PERSONALIZATION DEVICE

Abstract

A personalization device is adapted to be placed on a surface of a personal item. The device includes a medallion having markings thereon, a holding member having a front surface configured to receive and hold the medallion; and attachment means for attaching the medallion to the holding member. The attachment means is formed on the front surface of the holding member.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to personalization devices, and in particular, personalization devices for personalizing a wide variety of items.

BACKGROUND

In retail and marketing areas, placing company logos and/or adding personalized expressions for individual consumers has become increasingly desirable, since such markings would add authenticity and prestigious value to the products. The main problem is cost and time involved in customizing and personalizing the products.

Personalized markings or inscriptions on personal items are desirable due to their ability to readily distinguish one individual's belonging from those of others. Therefore, such markings provide convenience in terms of quickly recognizing one individual's item from similar items owned by other individuals. Moreover, they provide a personalized touch, thereby adding a prestigious look and value to the individual's belongings.

One of traditional ways of providing identification markings includes attaching labels. Although simple and economical, this method does not provide durability and authenticity.

A more elaborate way of personalizing items include engraving, which is often seen in writing utensils and small items, such as cigar lighters, pens, flasks, etc. Although engraving provides durability and authenticity, it suffers from a number of shortcomings. For example, engraved images are usually applied directly to an item, thereby necessitating a particular engraving machine suitable for a particular type or size of products. Moreover, engraving methods are restricted to certain materials, and cannot be used with a variety of different products made from different materials.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an easy and economical way of personalizing a variety of items, concurrently with achieving durability and authenticity. The embodiments of the present disclosure make personalizing a variety of items easier and more affordable, without compromising authenticity and prestigious personal touch, and therefore it can be used not only with high-end products, but also with common personal items.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a personalization device adapted to be placed on a surface of a personal item, said device comprising:

a medallion having markings thereon;

a holding member having a front surface configured to receive and hold the medallion; and

attachment means for attaching the medallion to the holding member,

said attachment means formed on the front surface of the holding member.

In one embodiment, the attachment means may be one of a magnet, an adhesive, a double sided sticker, and a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the attachment means may comprises a magnet and an adhesive.

The holding member may further comprise an outer wall extending upwardly from, and surrounding the front surface of the holding member, and the outer wall and the front surface of the holding member define an inner chamber for receiving and holding the medallion.

In one embodiment, the device may be integrally formed on the surface of the personal item.

Alternatively, the device may be adapted for attachment to the surface of the personal item.

The personal item may include personal accessories, gadgets, tools, clothing, foot wares, stationaries, sporting goods, bottles, flasks for holding liquid, and electronic devices. The personal accessories may include hats, purses, wallets, travel bags, luggage, suitcases, suit bags, key holders and lighters.

In one embodiment, the personal item includes articles made from rigid material.

In another embodiment, the personal item includes articles made from flexible material. In this embodiment, the holding member may further comprise a pair of arms extending outwardly from the back of the holding member, and the pair of arms are configured to pass through the flexible material of the personal item. The device in this embodiment may also include a back plate having a pair of holes formed therein, wherein the holes are configured to receive and secure the pair of arms passed through the flexible material.

In another embodiment, the holding member may further comprise a recess formed on a portion of the front surface.

The present disclosure is also directed to a personalization kit, comprising:

at least one medallion having markings thereon; and

at least one holding member having a front surface configured to receive and hold the medallion; and

said holding member having an attachment means formed on the front surface, said attachment means being adapted to attach the medallion to the holding member.

The at least one medallion in the kit may comprises first medallion and a second medallion. In one embodiment, the first medallion has personalized markings, and the second medallion has a company logo marked thereon. In one aspect, the second medallion having the company logo may be adapted for substantially non-removable attachment to the personalization device. The first medallion having the personalized markings may be adapted for removable attachment to the personalization device.

The present disclosure is also directed to a personal item having at least one personalization means integrally formed therein, wherein the personal item has at least one outer surface,

each of said at least one personalization means comprising:

• • a medallion having markings thereon;
  • a holding portion formed on the at least one outer surface of the item, said holding member having a front surface configured to receive and hold the medallion;
  • attachment means for attaching the medallion to the holding portion, said attachment means formed on the front surface of the holding portion.

In one embodiment, the personal item may have at least two outer surfaces and the personalization means is formed on each of said two outer surfaces.

The at least one personalization means may include a first personalization means and a second personalization means, each integrally formed on the personal item. In this embodiment, the first personalization device may hold a medallion having personalized markings, while the second personalization device holds a medallion having a company logo marked thereon. In one specific embodiment, the medallion having the company logo may be substantially non-removably attached to the second personalization means. The medallion having the personalized markings may be removably attached to the first personalization means.

The present disclosure also provides a holding device adapted to be placed on a surface of a personal item, said device comprising:

a front surface configured to receive and hold a medallion having markings thereon; and

attachment means for attaching the medallion to the holding member,

said attachment means being formed on the front surface of the holding device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the personalization device;

FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b are perspective views of medallions of the personalization device, showing some examples of markings;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the holding member shown in the personalization device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the holding member;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a divot tool where the holding member of FIG. 4 is integrally formed in the head portion thereof;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the divot tool of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the holding member, showing an alternative shape and attachment means;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the holding member;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the holding member, similar to the embodiment shown FIG. 9, but showing a back plate and a different attachment means;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the personalization device having the holding member shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the personalization device having the holding member shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the personalization device having the holding member shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing one example of a personal item (i.e., portfolio case) having the personalization device attached thereto;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing another example of a personal item having two sets of the personalization devices attached thereto;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a credit card holder having the personalization device attached thereto;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a pouch having the personalization device attached thereto;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a wallet having the personalization device attached thereto;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a suitcase having the personalization device attached thereto;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a key holder having the personalization device integrally formed therein;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a flask having the personalization device integrally formed therein;

FIG. 22. is a perspective view showing a lighter with two personalization devices integrally formed therein;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a torch type lighter having the personalization device integrally formed therein;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a shoe tree having the personalization device integrally formed therein; and

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a bottle opener having two personalization devices integrally formed on the same side of the surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments and aspects of the disclosure will be described with reference to details discussed below. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the personalization device is shown generally at 100. The device 100 includes a holding member 10 and an attachment means 14 formed on the front surface 16 of the holding member 10. The holding member 10 is configured to receive and hold a medallion 20 having markings 22 inscribed thereon.

The attachment means 14 is for attaching the medallion 20 to the holding member 10. In the embodiments of the accompanying drawings, a pair of magnets 15 is shown as an example of the attachment means 14. The magnets 15 are attached to the holding member 10 by, for example, using a bonding agent, such as commercial adhesives. The magnets may also physically be recessed in the holding member. In the latter embodiment, the holding member 10 may include holes or channels (not shown in the drawings) that can receive and hold the magnetic piece in place. Alternatively, the holding member 10 itself can be made of magnetic material, in which case the holding member also serves as an attachment means. Where the attachment means 14 is a magnet 15, the medallion 20 is made of material which is attracted to the magnet.

Referring to FIG. 1, in one preferred embodiment, the holding member 10 of the personalization device 100 includes an outer wall 12 extending outwardly from, and surrounding the front surface 16 of the holding member 10. The outer wall 12 and the front surface 16 define an inner chamber whose dimension is substantially the same as, or slightly larger than a medallion 20. Preferably, the outer wall 12 is dimensioned to fit the medallion 20 snugly within the inner chamber. Thus, the inner chamber of the holding member 10 serves as a “nest” for the medallion 20. The top surface 24 of the medallion 20 may be approximately flush with the top surface 18 of the outer wall 12, or alternatively, may extend beyond the top surface 18 of the outer wall 12, depending on the desired design choice.

In some embodiments it is desirable for the medallion to be removable. To help facilitate the removal of the medallion, in one embodiment, the personalization device may be provide with an additional feature. Referring to FIG. 4, a holding member of an alternative personalization device is shown at 30. In this embodiment, the holding member 30 has an outer wall 32 and includes a recess 34 formed on a portion of the front surface 36. In one example, the recess 34 may be formed adjacent to downstream of the front surface of the holding member 30, while the attachment means 14 is formed in the upstream of the front surface 36. The recess 34 provides a space for the medallion to be pressed down against the holding member 30, which will then result in the popping up of the upper part of the medallion. Therefore, simply pressing down the lower portion of the medallion will achieve quick and easy release of the medallion from the device 30. Alternatively, the recess 34 may be formed at any other location on the front surface of the holding member 30. The user will then press the medallion at a location which corresponds to the underlying recess formed in the holding member 30. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device 30, showing the recess 34 formed downstream of the front surface of the holding member.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be particularly useful where the medallion has another function beside its role as displaying inscriptions, loges or personal initials. For example, the personalization device may be used in association with a golf divot tool. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a divot tool is shown at 40. The head portion of the divot tool 40 has the holding member 30 of the personalization device molded or integrally formed therein. The recess 34 formed on the holding member 30 enables easy release of a medallion. Therefore, the medallion in this embodiment serves dual purposes, namely, as a ball marker upon release from the divot tool, and as a means for displaying personalized markings when placed in the divot tool.

The shapes of the personalization device of the present disclosure may vary depending on different factors, including design choices. Non-limiting examples include a triangular (as shown in, for example, FIG. 1), a circular device 200 shown in FIG. 11 which has the circular holding device 50 shown in FIG. 8 and a rectangular device 300 shown in FIG. 12 which has the rectangular holding device 60 shown in FIG. 9. A number of other different shapes may be used depending on a number of different factors.

Furthermore, although magnet has been used as an example of the attachment means 14, other types of attachment mechanism well known in the art may also be used. For example, the attachment means may be conventional bonding agents, such as epoxy adhesives and glues 51 applied on the surface of the holding member (as roughly shown in FIG. 8), or double sided adhesive tapes (not shown). A combination of any of these attachment means may also be used. For example, the magnets may be used in combination with double sided tapes. The choice of attachment means may vary depending on materials of the holding member and/or items with which the personalization device is used.

The personalization device of the present disclosure can be placed on an item by a number of different methods. For example, as shown in the embodiment of the divot tool, the personalization device may be integrally formed in a personal item.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the personalization device may be affixed to a personal item by using a bonding agent, such as commercial adhesive.

In another embodiment, the personalization device may be sewn into an item made from flexible material.

In another alternative embodiment where the personal item is made from pierceable material, the personalization device may include additional features that help fasten it to the item. This embodiment is illustrated with reference to the holding members 60 and 70 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 9, the holding member 60 has an outer wall 62 and includes a pair of arms 64 extending outwardly from the back of the holding member 60.

Referring more specifically to FIG. 10, the holding member 70 of the personalization device has an outer wall 72, and includes a pair of arms 74 extending outwardly from the back of the holding member 70. The pair of arms 74 are configured to pass through the pierceable material of the personal item, thereby serving as fasteners. In this embodiment. the personalization device may also include a back plate 76 having a pair of holes 78 formed therein. Once the pair of arms on the back of the holding member 70 has passed through the pierceable material, the back plate 76 is used to receive the arms 74 through the holes 78 formed in the back plate, thereby assisting in securing and fastening of the holding member 70 to the item. FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of the personalization device 400 including the medallion 20, the holding member 70 and the back plate 76.

The placing of the personalization device on a personal item may be done during manufacturing processes.

Alternatively, in particular, where the personalization device can be affixed by using a bonding agent, consumers may purchase the personalization devices for “on-the-spot” application to the items. For the latter embodiment, the personalization device may be provided with means that enables the consumers to readily affix the personalization device to the items. According to one embodiment, the personalization device may be provided with an adhesive which has been pre-applied at the back of the holding member. In this embodiment, a protective tape may be applied to the adhesive, so that the consumers can simply peel off the protective tape prior to affixing the personalization device to the items.

The customization of the medallion can easily be done by mass production of customized medallions bearing particular logos, group identity, or any other inscriptions that suit the interest of each group, retailer or corporate. Alternatively, ready-made medallions may be purchased that bear pre-inscribed writings and/or images. The consumers will then choose from different combinations of initials, names, greetings or any other expressions.

In another embodiment, at least two personalization devices may be used for one item. In this embodiment, one of the at least two personalization devices may be configured for a medallion having personal markings, such as a person's initials, while the other personalization device may be configured for a medallion having a group identity or a company logo marked thereon. Therefore, the personalization device may be used for any type of consumers, including corporations, retailers, particular interest groups, or even individual consumers. The embodiments of the present disclosure make personalizing items more efficient and cost-effective, as it is suitable for mass-production as well as on-the-spot personalization.

The device can be used for any personal products made from rigid or flexible material. Non-limiting examples of such products include accessories, gadgets, tools, clothing, foot wares, stationaries, sporting goods, bottles, flasks for holding liquid, personal electronic devices, and the like. Non limiting examples of the accessories may include hats, purses, wallets, travel bags, luggage, suitcases, suit bags, key holders, lighters, and the like. Sporting goods may include sporting equipment, devices and accessories.

Some examples of the personal items having the personalization device of the present disclosure are shown in FIGS. 14 to 25. Specifically, FIG. 14 shows a portfolio case 110; FIG. 15 shows a portfolio type binder 112 showing two sets of the personalization devices 110, FIG. 16 shows a credit card holder 114; FIG. 17 shows a pouch 116; FIG. 18 shows a wallet 118; FIG. 19 shows a suitcase 120; FIG. 20 shows a key holder 122; FIG. 21 shows a flask 124; FIG. 22 shows a luggage tag 126; FIG. 23 shows a torch type lighter 128; FIG. 24 shows a shoe tree 130; and FIG. 25 shows a bottle opener 132.

In the examples shown herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that where a personalization device 100 is shown on one side a second personalization device 100 may be on the other side of the personal item. Thus one medallion may be a company logo and the other medallion may be the users initials. As well, it will be appreciated that some of the personalization shown herein have the holder portion integrally formed in the personal item itself as shown with regard to the divot tool 40, FIGS. 6 and 7; the flask 124, FIG. 21; torch type lighter 128, FIG. 23; and bottle opener 132, FIG. 25.

The items listed above are for the purpose of illustration only. It is to be noted that the personalization device can be used with any goods and objects that require or desire customization. In one example, the personalization device can be used for personalizing furniture.

Generally speaking, the embodiments described herein are directed to personalization devices. However, the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, and it should be understood that the disclosure herein may be embodied in many various and alternative forms. The Figures are not to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular elements while related elements may have been eliminated to prevent obscuring novel aspects. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure. For purposes of teaching and not limitation, the illustrated embodiments are directed to personalization devices.

As used herein, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed as being inclusive and opened rather than exclusive. Specifically, when used in this specification including the claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or components are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

Claims

1. A personalization device adapted to be placed on a surface of a personal item, said device comprising:

a medallion having markings thereon;

a holding member having a front surface configured to receive and hold the medallion, the holding member comprising a recess on the front surface, such that the recess creates a stepped structure wherein a lower step is defined by the recess and an upper step is in contact with the medallion; and

attachment means for attaching the medallion to the holding member,

wherein said attachment means is on the upper step of the front surface of the holding member.

2. The device according to claim 1 wherein said attachment means is a magnet.

3. The kit according to claim 16 wherein said attachment means comprises a magnet, an adhesive, a double sided sticker, and a combination thereof.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member further comprises an outer wall extending upwardly from, and surrounding the front surface of the holding member, and wherein the outer wall and the front surface of the holding member define an inner chamber for receiving and holding the medallion.

5. The kit according to claim 21, wherein the inner chamber has substantially the same dimension as the medallion.

6. The kit according to claim 16, wherein the device is adapted to be integrally formed on the surface of the personal item.

7. The kit according to claim 16 wherein the device is adapted for attachment to the surface of the personal item.

8. The kit according to claim 16, the personal item is selected from the group consisting of personal accessories, gadgets, tools, clothing, foot wares, stationaries, sporting goods, bottles, flasks for holding liquid, and electronic devices.

9. The kit according to 8, the personal accessories are selected from the group consisting of hats, purses, wallets, travel bags, luggage, suitcases, suit bags, key holders and lighters.

10. The device according to claim 1 wherein the personal item includes articles made from rigid material and the holding member is integrally molded into the rigid articles.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the personal item includes articles made from flexible material and the holding member further comprises a pair of arms extending outwardly from the back of the holding member, and the pair of arms are configured to pass through the flexible material of the personal item.

12. The kit according to claim 16, wherein the personal item is made from flexible material and the holding member further comprises a pair of arms extending outwardly from the back of the holding member, and the pair of arms are configured to pass through the flexible material of the personal item.

13. The kit according to claim 12, further comprising a back plate having a pair of holes formed therein, wherein the holes are configured to receive and secure the pair of arms passed through the flexible material.

14. The kit device according to claim 16, wherein the holding member for the first medallion further comprises a recess formed on a portion of the front surface, the recess being configured for creating a stepped structure wherein a lower step is defined by the recess and an upper step includes the attachment means.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the lower step defined by the recess is formed adjacent to a bottom part of the front surface of the holding member.

16. A personalization kit for a personal item, comprising:

at least two medallions having markings thereon; and

at least two holding members, each having a front surface configured to receive and hold the medallion; and

said holding member having an attachment means formed on the front surface, said attachment means being adapted to attach the medallion to the holding member,

wherein the first medallion is adapted for removable attachment to the personalization device, and the second medallion is adapted for substantially non-removable attachment,

wherein said first and second medallions are adapted for simultaneously personalizing the same personal item.

17. (canceled)

18. The kit according to claim 16, wherein the first medallion has personalized markings, and the second medallion has a company logo marked thereon.

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. The kit according to claim 16, wherein the holding member further comprises an outer wall extending upwardly from, and surrounding the front surface of the holding member, and wherein the outer wall and the front surface of the holding member defines an inner chamber for the medallion.

22. A personal item having at least two personalization means integrally formed therein,

each of said at least two personalization means comprising: a medallion having markings thereon; a holding portion formed on the at least one surface of the item, said holding member having a front surface configured to receive and hold the medallion; attachment means for attaching the medallion to the holding portion, said attachment means formed on the front surface of the holding portion,

wherein the medallion of a first personalization means is adapted for removable attachment and the medallion of a second personalization means is adapted for substantially non-removable attachment to the personalization device.

23. The personal item according to claim 22 wherein the personal item has at least two outer surfaces and the personalization means is formed on each of said two outer surfaces.

24. The personal item according to claim 22 wherein the personal item is made from rigid material and the holding portion of the personalization means is integrally molded into the rigid personal item.

25. The personal item according to claim 22 wherein the medallion of the first personalization device has personalized markings, and the medallion of the second personalization device has a company logo marked thereon.

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. The personal item claim 22, wherein the holding portion of the personalization means further comprises an outer wall extending upwardly from, and surrounding the front surface of the holding portion, and wherein the outer wall and the front surface of the holding portion defines an inner chamber for the medallion.

29. The personal item according to claim 22 wherein the holding portion for the medallion adapted for removable attachment further comprises a recess formed on a portion of the front surface, the recess being configured for creating a stepped structure wherein a lower step is defined by the recess and an upper step includes the attachment means.

30. The personal item according to claim 22 wherein the personal item is made from flexible material and the holding portion of the personalization means further comprises a pair of arms extending outwardly from the back of the holding portion, and the pair of arms are configured to pass through said flexible material.

31. The personal item according to claim 30, wherein the personalization means further comprises a back plate having a pair of holes formed therein, wherein the holes are configured to receive and secure the pair of arms passed through the flexible material.

32. A holding device adapted to be placed on a surface of a personal item, said device comprising:

a front surface configured to receive and hold a medallion having markings thereon; and

a recess formed on a portion of the front surface, such that the recess creates a stepped structure wherein a lower step is defined by the recess and an upper step is in contact with the medallion;

attachment means for attaching the medallion to the holding member,

wherein said attachment means is on the upper step of the front surface of the holding device.

33. The device according to claim 1 wherein said lower step of the recess provides a space for the medallion to be pressed down against the holding member and released therefrom.

34. The kit according to claim 14, wherein said lower step of the recess in the holding member provides a space for the first medallion to be pressed down against the holding member and released therefrom.

35. The personal item according to claim 29, wherein said lower step of the recess provides a space for the medallion to be pressed down against the holding portion and released therefrom.