WO2010008414A1

WO2010008414A1 - Apparel attachable detachable display frame

Info

Publication number: WO2010008414A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/088031
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael A. Forte; Joseph M. Geraci
Original assignee: Forte Michael A; Geraci Joseph M
Priority date: 2008-07-14
Filing date: 2008-12-22
Publication date: 2010-01-21
Also published as: US20100005694A1

Abstract

A garment display frame that provides apparel with at least one display frame releasably incorporated into said apparel where the apparel has a part of a mating pair of fasteners and the display frame has the other part. The display frame has a border mounted to the edge of the display frame with a plastic transparent or translucent receptacle bound thereby having a pocket so that the user can insert a visual display of their choosing therein. Also, the apparel display frame has a receptacle that can be incorporated into any garment so that a user can selectively insert any picture, image, message, graphic or artwork as desired.

Description

APPAREL ATTACHABLE DETACHABLE DISPLAY FRAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, generally, to displays and, more specifically, to a garment display frame that provides apparel with at least one display frame releasably incorporated into said apparel where the apparel has one part of a mating pair of fasteners and the display frame has the other part. The display frame has a border mounted to the edge of the display frame with a plastic transparent or translucent receptacle bound thereby having a pocket so that the user can insert a visual display of their choosing therein.

The apparel display frame has a receptacle that can be incorporated into any garment so that a user can selectively insert any picture, image, message, graphic or artwork as desired. The garment has a first part of a mating fastener while the display frame has the second part incorporated therein whereby the display frame can be removed prior to washing the garment. As illustrated, the garment has at least one display frame of any shape thereon that can occur on any part of the garment forming an integral part therewith.

Description of the Prior Art

There are other apparel pocket-like devices designed for display that are generally known to the prior art. Representative of the art known to the inventors are the following: Kahn, U.S. Patent No. 2,527,258, issued October 24, 1950; Leichter, U.S. Patent No. 2,589,409, issued March 18, 1952; Rassner, U.S. Patent No. 2,647,261, issued August 4, 1953; Chrisman, U.S. Patent No. 2,685,690, issued August 10, 1954; Eilen, U.S. Patent No. 2,986,743, issued June 6, 1961 ; Culmone, U.S. Patent No. 3,484,974, issued December 23, 1969; Slezak, U.S. Patent No. 3,724,101, issued April 3, 1973; Whitle, U.S. Patent No. 4,651,355, issued March 24, 1987; Zevchak, U.S. Patent No. 5,054,127, issued October 8, 1991; Galler et at, U.S. Patent No. 6,035,449, issued March 14, 2000; Power, U.K. Patent Application No. 2,278,534, published July 12, 1994; and Manfre, Canada Patent No. 2,219,826.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a display frame that is attachable and detachable from an article of apparel.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a display frame that is attachable and detachable from an article able to be carried.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a display frame having a first fastener member forming an integral part therewith and a mating fastener member attached to said apparel forming an integral part therewith whereby said display from is attachable and removable.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a transparent or translucent portion for exhibiting a user desired graphic, picture or indicia therefrom.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a display frame having a border encompassing the display portion forming a frame for said display portion and means of attachment for said fastening elements.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide the display frame with at least one side that is releasably sealable whereby said display item can be inserted and secured therein.

The foregoing and related objects are achieved by the present invention, which provides a display frame that is attachable and detachable from apparel or portable article such as pocketbook having means for inserting a personalized placard, such as a picture, indicia or graphic creating a Freedom of Speech Frame ("F.O.S.") This F.O.S. trend idea allows consumers or companies to use it either for personal or commercial use. It gives them an easily mobile, portable frame that can be removed as an accessory item worn with their own clothing that gives an individual easy access within the frame so they can display, advertise anything they so desire and want to share publicly. This F.O.S. frame is made of clear plastic or clear plastic-matte finish with a border that resembles a picture frame that varies with a special fabric that is attached, either being sewn, or with Velcro, snaps, buttons or zippers so that the item which is placed inside this frame is secured and not able to slide, as well as being easily viewed through the plastic-like sleeve. This frame permits freedom of expression within the limits of the law to anyone who wishes to wear it. The user can alter and change the item in the frame as often and as conveniently to reflect one's own interest. This new frame allows individuals or companies to advertise or display temporarily, as they wish, but still keep their own personal taste of apparel or clothing which reflects their own personality. It allows individuals or companies to alter or to recycle the messages or to display items. This will avoid waste and avoid outdated items that are no longer of interest. Due to our technological computer driven society, the display frame permits individuals or companies to utilize their skills and be their own advertiser maker thus being current and up to date with the times on a day to day basis. This idea allows one to have more control of printed material worn on one's own body. This idea not only saves the individual money by not having to buy, for example multiple T-shirts or garments one wants displayed on oneself. It also allows the messages or printed material to be more intricate, tasteful and professional since there are no limitations. Freedom of expression, one of our fundamental human rights, will be enhanced by this product since each individual will decide the words and pictures that are to be displayed.

Every individual will have the responsibility to know and understand the current "freedom of speech laws" as they apply to the display. This F.O.S. Trend item has many uses such as famous quotes, personal sayings in words, school clubs, sports or celebrity photos, school sports teams, anniversary photos for celebrations, birthday party celebrations and holidays. For example, for St. Patrick's Day one can wear an Irish Flag or show photographs of oneself or family members in Ireland or display "one's own pet" in a green leprechaun hat. Non-profit organizations, conventions, corporate training or artists who want to show their own art work through photos, photographers, or entrepreneurs can advertise their own business. Individuals can show political support for candidates or views on specific issues, positive affirmations, poems, personal photos of loved ones, family or family reunions, vacations, music or movie related items, pet photos, spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, blog articles legal to print, computer frames with chips that display slide shows, display cartoons, jokes, and comic book related paraphernalia. The uses are endless based on one's interest. This idea will be marketed to men, women, children over 6 years of age, as well as any business or corporation that wants to display a message or anyone who wishes to advertise. The F.O.S. frame will be displayed within an accessory apparel that uses elastic or webbing or straps with suspender clips with plastic inserts, Velcro, zippers, sateen fabric, or a fabric design used for a frame style, as well as clear plastic or clear plastic-matte finish with certain items sewn to various parts, if required for personal or commercial use.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when considered in view of the following detailed description of the invention, which provides certain preferred embodiments and examples of the present invention.

It should, however, be noted that the accompanying drawing figures and detailed description thereof is intended to discuss and explain only certain embodiments of the claimed invention and is not intended as a means for defining the limits and scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In the drawing, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar features throughout the several views:

FlG. 1 is an illustrative view of the garment display frame of the present invention in use;

FIG. 2 is an illustrated view of the display frame attachable to dungarees; FIG. 3 is an illustrative view of another garment having a display frame positioned on a shirt pocket;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view of a garment and display frame of the present invention;

FIG. 4 A is an illustrative view of a garment and display frame of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is an illustrative view of a garment and display frame of the present invention;

FIG. 4C is an illustrative view of a garment and display frame of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view of a garment and a plurality of display frames;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an illustrative view of the garment display frame;

FIG. 8 is an illustrative view of an additional fastener for the garment display frame;

FIG. 9 is an illustrative view of a garment and a plurality of zippered display frames;

FIG. 9A is an illustrative view of a garment and a plurality of zippered display frames;

FIG. 10 is an illustrative view of an additional fastener for the garment display frame;

FIG. 11 is an illustrative view of a garment and a plurality of display frames; and,

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION QF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In the drawing, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar features throughout the several views: FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the garment display frame of the present invention 10 in use. The present invention 10 provides apparel 14 with at least one display frame 12 releasably incorporated therein with mating fastener elements on the apparel 14 and the display frame 12. The display frame 12 has a border 16 mounted to the edge with a transparent plastic window 18 covering a pocket so that the user 20 can insert a visual display item 22 of their choosing therein.

FIG. 2 is an illustrated view of the display frame 12 attachable to dungaree apparel 14. The apparel display frame 12 has a frame border 16 and a receptacle 24 behind the plastic window 18 so that a user can selectively insert any picture, image, message, graphic or artword as desired. The apparel 14 and display frame 12 have mating fastener elements 26 whereby the display frame 12 can be removed prior to washing the apparel 14. As illustrated the apparel 14 has at least one display frame 12 of any shape thereon that can occur on any part of the apparel 14 forming an integral part therewith.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative view of the present invention 10 having a display frame 12 positioned on a shirt pocket 28. The garment display frame 12 is comprised of a transparent or translucent window 18 bonded on three edges to a backing 30 forming a receptacle 24 with a border 16 therearound having the mating fastener elements 26 attached thereto. The backing 30 formed of similar material or a cloth material such as satin or other fabric.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view of an apparel garment 14 and display frame 12of the present invention 10. Shown is an apparel garment 14 having the display frame 12 stitched 32 thereon with an access opening 34 forming closure for the displayed item. The closure fastener 36 for the access opening 34 is shown as Velcro (trademark) 38 but is selectable from the group of snap, Velcro, zipper and button. The present invention 10 provides that a plurality of the aforementioned fasteners can be mixed and matched and is not limited to a single fastener type for a garment. The apparel can be with or without sleeves, vest style, shirt, pants or jacket. FIG. 4A is an illustrative view of a jacket 40 and display frame 12 of the present invention 10. Shown are the fastener elements 26 being snaps 42 so the display window 12 can be removed prior to washing. The closure fastener 36 for the receptacle is shown as a snap 42 but is selectable from the group of snap, Velcro, zipper and button.

FIG. 4B is an illustrative view of a jacket 40 and display frame 12 of the present invention 10. Shown is the jacket 40 having the display frame 12 releasably attached having the fastener elements 26 being engagable lengths of Velcro 38 fastened to apparel with the complementary Velcro 38 members fastened to the display frame border 16 thereby removable prior to washing.

FIG. 4C is an illustrative view of the apparel 14 being a jacket 40 with the display frame 12 of the present invention 10. Shown is the apparel 14 having the display frame 12 stitched 32 thereon with an access opening 34 for inserting the displayed item.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view of an apparel 14 item having a plurality of display frames 12. The present invention 10 provides that the apparel 14 may have a plurality of display frames 12 of various shapes using a plurality of fastening elements 26 taken from the group of snap, Velcro, zipper, button and sewn. The present invention 10 provides apparel 14 with at least one display frame 12 releasably incorporated into said apparel 14 where the apparel 14 has a part of a mating pair of fastener elements 26 and the display frame 12 has the other part. The display frame 12 has a border 16 mounted to the edge of the display frame 12 with a plastic transparent or translucent window 18 bound thereby having a pocket so that the user can insert a visual display 22 of their choice.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the present invention 10. Shown is the display frame 12 mounted to an apparel 14 item having snap 42 fastener elements 26 for attaching and detaching the garment display frame 12 as an accessory item to a garment. The user inserts a displayable item within the frame receptacle.

FlG. 7 is an illustrative view of the garment display frame 12, which shows the garment display frame 12 of the present invention 10 comprising a garment using Velcro 38 wherein the apparel 14 has a first mating fastening member forming an integral part therewith and the display frame has a mating fastening member whereby the display frame 12 can be selectively attached to the garment with the display having a receptacle for receiving a user selected visual display 22 therein.

FIG. 8 is an illustrative view of a fastener element 26 for the garment display frame 12. Shown is an additional means for fastening the garment display frame 12 of the present invention 10 comprising lengths of Velcro 38 incorporated onto the apparel 14 with the display frame 12 having the mating Velcro 38 member whereby the display frame 12 can be selectively mounted and dismounted from the apparel 14 as desired. The display frame 12 has a receptacle for receiving a user selected display therein.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative view of a garment 14 and a plurality of zippered display frames 12. The present invention 10 provides that a garment 14 may have a plurality of display frames 12 of various shapes using a plurality of fastening elements 26 taken from the group of snap, Velcro, zipper 42, button and sewn. The present invention 10 provides apparel 14 with at least one display frame 12 releasably incorporated into said apparel 14 where the apparel 14 has a part of a mating pair of fastener elements 26 and the display frame 12 has the other part. The display frame 12 has a border 16 mounted to the edge of the display frame 12 with a plastic transparent or translucent window 18 bound thereby having a pocket so that the user can insert a visual display.

FIG. 9A is an illustrative view of a garment 14 and a plurality of zippered display frames 12. The present invention 10 provides that a garment 14 may have a plurality of display frames 12 of various shapes using a plurality of fastening elements 26 taken from the group of snap, Velcro, zipper 42, button and sewn. The present invention 10 provides apparel 14 with at least one display frame 12 releasably incorporated into said apparel 14 where the apparel 14 has a part of a mating pair of fastener elements 26 and the display frame 12 has the other part. The display frame 12 has a border 16 mounted to the edge of the display frame 12 with a plastic transparent or translucent window 18 bound thereby having a pocket so that the user can insert a visual display 22. FIG. 10 is an illustrative view of an additional fastener element 26 for the garment display frame 12. Shown is an additional means for fastening the garment display frame 12 of the present invention 10 comprising lengths of zipper 44 incorporated onto the garment 12 with the display frame 14 having the mating zipper 44 track member whereby the display frame 12 can be selectively mounted and dismounted from the garment 14 as desired.

FIG. 11 is an illustrative view of a garment 14 and a plurality of display frames 12. The present invention 10 provides that a garment 14 may have a plurality of display frames 12 of various shapes using a plurality of fastening members 26 taken from the group of snap, Velcro, zipper, button 46 and sewn. The present invention 10 provides apparel 14 with at least one display frame 12 releasably incorporated into said apparel 14 where the apparel 14 has a plurality of buttons 46 and the display frame 12 has corresponding button holes 48. The display frame 12 has a border 16 mounted to the edge of the display frame 12 with a plastic transparent or translucent window 18 bound thereby having a pocket so that the user can insert a visual display of their choice.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the present invention 10. Shown is the display frame 12 getting mounted to a garment 14 having buttons 46 and button holes 48 for attaching and detaching the garment display frame 12 as an accessory item to a garment 14. The user inserts a displayable item within the frame receptacle.

While only several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

List of Reference Numerals

attachable/detachable garment display frame garment display frame apparel/garment frame border plastic window user visual display item receptacle fastener element shirt pocket backing of 12 stitching access opening closure fastener for 34 Velcro jacket snap zipper button button hole

Claims

1. A garment display frame comprising: a receptacle interior to said frame; a window exterior to and adjacent said receptacle; a border peripheral to said window; an access opening providing access to said receptacle; and, means for removably affixing said frame to a garment.

2. The garment display frame according to Claim 1, wherein said window is selected from translucent and transparent material.

3. The garment display frame according to Claim 2, wherein said window is clear plastic.

4. The garment display frame according to Claim 3, wherein said means for removably affixing said frame to a garment is selected from the group of snaps, Velcro, zippers, buttons and sewing stitches.

5. The garment display frame according to Claim 4, further comprising a closure fastener for securing said access opening.

6. The garment display frame according to Claim 5, wherein said closure fastener for said receptacle is selected from the group of snaps, Velcro, zippers and buttons.

7. The garment display frame according to Claim 5, wherein said receptacle is formed by said window bonding on three edges to a backing, said backing having said affixing means attached thereto.

8. The garment display frame according to Claim 6, further comprising a display item contained within said receptacle such that said display item is displayed through said window.

9. An item of display apparel comprising: an item of apparel; a display frame; a receptacle interior to said frame; a window exterior to and adjacent said receptacle; a border peripheral to said window; an access opening providing access to said receptacle; and, means for removably affixing said frame to said item of apparel.

10. The item of display apparel according to Claim 9, wherein said window is selected from translucent and transparent material.

1 1. The item of display apparel according to Claim 10, wherein said window is clear plastic.

12. The item of display apparel according to Claim 11, wherein said means for removably affixing said frame to said item of apparel is selected from the group of snaps, Velcro, zippers, buttons and sewing stitches.

13. The item of display apparel according to Claim 12, further comprising a closure fastener for securing said access opening.

14. An item of display apparel according to Claim 13, wherein said closure fastener for said receptacle is selected from the group of snaps, Velcro, zippers and buttons.

15. The garment display frame according to Claim 13, wherein said receptacle is formed by said window bonding on three edges to a backing, said backing having said affixing means attached thereto.

16. The item of display apparel according to Claim 14, further comprising a display item contained within said receptacle such that said display item is displayed through said window.

17. The item of display apparel according to Claim 14, wherein said item of display apparel is an article of clothing.

18. The item of display apparel according to Claim 17, wherein said article of clothing is selected from the group of shirts, jackets, jeans, slacks, shorts, skirts and dresses.

19. The item of display apparel according to Claim 14, wherein said item of display apparel is a backpack.

20. The item of display apparel according to Claim 14, wherein said item of display apparel contains a plurality of said frames.

21. A method of displaying a display item on an item of display apparel comprising the steps: providing an item of display apparel having a display frame, a receptacle interior to said frame, a transparent window exterior to and adjacent said receptacle, a border peripheral to said window, an access opening providing access to said receptacle, and means for removably affixing said frame to said item of apparel; removably affixing said frame to said item of display apparel; and, placing a display item in said receptacle so that said display item is viewable through said window.

22. The method of displaying a display item on an item of display apparel according to Claim 21, wherein said frame is removably affixed to said item of apparel by means selected from the group of snaps, Velcro, zippers, buttons and sewing stitches.

23. The method of displaying a display item on an item of display apparel according to Claim 22, further comprising the step of closing said access opening by means selected from the group of snaps, Velcro, zippers and buttons.

24. The method of displaying a display item on an item of display apparel according to Claim 23, wherein said frame is removably affixed to an article of clothing.

25. The method of displaying a display item on an item of display apparel according to claim 24, wherein said frame is removably affixed to an article of clothing selected from shirts, jackets, jeans, slacks, shorts, skirts and dresses.