U.S. patent application number 11/481329 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-11 for customizable elastic band system.
Invention is credited to Michael R. Cummiskey, Skip Lei.
Application Number | 20080301853 11/481329 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40094462 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080301853 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cummiskey; Michael R. ; et
al. |
December 11, 2008 |
Customizable elastic band system
Abstract
A customizable elastic band includes a means for coupling at
least one secondary component thereto, the secondary component
adapted to individualize the elastic band. In one aspect of the
present invention, the elastic band includes a recess adapted to
receive and hold the secondary component. In a further aspect of
the present invention, the secondary component includes a printed
message, a design, or a combination thereof. In a still further
aspect of the present invention, the secondary component includes
electronic circuitry. In a still further aspect of the present
invention, the system including the elastic band and the secondary
component are adapted to interact with a point of sale system.
Inventors: |
Cummiskey; Michael R.;
(Paradise Valley, AZ) ; Lei; Skip; (Portland,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RAYMOND J. WERNER
2056 NW ALOCLEK DRIVE, SUITE 314
HILLSBORO
OR
97124
US
|
Family ID: |
40094462 |
Appl. No.: |
11/481329 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60696725 |
Jul 5, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/170 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 5/0015 20130101;
A44C 5/0053 20130101; G09F 21/02 20130101; A44C 17/0208 20130101;
G01S 19/39 20130101; G09F 3/005 20130101; G01S 13/75 20130101; A44C
5/003 20130101; A44C 5/0069 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/170 |
International
Class: |
A41D 20/00 20060101
A41D020/00 |
Claims
1. A wearable product, comprising: an elastic band configured as a
continuous loop having at least one recess formed therein, the
elastic band having a first thickness in a portion outside an area
in which the at least one recess is disposed, and having a second
thickness, different from the first thickness, in a portion in the
area in which the at least one recess is disposed; wherein each
recess is adapted to receive and hold at least one secondary
component.
2. The wearable product of claim 1, further comprising a first
secondary component removably disposed within a first one of the at
least one recesses.
3. The wearable product of claim 2, wherein the first secondary
component is comprised of the same material as the elastic
band.
4. The wearable product of claim 2, wherein the elastic band has a
color, and the first secondary component has a color that is
different from the color of the elastic band.
5. The wearable product of claim 2, wherein the first secondary
component is operable to supply electric power.
6. The wearable product of claim 2, wherein the first secondary
component is operable to provide optical magnification.
7. The wearable product of claim 2, wherein the first secondary
component is operable to engage in wireless communication.
8. The wearable product of claim 7, wherein the first secondary
component is operable to engage in wireless communication with a
point-of-sale device.
9. The wearable product of claim 2, wherein the first secondary
component includes a GPS receiver.
10. The wearable product of claim 1, wherein the elastic band has a
first width in a portion outside an area in which the at least one
recess is disposed, and has a second width, different from the
first width, in a portion in the area in which the at least one
recess is disposed.
11. The wearable product of claim 1, wherein a first one of the at
least one recesses has a first set of dimensions and a second one
of the at least one recesses has a second set of dimensions.
12. The wearable product of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at
least one recesses is adapted to receive a secondary component that
includes a flange.
13. The wearable product of claim 1, further comprising: at least
one attachment structure extending outwardly from the elastic band;
wherein the at least one attachment structure includes a flanged
topside, and is adapted to engage with a secondary component having
a recess therein.
14. A wearable product, comprising: an elastic band configured as a
continuous loop having at least one outwardly extending attachment
structure formed thereon; wherein each attachment structure is
adapted to receive and hold at least one secondary component, the
secondary component having a recess formed therein, the recess
adapted to engage with at least one of the at least one attachment
structures.
15. The wearable product of claim 12, wherein each of the at least
one outwardly extending attachment structures includes a flange.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of
provisional application No. 60/696,725, filed 5 Jul. 2005, and
entitled "Voice Band" . . . . A Customizable Elastic Wristband, the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to customizable
fashion accessories, and more particularly relates to elastic bands
having one or more recesses into which a secondary component,
operable to individualize the elastic band, may be inserted.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In modern times, many items are mass-produced in order to
reduce the costs of individual items. Among these manufactured
items are fashion accessories such as, for example, elastic
wristbands. High-volume manufacturing allows these items be made at
low cost and to be widely distributed. One of the common
constraints on high-volume manufacturing operations is the
minimization of differences between each item that is so
manufactured. Generally, low-cost, high-volume manufacturing
requires the items to be identical, and for many such applications
this is perfectly acceptable. However, in some product areas it may
be desirable to offer some degree of customization, or
individualization. One such product area relates to the field of
wearable items, or fashion accessories.
[0004] Unfortunately, conventional designs and high-volume
manufacturing techniques do not lend themselves to the
customization, or individualization, of wearable items, or fashion
accessories.
[0005] What is needed are methods and apparatus for customizing, or
individualizing, fashion accessories while preserving the benefits
of high-volume manufacturing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Briefly, a customizable elastic band includes a means for
coupling at least one secondary component thereto, the secondary
component adapted to individualize the elastic band.
[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, the elastic band
includes a recess adapted to receive and hold the secondary
component.
[0008] In a further aspect of the present invention, the secondary
component includes a printed message, a design, or a combination
thereof.
[0009] In a still further aspect of the present invention, the
secondary component includes electronic circuitry.
[0010] In a still further aspect of the present invention, the
system including the elastic band and the secondary component are
adapted to interact with a point of sale system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 shows an elastic wristband in accordance with the
present invention in which at least one recess, or cavity, is
formed therein; and further shows a secondary component prior to
installation in the cavity.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the elastic
wristband of FIG. 1 outside the area of the cavity.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the elastic
wristband of FIG. 1 in the area of the cavity.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an
alternative wristband having an attachment structure extending
outwardly from the wristband and a secondary component having a
recess adapted to couple to the attachment structure.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
configuration for the secondary component having extended
flanges.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Various embodiments of the present invention provide an
elastic band having at least one cavity formed therein, into which
a secondary part may be placed, or inserted. The secondary parts
may incorporate different messages, designs, or functionality, and
are generally interchangeable such that a given elastic band in
accordance with the present invention is customizable by selecting
various secondary parts and combining with an elastic band in
accordance with the present invention.
[0017] Reference herein to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", or
similar formulations, means that a particular feature, structure,
operation, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment, is included in at least one embodiment of the present
invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or formulations
herein are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, various particular features, structures, operations,
or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or
more embodiments.
[0018] Wristbands, or bracelets, are described below as
illustrative embodiments of the present invention. It will be
appreciated that the present invention is not limited to
wristbands, and that the invention is applicable generally to
elastic bands.
[0019] Currently, decorative and/or "cause" wristbands have their
message either embossed or de-bossed into an elastic material. This
is conventionally accomplished by a specific mold in order to get
the desired message placed into or onto the band material.
[0020] As noted above, various embodiments of the present invention
provide an elastic band having a cavity, or recess, formed therein,
into which a secondary part, or component, may be inserted,
applied, permanently or removably attached, or otherwise
incorporated. Such an elastic band may be comprised of silicone,
thermo-plastic rubber, thermo-plastic urethane, or similar pliable
materials. The secondary component is sometimes referred to as a
"jewel", and typically contains a printed message or design. Since
the secondary component may be selected from a plurality of such
jewels, each with a different message or design, an elastic band in
accordance with the present invention may be customized by
inserting a particular one of the plurality of different secondary
components into the cavity.
[0021] The secondary component may be comprised of the same
material as the elastic band, and it may be of the same or a
different color than the elastic band. In such embodiments of the
present invention, the secondary components are generally
ornamental in nature, although the secondary components may include
messages or designs that serve purposes such as, but not limited
to, identification and expression of ideas. Alternatively, the
secondary components may be, or may contain, active devices such
as, but not limited to, electronic circuits.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows an elastic wristband 102 in accordance with the
present invention in which at least one recess 104, or cavity, is
formed therein; and further shows a secondary component 106 prior
to installation in the cavity. In this illustrative embodiment,
wristband 102 has a thickness of 2 mm, a width of 10 mm in those
portions of wristband 102 spaced away from recess 104, a width of
12 mm in the portion of wristband 102 in which recess 106 is
disposed. Recess 104, in this illustrative embodiment has a depth
of 1 mm, and a width, in the circumferential direction of 20 mm. It
is noted that the dimensions of recess 104 are selected so as to
receive and hold secondary component 106, and in view thereof, the
present invention is not limited to any particular set of widths
and depths. It is noted that a single elastic band may have
multiple recesses which each have a different set of dimensions. In
this way, a single elastic band in accordance with the present
invention may hold a variety of secondary components each having
correspondingly different dimensions.
[0023] In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the
thickness of wristband 102 may be greater in the region in which
recess 106 is formed.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion 200 of elastic
wristband 102 of FIG. 1, outside the area of recess 104. The
cross-section has a band thickness T.sub.B, and a band width
W.sub.B. In some embodiments, the band thickness and the band width
are uniform all the way around wristband 102. In some embodiments,
the band thickness is different in the region of the recess from
the band thickness in the remaining portion of wristband 102. In
some embodiments, the band width is different in the region of the
recess from the band width in the remaining portion of wristband
102.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion 300 of elastic
wristband 102 of FIG. 1 in the area of recess 302. FIG. 3 shows a
band width W.sub.BR in the region of the recess, a band thickness
T.sub.BR in the region of the recess, a depth of recess (sometimes
referred to as a "drop down" depth) D.sub.R, a width W.sub.R of
recess 302, and a width of the overhang W.sub.OH of recess 302. It
is noted that each of the dimensions, W.sub.BR, T.sub.BR, D.sub.R,
W.sub.R, and W.sub.OH, may be specified so as to accommodate a
desired secondary component.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an
alternative wristband having an attachment structure 402 extending
outwardly from the wristband and a secondary component 404 having a
recess adapted to couple to attachment structure 402. Attachment
structure 402 has a flanged topside in the illustrative embodiment
of FIG. 4.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
configuration for the secondary component, in which flanges 502
extending from the body of the secondary component are used to
improve the robustness of the mechanical connection between the
secondary component and the elastic band. It will be appreciated
that the recess of the elastic band is configured to receive and
engage with the flange 502 of the secondary component.
[0028] The secondary parts, or jewels, may have a name or slogan
printed thereon, or otherwise incorporated therein. Similarly,
designs or logos may be present on, or in, these jewels. The
writings, designs, or combination of writings and designs may form
inspirational messages. Similarly, the writings, designs, or
combination of writings and designs may form "fortunes" such as
those found in fortune cookies, and may be used in a similar
manner. In other words, a plurality of jewels with different
messages (i.e., fortunes) may be distributed as part of a game, or
as part of commercial transaction. In various commercial
transactions the jewels may be redeemed for value, including
monetary and/or other consideration.
[0029] As indicated above, the secondary parts, or jewels, in
addition to serving a decorative or message purpose, may also be
constructed so as to provide various functionalities.
[0030] In one example, the jewel may act as an optical magnifier,
thereby allowing a user to remove the jewel from the wristband, use
it to magnify an image, and then re-store the jewel to the
wristband.
[0031] In an alternative arrangement, the secondary component, or
jewel, may be a relatively small power cell, battery, or similar
device that can be used to supply electric power an electronic
circuit or device. In this way a spare power cell, or battery may
be carried. Alternatively, in an elastic band with a plurality of
recesses, the power cell may be installed in a first recesses, and
used to provide electrical power to a jewel incorporating
electronic functionality, and which is installed in a second recess
of the elastic band. In such embodiments, a conductive pathway is
provided between the power source and the device to be powered. It
will be appreciated that a single power cell may be used to power
two or more electronic circuits disposed in a corresponding two or
more recesses of the elastic band. In a variation of the foregoing,
multiple power cells may be coupled in series in order to provide a
higher voltage to one or more jewels containing electronic
circuits.
[0032] In another alternative arrangement, the secondary component,
or jewel, may be an electronic memory module. In such an
arrangement a memory circuit may be embedded within the jewel body
along with electrical contact points that extend from the memory
circuit to the outer surface of the jewel body so that electrical
connection may be made between the memory circuit and other
electrical components. The memory circuit is typically a
non-volatile type of memory such as flash.
[0033] In view of the advances in miniaturization due to
improvements in semiconductor manufacturing processes, other
alternative arrangements provide secondary components, or jewels,
that may each include an electronic module of arbitrary
functionality. For example, wireless communication circuits may be
embedded within the body of the secondary component. Some exemplary
wireless communication circuits include Bluetooth, 802.11, and
cellular communications circuits. It is noted that the present
invention is not limited to any particular wireless architecture or
design. While these circuits generally require a power supply
(e.g., a battery), other wireless communication circuits, which do
not require a battery, such as passive RFID devices may also be
incorporated into the secondary components.
[0034] It is known that passive RFID devices include energy
harvesting circuitry which is energized by an external RF field,
and once energized provides power to the circuitry of the RFID
device coupled thereto. Simple RFID devices provide some
identification information in response to being energized. More
complex RFID devices may include computational circuitry and/or
memory such that they may act in a more sophisticated manner. Such
sophisticated RFID devices, when incorporated into the secondary
component, or jewels, of the present invention, provide the ability
to interact with, for example, point-of-sale devices. In such
circumstances, a corporate sponsor may provide such secondary
components in place of conventional gift cards (i.e., the credit
card like plastic form factor with magnetic stripe). In this way, a
consumer may simply pass a wristband through a point-of-sale RFID
reader to engage in a commercial transaction in which a payment is
made and/or some other record-keeping transaction occurs.
[0035] In addition to the wireless circuits mentioned above, it is
noted that secondary components in accordance with the present
invention may also be implemented with an embedded GPS receiver and
associated circuitry for providing a user with the time and
location information acquired from the processing signals from the
GPS satellites. This information may be provided to the user either
through a display device incorporated in the elastic band which
includes the GPS receiver secondary component, or through a display
that may be wirelessly coupled to the GPS receiver secondary
component.
CONCLUSION
[0036] Various embodiments of the present invention include
apparatus and methods for customizing, or individualizing,
mass-produced elastic bands.
[0037] Embodiments of the present invention may find application in
the fields of wearable items, fashion accessories, commercial
transactions, and consumer electronics.
[0038] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the subjoined Claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *