PERSONALIZABLE ARTICLE, TOY OR DOLL

- THIS LITTLE PIGGY, INC.

An article, toy or doll, including a first portion with an inner portion and an outer surface surrounding the first portion, and an insert positioned within the first portion. The insert is adapted to permit an indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque to be removably connected to the outer front surface of the first portion. The insert, which is not visible to the outer surface of the first portion, is preferably a magnetic member or a member attractable to a magnetic member. The article, toy or doll, which is constructed to have a three dimensional configuration, preferably resembles an animal or a human.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an article, such as a three dimensional article, toy or doll, having a first portion with an inner portion and an outer surface covering such inner portion and, in particular, to such article, toy or doll having an insert positioned within the first portion which is adapted to permit a carrier or plaque having an indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation to be removably connected or affixed to the outer surface such that the insert is not visible after the carrier or plaque is removed. In one embodiment, the first portion is a central or torso portion of the article, toy or doll. The invention further relates to a system and method of a collection of such articles, toys or dolls and carriers having an indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation having a similar construction and a plurality of articles, toys or dolls, and carriers or plaques to be used therewith so that a user can selectively personalize the article, toy or doll with an indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation selected by the user.

2. Description of the Related Art

Stuffed or plush type articles, toys or dolls in the form of animals or humans have been enjoyed by both children and adults for decades. Not only are such articles, toys or dolls collected, displayed, and played with, but sometimes the articles, toys or dolls had either a permanent tag (e.g., creative stitching or marking) or a temporary application (e.g., a string tag, necklace or sticker) indirectly or directly hung from or attached to the article, toy or doll. In the first instance, the permanent type application prevents the article, toy or doll owner from making alterations to the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation and thereby limits its use. As to temporary applications, nothing was provided to assist in removably attaching a customized indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation or a new or replacement personalized indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation thereto without an unattractive element being visible when the article, toy or doll is otherwise at play. In particular, certain temporary attachment mechanisms, such as a hook and loop fastener, involve one half of the mechanism being retained on an outer surface of the article, toy or doll.

Thus, there is a need for an article, toy or doll that has advantages over the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of an embodiment is to provide an article, toy or doll for use which is able to have a plurality of interchangeable indicia, messages, decorations or ornamentations removably connected thereto by means of an indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque.

Another object is to provide an article, toy or doll with an attachment mechanism that is concealed so that it is not visible and does not interfere with play when the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation is removed.

Still another object is to provide an inventory or collection of articles, toys or dolls, as well as a plurality of indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers or plaques containing various indicia, messages, decorations or ornamentations, respectively, whereby the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers or plaques may be selected by a user to permit the user to select a preexisting indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation or personalize a custom indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation and then apply it to a selected article, toy or doll.

In one aspect, one embodiment of the invention provides an article, toy or doll, comprising a first portion including an inner portion and an outer surface surrounding the inner portion and an insert positioned within the first portion, the insert being configured so as to permit an indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque to be removably connected to the outer surface of the first portion, the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque being adapted to receive and display an indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation.

In another aspect, another embodiment of the invention provides an article, toy or doll personalization system, comprising a plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls, each of the plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls and a plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports, each of the plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports further comprising indicia, message, decoration, ornamentation, lettering, engraving or an area to be lettered or engraved on a first side thereof and a coupler adapted to permit at least one of the plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports to be removably secured to at least one of the plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls and further comprises a portable display cart or kiosk for displaying the plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls and the plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports, wherein the portable display cart or kiosk is movable and each of the plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls includes at least one magnet situated inside a designated portion for removably coupling an indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carrier, plaque or support to an outer surface thereof.

In still another aspect, an embodiment of the invention provides an article, toy or doll personalization or ornamentation system comprising a plurality of articles, toys or dolls, a plurality of indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports, each of the plurality of indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports including an indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation and a coupler, at least a portion of which is situated inside each of the plurality of articles, toys or dolls, the coupler permitting a user to removably secure at least one of the plurality of indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports to the article, toy or doll.

These and other desires and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an article, toy or doll with an exemplary indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque removably connected to a central or torso portion thereof in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the article, toy or doll depicted in FIG. 1, where the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque has been removed so that an insert positioned within the central or torso portion or underneath an outer surface thereof is seen in phantom;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the article, toy or doll depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of the central or torso portion depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the central or torso portion depicted in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged rear view of the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque shown in FIGS. 1 and 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged front view of a second indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque which is interchangeable with the exemplary indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque shown in FIGS. 1 and 6-8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged rear view of the second indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque depicted in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view of the second indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a display apparatus containing a plurality of articles, toys or dolls similar to that depicted in FIGS. 1-3 and a plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers or plaques similar to that depicted in FIGS. 6-11 which may be removeably connected to a central or torso portion of such articles, toys or dolls;

FIG. 13 is a front view of an article, toy or doll having a similar design as that depicted in FIG. 1, without at least one of the interchangeable indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers or plaques depicted in FIGS. 5-10 removeably connected, showing the coupler hidden from view and also showing a stand for supporting the article, toy or doll in a generally vertical position; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the stand shown in FIG. 13.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein identical numerals indicate the same elements throughout the figures, FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary article, such as a stuffed article, stuffed toy or stuffed doll 10, including a head portion 12 and a central or torso portion 14. For ease of description, the stuffed article, toy or doll will be referred to as an article 10, but it should be understood that it could comprise a stuffed article, such as a doll, a stuffed animal, such as a teddy bear, or other article to which the invention may be applied. It will be seen that the article 10 resembles a stuffed teddy bear, but could, in accordance with the present invention, resemble any animal, human, character, object, image or three dimensional shape (see e.g., FIG. 13). In the illustration being described, a pair of arm members 16 and 18 are preferably provided which connect to and extend from opposite sides 20 and 22 of torso portion 14. Further, a pair of leg members 24 and 26 also preferably connect to and extend from a bottom side 28 of torso portion 14. Additional accessories may also be provided with article 10, such as a hat 30 or other clothing attached thereto.

It will be appreciated that article 10 preferably has a three dimensional configuration and may, for example, be stuffed with a desired material or otherwise have a plush configuration. At least a portion of the article 10, such as torso portion 14, may be constructed to have an inner portion with a predetermined thickness 32 (FIG. 5) so that a magnetic insert 34 may be positioned therein and covered by an outer surface 36 without being visible or otherwise interfering with use of article 10 (FIG. 2). The magnetic insert 34, which consists of either a magnet, magnetic member, or a member attractable to a magnet, is preferably retained substantially stationary or in place within torso portion 14. In one embodiment, the magnetic insert 34 is sewn into a pouch 35 which is adhered to or sewn to an interior surface 14a of the torso portion 14 of article 10, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The magnetic insert 34 is configured so as to permit an indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 (FIG. 1) to be removably connected to outer surface 36 of article 10, such as at torso portion 14. Accordingly, it is sized and shaped to provide the necessary surface area and magnetic strength to retain the cooperating indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 in position to the outer surface 36.

As best seen in FIGS. 6-8, the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 includes a front portion 40 and a rear portion 42 which is removably connectable to magnetic insert 34, in the illustration being described. In order to provide the removable connection with magnetic insert 34, the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 further comprises a magnet 41 (FIG. 7), magnetic member, or is made of material attractable to magnetic insert 34. The magnet 41 is connected to rear portion 42 as shown in the illustration. It will be appreciated that the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 is preferably sized within certain predetermined parameter which are dependent upon the size and shape of torso portion 14, as well as the magnetic attraction between magnetic insert 34 and indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38.

More specifically, it will be seen from FIG. 4 that torso portion 14 of article 10 preferably has a predetermined size and shape, whereas torso portion 14 has a predetermined width 44, a predetermined height 46 and a predetermined thickness 32 (FIG. 5). While the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 may have any particular shape, including specific objects (e.g., a heart, holiday item, etc.), it is preferred that such indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 have a width 48 and a height 50 no greater than predetermined width 44 and predetermined height 46 of outer surface 36 for a specific portion of article 10, such as for torso portion 14. This permits indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 to essentially be framed by the boundaries of the outer surface 36 for such portion, such as for torso portion 14. Moreover, so that indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 is properly connected to magnetic insert 34, it is preferred that indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 have the width 48 that is smaller than width 44 and height 50 is smaller than height 46 of torso. In the illustration the width 44 is approximately two inches and the height 46 is approximately two and one half inches, but these sizes could be larger or smaller if desired. A total weight of the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 in the illustration does not exceed one and one half ounces, but this weight could change also depending upon the material used, strength of the magnets used, size of the torso and the like. In the illustration, predetermined thickness 32 is less than about two inches, but again, this and the other dimensions mentioned could be larger or smaller if desired.

Preferably, the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 meets the desired size and weight parameters or the magnets strength is adjusted to accommodate size and weight. The indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as resin wood, plastic, ceramic, metallic, textile, cloth or the like.

With respect to front portion 40 of indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38, it will be appreciated that any type of indicia, message, decoration, ornamentation, sentiment, personalization, engraving, lettering, and/or decoration may be contained thereon. As an alternative, a blank area (not shown) may be provided on indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque front portion 40 so that an indicia, message, decoration, engraving, lettering or ornamentation may be added at a later time, such as at the time a consumer acquires the article 10.

It will be understood that indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 is only one of a plurality of different indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers or plaques 38 that may be removably connected to article 10. This permits a plurality of desired indicia, message, decoration, ornamentation, sentiment, personalization, engraving, lettering, and/or decoration to be displayed on the article 10 via the interchangeability and removal of the various indicia, message, decoration, engraving, lettering or ornamentation carriers or plaques.

FIGS. 9-11 depict a second exemplary indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 54 which may be removably connected to article 10. It will be seen that rear portion 56 of indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 54 includes a magnetically attractable material 58 (FIGS. 10-11) or even a second magnet, such as magnet 41 (FIGS. 7-8), affixed thereto that cooperates with the magnetic insert 34 to removably secure the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 to the article 10.

It will also be understood that article 10 is preferably only one of a plurality or collection of different articles, toys or dolls having the same construction so that the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers or plaques may be removably connectable therewith. In this way, the various articles, toys or dolls and indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers or plaques may be mixed and mingled according to individual selections, tastes and desires of the user. By providing each article, toy or doll with a specified portion, such as the central or torso portion 14, of generally the same size and shape, the manufacture thereof and of the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers or plaques 38 is simplified and made more efficient. The article 10 and indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 may be easily stored, displayed and shown on a portable or permanent display apparatus, kiosk or cart 60 (FIG. 12) to displaying the article 10 and indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38, providing them to the user and enabling the user to personalize or customize the article 10 with a predetermined indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation or even a custom indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation. Thus, the provider is able to enable a user, and the user is enabled to, customize or personalize their own article 10 with their own desired message.

To facilitate display on the kiosk or cart 60 the articles 10 may comprise a sewn loop or ribbon 11 (FIGS. 1 and 12) or other hanging string or tag for hanging on one of the hook members 62 (FIG. 12). Alternatively, the article 10 and system may be provided with a stand 70 (FIG. 14) having a base 72, a vertical member 74 secured to the base 72 with screws, and a pair of generally opposed flexible or moveable members 76 and 78 secured to said vertical member 74. The generally opposed flexible or moveable members 76 and 78 cooperate to support, for example, the head portion 12 so that the article 10 is supported in a generally vertical position. In the illustration the moveable members 76 and 78 are moved away from each other and receive the neck or area between the head portion 12 and torso portion 14. The stand 70 could be situated on a shelf (not shown), for example of the kiosk or cart 60.

Various systems and methods are also contemplated by the present invention. One method involves providing a plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers or plaques 38 with article 10. The first step thereof includes providing a magnetically attractable insert within a specified portion, such as torso portion 14, of article 10. The second step includes providing at least one indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 with a magnet 41 or a magnetically attractable material 58 connected to a surface, such as the rear portion 42 or rear portion 56, respectively. An additional step may include providing a plurality of articles 10 on a kiosk or display cart having a magnetically attractable magnetic insert 34 within a central or torso portion 14 thereof and a plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers or plaques 38 for selection by a user, thereby permitting the user to personalize the article 10 with an indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation selected by the user. Also, a simple article 10 may be provided in a kit with multiple indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers or plaques 38 so that the user may change the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation on the article 10 from time to time.

Another method involves personalizing an article 10 with a desired indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation, which includes the following steps: enabling selection of the article 10 from among a plurality of articles; enabling selection of an indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque containing and adapted to comprise a specified indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation from among a plurality of indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers or plaques 38; and removably affixing or connecting the selected indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 to the selected article 10, such that the means for coupling the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 to the article 10 is not visible to outer surface 36 thereof. Of course, it will be appreciated that each article 10 preferably includes the magnetic insert 34 within a specified portion (e.g., torso portion 14) thereof. As also explained herein, rear portion 42 of each indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 has either a magnet 41 or a magnetically attractable material 58 affixed thereto so that such indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque is removably affixed or connectable to such specified portion via magnetic insert 34.

Yet another aspect of the present invention involves marketing the collection of a plurality of articles 10 and interchangeable indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers or plaques 38. In particular, a display apparatus 60 is preferably provided for displaying a plurality of three-dimensional articles 10 and a plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers or plaques 38 that are removably connectable to an outer surface 36 of such articles 10. As seen in FIG. 12, display apparatus 60 may include one or more rows of hook members 62 from which articles 10 and indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers or plaques 38 may be stored or hung. In order to support and transport display apparatus 60, it is preferred that a permanent or portable cart member with wheels 64 be configured to have display apparatus 60 connected thereto, thereby making the cart portable.

Advantageously, the system permits a user to select an article 10, as well as a personalized or other desired ornament, indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 that may be removably applied or affixed to the article 10. Thus, the system provides means, system and method for enabling a person, such as a consumer, to personalize the article 10 with a desired ornament, indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38. As mentioned earlier, one or more of the indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque 38 may even have a blank area for writing, engraving or inscribing a personalized indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation (such as artwork, a name, text, picture, non-textual ornamentation, greeting or the like).

Having shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, further adaptations of the articles 10 and indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carriers or plaques 38 can be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, it will be understood that various configurations of magnetic insert 34 may be utilized with the same effect. Further, portions other than central or torso portion 14 of article 10 may be utilized to house magnetic insert 34.

While the form of apparatus herein described constitutes a preferred embodiment of this invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise form of apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An article, toy or doll, comprising:

a first portion including an inner portion and an outer surface surrounding said inner portion; and
an insert positioned within said first portion, said insert being configured so as to permit an indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque to be removably connected to said outer surface of said first portion, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque being adapted to receive and display an indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation.

2. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, wherein said insert is not visible when said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque is not connected to said outer surface.

3. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, said insert further comprising a magnetic member.

4. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, said insert further comprising a member attractable to a magnetic member.

5. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, wherein said insert is retained substantially stationary within the inner portion of said first portion.

6. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, wherein said insert has a predetermined size and shape.

7. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, further comprising an indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque removably connected to said insert.

8. The article, toy or doll of claim 7, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque further comprising:

a front portion; and
a rear portion removably connectable to said insert.

9. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque further comprising a magnetic member connected to said rear portion thereof.

10. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque further comprising a magnetically attractable member connected to said rear portion thereof.

11. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque being sized within predetermined parameters.

12. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque having a width no greater than a width of said first portion.

13. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque having a height no greater than a height of said first portion.

14. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque is made of resin.

15. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque having a total weight which does not exceed approximately one and one half ounces.

16. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque front portion including a textual indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation contained thereon.

17. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque front portion including a personalized indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation contained thereon.

18. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque front portion including a holiday decoration contained thereon.

19. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque front portion including a decorative section and a message section contained thereon.

20. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque front portion including a blank section contained thereon for engraving or lettering.

21. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque being constructed of wood or plastic.

22. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque being constructed of textile or fabric.

23. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque being constructed of resin.

24. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque is generally planar.

25. The article, toy or doll of claim 8, said indicia, message, decoration or ornamentation carrier or plaque being constructed of ceramic.

26. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, said first portion having a predetermined size and shape.

27. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, said first portion having a predetermined width.

28. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, said first portion having a predetermined height.

29. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, said first portion having a predetermined thickness.

30. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, said first portion thereof being a central or torso portion thereof.

31. The article, toy or doll of claim 30, central or torso portion is two inches by two and one-half inches.

32. The article, toy or doll of claim 30, further comprising a head portion connected to said central or torso portion.

33. The article, toy or doll of claim 30, further comprising a pair of arm members connected to and extending from opposite sides of said torso portion.

34. The article, toy or doll of claim 30, further comprising a pair of leg members connected to and extending from a bottom side of said torso portion.

35. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, wherein said article, toy or doll is configured to resemble an animal.

36. The article, toy or doll of claim 35, wherein said article, toy or doll is configured to resemble a bear.

37. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, wherein said article, toy or doll is configured to resemble a human.

38. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, wherein said article, toy or doll includes at least one accessory item associated therewith.

39. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, wherein said article, toy or doll is stuffed with a material so as to have a three dimensional configuration.

40. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, wherein said article, toy or doll has a plush construction so as to have a three dimensional configuration.

41. The article, toy or doll of claim 1, wherein said article, toy or doll comprises a support or stand for supporting said article, toy or doll in a vertical position.

42. The article, toy or doll of claim 41, wherein said support or stand comprises a flexible member for flexibly receiving said article, toy or doll.

43. An article, toy or doll personalization system, comprising:

a plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls, each of said plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls; and
a plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports; each of said plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports further comprising indicia, message, decoration, ornamentation, lettering, engraving or an area to be lettered or engraved on a first side thereof; and
a coupler adapted to permit at least one of said plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports to be removeably secured to at least one of said plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls.

44. The article, toy or doll personalization system as recited in claim 43 wherein said system further comprises:

a portable display cart or kiosk for displaying said plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls and said plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports,
wherein said portable display cart or kiosk is movable and each of said plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls includes at least one magnet situated inside a designated portion for removeably coupling an indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carrier, plaque or support to an outer surface thereof.

45. The article, toy or doll personalization system as recited in claim 43 wherein each of said plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls comprises a stuffed article, toy or doll.

46. The article, toy or doll personalization system as recited in claim 45 wherein each of said plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls is stuffed and at least a portion of said coupler situated in said stuffed article, toy or doll.

47. The article, toy or doll personalization system as recited in claim 46 wherein said plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls resemble an animal or human.

48. The article, toy or doll personalization system as recited in claim 46 wherein said plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls is a teddy bear.

49. The article, toy or doll personalization system as recited in claim 43 wherein each of said plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports further comprises a predetermined indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation.

50. The article, toy or doll personalization system as recited in claim 49 wherein at least one of said plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports further comprises a personalization area for receiving a personalized indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation provided by a user.

51. The article, toy or doll personalization system as recited in claim 43 wherein said coupler further comprises a first magnet situated in each of said plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls so that when at least one of said plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports is secured or affixed thereto, said at least one of said plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carrier, plaque or support becomes situated in a predetermined area of said article, toy or doll.

52. The article, toy or doll personalization system as recited in claim 51 wherein said coupler further comprises a second magnet situated on each of said plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports for cooperating with said first magnet to removeably couple at least one of the plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports to at least one of the plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls.

53. The article, toy or doll personalization system as recited in claim 43 wherein said system further comprises means for vertically displaying each of said plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls.

54. The article, toy or doll personalization system as recited in claim 43 wherein said means comprises at least one of a loop secured to each of said plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls or a stand for vertically supporting each of said plurality of three dimensional articles, toys or dolls.

55. The article, toy or doll of claim 43, each of said plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports being constructed of textile or fabric.

56. The article, toy or doll of claim 43, each of said plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports is made of resin.

57. The article, toy or doll of claim 43, each of said plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports comprise different shapes and sizes.

58. The article, toy or doll of claim 43, each of said plurality of interchangeable indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports comprising a different indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation.

59. An article, toy or doll personalization or ornamentation system comprising:

a plurality of articles, toys or dolls;
a plurality of indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports, each of said plurality of indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports including an indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation; and
a coupler, at least a portion of which is situated inside each of said plurality of articles, toys or dolls, said coupler permitting a user to removably secure at least one of said plurality of indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports to said article, toy or doll.

60. The article, toy or doll personalization or ornamentation system as recited in claim 59 wherein said coupler is a magnet situated in said article, toy or doll so that when said at least one of said plurality of indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports is removed from or not affixed to said article, toy or doll, said coupler is not visible.

61. The article, toy or doll personalization or ornamentation system as recited in claim 60 wherein said article, toy or doll is a stuffed article, toy or doll.

62. The article, toy or doll personalization or ornamentation system as recited in claim 61 wherein said stuffed article, toy or doll is an animal.

63. The article, toy or doll personalization or ornamentation system as recited in claim 61 wherein said stuffed article, toy or doll is a bear.

64. The article, toy or doll personalization or ornamentation system as recited in claim 59 wherein said system further comprises a cart or kiosk for storing said plurality of articles, toys or dolls and said plurality of indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports for selection by said user.

65. The article, toy or doll personalization or ornamentation system as recited in claim 64 wherein said cart or kiosk further comprises wheels so as to be moveable.

66. The article, toy or doll personalization or ornamentation system as recited in claim 59 wherein each of said plurality of indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports further comprises a predetermined indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation.

67. The article, toy or doll personalization or ornamentation system as recited in claim 66 wherein at least one of said plurality of indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports further comprises a personalization area for receiving a personalized indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation provided by said user.

68. The article, toy or doll personalization or ornamentation system as recited in claim 59 wherein said coupler further comprises a first magnet situated in each of said articles, toys or dolls so that when at least one of said plurality of indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carriers, plaques or supports is secured or affixed thereto, said at least one of said plurality of indicia, message, decoration, lettering, engraving or ornamentation carrier, plaque or support becomes situated in a predetermined area of said article, toy or doll.

69. The article, toy or doll personalization or ornamentation system as recited in claim 68 wherein said article, toy or doll is a stuffed article, toy or doll and said predetermined area is a central or torso area of said stuffed article, toy or doll.

70. The article, toy or doll personalization or ornamentation system as recited in claim 69 wherein said article, toy or doll is a stuffed teddy bear.

Patent History
Publication number: 20090068920
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 11, 2007
Publication Date: Mar 12, 2009
Applicant: THIS LITTLE PIGGY, INC. (Sarasota, FL)
Inventor: Susan Gene Brielmann (Sarasota, FL)
Application Number: 11/853,350
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Diverse Article Is Container, Holder, Or Support (446/73); Fabric-covered Stuffed Figure (446/369); Limb, Hand Or Foot (446/390); Head (446/391); Convertible From, Or Serving As Diverse Article (446/71); Including Figure Toy (446/72)
International Classification: A63H 3/00 (20060101); A63H 3/02 (20060101); A63H 3/36 (20060101); A63H 33/00 (20060101);