BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This disclosure relates generally to customizable accessories. More specifically, this disclosure relates to such customizable accessories in which the principal components are modular and adaptable in usage.
Accessories are items that are not usually essential, but additional objects, equipment, decorations, or similar which make something more useful or attractive. In recent years, accessories made of molded polymers—such as silicone and flexible PVC—have become widespread. A number of popular silicone accessories come in the form of bands, with watch bands, wristbands, and identification bracelets being the most common and visible in public. Flexible polymer electrical cable ties and silicone shoelaces are also prevalent in the marketplace.
While there are a substantial amount of such items available, most molded polymer accessories are not usually customizable beyond their initial design to meet the needs of individual users. Such accessories are typically offered in standard sizes, which may not fit the user correctly if being worn or adjust to an adequate size if being utilized in some other manner, and color combination choices or other personalization options are generally not available.
An adaptable, modular component system would solve these issues. Consisting of band segments coupled with fittings and offered in a variety of size, color, shape, and ornamentation options, users may customize an accessory to suit their individual needs. Such customizable accessories may be configured to be functional or fashionable, and they may be easily changed to create a new look or even be repurposed for an entirely different use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A modular component system for customizable accessories comprises a variety of molded polymer band segments, joined with a variety of molded polymer fittings, personalized to the needs of individual users.
In the most basic form, one band segment and one fitting may be combined into a unit. A plurality of band segments and fittings may be connected to one another to add length, to create function, and to allow for variety of appearance. Each band segment and each fitting may be of varied color, size, shape, and may display ornamental design. To advantage, assembled units may be non-destructively disassembled and the band segments and fittings reused, allowing for the quick and easy creation of new looks and alternate functionality.
A typical band segment comprises two opposing faces separated by interior stratum, two opposing end portions, a midsection, and one or more hollow eyelets, said eyelets extending through said opposing faces and said interior stratum. Said band segments may be available in a range of colors, sizes, and shapes, and may display ornamentation. Said band segments may be made of one or more materials molded into one unit. Said band segment may incorporate technological features for use as a wearable device such as a watch, activity tracker, or radio frequency identifier.
A typical fitting comprises a top face, underside, interior stratum, two opposing end portions, a midsection, one or more outwardly projecting peduncles, and one or more heads, said heads affixed to said peduncles and said peduncles affixed to said underside. Said fitting may comprise one or more hollow eyelets, said eyelets extending through said top face, underside, and interior stratum. Said fittings may be available in a range of colors, sizes, and shapes, and may display ornamentation. Said fitting may be made of one or more materials molded into a single unit and/or may be made of metal. Said fitting may incorporate technological features for use as a wearable device such as a watch, activity tracker, or radio frequency identifier.
Ornamentation may be displayed on one or both said band segment faces and/or said fitting face and/or said fitting underside. Said ornamentation may rise from, adhere to, and/or be cut into said band segment and/or said fitting faces and/or said fitting underside and into or through the interior stratum and may be of a different color and/or made of a different material than said band segment and said fitting face and underside.
Adornments may be attached to said band segment and/or said fitting. A typical adornment comprises two opposing faces separated by interior stratum, two opposing end portions, a midsection, and one or more hollow cutouts extending through said interior stratum and/or one or both said opposing faces. One or more adornments may be attached to said band segment and/or said fitting by means of sliding said band segment and/or said fitting through said hollow cutout of said adornment. Said adornment may be available in a range of colors, sizes, and shapes, and may display ornamentation. Said adornment may be made of one or more materials molded into a single unit and/or may be made of metal.
A method of assembling a modular system for customizable accessories may include grasping a fitting, grasping a band segment, and inserting said fitting heads through said band segment eyelets until said heads penetrate said eyelets completely, thereby securing said fitting to said band segment.
A method of disassembling a modular system for customizable accessories may include grasping a fitting, grasping a band segment, and pulling said fitting heads through said band segment eyelets until said heads are expelled from said eyelets. Once said fitting and said band segment are separate, they may be used in combination with other band segments and fittings to create a new accessory.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings and description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an isometric group view of the two opposing faces of a band segment oblong in shape with four round hollow eyelets;
FIG. 2 is a top plan group view illustrating a series of band segments of graduated length according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a top plan group view illustrating a series of oblong band segments of graduated width according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a top plan group view illustrating a series of oblong band segments with variations in eyelet plurality according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 5 is an isometric group view of the top face and underside of a fitting oblong in shape with four round peduncles affixed to the fitting underside and four round heads affixed to said peduncles;
FIG. 6 is a top plan group view illustrating a series of oblong fittings of graduated length according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the top face of a fitting oblong in shape with one round hollow eyelet;
FIG. 8 is a top plan group view illustrating a series of oblong fittings with variations in eyelet plurality according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 9 is an isometric group view of the underside of a series of fittings with variations in peduncle and head plurality according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 10 is a side group view illustrating a series of fittings with variations in peduncle length according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 11 is an isometric group view of the top and underside of a fitting oblong in shape with one peduncle ending in a pointed tip affixed to the fitting underside;
FIG. 12 is an isometric group view of the top and underside of a fitting oblong in shape with one peduncle covered with a cap;
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the top and underside of a fitting round in shape with four round peduncles affixed to the fitting underside and four round heads affixed to said peduncles;
FIG. 14 is an isometric group view of the top face and underside of a fitting with ornamental features and round in shape with one round peduncle affixed to the fitting underside and one round head affixed to said peduncle;
FIG. 15 is an isometric group view of the top and underside of a fitting oblong in shape with incorporated technological features and four round peduncles affixed to the fitting underside and four round heads affixed to said peduncles;
FIG. 16 is an isometric group view of the top face and underside of a fitting with ornamental features and ornamental shape with four round peduncles affixed to the fitting underside and four round heads affixed to said peduncles;
FIG. 17 is an isometric group view of the top face and underside of a fitting with ornamental features and ornamental shape with one round peduncle affixed to the fitting underside and one round head affixed to said peduncle;
FIG. 18 is an isometric group view of the top and underside of an adornment oblong in shape with a cutout extending through the interior stratum;
FIG. 19 is an isometric group view of a series of adornments with variations in cutout styles according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 20 an isometric view of an adornment with one round hollow eyelet;
FIG. 21 is an isometric group view of a series of adornments with variations in size according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 22 is a flowchart describing the method for assembling band segments and fittings according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 23 is a pictorial illustration showing the method for assembling band segments and fittings according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 24 is a flowchart describing the method for disassembling band segments and fittings according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 25 is a pictorial illustration showing the method for disassembling band segments and fittings according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 26 is an isometric view of a band segment with ornamental features oblong in shape with four round hollow eyelets;
FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a band segment with ornamental shape and features with four round hollow eyelets;
FIG. 28 is an isometric view illustrating one band segment and two fittings combined into one unit according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 29 is an isometric view illustrating two band segments and two fittings combined into one unit according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 30 is an isometric view illustrating one band segment and one fitting combined into one unit according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 31 is an isometric view illustrating two band segments and two fittings combined into one unit according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 32 is an isometric view illustrating three band segments and three fittings combined into one unit according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 33 is an isometric view illustrating four band segments and four fittings combined into one unit according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 34 is an isometric view illustrating four band segments and four fittings combined into one unit according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 35 is an isometric view illustrating three band segments and three fittings combined into one unit according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 36 is an isometric view illustrating two band segments and two fittings combined into one unit according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 37 is an isometric view illustrating one band segment and one fitting combined into one unit according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 38 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which the invention may be worn as an accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 39 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which the invention may be used as a functional accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 40 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which the invention may be used as a functional accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 41 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which the invention may be used as a functional accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 42 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which the invention may be used as a functional accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 43 is an isometric group view of the top and underside of a fitting with ornamental features and oblong in shape;
FIG. 44 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which a band segment with ornamental features may be combined with fittings with ornamental features to personalize an accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 45 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which a fitting with ornamental features combined with a band segment may be used to personalize an accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 46 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which a fitting with ornamental features combined with two band segments may be used to personalize an accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 47 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which a fitting with ornamental features combined with a band segment may be used to personalize an accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 48 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which a fitting with incorporated technological features combined with two band segments may be used to personalize an accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 49 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which a fitting with incorporated technological features combined with a band segment may be used to personalize an accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 50 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which a band segment and two fittings may be configured as a cord accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 51 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which a band segment and two fittings may be configured in combination with fittings with ornamental features to personalize an accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 52 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which two band segments and two fittings may be configured in combination with fittings with ornamental features to personalize an accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 53 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which two band segments, two fittings, and one fitting with ornamental features may be configured as an accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 54 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which one band segments and a plurality of fittings with ornamental features may be configured as an accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 55 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which two band segments, two fittings, and one fitting with ornamental features may be configured as an accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 56 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which one band segment and one adornment with ornamental features may be configured as an accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 57 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which one band segment and two adornments with and without ornamental features may be configured as an accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 58 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which one band segment with ornamental features and one adornment may be configured as an accessory according to the principles of the invention;
FIG. 59 is an isometric view illustrating the way in which one band segment, one adornment, and a plurality of fittings with ornamental features may be configured according to the principles of the invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention
Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides modular components that may include a molded polymer band segment having two opposing faces separated by interior stratum, two opposing end portions, midsection, and one or more hollow eyelets, said eyelets extending through said opposing faces and said interior stratum, and a molded polymer fitting having top face, underside, interior stratum, two opposing end portions, midsection, one or more outwardly projecting peduncles, one or more heads, said heads affixed to said peduncles and said peduncles affixed to said underside, and may include one or more hollow eyelets, said eyelets extending through said top face, said underside, and said interior stratum.
One or more band segments and one or more fittings may be combined into a unit. A plurality of band segments and fittings may be connected to one another to add length, to create function, and to allow for variety of appearance. Each band segment and each fitting may be of a different color or color combinations, they may be fabricated of one or more materials, they may be of varied size, they may be ornamental in shape, and they may display ornamental designs. Within the basic concepts of the invention, each band segment and each fitting may be assembled and disassembled, mixed and matched, and reused, allowing for said band segments and said fittings to be utilized over and over again to create new looks and alternate functionality.
Referring now to the drawings, the system components prove to be simple, yet exceptionally versatile.
A typical molded polymer band segment 100, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, comprises two opposing faces 10, 11 separated by interior stratum 12, two opposing end portions 13, 14, midsection 15, and a plurality of hollow eyelets 16, said eyelets extending through said opposing faces and said interior stratum. Said band segments may be of varying colors, color combinations, sizes, and shapes 41. Ornamentation 40 may be included on said band segment. Said ornamentation may rise from, adhere to, and/or be cut into one or both said band segment faces and into or through the interior stratum, and may be of a different color and/or may be made of a different material than said band segment faces. Said band segment may incorporate technological features for use as a wearable device. Said band segment may be made of metal and/or of a polymer and metal combination
A typical molded polymer fitting 200, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 10 and FIGS. 13 through 17, comprises top face 20, underside 21, interior stratum 22, two opposing end portions 23, 24, midsection 25, one or more outwardly projecting peduncles 26, one or more heads, 27, said heads affixed to said peduncles and said peduncles affixed to said underside, and may include one or more hollow eyelets 28, said eyelets extending through said top face, said underside, and said interior stratum. Said fittings may be of varying colors, color combinations, sizes, and shapes 41. Ornamentation 40 may be included on said fitting. Said ornamentation may rise from, adhere to, and/or be cut into said top face and underside and into or through the interior stratum, and may be of a different color and/or may be made of a different material than said top face and underside. Said fitting may incorporate technological features for use as a wearable device. Said fitting may be made of metal and/or of a polymer and metal combination.
One alternate embodiment of a fitting 200, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, comprises top face 20, underside 21, interior stratum 22, two opposing end portions 23, 24, midsection 25, one outwardly projecting peduncles 26, pointed tip 30, and cap 31. This embodiment provides a means of attaching a band segment to a piece of material, such as fabric or leather, by piercing said material with said pointed tip and said peduncle and securing it to said material by means of attaching said cap to said peduncle.
Adornments 700, as shown in FIGS. 18 through 21, add to the system. A typical adornment comprises two opposing faces 70, 71 separated by interior stratum 72, two opposing end portions 73, 74, midsection 75, and one or more hollow cutouts 76 extending through said interior stratum and/or one or both said opposing faces and may include one or more hollow eyelets 77, said eyelets extending through said opposing faces and said interior stratum. One or more adornments may be attached to a band segment and/or a fitting 200 by means of sliding said band segment and/or said fitting through said hollow cutout of said adornment. Said adornments may be of varying colors, color combinations, sizes, and/or shapes 41, and may display ornamentation 40. Said adornments may be made of polymer and/or of metal and/or of a polymer and metal combination.
FIG. 10 illustrates variation in peduncle length.
FIGS. 13 through 17 illustrate ways in which a fitting 200 may be combined with ornamentation 40, shape 41, and technological features 32 to add personalization and functionality.
FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a method of assembling a modular system of customizable accessories may include grasping a fitting 200, grasping a band segment 100, and inserting said fitting heads 27 and peduncles 26 through the band segment eyelets 16 until said heads penetrate said eyelets completely, thereby securing said fitting to said band segment. Additional band segments and fittings may be added to further customize the accessory.
FIGS. 24 and 25 A method of disassembling a modular system for customizable accessories may include grasping a fitting 200, grasping a band segment 100, and pulling said fitting heads 27 through said band segment eyelets 16 until said heads are expelled from said eyelets. Once said fitting and said band segment are separate, they may be used in combination with other band segments and fittings to create a new accessory.
A method for making modular customizable accessory may start with molding a band segment 100 and molding a fitting 200. Said band segment may be made of a natural or synthetic polymer, with the preferred material being silicone. Said band segment may be made of a plurality of polymers molded into one unit. Said fitting may be made of a natural or synthetic polymer, such as silicone or a suitable plastic. Said fitting may be made of a metal. Said fitting may be made of a plurality of polymers molded into one unit. Said fitting may be made of a polymer and a metal molded into one unit. Desirably, the molded band segment and molded fitting shall be molded using an injection or press process.
FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate ways in which band segments 100 may have ornamental features.
Within the basic concepts of the invention, each band segment 100 and each fitting 200 may be mixed and matched, allowing for said band segments and said fittings to be used to create a vast variety of configurations and accessories, as shown in FIGS. 28 through 59. It will be understood that FIGS. 28 through 59 are not intended to be limiting, but are used only to facilitate the understanding of the invention.
FIGS. 28 and 29 show a selection of ways in which band segments 100 and fittings 200 may be configured to create units with different appearances and uses.
FIGS. 30 through 33 illustrate band segments 100 and fittings 200 configured to form units that are looped.
FIGS. 34 through 37 illustrate identical band segments 100 and fittings 200 from FIGS. 30 through 33 with the fitting heads 27 displaying outwardly to give the unit an alternate look achieved by simply flipping the looped band inside-out.
FIGS. 38 through 42 show examples of potential uses for the looped units. FIG. 38 depicts a looped unit worn on an appendage 51, such as an arm, leg, or elsewhere on the body. FIG. 39 shows a looped unit containing a bundle of pens 55. FIG. 40 presents how a looped unit may be used as an identifying marker on a can 53 or similar container. FIG. 41 shows a looped unit wrapped around fabric 54, a napkin, a curtain, or similar. FIG. 42 illustrates a looped unit wrapped around an electrical cord 52.
FIG. 43 shows a small fitting 200 with ornamental features.
FIGS. 44 through 49 illustrate examples of the use of ornamental features and the variety of ways ornamentation may allow for personalization according to the principles of the invention.
FIGS. 50 through 52 show usage examples for the configurations depicted in FIGS. 28 and 29. FIGS. 50 and 51 illustrate ways users may accessorize or add function to a length of cord 56, lace, or similar. FIG. 52 depicts an example of a way users may accessorize or add function to a strap 57, cash, credit cards, or the like.
FIGS. 53 through 55 and FIGS. 58 and 59 present several options for utilizing a fitting with numbers included as ornamentation for use as a scorekeeper or similar function. FIG. 53 illustrates a wristband unit. FIG. 54 depicts a unit with ornamental fittings 200 to act as a score card for golf. FIG. 55 shows a linked unit attached to clothing 57 by a belt loop 58, strap, or similar. FIGS. 58 and 59 illustrate how adornments 700 may be used as sliding counter.
FIGS. 58 and 59 show a selection of uses for adornments 700.
The modular component system of the invention provides a uniquely simple, yet exceptionally versatile way of creating a vast variety of accessories, both fashionable and functional. The physical components manufactured by utilizing mass production molding techniques are economical and long-lasting. Particularly significant is the ability to reuse and repurpose components. Within the basic concepts of the invention, it is possible to construct a wristband for everyday wear as a fashion accessory and then quickly and easily modify it for functional use in a variety of ways, such as to wrap a bundle of pens together, to be utilized as a sleeve scrunchie, to add color-coded identification to the handles of storage bins or, in a pinch, hold up a pair of shorts when a button breaks off. Color choices and the varied size of the band segments and fittings allow for a high level of personalization and functionality even when in basic form. The invention enables the individual user to have the ability to customize an accessory suited to their individual needs.
It should be understood, of course, that the specific forms of the invention herein illustrated and described are intended to be representative only, as certain changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Patent Application
20190313747
