Patent Application
20140295730
(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-dimensional (2-D or 3-D) customized icon and a method for making the icon. The icon represents a theme such as a retirement celebration, a baby shower, a wedding, a business or product promotion, a “get-well” greeting and the like. The icon has a skin that presents to an observer a collage of image pieces that individually or collectively symbolize the theme.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Toy dolls for example are mass-produced. Though they may offer and attractive appearance and tactile feel, they are generally not available in abbreviated production runs at short notice on a customized basis.
Among the references considered before filing this application are: U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,626; U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,386; U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,553; U.S. Pat. No. 8,078,969; U.S. Pat. No. 8,086,064; U.S. Pat. No. 8,283,012; 2008/0156215; 2010/0023148; and 2012/0206496.
It is an object of the present invention to provide multi-dimensional (2-D or 3-D) icons composed of united differently shaped integrated pieces that together represent an event or theme to be recognized (e.g., in a non-limited sense, a baby shower or a retirement celebration).
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a multi-dimensional (2-D or 3-D) customized icon and a method for making the icon. The icon represents a theme such as a retirement celebration, a baby shower, a wedding, a business or product promotion and the like. The icon has a skin that presents to an observer a collage of image pieces that individually or collectively symbolize the theme.
One illustrative embodiment of a multi-dimensional icon representing a theme includes an inner core and a skin surrounding the inner core.
The skin has a substrate having an inner side facing the inner core and an outer side. A focal image piece is affixed to a portion of the outer side, the focal image being associated with the theme. A plurality of satellite image pieces also associated with the theme are also affixed to the outer side of the substrate. Each satellite image is undistorted, and sized and shaped to conform with a neighboring focal or satellite piece so that when united, adjacent pieces form at least part of the skin and offer to an observer a collage of image pieces that symbolize the theme.
To make the multi-dimensional icon, selections may be made from the following method steps, not necessarily in the sequence listed:
Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, taken with the accompanying drawings.
In the specification and drawing figures there has been set forth preferred embodiments of the invention and although specific terms have been employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the following claims.
A multi-dimensional icon is disclosed. It represents a theme. The icon has an inner core and a skin surrounding the inner core. The skin has a substrate with an inner side facing the inner core and an outer side. A focal image piece appears on the outer side and is associated with the chosen theme. If desired, the focal image piece may be at least partially surrounded by piping, cording, or other edging.
A plurality of satellite image pieces are also associated with the theme. They appear on the outer side. At least some of the satellite images are sized and shaped to conform with a neighboring focal or satellite piece so that when united, adjacent pieces form at least part of the skin They offer to an observer a collage of image pieces that symbolize the theme.
The substrate is selected from such fabrics as cotton, polyester, silk, linen, hemp, rayon, nylon, bamboo, sheer, soy/organic, pineapple fiber, organza, wool, spun viscose challis, broadcloth.
The multi-dimensional icon has seams that connect adjacent edges of the focal and satellite pieces, thereby conforming the pieces to form a flaccid skin that will encapsulate the inner core and thus form the multi-dimensional icon.
In multi-dimensional icon, wherein there is a number (N) of satellite pieces, where 1<(N)<10000. Preferably the number of dimensions equals three. Optionally, if a blanket or quilt is desired, the number of dimensions equals two.
To make the multi-dimensional icon, the optional method steps (not necessarily executed in the sequence listed) are:
When framing the focal imaged piece into the skin of the multi-dimensional icon, it is desirable to avoid ripping—tensioned areas may convert a 2-D piece into a 3-D piece. Most commonly a rippling effect will show on the fabric because it is not stable enough to hold its correct shape and size to create the proper intended visual effect. Because of this, a stabilizing material of heavier weight is optionally used so the selected focal image can retain its intended pattern shape. This material can be sewn in or fused to the printed or transferred fabric to create a much heavier weight fabric. This stabilization process tends to flatten or avoid the rippling of the focal image piece and achieves the intended picture-like framing effect.
As used herein, these terms connote these meanings:
Print/Transfer: Ink, dye, paint, heat fusion, screen-printing, airbrushing, sublimation, marbling, stamping, embroidering, felting.
Fabrics: Cotton, polyester, silk, linen, hemp, rayon, nylon, bamboo, sheer, soy/organic, pineapple fiber, organza, wool, spun viscose challis, broadcloth; or stretch material.
Accessories: Sound modules, eyes, nose, ears, fingers, toes, tails, earrings, belts, badges, glasses, necklaces, clothing, bracelets, shoes, hats, masks, rhinestones, jewels, studs, sequence, patches, crystals, precious metals, pins, hair, wigs, tattoos, tools.
Objects/Shapes: Stuffed animals, golf club head covers, quilts, pillows, caps, hats, cushions, toys, clothing, scarves, collectibles.
While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.
