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  Interchangeable systems and methods for displaying designs on clothing accessoriesUSPTO Application #: 20070118977Title: 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. (end of abstract) Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP - Boston, MA, US Inventor: John J. Brier USPTO Applicaton #: 20070118977 - Class: 002338000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Apparel, Head Coverings, Elements, Belt, Strap, Or Strip Constructions The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070118977. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
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. Continue reading... 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