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.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to clothing accessories, and more particularly to a system for interchangeably displaying various designs on clothing accessories.

BACKGROUND ART

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

FIG. 1 illustrates belt buckle for use in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a belt and belt buckle system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

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.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method for displaying a design onto clothing accessories.

FIG. 5 illustrates an apparatus for applying a design onto clothing accessories.

FIG. 6A-B illustrate a key chain in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

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

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.

Looking now at FIG. 1, there is illustrated a belt buckle 10 designed for removable attachment to a belt, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The buckle 10 includes a clamping end 11 for removably securing one end of a belt thereto, and tightening end 12 through which an opposite end of a belt may be adjustably received for adjustment circumferentially about the waist on a wearer. To maintain the position of the belt about the waist of the wearer, buckle 10 may be provided with a pin 13 which may be moved (e.g., roll or slide) toward the tightening end 12. Movement of the pin 13 toward the end 12, in one embodiment, presses the end of the belt entering through end 12 securely between the pin 13 and a back surface of the buckle 10. The buckle 10 also includes a surface 14 onto which a design 15, such as an embroidered design, a non-embroidered design (i.e., picture), or any patch design, can be displayed.

Buckle 10 may also be provided with an affixation mechanism (not shown) between the design 15 and the surface 14 of the buckle 10 to secure the design 15 to surface 14 of the buckle 10. Such a mechanism, in an embodiment, can be an adhesive material, such as glue, that can be applied directly on to the surface 14 of the buckle 10 prior to application of the design 15 to the surface 14. The adhesive material may alternatively be a heat seal material provided on a back side of the design 15, and which heat seal material can be activated during application of the design 15 to the surface 14. The affixation mechanism, in another embodiment, may be a hook and loop system (e.g., Velcro) with the loop portion provided on one of the back of the design 15 or the surface 14 of the belt buckle 10, while the hook portion may be provided on the other of the back of the design 15 or the surface 14 of the belt buckle 10. The affixation system may further be snap-on design with the surface 14 of the buckle 10 having, for instance, a female end, while the back of the design 15 may be attached to a sufficiently rigid male end for attachment to the female end. Placement of the male and female ends of the snap-on mechanism on the design 15 and surface 14 of the buckle 10 may of course be reversed. Other affixation systems known in the art can also readily be used.

Although illustrated in FIG. 1 as a particular buckle, the belt buckle 10 of the present invention may any commercially available buckle, so long as such a buckle is removable from the belt and provides a surface to which a design may be displayed. By making the buckle 10 removable, the buckle 10 of the present invention may be interchanged with a variety of belts to provide the wearer with fashion options that can be matched to the particular mood of the wearer for the day. Moreover, by allowing the design 15 on the buckle 10 to be removable, design 15 as well as the belt may interchanged to provide the wearer with additional fashion options.

The buckle 10 may be provided as part of a belt and buckle system 20, such as that illustrated in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the system 20 includes a buckle 21 having a design 27 that can be substantially similar to buckle 10 provided above. The system 20 further includes a belt 22 for placement circumferentially about the waist of a wearer. The belt 22, in one embodiment, includes a first end 23 to be securely retained within a clamping end 24 of the buckle 21, and a second end 25 for adjustable placement through a tightening end 26 of the buckle 21. The second end 25 of belt 22 may adjustably move through the tightening end 26 to permit the belt 22 to accommodate variation in the waist size of the wearer. In an embodiment of the present invention, system 20 may be provided as part of a kit in which a plurality of buckles 21 and plurality of belts 22 may be included to permit the wearer with options for interchangeability. For instance, a kit of 10 different buckles 21 and 10 different belts 22 can provide the wearer with about 100 different combinations of belt and buckle. Of course, if the buckle 21 is provided with removable designs, a plurality of designs may also be provided as part of the kit. Otherwise, the wearer may purchase commercially available designs, such as those from www.GrooveGear.com for placement on the buckle 21.

The present invention further contemplates a method to permit a consumer to create one-of-a kind belt buckles by permitting the consumer to choose or provide a design of choice which can subsequently be created for display on the belt buckle. Such designs can be any fanciful designs, embroidered designs, a non-embroidered design (i.e., picture), or patch designs, and can include designs depicting public figures, such as athletes or celebrities, or designs depicting specific moments from an event, such as a sporting event or concert.

Looking now at FIG. 3, there is illustrated a method 30 for the creation of a one-of-a kind belt buckle. Initially, the consumer may select 31 a design for display on the belt buckle. In one embodiment, the selected design can be one of many available in a store or in a database accessible on-line through the Internet for perusal. Alternatively, the consumer may submit 32 a design for display on the belt buckle. The submitted design, in an embodiment, may be a picture, a photograph, an electronic image, or a video frame. Once submitted, the image may be digitized 33 using appropriate methods known in the art. The digitized image thereafter may be used as a template from which a design, an embroidered design or patch having a substantial likeness of, for instance, the original photograph, may be created 34 using processes well known in the art. For instance, the digitized image can be transformed into a substantial likeness using embroidered thread that is applied to a fabric backing.

Thereafter, the consumer may select 35 a buckle on which the design may be displayed. The present invention contemplates, in one embodiment, allowing a customer to see a wide variety of buckles from which they may choose. These buckles may, for perusal purposes, be placed on display racks, worn by employees at the retail store, on mannequins, in catalogs, on-line, on television, and/or in print ads in the store. Each buckle, in an embodiment, may be provided with a specific number for easy identification by the store.

It should be noted that although the description is directed to the buckle, the method of the present invention also contemplates allowing the consumer to select the belt along with the buckle and design in a manner similar to that associated with the buckle.

Once the design, buckle and belt have been selected, the order may be forwarded to a production area where the design can be applied 36 on to the buckle. Securing of the design on to the buckle can be by any method known in the art.

After the design has been applied onto the buckle for display, the consumer may pay 37 for the merchandise. However, it should be noted that, once the consumer has selected the design, the belt and the buckle, she may pay for her order in advance of the application of the design. Alternatively, the merchandise may be paid at pick up.

Subsequent to payment, the consumer may pick up the order and leave 38 the store with the merchandise. The completed order may also be mailed to the consumer. The order process from payment to assembly can be accomplished in about an hour or under. Moreover, when utilizing the method of the present invention, it can be expected that the merchandise can be ready in about 5 minutes or less, once the desired design, belt, and buckle have been selected and paid for by the customer.

In addition to the belt and buckle system above, the present invention further provides a method for displaying designs, such as fanciful designs, embroidered designs, or patch designs, and can include designs depicting public figures, such as athletes or celebrities, or designs depicting specific moments from an event, such as a sporting event or concert onto other clothing accessories, such as wallets, purses, hats, visors, scarves, bags etc.

In FIG. 4, there is illustrated a method 40 for displaying various designs on to a wallet or purse, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Initially, the consumer may select 41 a design for display on the wallet. In one embodiment, the selected design can be one of many available in a store or in a database accessible on-line through the Internet for perusal.

Alternatively, the consumer may submit 42 a design for display on the purse or wallet. The submitted design, in an embodiment, may be a picture, a photograph, an electronic image, or a video frame. The submitted design can subsequently be transformed 43 into a design display using the method described above or any other method know in the art.

Thereafter, the consumer may select 44 a wallet or purse on which the design may be displayed. The present invention contemplates, in one embodiment, allowing a customer to see a wide variety of wallets or purse from which they may choose. These wallets or purses, as well as the designs may, for perusal purposes, be placed on display racks, in catalogs, on-line, on television, and/or in print ads in the store. Each design and wallet or purse, in an embodiment, may be provided with a specific number for easy identification by the store.

Once the design and wallet have been selected, the order may be forwarded to a production area where the design can be applied 45 on to the wallet. Securing of the design on to the wallet can be by any method known in the art, for instance, gluing, heat seal, or sewn-on.

In one embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, there is provided a portable device 50 that permits displays and/or designs, such as patches, having heat activated adhesive backing (i.e., iron on type patches) to be affixed to clothing accessories, such as a wallet or purse.

The device 50, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, includes two opposing arms 51 and 52, each having at one end heating plate 53 and 54 respectively, and at an opposing end handle 55 and 56 respectively. The arms 51 and 52, in one embodiment, may be pivotally attached to one another, so that the arms 51 and 52 may be manipulated by the handles 55 and 56 to extend or decrease the distance between the heating plates 53 and 54. In addition, the opposing arms 51 and 52 of the device 50 may be sufficiently elongated so as to allow the heating plates 53 and 54 to reach past the edges of clothing accessories in a manner conducive to applying designs on to the certain areas of the clothing accessories.

Each heating plate may be provided with a heating mechanism (not shown) designed to allow each heat plate 53 and 54 to be heated to a sufficiently high temperature, for instance, within a range of from about 325° F. to about 375° F., needed for the application of patches or designs that use heat activated adhesion backing. As these plates need to engage the patches or designs, the plates 53 and 54 may be provided with a non-stick coating, such as Teflon, so that while pressure is applied to the patch by the plates 53 and 54, the adhesive backing on the patch may be melted onto the surface of the article and not get stuck to the heat plates. The device 50 may subsequently be removed from the article, and the design/patch permitted to cool.

Referring again to FIG. 4, after the design or designs have been applied onto the wallet for display, the consumer may pay 46 for the merchandise, and subsequent leave 47 the store with the merchandise. It should be noted that, once the consumer has selected the clothes and determined the permanent location for application of the designs, she may pay for her order in advance of application. Alternatively, the merchandise may be paid at pick up. The completed order may also be mailed to the consumer.

Although a heat seal method for affixing the design to the wallet or purse is disclosed above, it should be appreciated that other methods of affixing the design to the wallet or purse may be used. In particular, gluing, Velcro, snap-on, or other similar methods.

The wallet or purse created by the method of the present invention provides a consumer with a one-of-a kind article which can assist that consumer in making a fashion statement.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, looking now to FIGS. 6A-B, a key chain 60 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The key chain 60, in an embodiment, includes two layers 61 and 62, each having a design, such as those disclosed above. The key chain 60 further includes an affixation layer 63 positioned between the two opposing layers 61 and 62. In one embodiment of the invention, layers 61 and 62 may be mirror images of one another, so that after affixation, the key chain 60 may be provided with a complementary profile when viewing from either side of the key chain 60. To the extent that a complementary profile is not desired (i.e., distinct profiles), two distinct designs may be affixed to one another.

The affixation layer 63, in an embodiment, can be an adhesive material, such as glue, that can be applied directly on to the back surface of each of the layers 61 and 62 prior to affixation of the designs to one another. The adhesive material may alternatively be a heat seal material provided on a back side of the layers 61 and 62, and which adhesive material can be activated during application of the designs to one another. The affixation layer, in another embodiment, may be a hook and loop system (e.g., Velcro) with the loop portion provided on one of the back of one design, for example, layer 61, while the hook portion may be provided on the back of the other design, for example, layer 62. The affixation layer may further be snap-on design with one design having, for instance, a female end, while the other design having a male end for attachment to the female end.

The key chain 60 may further include a key holding mechanism 64, such as metal loop, or any key holding mechanism known in the industry. The key holding mechanism 64 may be attached to the key chain 60 by any method available, for instance, hole 65.

The present invention further provides a method for creating a one-of-a kind keychain, similar to that described above. With reference now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a method 70 for the creation of a one-of-a kind key chain. Initially, the consumer may select 71 a design or designs for use in the creation of the key chain. In one embodiment, the selected design or designs can be one of many available in a store or in a database accessible on-line through the Internet for perusal. In particular, these designs, for perusal purposes, may be placed on display racks or the employees at the retail store, on mannequins, in catalogs, on-line, on television, and/or in print ads in the store. Each design, in an embodiment, may be provided with a specific number for easy identification by the store.

Alternatively, the consumer may submit 72 a design for display for use as a key chain. The submitted design, in an embodiment, may be a picture, a photograph, an electronic image, or a video frame. Once submitted, the image may be digitized 73 using appropriate methods known in the art. The digitized image thereafter may be used as a template from which a mirror image designs, e.g., embroidered or picture designs or patches having a substantial likeness of, for instance, the original photograph, may be created 74 using processes well known in the art. For instance, the digitized image can be transformed into a substantial likeness using embroidered thread that is applied to a fabric backing.

Once the design or designs have been selected or the patch created, the order may be forwarded to a production area where the mirror image designs can be affixed 75 to one another using any method known in the art, for instance, gluing, heat seal, snap-on, sewing etc.

After the design has been affixed to one another, it is transformed 76 into a key chain. The consumer may, thereafter, pay 77 for the merchandise. However, it should be noted that, once the consumer has selected the design, the belt and the buckle, she may pay for her order in advance of the creation of the key chain. Alternatively, the merchandise may be paid at pick up. The merchandise may also be mailed to the consumer.

It should be noted that if selection of any of the above items is through an on-line website, the website for use in connection with this embodiment may be accessed from, for instance, an in-store kiosk, in-store computer, or through an off-site computer, such as a home desktop, a laptop or a wireless handheld device. Moreover, should the order be made from within the store, the consumer may wait or, at his/her convenience, return to the store and pick up the order once it has been completed. If the order was placed off-site, the completed product may be set aside to allow the consumer to go to the store and pick it up at his/her convenience. Alternatively, the finished product may be mailed to consumer, at his/her option, whether the order was placed in-store or off-site.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the consumer may select, through the website, individual designs depicting athletes, celebrities, or specific moments from a sporting event they wish to purchase. These individual designs can then be shipped the consumer, and the consumer can subsequently apply the designs to the clothing accessories in the privacy of their own homes.

The on-demand approach, when implemented in connection with the methods of the present invention, allows for single (i.e., one-off) or small orders to be placed without economic burden on the store or the consumer that may typically be associated with economy of scale for large orders. Of course, it should be noted that the on-demand approach may also permit large scale orders to be placed.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a system or method which may be implemented seamlessly with a website of a licensee company to allow that company's customers to implement the “on-demand” design protocol. In one embodiment, once the consumer accesses, for example, the company's website and clicks on a link to the “on-demand” design service, the consumer will be seamless directed to the system of the present invention. The consumer may thereafter pick out the design depicting athletes, celebrities, or specific moments from a sporting event, the clothing accessories onto which the design or designs will be applied, and send in the order. The order will be logged by the system and the order may subsequently by carried out. The completed product may be shipped to the store from which the order was originated for pick up by the consumer or shipped directly to the consumer at a designated address.

A method to allow similar or matching designs to be placed on multiple/different clothing accessories (e.g., buckle, belt, wallet etc.) to create a unifying theme is also provided in connection with the present invention. For example, a consumer might select a belt, buckle, wallet or other clothing accessories from different manufacturers or having different styles. The consumer would then select a designs or designs to be applied that will give the items selected a coordinated, custom or matched appearance or theme.

In another embodiment, a kit may be provided to allow placement of the designs onto the clothing accessories or creation of the accessories. For example, the consumer can purchase specific kits or sets of patches which they can then use at home to apply to their clothing to create a uniform or style to accessorize their clothing.

The present invention also contemplates, in an embodiment, a method to permit consumers to purchase these products in retail locations or on-line and to collect these products if they so desire through continued purchase of different styles of these products through auto-ship programs or through individual repeat purchases.

The foregoing has outlined, in general, certain aspect of the invention and is to serve as an aid to better understanding the more complete detailed description which is to follow. In reference to such, there is to be a clear understanding that the present invention is not limited to the method or detail of construction, fabrication, material, or application of use described and illustrated herein. Any other variation of fabrication, use, or application should be considered apparent as an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A belt buckle for displaying a design thereon, the buckle comprising:

a clamping end for securing one end of a belt thereto;

a tightening end through which an opposite end of the belt may be adjustably received for adjustment circumferentially about a waist of a wearer;

a surface onto which a design can be displayed;

a design including one of an embroidered design, a non-embroidered design or a patch design; and

an affixation mechanism positioned between the design and the surface to secure the design to the surface.

2. A belt buckle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the clamping mechanism permits removable attachment of the one end of the belt thereto.

3. A belt buckle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the design includes depiction of public figures, athletes, celebrities, specific moments from an event, or a fanciful design.

4. A belt buckle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the affixation mechanism includes one of an adhesive or a hook and loop system.

5. A belt buckle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the affixation mechanism includes a male end on one of the surface of the belt buckle or on the design and a female end on the other of the surface of the belt buckle or the design.

6. A belt and buckle system for displaying a design, the system comprising:

a belt having opposing ends;

a buckle having a clamping end for securing one end of the belt thereto, a tightening end through which the opposite end of the belt may be adjustably received for adjustment circumferentially about a waist of a wearer, and a surface onto which a design can be displayed;

a design for placement onto the buckle and including one of an embroidered design, a non-embroidered design or a patch design; and

an affixation mechanism positioned between the design and the surface of the buckle to which the design can be secured.

7. A system as set forth in claim 6, wherein clamping mechanism on the buckle permits removable attachment of the one end of the belt thereto.

8. A belt buckle as set forth in claim 6, wherein the design includes depiction of public figures, athletes, celebrities, specific moments from an event, or a fanciful design.

9. A system as set forth in claim 6, wherein the affixation mechanism includes one of an adhesive, a hook and loop system, or a snap on design.

10. A belt and buckle kit for displaying a design, the kit comprising:

a plurality of belts, each having opposing ends;

a plurality of buckles for removable attachment to individual belts for interchangeability purposes;

a plurality of designs for display on a surface of individual buckles, the designs being one of an embroidered design, a non-embroidered design or a patch design; and

an affixation mechanism for securing the design onto the surface of individual buckles.

11. A kit as set forth in claim 10, wherein the designs include depiction of fanciful designs, public figures, athletes, celebrities, or specific moments from an event.

12. A kit as set forth in claim 10, wherein the affixation mechanism permits removable attachment of the designs to the buckle for interchangeability purposes.

13. A method for displaying a design on a belt buckle, the method comprising:

providing at least one design for display depicting a fanciful design, a public figure, an athlete, a celebrity, or specific moments from an event;

identifying a belt buckle onto which the design can be displayed; and

affixing the design onto the buckle.

14. A method as set forth in claim 13, wherein, in the step of providing, the design includes one of an embroidered design, a non-embroidered design, or a patch design.

15. A method for displaying a design on a belt buckle, the method comprising:

permitting (a) selection of at least one design for display or (b) submission of a design for display, the design being a depiction of a public figure, an athlete, a celebrity, a specific moment of an event, or a fanciful design;

allowing identification of a buckle onto which the design can be displayed; and

affixing the design to the identified buckle.

16. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the step of permitting includes providing the design at a store.

17. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the step of permitting includes providing one of an in-store kiosk, an in-store computer, an off-site computer, a home desktop, a laptop, or a wireless handheld device for accessing the design.

18. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the step of allowing includes providing a website through which entry is permitted for accessing the design and buckle.

19. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the step of permitting submission includes digitizing the submitted design for subsequent creation of the display.

20. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the step affixing includes providing a mechanism for interchanging the design displayed on the buckle.

21. A method for displaying a design on a clothing accessory, the method comprising:

permitting (a) selection of at least one design for display or (b) submission of a design for display, the design being a depiction of a public figure, an athlete, a celebrity, a specific moment of an event, or a fanciful design;

allowing identification of a clothing accessory onto which the design can be displayed; and

affixing the design to the identified accessory.

22. A method as set forth in claim 21, wherein the step of permitting includes providing the design at a store.

23. A method as set forth in claim 21, wherein the step of permitting includes providing one of an in-store kiosk, an in-store computer, an off-site computer, a home desktop, a laptop, or a wireless handheld device for accessing the design.

24. A method as set forth in claim 21, wherein the step of allowing includes providing a website through which entry is permitted for accessing the design and clothing accessory.

25. A method as set forth in claim 21, wherein the step of permitting submission includes digitizing the submitted design for subsequent creation of the display.

26. A method as set forth in claim 21, wherein, in the step of allowing, the clothing accessory includes a wallet, a hat, a purse, a scarf, a visor, a bag.

27. A method as set forth in claim 21, wherein the step affixing includes providing a mechanism for interchanging the design displayed.

28. A method for generating a keychain, the method comprising:

permitting (a) selection of at least one design for display or (b) submission of at least one design for display, the design being a depiction of a public figure, an athlete, a celebrity, a specific moment of an event, or a fanciful design;

generating opposing layers, each having the design; and

affixing the layers to one another.

29. A method as set forth in claim 28, wherein the step of permitting includes providing one of an in-store kiosk, an in-store computer, an off-site computer, a home desktop, a laptop, or a wireless handheld device for accessing the design.

30. A method as set forth in claim 28, wherein the step of generating includes digitizing the design for subsequent creation of the keychain.

31. A method as set forth in claim 28, wherein the step of generating includes generating mirror images of the layers.

32. A method as set forth in claim 28, further including creating a hole through the keychain for placement of key holding mechanism therethrough.

33. A key chain comprising:

opposing layers, each having a design depicting a public figure, an athlete, a celebrity, a specific moment of an event, or a fanciful design;

an affixation layer positioned between the opposing layers; and

a key holding mechanism extending through the apposing layers.

34. A key chain as set forth in claim 33, wherein the opposing layers are mirror images of one another.

35. A key chain as set forth in claim 33, wherein the opposing layers include distinct profiles from one another.

36. A keychain as set forth in claim 33, wherein the affixation layer permits the opposing layers to be interchangeable with other layers.