964 |
Appl. No.: |
11/687589 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/348.4 ;
700/231 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 95/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/348.4 ;
700/231 |
International
Class: |
A47B 97/00 20060101
A47B097/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for decorating an external and outwardly facing
surface of a drawer in a filing cabinet, comprising: a skin that is
substantially planar and sized to cover at least a portion of the
external and outwardly facing surface of the drawer, wherein the
skin includes at least one decorative design feature that is
visible to a user of the drawer; a port that passes through the
skin for enabling access to at least one of a lock, a handle, and a
display bracket; and an attacher for attaching the skin to the
external outwardly facing surface of the drawer.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attacher comprises at
least one of a magnet, bracket, adhesive, mechanical hook, clip,
tape, fabric hook and loop, snap, screw, nail, post, or rivet.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the design feature includes at
least one of a pattern, graphic, picture, photo, drawing, image,
icon, painting, illustration, symbol, calendar, quote, holiday
specific design feature, exchangeable head-torso-feet image,
advertisement, logo, or text.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising separate ports for
at least the display bracket, handle, or lock.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the port is sized so that the
planar sides of the skin are reversible.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one decorative
design feature is revealed by the attachment of a plurality of
skins to the external outwardly facing surfaces of a plurality of
filing cabinet drawers.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the planar surface of the skin
is writable.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve frame that
is directly attachable to the external outwardly facing surface of
the drawer by the attacher, wherein the sleeve frame is arranged to
hold the skin in a removable position against the external
outwardly facing surface of the drawer.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one manual
tool for physically editing at least one decorative design feature
for one or more skins, wherein the at least one manual tool
includes at least one of a pen, pencil, marker, paint, sticker,
tape, hook, magnet, picture frame, cut-out text, or pin.
10. A method for decoratively covering an external outwardly facing
surface of office furniture, comprising: enabling the provision of
a design feature for a skin; enabling the editing of the design
feature for the skin; producing the skin with the at least one
design feature; and attaching the skin to the external outwardly
facing surface of the drawer.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a template
for one or more design features for the skin.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising selecting a
predetermined design feature for use with the skin.
13. The method of claim 10, further comprising enabling physical
editing with at least one manual tool for at least one decorative
design feature for one or more skins, wherein the at least one
manual tool includes at least one of a pen, pencil, marker, paint,
sticker, tape, hook, magnet, picture frame, cut-out text, or
pin.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the skin is produced at least
one of remotely and shipped to the user, or locally with a
printer.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the office furniture includes
at least one of a filing cabinet, bank cabinet, storage cabinet, or
bookcase.
16. A system for providing a decorative skin for office furniture,
comprising: a network; a server; and a client that performs
actions, including: enabling the provision of a design feature for
a skin; enabling the editing of the design feature for the skin;
enabling the production of the skin with the at least one design
feature; and enabling the attachment of the skin to an external
outwardly facing surface of the office furniture.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the client is operative with a
mobile device that communicates with the server over a wireless
network.
18. The system of claim 16, further comprising a printer for
producing the skin with the design feature locally.
19. The system of claim 16, wherein the client is operative with a
computing device that communicates with the server over a wired
network.
20. The system of claim 16, wherein the office furniture is at
least one of a filing cabinet, bank cabinet, storage cabinet, or
bookcase.
Description
FIELD OF ART
[0001] The present invention relates generally to decorative
coverings for furniture and, more particularly, but not
exclusively, to a covering or skin for a filing cabinet drawer that
may be attached to the outwardly facing surface of the drawer that
is generally visible in the workplace.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Although computers can be found in almost every office
environment, filing cabinets are just as popular, if not more so
than ever. Also, there are many different kinds of filing cabinets
with frames that can accommodate vertical and/or lateral
arrangements of drawers of different depths for storing letter
and/or legal sized files. Some cabinets have wheels for easy
mobility, while others are built into desks and are stationary.
Also, most filing cabinets share similar features. They have a
handle to open and close the drawer, a locking mechanism to secure
the drawer, a bracket for displaying a label descriptive of the
drawer contents, and the drawer's vertical surface that faces the
office environment is often colored in a nondescript color, e.g.,
tan, black, or white. Also, the width and height of this vertical
surface of the drawer is relatively the same from most any
manufacturer because these dimensions are based on the standard
size of a letter or a legal sized file.
[0003] As businesses move away from formal settings to relaxed,
casual atmospheres, employees increasingly wish to decorate their
working space. Filing cabinets, with their solid, neutral tones,
have become a stumbling block in the final steps of personalizing a
work space. Therefore, it is with respect to these considerations
and others that the present invention has been made.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present
invention are described with reference to the following drawings.
In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts
throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.
[0005] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference will be made to the following Detailed Description, which
is to be read in association with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating skins attached to the
outwardly facing surfaces of vertically arranged drawers in a
filing cabinet;
[0007] FIG. 1B is a diagram showing skins attached to the outwardly
facing surfaces of laterally arranged drawers in a filing
cabinet;
[0008] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a frame that is attached
to the periphery of the outwardly facing surface of a filing
cabinet drawer;
[0009] FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a skin attached to the
outwardly facing surface of a filing cabinet drawer;
[0010] FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating a skin with holes arranged
along its periphery for attaching to the outwardly facing surface
of a filing cabinet drawer;
[0011] FIG. 2D is a diagram showing a skin with straps arranged
along its periphery for attaching to the outwardly facing surface
of a filing cabinet drawer;
[0012] FIG. 2E is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional
perspective of a skin;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a networked client-server
system; and
[0014] FIG. 4 is a flow chart in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form
a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Among other things, the
present invention may be embodied as methods or devices. The
following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a
limiting sense.
[0016] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms
take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase "in one embodiment" as used
herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it
may. Furthermore, the phrase "in another embodiment" as used herein
does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it
may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention
may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit
of the invention.
[0017] In addition, as used herein, the term "or" is an inclusive
"or" operator, and is equivalent to the term "and/or," unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "based on" is not
exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not
described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In
addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of "a," "an,"
and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in" includes
"in" and "on."
[0018] Briefly stated, the invention is directed to relatively
planar sheets or "skins" that are attachable to the outwardly
facing vertical surfaces of office furniture, e.g., filing
cabinets, book shelves, storage cabinets, bank cabinets, and the
like. In one embodiment, these skins may fully or partially cover
the outwardly facing surface of a filing cabinet's drawers. Also,
the skins may be textured or smooth, and they may be colored in one
or more different colors. Further, the skins may have one or more
design features that are visible in the workplace. These design
features may include, but are not limited to, patterns, graphics,
pictures, photos, images, drawings, icons, paintings,
illustrations, symbols, calendars, quotes, holiday specific design
features, exchangeable head-torso-feet images, logos,
advertisements, text, or the like. For multiple drawer filing
cabinets, multiple skins may be provided where each skin includes a
portion of a design feature that is visibly revealed in the
workplace when they are attached to the outwardly facing surfaces
of the drawers in a predetermined or random arrangement.
[0019] Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the skins may be
made of one or more materials, including, but not limited to,
plastic, paper, fiberboard, composite material, ceramic, melamine,
bamboo, wood, composite material, fabric, metal, magnetic film,
rubber, and the like. In at least one embodiment, the outward
facing side of the skin may partially or fully include a writeable
surface that may be drawn or written on. Further, in at least one
embodiment, this writeable surface may be arranged to be
rewriteable, and somewhat similar to those surfaces found on a
chalk board, a white board, and the like.
[0020] Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, a sleeve frame may
be affixed in a relatively substantial manner to at least a portion
of the periphery of the outward facing surface of a filing cabinet
drawer. The sleeve frame may be sized and arranged to hold a skin
disposed within the frame in such a position that the skin is
visible in the workplace on the outwardly facing surface of the
filing cabinet drawer. The sleeve frame may be arranged so that a
skin may be easily/quickly replaced without having to reattach the
sleeve to the filing cabinet drawer.
[0021] Also, in at least one embodiment, a skin may be cut out to
include a port for the drawer's handle and/or drawer lock. Also,
the skin may be cut out to include a port for the drawer's display
bracket for labels. In different embodiments, the skin may be
attached to a filing drawer's vertical and outwardly facing surface
in one or more ways, including, but not limited to, magnets,
adhesives, fabric hook and loop fasteners (velcro), mechanical
hooks, clips, snaps, screws, nails, rivets, and the like. Moreover,
in at least one embodiment, a skin may be sized to accommodate
filing cabinet drawers that are sized to accommodate one or more
sizes of files, including, but not limited to, letter, legal, and
A4.
[0022] In yet another embodiment, a user may employ a software
application to provide and arrange at least one design feature for
one or more skins for office furniture. This software application
may be provided as a client-server service over a network, and/or a
local application. The software application may enable the
provided/arranged design feature to be printed on a "blank" skin
with a printer that is local or remote to the user. Further, the
blank skin is typically formed from a planar sheet of material that
may be accommodated by a local printer, e.g., paper, mylar,
plastic, melamine, and the like. In yet another embodiment, a skin
is remotely manufactured with at least one design feature
provided/arranged by a user in a size/shape selected by a user and
subsequently shipped to the user at a later date.
[0023] A blank skin is typically sized to fit within a sleeve frame
attached to an outwardly facing surface of a filing cabinet drawer,
or sized to directly attach to the outwardly facing surface of the
drawer itself. Also, the blank skin may include indications for
and/or be provided with one or more portals cut out of the skin for
a drawer handle, a drawer lock, and/or a drawer display bracket.
Additionally, a blank skin may not be completely blank, e.g., the
outwardly facing surface of the blank skin may also include one or
more predetermined design features.
[0024] Additionally, in at least one embodiment, a user may be
provided with one or more tools to create a new design feature or
edit a provided template for one or more skins. These creation and
editing tools may be provided with the software application. Also,
in at least one embodiment, manual tools may be provided for
physically creating and editing design features for one or more
skins, e.g., pens, pencils, markers, paints, stickers, tape, hooks,
magnets, picture frames, cut-out text, and the like.
Illustrative Embodiments
[0025] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a substantially planar view of
vertically arranged filing cabinet 100a. A plurality of skins 106a
are shown attached to the external outwardly facing surfaces of the
drawers in filing cabinet 100a. As shown, each skin 106a has two
portals cut out of its center portion, i.e., display portal 102a
and handle portal 104a. Display portal 102a is arranged so that
display bracket 108a remains visible and accessible when the skin
is attached to the outwardly facing surface of a filing cabinet
drawer. Similarly, handle portal 104a is arranged so that drawer
handle 110a and drawer lock 112a are visible and accessible when
the skin is attached to the outwardly facing surface of a filing
cabinet drawer. Furthermore, the openings of handle port 104a and
display portal 102a may be sized in such a way to enable skin 106a
to be reversible so that a user may select which of the two planar
sides of the skin to display on the outwardly facing surface of the
filing cabinet drawer.
[0026] It is understood that in other embodiments that are not
shown, the openings for handle port 104a and/or display portal 102a
may be merely optional, and if present, they may be arranged in
substantially different positions on skin 106a to accommodate
different arrangements of drawer handles, drawers locks, and/or
drawer display brackets on the outwardly facing surface of a filing
cabinet drawer. Also, although not shown, separate ports may be
provided for locks which may be of different sizes and disposed in
different positions for different types of office furniture.
[0027] Frame 114 is arranged to accommodate the vertical
arrangement of four filing cabinet drawers. Also, although not
shown, frame 114 provides support for an internal mechanical system
that may employ one or more brackets, bearings, wheels, and/or
hinges for each drawer. The internal system enables a user to
easily pull and push individual drawers outward and inward from the
frame in such a way that they are supported throughout their length
of travel. Additionally, the inventive skins may be used with
virtually any vertical or lateral arrangement of filing cabinet
drawers. Furthermore, one or more filing cabinet drawers may also
be arranged to accommodate one or more different sizes of files,
including, but not limited to, letter, legal, A4, and the like.
[0028] Skins 106a may be arranged randomly or in a predetermined
order on the outwardly facing surface of the filing cabinet
drawers. Skin 106a may be attached to the outwardly facing surface
of a filing cabinet drawer with one or more mechanisms, including,
but not limited to, magnets, brackets, adhesives, mechanical hooks,
clips, tape, fabric hooks and loops, snaps, screws, nails, rivets,
or the like. Also, skins 106a are typically arranged to cover at
least a portion of the vertical outwardly facing surface of the
cabinet drawers without altering the functionality of the
drawers.
[0029] Skins 106a may fully or partially cover the outwardly facing
surface of the filing cabinet drawers. Also, skins 106a may be
textured, smooth, or reflective and they may be colored in one or
more colors. Further, the skins may include one or more design
features that are visible to a user of the drawer. For multiple
drawer filing cabinets, multiple skins may be provided where each
skin includes a portion of a design feature that is visibly
revealed in the workplace when they are attached to the outwardly
facing surfaces of the drawers in a predetermined or random
arrangement. For example, in one embodiment, the design feature may
be an image of a zebra with its stripes being openings in skin 106a
that show the outwardly facing surface of the filing cabinet
drawers beneath.
[0030] Additionally, in at least one embodiment, skins 106a may be
made of one or more materials, including, but not limited to,
plastic, paper, fiberboard, composite material, ceramic, metal,
magnetic film, rubber, and the like. In at least one embodiment,
the outward facing side of skin 106a may partially or fully include
a writeable surface that may be drawn or written on. Further, in at
least one embodiment, this writeable surface may be arranged to be
rewriteable, and somewhat similar to those surfaces found on a
chalk board, a white board, and the like.
[0031] Additionally, in at least one embodiment, skins may be
attached to the sides of frame 114 which are perpendicular to the
outwardly facing surface of the filing cabinet drawers. In still
another embodiment, skins may be manufactured from a rubberized
material to increase the safety of children and/or comprised adults
in the vicinity of the filing cabinets. In yet another embodiment,
the material of skin 106a may include an anti-bacterial agent to
prevent the spread of disease among users of the filing cabinets.
In yet still another embodiment, the material of skin 106a may be
manufactured from a material that prevents corrosion of the filing
cabinet in corrosive environments. Moreover, in at least one
embodiment, a single port may be cut out of the skin and arranged
so that the display bracket, the handle, and the lock for the
filing cabinet drawer are accessible through the single port.
[0032] FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a substantially planar view of
laterally arranged filing cabinet 100b, which is somewhat similar
to filing cabinet 100a, albeit different. A plurality of skins 106b
are shown attached to the external outwardly facing surfaces of the
drawers in filing cabinet 100b. As shown, each skin 106b has two
portals cut out of its center portion, i.e., display portal 102b
and handle portal 104b. Display portal 102b is arranged so that
display bracket 108b remains visible and accessible when the skin
is attached to outwardly facing surface of a filing cabinet drawer.
Similarly, handle portal 104b is arranged so that drawer handle
110b and drawer lock 112b are visible and accessible when the skin
is attached to the outwardly facing surface of a filing cabinet
drawer. Furthermore, the openings of handle port 104b and display
portal 102b may be sized in such a way to enable skin 106b to be
reversible so that a user may select which of the two planar sides
of the skin to display on the outwardly facing surface of the
filing cabinet drawer.
[0033] It is understood that in other embodiments that are not
shown, the openings for handle port 104b and/or display portal 102b
may be merely optional, and if present, they may be arranged in
substantially different positions on skin 106b to accommodate
different arrangements of drawer handles, drawers locks, and/or
drawer display brackets on the outwardly facing surface of a filing
cabinet drawer. Also, although not shown, separate ports may be
provided for locks which may be of different sizes and disposed in
different positions for different types of office furniture.
[0034] Frame 116 is arranged to accommodate the lateral arrangement
of two filing cabinet drawers. Also, although not shown, frame 116
provides support for an internal mechanical system that may employ
one or more brackets, bearings, wheels, and/or hinges for each
drawer. The internal system enables a user to easily pull and push
individual drawers outward and inward from the frame in such a way
that they are supported throughout their length of travel.
Additionally, the inventive skins may be used with virtually any
vertical or lateral arrangement of filing cabinet drawers.
Furthermore, one or more filing cabinet drawers may also be
arranged to accommodate one or more different sizes of files,
including, but not limited to, letter, legal, A4, and the like.
[0035] Skins 106b may be arranged randomly or in a predetermined
order on the outwardly facing surface of the filing cabinet
drawers. Skin 106b may be attached to the outwardly facing surface
of a filing cabinet drawer with one or more attachers, including,
but not limited to, magnets, brackets, adhesives, mechanical hooks,
clips, tape, fabric hooks and loops, snaps, screws, nails, rivets,
or the like. Also, skins 106b are typically arranged to cover at
least a portion of the vertical outwardly facing surface of the
cabinet drawers without altering the functionality of the
drawers.
[0036] Skins 106b may fully or partially cover the outwardly facing
surface of the filing cabinet drawers. Also, skins 106b may be
textured, smooth, or reflective and they may be colored in one or
more colors. Further, the skins may include one or more design
features that are visible to a user of the drawer. For multiple
drawer filing cabinets, multiple skins may be provided where each
skin includes a portion of a design feature that is visibly
revealed in the workplace when they are attached to the outwardly
facing surfaces of the drawers in a predetermined or random
arrangement. For example, flower top element 120 and flower stem
element 122 are arranged across two drawers to reveal a design for
the developed length of a flower.
[0037] Additionally, in at least one embodiment, skins 106b may be
made of one or more materials, including, but not limited to,
plastic, paper, fiberboard, composite material, ceramic, metal,
magnetic film, rubber, and the like. In at least one embodiment,
the outward facing side of skin 106a may partially or fully include
a writeable surface that may be drawn or written on. Further, in at
least one embodiment, this writeable surface may be arranged to be
rewriteable, and somewhat similar to those surfaces found on a
chalk board, a white board, and the like.
[0038] Additionally, in at least one embodiment, skins may be
attached to the sides of frame 116 which are perpendicular to the
outwardly facing surface of the filing cabinet drawers. In still
another embodiment, skins 106b may be manufactured from a
rubberized material to increase the safety of children and/or
comprised adults in the vicinity of the filing cabinets. In yet
another embodiment, the material of skin 106b may include an
anti-bacterial agent to prevent the spread of disease among users
of the filing cabinets. In yet still another embodiment, the
material of skin 106b may be manufactured from a material that
prevents corrosion of the filing cabinet in corrosive
environments.
Illustrative Skin Attachment
[0039] FIG. 2A shows planar view of skin system 200a, which
includes sleeve frame 206 that is directly attachable to the
outwardly facing surface of a filing cabinet drawer by at least one
or more of the attachers discussed above, including, but not
limited to, magnets, brackets, adhesives, mechanical hooks, clips,
tape, fabric hooks and loops, snaps, screws, nails, rivets, or the
like. Blank skin 208 is disposed within sleeve frame 206. Also,
display port 202a and handle port 204a are cut out of the middle
portion of blank skin 208 to respectively accommodate a drawer
display bracket, and a drawer handle (and lock).
[0040] FIG. 2B illustrates a planar view of skin 200b with display
port 202b and handle port 204b cut out of the middle portion of
skin 200b to respectively accommodate a drawer display bracket, and
a drawer handle (and lock). Attached to the planar surface of skin
200b is magnetic film 210 which enables skin 200b to be directly
attached to the ferrous metal surface of an outwardly facing filing
cabinet drawer.
[0041] FIG. 2C shows a planar view of skin 200c with display port
202c and handle port 204c cut out of the middle portion of skin
200c to respectively accommodate a drawer display bracket, and a
drawer handle (and lock). Fastener ports 212 are arranged along the
periphery of the planar surface of skin 200c to accommodate the
direct attachment of the skin to the outwardly facing surface of a
filing cabinet drawer. The fasteners may include, but are not
limited to, screws, nails, rivets, pegs, snaps, and the like.
[0042] FIG. 2D illustrates a planar view of skin 200d with display
port 202d and handle port 204d cut out of the middle portion of
skin 200d to respectively accommodate a drawer display bracket, and
a drawer handle (and lock). Fasteners 214 are arranged along the
periphery of the planar surface of skin 200d to accommodate the
direct attachment of the skin to the outwardly facing surface of a
filing cabinet drawer. The fasteners may include tabs, hooks,
brackets, clips, tape, fabric hooks and loops, snaps and the
like.
[0043] FIG. 2E shows a side cross-sectional view of skin 2003 which
further illustrates how display port 204e and handle port 202e are
cut through the skin to provide access to a display bracket,
handle, and/or lock when the skin is attached to an external
outwardly facing surface of a filing cabinet drawer.
Illustrative Application Environment
[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of an environment in which
the invention may operate. However, not all of these components may
be required to practice the invention, and variations in the
arrangement and type of the components may be made without
departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, system 300 includes first and second
mobile devices 310-311, first and second client devices 315-316,
server 320, and network 330. System 300 enables a user to employ a
software application to provide and arrange at least one design
feature for one or more skins for office furniture. This software
application may be provided as a client-server service over a
network, and/or a local application for mobile devices and/or
client devices. The software application may enable the
provided/arranged design feature to be printed on a "blank" skin
with a printer that is local or remote to the user. In yet another
embodiment, a skin is remotely manufactured with at least one
design feature provided/arranged by a user in a size/shape selected
by a user and subsequently shipped to the user at a later date.
Additionally, in at least one embodiment, a user may be provided
with one or more tools to create a new design feature and/or edit a
provided template for one or more skins. These creation and editing
tools may be provided with the software application.
[0046] Generally, first and second mobile devices 310-311 and first
and second client devices 315-316 and server 320 may include
virtually any computing device capable of connecting to another
computing device to send and receive information, including web
requests for information from a server device, and the like. First
and second mobile devices 310-311 and first and second client
devices 315-316 may further include a client application that is
configured to manage various actions, for example, a web browser
application that is configured to enable an end-user to interact
with server 320 and other devices and applications over network
330.
[0047] Likewise, server 320 may include a server application that
is configured to manage various actions, for example, a web-server
application that is configured to enable an end-user to interact
with server 320 over network 330. In one embodiment, server 320 may
be configured to manage providing and editing design features
and/or templates for skins which are manufactured remotely or
printed locally by a user.
[0048] Generally, server 320 includes a processing unit, video
display adapter, and a mass memory, all in communication with each
other via a bus. The mass memory generally includes RAM, ROM, and
one or more permanent mass storage devices, such as a hard disk
drive, tape drive, optical drive, and/or floppy disk drive. The
mass memory stores an operating system for controlling the
operation of server 320. Server 320 also includes applications,
including for example, a web-server, design feature editor, and
design feature viewer, which may be expressed as one or more
executable instructions stored at one or more locations within RAM,
although the instructions may be stored elsewhere. Server 320 may
also include a database or other archive or medium for storing,
retrieving, organizing, and otherwise managing advertisements,
advertising campaigns, and elements thereof. Server 320 may include
many more or less components than those discussed. The components
discussed, however, are sufficient to disclose an illustrative
embodiment for practicing one or more embodiments of the
invention.
[0049] FIG. 3 shows mobile devices 310, 311 that may be included in
a system implementing the invention. As shown in the figure, mobile
devices 310, 311 include a processing unit (CPU) in communication
with mass memory via a bus. Mobile devices 310, 311 may also
include a power supply, one or more transceivers, an audio
interface, video interface, display, keypad, illuminator,
input/output interface, haptic interface, storage medium, and
optional global positioning systems (GPS) receiver.
[0050] Mobile devices 310, 311 may optionally communicate with a
base station (not shown), or directly with another computing
device. The mobile devices include transceivers for coupling to one
or more networks, and is constructed for use with one or more
communication protocols and technologies including, but not limited
to, global system for mobile communication (GSM), code division
multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), user
datagram protocol (UDP), transmission control protocol/Internet
protocol (TCP/IP), SMS, general packet radio service (GPRS), WAP,
ultra wide band (UWB), IEEE 802.16 Worldwide Interoperability for
Microwave Access (WiMax), SIP/RTP, or any of a variety of other
wireless communication protocols.
[0051] Mobile devices 310, 311 include a mass memory which further
includes a RAM, a ROM, and other storage means. The mass memory
provides storage for information such as computer readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. The
mass memory stores a basic input/output system ("BIOS") for
controlling low-level operation of mobile devices 310, 311 and an
operating system. At least a portion of applications and/or other
data may also be stored on a storage medium, such as a disk drive,
removable storage, or the like. Mobile devices 310, 311 may include
many more or less components than those shown in FIG. 3. However,
the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative
embodiment for practicing the present invention.
[0052] Generally, client devices 310, 311 are personal computers,
notebook computers, and the like. Client devices 310, 311 typically
include a processing unit, video display adapter, and a mass
memory, all in communication with each other via a bus. The mass
memory generally includes RAM, ROM, and one or more permanent mass
storage devices, such as a hard disk drive, tape drive, optical
drive, and/or floppy disk drive. The mass memory stores an
operating system for controlling the operation of client devices
310, 311. The mass memory also includes applications, including for
example, a web-server, design feature editor, and design feature
viewer, which may be expressed as one or more executable
instructions stored at one or more locations within RAM, although
the instructions may be stored elsewhere. Client devices 310, 311
may also include a database or other archive or medium for storing,
retrieving, organizing, and otherwise managing advertisements,
advertising campaigns, and elements thereof. Client devices 310,
311 may include many more or less components than those discussed.
The components discussed, however, are sufficient to disclose an
illustrative embodiment for practicing one or more embodiments of
the invention.
Illustrative Flowchart
[0053] FIG. 4 is a workflow diagram depicting one embodiment of a
workflow. As illustrated, the workflow shows possible steps and
elements for creating, generating, customizing and designing
features for skins. It is recognized that certain steps or elements
may be omitted or added as suitable for a given implementation.
Likewise, the individual steps or elements, and combinations
thereof, may be accomplished either manually or automatically, as
suitable for each given implementation or as discussed above.
[0054] Moving from a start block, the process steps to block 402
where at least one design feature for a skin is provided. In one
embodiment, the design feature is provided by a user and edited
with a tool for use with a skin for office furniture. In another
embodiment, the user selects the design feature from predetermined
design features provided in a template and/or as part of a service
that may be accessed locally or remotely over a wired or wireless
network. At block 404, the user may edit the design features for
use with a skin for office furniture.
[0055] Flowing to block 406, the user may optionally locally
produce a skin that includes the selected and/or edited design
features. In one embodiment, the user may employ a printer to print
out the design features on a blank skin that may or may not include
one or more predetermined design features. Advancing to block 408,
the user employs a service to remotely produce and provide the skin
with at least one of the provided and/or edited design features.
This remotely produced skin would be subsequently shipped to the
user. Next the process returns to perform other actions.
[0056] The examples provided should not be construed as narrowing
the embodiments of the invention, and are intended merely to
provide a better understanding. Thus, other mechanisms may
therefore be employed, without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0057] The above specification, examples, and data provide a
complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition
of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention may be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,
the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
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