WO2011130704A2

WO2011130704A2 - Customizable award and recognition system

Info

Publication number: WO2011130704A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/032779
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dan Nelson
Original assignee: Making Memories Wholesale, Inc.
Priority date: 2010-04-15
Filing date: 2011-04-15
Publication date: 2011-10-20
Also published as: WO2011130704A3

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing a customizable award and recognition system having a number of components, which can be selected by a user to provide a unique and customizable look and feel while also communicating a desired message to a recipient of a customized award. The customizable award and recognition system can include a plurality of sentiments selectable by a user, each sentiment comprising a sentiment blank and an associated sentiment message, the sentiment message typically communicating a message, such as a congratulatory message, a condolence message, an award message, a remembrance message, a space for a personalized message, or any of a variety of other sentiments. A customizable sentiment display component is also provided. The customizable sentiment display component includes two or more components, which are selectable and interchanged or interchangeable to provide a desired look and feel and which are adapted to have the sentiment secured thereto.

Description

CUSTOMIZABLE AWARD AND RECOGNITION SYSTEM

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0001] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a customized award having a sentiment and a customizable sentiment display component.

[0002] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a rosette, which may be one component of the customized award illustrated in Figure 1 .

[0003] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a sentiment, which may be one component of the customized award illustrated in Figure 1 .

[0004] Figure 4 is a perspective view of streamers, which may be included in the customized award illustrated in Figure 1 .

[0005] Figure 5 is a perspective view of streamers, as depicted in Figure 4, which are secured to a base, and which may be included in the customized award illustrated in Figure 1 .

[0006] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a rosette, such as the rosette illustrated in

Figure 2, that is secured to streamers, such as the streamers in Figure 4, and that may be included in the customized award illustrated in Figure 1 .

[0007] Figure 7A is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a customized award.

[0008] Figure 7B is a rear perspective view of a customized award, which illustrates an envelope and a note attached to the back of the customized award.

[0009] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a plurality of accessories that can be added to a customized award to contribute variety and an increased level of customization.

[0010] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a variety of sentiment display components, which may be included in a customized award.

[0011] Figure 10 illustrates a plurality of configuration components, which include a decorative component and which also can allow for the creation of a customized award in a desired configuration.

[0012] Figure 1 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a customized award that is configured as a wand.

[0013] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a customized award that is configured as a party hat. [0014] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a customized award that is configured as a medal.

[0015] Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of customizable awards that are configured as lanyards, together with a plurality of user-selectable sentiments.

[0016] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of customizable awards that are configured as medals, together with a plurality of user-selectable sentiments.

[0017] Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of a customized award utilizing ribbon and/or paper machet rosettes.

[0018] Figure 17A illustrates an exploded perspective view of one embodiment in which an edible component may be affixed to a customizable sentiment.

[0019] Figure 17B illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 17A.

[0020] Figure 18 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a customized award, including adhesive components that may allow for assembly of the customized award without tools.

[0021] Figure 19 illustrates one embodiment of a method for producing a customizable award.

[0022] Figure 20 illustrates one embodiment of a customizable award configured as a detachable memento removeably attached to a greeting card.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for creating customizable awards. According to various embodiments, customizable awards may be configured as ribbons, medals, lanyards, hats, wands, and other forms. Various embodiments may allow a user to select the configuration of the customized award and to select the individual components to be used in the customized award. According to certain embodiments, a user may select a desired configuration from a plurality of available configurations (e.g., a ribbon, a wand, a hat, a medal, etc.), and the user may select desired components from a plurality of available components (e.g., a plurality of sentiments, a plurality of rosettes, etc.) to provide a customized award.

[0024] The customized award may allow the user to present an award with customized appearance and message to the recipient of the customized award. According to certain embodiments, the customizable award may include a plurality of sentiments selectable by a user, each sentiment comprising a sentiment blank and a sentiment message. A wide variety of sentiment messages may be available to a user in order to allow the user to create an award that is customized for a particular occasion {e.g., a birthday, an anniversary, an expression of congratulations, an expression of condolences, an award, a remembrance, and the like). Various embodiments may also allow a user to select a desired sentiment display component from a plurality of available sentiment display components {e.g., a rosette, a star, a medal, etc.).

[0025] According to various embodiments, a plurality of the components of the customizable award within each of a plurality of categories {e.g., sentiments, sentiment displays, rosettes, streamers, and accessories) may be interchangeable. For example, each of a plurality of rosettes may receive one of an interchangeable plurality of sentiments. Similarly, each of the plurality of streamers may be configured so as to be interchangeable and usable with each of a plurality of rosettes. Interchangeability may be furthered through use of similar dimensions, similar and/or complementary colors , similar materials, and other criteria associated with interchangeable components.

[0026] According to still other embodiments, the components of a customizable award may be configured to allow assembly of a customizable award without additional supplies or tools. For example, each component may include one or more securing elements that a user may employ to assemble the customized award. Securing elements may include adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or other suitable elements for assembling a plurality of components to a customizable award.

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a customized award 10, having a sentiment component 12 and a sentiment display component 14, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, customized award 10 is configured as a ribbon. In the illustrated embodiment, the sentiment display component 14 comprises a rosette, a configuration component 16, a streamer 18, and an accessory 20. Configuration component 16, according to the illustrated embodiment, comprises a base that a user may employ to secure sentiment display component 14 to streamer 18. Configuration component 16 may allow a user to structure customized award 10 in a desired configuration. According to other embodiments, which are described and illustrated herein, a variety of alternative configurations may be realized, including a wand, a hat, a lanyard, a medal, and the like.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, a sentiment component 12 is depicted. Sentiment component 12 may be selected by a user from a plurality of available sentiment components. For example, at a point-of-sale a plurality of sentiment components 12 may be displayed, and a user may select a sentiment that is suitable for a particular occasion or event. The plurality of sentiment components may include a wide variety of messages, such as a message of congratulation, a message of condolence, an award, or other message.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, sentiment display component 14 and sentiment component 12 are secured relative to streamers 18 utilizing configuration component 16, which is shown in phantom lines. Configuration component 16 may provide stability to sentiment display component 14 and streamers 18. Streamers 18 extend downward from sentiment display component 14 and provide a desired configuration and stylistic look and feel to the customized award. Accessory 20 is also depicted. One or more accessories may be included in a customized award 10 in order to provide variety and an enhanced degree of customization.

[0030] A variety of types and configurations of different components may be available to a user for customizing a particular award. For example, the size, shape, color, pattern, number of ridges, and/or height of ridges of the rosette can be altered to provide a different rosette look and feel. Alternatively, a sentiment component having a different message, shape, size, color, and/or design can be utilized. According to other embodiments, the number, length, configuration and selection of streamers 18 can be modified.

[0031] Figures 2-6 illustrate a plurality of components that may be utilized, according to various embodiments, to create a customized award, such as the customized award illustrated in Figure 1 . The components illustrated in Figures 2-6 are representative of a wide variety of components in each category from which a user may select desired components for creating a customized award.

[0032] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of sentiment display component 14. According to the illustrated embodiment, sentiment display component 14 comprises a rosette. According to various embodiments, rosettes may be formed utilizing a prescored rosette strip, a homemade rosette, a prefabricated rosette, or using other methods. In the illustrated embodiment, sentiment display component 14 includes a plurality of peaks 32, valleys 34, flat portions 36, outside edge portions 38, and an inside diameter portion 39. Peaks 32 and valleys 34 form an accordion type design that forms the three dimensional aspect of the rosette. The radial configuration of the illustrated sentiment display component 14 is such that the peaks are arranged tightly together along the inside diameter portion and radially extend outward, such that there is a greater separation along the outside edge portion. According to alternative embodiments, a rosette or other sentiment display component 14 may be provided having different colors, sizes, three dimensional shapes and sizes, materials, edge features, and the like. In some embodiments, a user may select from a plurality of rosettes that are prescored and/or prescalloped, which may be assembled by the user by folding along one or more prescored grooves and then radially manipulated such that the first end is secured to a second end. Various systems and embodiments for creating rosettes, including rosettes using prescored and/or prescalloped components are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/345,971 , titled Cutting Tool, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/324,684, titled Preformed Rosette Strips.

[0033] Figure 3 depicts a sentiment component 12 utilized in connection with customized award 10. As discussed above, sentiment component 12 is representative of a category of sentiment components from which a user may select a particular sentiment having a desired message for a particular occasion. For example, the plurality of sentiments from which a user may select may include sentiments having a congratulatory message, a condolence message, an award message, a remembrance message, a personalized message, and the like.

[0034] Sentiment component 12 may comprise a sentiment area 22, an edge design 24, and a message 26. According to the illustrated embodiment, sentiment component 12 includes a primary design component 28 and a supplemental design component 29. One or more of the elements of sentiment component 12 may be configured to provide a personalized message and/or customizable look and feel, thus allowing the creator to create a unique gift.

[0035] Figure 4 depicts streamers 18, which are utilized as a flourish in customized award 10. Streamers 18 are provided as an illustrative example of one design; however, a user may select from a plurality of streamers or other components in creating a customized award. Streamers 18 may comprise ribbons, feathers, paper elements, fabric material, lace, string, yarn or other selectable features. The illustrated embodiment includes a primary streamer component 41 , secondary streamer component 42, and supplemental streamer component 40. By selecting multiple streamer components a user can provide a unique and customizable look and feel to the streamer portion of the customized award. According to some embodiments, a sentiment component may optionally be secured directly to streamers 18.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, streamer 18 has a first end 46, a second end 48, an elongate portion 50 and design features 52. First end 46 may be adapted to be secured to a base (not shown) or other feature of the sentiment display component (not shown). Second end 48 may be unsecured to provide moveability and can be shaped to provide a desired look and feel. According to alternative embodiments, streamer 18 may include other design features, including lights, designs, text, and other design elements.

[0037] Figure 5 illustrates streamers 18, as depicted in Figure 4, which are secured to a configuration component 16. Configuration component 16 may be used to secure the other components of the customized award to each other. Alternatively, configuration component 16 can provide a design feature, which may allow for further customization of the customized award. In the illustrated embodiment, configuration component 16 includes an inner portion 56 and an outer portion 58, which may be utilized by a user to create a desired look and feel. For example, outer portion 58 may be used to attach ribbon or some other material to base 56.

[0038] Figure 6 depicts sentiment display component 14, which is secured to the configuration component and streamers 18, as shown in Figure 5. Following the process of securing the configuration component and streamers 18 to sentiment display component 14, a user may secure a desired sentiment component and/or accessories.

[0039] Figure 7A illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of a customized award 1 1 . The embodiment in Figure 7 is distinct from the embodiment of the customized award in Figure 1 in both its style and the message it conveys. These differences are merely representative of the various options from which a user may select to create a customized award. In order to further customize an award, a user may include a note or letter with the customized award. [0040] Figure 7B illustrates a rear perspective view of a customized award 1 1 . As illustrated in Figure 7B, an envelope 60 is attached to the back of customized award 1 1 . Envelope 60 may be configured to receive a card 61 or some other item on which a user may inscribe a message for the recipient of customized award 1 1 . Envelope 60 may provide a recipient of customized award 1 1 with a convenient location in which to store a memento, such as card 61 , that is associated with customized award 1 1 .

[0041] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a plurality of representative accessories that can be added to contribute variety and an increased level of customization to a customized award. A wide range of accessories, in addition to the accessories illustrated in Figure 8, may be utilized in connection with the customized award. For example, accessories may include charms, jewelry, mementos, or any other item that may be affixed to a customized award.

[0042] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a plurality of sentiment display components. As discussed above, each of the categories of components may be utilized in the creation of a customized award and may include a plurality of user- selectable sentiment components. The sentiment display components illustrated in Figure 9 are merely representative of a wide range of possible sentiment display components. Each of the sentiment display components illustrated in Figure 9 may receive a sentiment component. Further, each sentiment display component illustrated in Figure 9 may be used in connection with customizable awards in various configurations, such as a ribbon, a wand, a hat, a lanyard, or a medal.

[0043] Figure 10 illustrates a plurality of configuration components 16 that may be used to assemble a customized award. Configuration components 16 illustrated in Figure 10 include a plurality of apertures, which may be used to create patterns using fabric, ribbon, paper, or other materials in connection with a customized award. In addition, configuration components 16 can function as a hanger for a customized award. According to various embodiments, configuration components 16 may be configured to achieve a particular configuration. For example, a configuration component 16 that is to be used in connection with a wand may include an appropriate structure for securing the configuration component to a stick. In another example, a configuration component 16 that is to be used in connection with a lanyard may comprise a lanyard on which a sentiment display component may be disposed. [0044] Figures 1 1 -15 illustrate customized awards in a variety of configurations, including a wand, a party hat, a medal, and a lanyard. Using the systems and methods described herein, a variety of types of customized awards may be created. The embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 1 -15 are merely illustrative of a wide variety of products that may be customized and created according to the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 1 1 depicts a customized award configured as a wand 36. In the illustrated embodiment, wand 36 includes a wand elongate member, which forms a handle allowing the recipient to hold the wand. Wand 36 includes a sentiment display component comprising a rosette and a star, which are disposed at the opposite end of the elongate member from the handle. Wand 36 also includes a sentiment component disposed on the sentiment display component. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of streamer components 38 are also provided. Although not shown, a plurality of accessories may also be utilized.

[0046] Figure 12 illustrates a customized award configured as a party hat 70. Party hat 70 includes a configuration component 72 in the form of a hat. Party hat 70 further comprises a sentiment display component 74 and a sentiment component 76. Although not illustrated in Figure 12, alternative embodiments may include one or more accessories, streamers, and/or rosettes.

[0047] Figure 13 illustrates a customized award in the configuration of a medal.

[0048] Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of customizable awards that are configured as lanyards, together with sentiment display components 31 and 34, and a plurality of sentiment components 32a-32c and 35a-35c. Sentiment display components 31 and 34 may also be referred to as a pendant. According to various embodiments, kits 36 and 37 may be sold in a single package. Kit 36 may comprise a configuration component 30, which is in the form of a lanyard, sentiment display component 31 , and sentiment components 32a-32c. Similarly, kit 37 includes a configuration component 33, sentiment display component 34, and sentiment components 32a-32c. A user may select a kit that includes a lanyard having a desired pattern, size, or other characteristic, and may further select a desired sentiment component in order to create a customized award.

[0049] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective view of customizable awards that are configured as medals, together with their respective sentiment display components and respective plurality of sentiment components. As in Figure 14, Figure 15 illustrates kits 77, 78, and 79, which each may include components for creating a customized award. Specifically, kit 77 includes a configuration component 62, which is in the form of a medal. Sentiment display component 63 is affixed to configuration component 62. Kit 77 further includes sentiment components 64a-64c, from which a user may select a desired sentiment. The desired sentiment may be affixed to sentiment display component 63. Similarly, kits 78 and 79 include configuration components 65 and 68, respectively, and sentiment display components 66 and 69, respectively. Further, kits 78 and 79 include a plurality of sentiment components 67a-67c and 71 a-71 c, respectively.

[0050] Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of a customized award utilizing ribbon and/or paper machet rosettes. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 16 also features an accessory.

[0051] Figure 17A illustrates an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a customizable award 10 that includes edible goods. As described in connection with embodiments illustrated above, customizable award 10 may include a sentiment component 12 and a sentiment display component 14. In addition, a user may also select from a plurality of edible goods packaged in an edible goods container 84. Edible goods container 84 may be sold together with a housing 78 in a single container 82. A plurality of containers, such as container 82, may be offered to a user at a point-of-sale in order to allow a user to select a desired edible good for inclusion in customizable award 10. Housing 78 may include an adhesive element 80 that may be utilized to adhere housing 78 to customizable award 10. Although not prominently shown in Figure 17A, housing 78 may be configured to receive edible goods container 84. According to various embodiments, edible goods container 84 may be transparent, thus allowing a user and/or a recipient of customizable award 10 to view the edible goods held within edible goods container 84. In the illustrated embodiment, the edible goods are chocolates; however, in alternative embodiments, other types of edible goods may also be utilized, including but not limited to, caramel, toffee, candy, etc.

[0052] Figure 17B is a perspective view in which housing 78 is adhered, or otherwise affixed, to customizable award 10. Further, Figure 17B illustrates edible goods container 84 received within housing 78. According to one embodiment, housing 78 may be joined to customized award 10 using a detachable element 87. A recipient of customized award 10 may use detachable element 87 to remove housing 78 from customized award 10. According to this embodiment, detachable element 87 may join housing 78 to customized award 10 in a variety of ways that facilitate the removal of housing 78. For example, detachable element 87 may comprise a perforation disposed around the base of housing 78. According to alternative embodiments, releasable fasteners may be utilized to secure housing 78 to customized award 10.

[0053] Figure 18 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a customized award 10, including adhesive components that may allow for assembly of the customized award without tools. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, rosette 14 and base 16 include adhesive elements 80. An additional adhesive element (not shown) may be disposed on the back of streamers 18 or on the front of base 16. Adhesive elements 80 may allow a user to assemble the customized award using only adhesive elements 80. According to alternative embodiments, alternative securing elements may be used in place of adhesive elements 80. Securing elements may include adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or other suitable elements for assembling a plurality of components to a customizable award.

[0054] Figure 19 illustrates one embodiment of a method 88 for producing a customizable award. According to the illustrated method 88, a user may select a desired sentiment from a from a plurality of interchangeable sentiments at 90. As described above, the plurality of sentiments may allow a user to customize an award to particular events, achievements, or expression (e.g., a birthday, a graduation, a victory, or an expression of thanks). Accordingly, the plurality of sentiments may allow a user to express a sentiment that is appropriate for a particular occasion.

[0055] A user may further select a desired rosette from among a plurality of interchangeable sets at 92. The plurality of rosettes may be configured to receive a plurality of interchangeable sentiments 90. The selection of a rosette allows a user to personalize the appearance of the customizable award. The appearance of the customizable award may be further personalized by a selection of a desired set of streamers and desired accessories, at 94 and 96, respectively. A plurality of interchangeable streamers and accessories may be presented to the user at a point- of-sale, and a user may select from among the plurality of available streamers and accessories those which are suitable for the customized award to be produced by a user. As described above, a variety of accessories may be selected, including charms, edible goods, and electronic components allowing for the use of light and/or sound, etc. The selected components may be assembled by a user in order to produce a finished customizable award at 98.

[0056] Figure 20 illustrates one embodiment of a customizable award 10 that may be removeably attached to an envelope 100 using adhesive element 80. Customizable award 10 may be presented to a recipient together with a greeting card enclosed within envelope 100. According to alternative embodiments, customizable award 10 may be removeably attached to a variety of gifts or awards, such as a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates, a balloon, a stuffed animal, etc. The customizable award 10 may be detachable so that it may be retained by a recipient after the other item is discarded. Such embodiments may provide a recipient with a memento associated with an item that is typically retained for a relatively short period. For example, greeting cards are typically retained by a recipient for less than twenty days. Similarly, a bouquet of cut flowers is perishable, and will remain fresh for a relatively short period of time. According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 20, a recipient may detach customizable award 10 and retain the customizable award prior to discarding envelope 100.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A customizable award comprising a plurality of user-selectable components, the user-selectable components allowing a user to customize an appearance and a message of the customizable award, the customizable award comprising:

a configuration component selectable by a user from among a plurality of configuration components;

a sentiment display component selectable by the user from among a plurality of sentiment display components, the sentiment display component configured to be affixed to the configuration component; and

a sentiment component selectable by the user from among a plurality of available sentiment components, the sentiment component configured to be affixed to the sentiment display component and further configured to display a sentiment.

2. The customizable award of claim 1 , further comprising an envelope configured to be affixed to a rear side of the customizable award.

3. The customizable award of claim 1 , wherein each of the configuration component, the sentiment display component, and the sentiment component comprise an affixing element.

4. The customized award of claim 3, wherein each of the affixing elements is configured to allow a user to affix each of the configuration component, the sentiment display component, and the sentiment component in a desired relationship using only the affixing elements.

5. The customized award of claim 3, wherein the affixing element of each of the configuration component, the sentiment display component, and the sentiment component bear an indication of a relationship between the components.

6. The customizable award of claim 1 , wherein the sentiment display component comprises a pendant.

7. The customizable award of claim 1 , wherein the sentiment display component comprises a rosette.

8. The customizable award of claim 7, wherein the rosette comprises a pre-scored strip, the pre-scored strip configured to facilitate a pattern of folding in order to form the rosette.

9. The customizable award of claim 1 , further comprising an accessory.

10. The customizable award of claim 9, wherein the accessory comprises at least one of a charm, jewelry, a memento, an edible good, a device for playing a sound, and a light.

1 1 . The customizable award of claim 1 , further comprising a housing configured to be affixed to a rear side of the customizable award, the housing is configured to receive a package.

12. The customizable award of claim 1 1 , wherein the housing comprises a detachable element configured to allow for removal of at least a portion of the housing.

13. The customizable award of claim 12, wherein the detachable element comprises a perforation disposed along a portion of a perimeter of the housing.

14. The customizable award of claim 1 1 , wherein the package is further configured to contain an edible item.

15. The customizable award of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of configuration components are configured such that the customized award comprises one of a ribbon, a medal, a hat, a wand, and a lanyard.

16. The customizable award of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of sentiment display components are configured to be interchangeable.

17. The customizable award of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of sentiment components are configured to be interchangeable.

18. A system for creating a customizable award, the system comprising: a package, the package comprising:

a configuration component;

a sentiment display component configured to be affixed to the configuration component;

a plurality of interchangeable sentiment components selectable by a user, the plurality of sentiment components allowing the user to select a desired sentiment, the sentiment component configured to be affixed to the sentiment display component and further configured to display the desired sentiment; and a plurality of affixing elements;

wherein each of the affixing elements are configured to allow a user to affix each of the configuration component, the sentiment display component, and the sentiment component in a desired relationship using only the affixing elements.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the package further comprises a plurality of accessories.

20. A method of creating a customized award, comprising:

selecting a configuration component from among a plurality of configuration components;

selecting a sentiment display component from among a plurality of sentiment display components, the sentiment display component configured to be affixed to the configuration component;

selecting a sentiment component from among a plurality of available sentiment components, the sentiment component configured to be affixed to the sentiment display component and further configured to display a sentiment; and

assembling the configuration component, the sentiment display component, and the sentiment component.

21 . The method of claim 20, further comprising:

selecting an accessory from among a plurality of available accessories.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

affixing an envelope to a rear side of the customizable award.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein assembling the configuration component, the sentiment display component, and the sentiment component comprises:

affixing elements attached to each of the configuration component, the sentiment display component, and the sentiment component.

24. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

configuring the sentiment display component as a pendant.

25. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

configuring the sentiment display component as a rosette.

26. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

affixing an accessory to the customizable award.

27. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

affixing a housing to the rear side of the customizable award.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising:

inserting a package into the housing.