FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure generally relates to sports fanwear. Specifically, this disclosure relates to a system and method for manufacturing and printing a design on a sports identifier.

BACKGROUND

Sports fans enjoy showing off their favorite sports teams or clubs by wearing fanwear including logos representing the sports club or team. Oftentimes, fans wear clothing or other articles that include a sports club or team's logo, but there is otherwise no other connection or association to the particular sport played by that league or team. Onlookers who see sports fans wearing sports fanwear may be totally unaware of what sport that fan is even a fan of. There is a need to create a greater association between sports and logos in fanwear.

The invention described herein the present disclosure is aimed towards increasing notoriety of particular sports, clubs, and teams by providing fans with the means to display their pride and support for their favorite sports club, team, or league.

An objective of the present invention is to easily identify the particular sport that a team or league plays that a logo represents.

Another objective of the present invention is to increase interest in particular sports.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that is further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The present invention is defined by the claims.

Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for manufacturing and printing a design on sports fanwear.

A sports identifier assembly, the assembly comprising a sports identifier and a design disposed on the identifier. In some embodiments, the design is a logo or a brand. In some embodiments, the design is a color pattern. In some embodiments, the design is a name or a brand name. In some embodiments, the design is embossed onto the identifier. In some embodiments, the design is painted onto the identifier. In some embodiments, the design is etched into the identifier. In some embodiments, the assembly comprises a polycarbonate material. In some embodiments, the assembly comprises a silicon material or other suitable material.

A method of manufacturing a sports identifier assembly, the method comprises the steps of creating an identifier, creating a design, and affixing the design to the identifier. In some embodiments, the design is a logo. In some embodiments, the design is a color pattern. In some embodiments, the design is a name. In some embodiments, the sports identifier is created by way of printing using a 3-D printer. In some embodiments, the sports identifier is created by way of film positive printing. In some embodiments, the sports identifier is created by way of digital printing. In some embodiments, the identifier is created by water transfer printing. In some embodiments, the design is affixed to the identifier by way of painting the design onto the identifier. In some embodiments, the design is affixed to the identifier by way of etching the design into the identifier.

A sports identifier assembly, wherein the assembly comprises an identifier, and a design disposed on the identifier. In some embodiments, the identifier is shaped to represent an object associated with a same sport that is played by a team represented by the design. In some embodiments, the design comprises a name, a logo, and a color pattern. In some embodiments, the design comprises a sports brand name, a sports brand logo, and a color pattern.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are intended to serve as exemplary embodiments of the features disclosed in the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of an exemplary sport identifier assembly.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier assembly.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier assembly.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier assembly.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier assembly.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier assembly.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier assembly.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a person wearing an exemplary embodiment of sport identifier assembly affixed to a pair of sunglasses.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a person wearing an exemplary embodiment of sport identifier assembly as a necklace.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a different person wearing two different embodiments of a sports identifier assembly as a necklace.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier assembly.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier assembly.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier assembly.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of an sport identifier assembly affixed to different sneakers.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier assembly affixed to a rear bumper of a car.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier assembly.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of manufacturing sport identifier assemblies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of several illustrative embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits are illustrated by reference to certain exemplified embodiments and may not apply to all embodiments.

Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the claimed invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

This disclosure describes the best mode or modes of practicing the invention as presently contemplated. This description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense but provides an example of the invention presented solely for illustrative purposes by reference to the accompanying drawings to advise one of ordinary skill in the art of the advantages and construction of the invention. In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts.

As used throughout the present disclosure, the term “fanwear” refers to apparel or accessories worn by fans of something, such as a sports team, a brand, a movie franchise, or anything that a person may be a fan of. Accordingly, fanwear is to be understood as anything that a fan may use, wear, and/or display in order to show their support or appreciation for something they admire.

The present disclosure includes a system and method for manufacturing and printing a design on sports fanwear. Further, the design may include, but is not limited to, a sports club or team name, a logo, a color pattern and/or combination, and/or a tagline. The sports fanwear include miniature sized identifiers that identify a particular sport. Accordingly, the sports identifier may be a miniature helmet, including but not limited to, a football helmet, a bicycling helmet, a NASCAR driver helmet, a skiing/snowboarding helmet, and the like. In some embodiments, the sports identifier is a miniature ball, including but not limited to, a basketball, a baseball, a soccer ball, a golf ball, a tennis ball, and the like. The miniature sized sports identifier mimics and is a replica of a real object or piece of equipment utilized in the performance of a particular sport or activity.

It is contemplated that the sports identifier instantaneously identifies a sport or league, and when printed with a club or team's brand or symbols, such as a team's name, logo and/or colors to mimic, imitate or replica a league, a sport, or a team's ball or helmet or mark, the sports identifier ties the club or team to a particular sport for onlookers to immediately be aware of what particular sport a certain team, club, or league belongs to. For example, a basketball shaped miniature sports identifier embossed with a basketball team name, would immediately make an onlooker believe that the name embossed on the identifier is the name of a basketball team. Further, this allows onlookers to immediately become aware that the fan wearing the sports identifier is a basketball fan.

The present disclosure includes a brand molding assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the assembly includes a sports identifier and a logo disposed on the identifier. In some embodiments, the identifier is a three-dimensional ball or helmet that a fan may wear on their person. In some embodiments, the logo is the name of a team or club.

While the term “logo” is used throughout the present disclosure, it is understood that a logo is not limited to a logo of a sports team, club, or franchise. Rather, the term “logo” is likewise understood to mean a sports brand, such as Nike, Under Armour, and the like. For example, a logo may be the iconic Nike swoosh, or the Under Armour “UA” stacked letter logo, or any other logo representing a sportswear and equipment brand. Further, a logo can be any other type of brand identifying logo, including but not limited to: the Disney Mickey Mouse logo, the Marvel box logo, the Superman “S” logo, the Batman bat-symbol logo, and the like. Accordingly, a logo is understood to be any symbol, letter(s), word(s), phrase(s), and/or combination thereof intended to signify, represent, and/or identify some entity, institution, culture, and/or group.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary identifier assembly 101 shaped as a miniature helmet. The helmet shaped identifier 101 may further comprise a logo affixed to the face of the identifier. The miniature helmet shaped identifiers may comprise replicas of helmets representing various sports teams or headgear worn by particular athletes. In some embodiments, the helmets are miniature versions of actual helmets. Further, the assembly 101 comprises a first identifier 111 connected to a first end of a connecting piece 121 and a second identifier 111 connected to a second end of said connecting piece 121.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary identifier 102 shaped as a football. The football shaped identifier 102 may further comprise a logo affixed to the face of the identifier. Further, the assembly 102 comprises a first identifier 112 connected to a first end of a connecting piece 122 and a second identifier 112 connected to a second end of said connecting piece 122. In some other embodiments, the identifier 112 is a different sport related ball. The miniature ball shaped identifiers may comprise replicas of balls used in various sports. In some embodiments, the balls are miniature versions of actual balls. In some other embodiments, the balls are full-size, having substantially the same dimensions as the balls used by the athletes.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier assembly 102 shaped as a soccer ball.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier assembly 103 shaped as a golf ball.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier assembly shaped as a baseball.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier assembly 106 shaped as a tennis ball.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of an exemplary brand identifier assembly 107. The brand identifier 117 may further comprise a brand logo affixed to the face of the identifier 117. It is contemplated that the brand identifier 117 may comprise any logo denoting any brand, franchise, business, etc.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a person wearing an exemplary embodiment of sport identifier assembly affixed to a pair of sunglasses. With continued reference to FIG. 8, the sport identifier assembly may be affixed to an at least one temple (arm) of a pair of glasses. In some embodiments, the sports identifier assembly comprises a pair of glasses specifically designed for the sports identifier. In some other embodiments, the sports identifier may be affixed onto any pair of glasses.

FIG. 9 is another diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of sport identifier assembly affixed to a pair of sunglasses. With reference to FIG. 9, the identifier assembly 220 comprises a sport identifier 230, the sport identifier 230 comprises a passage sleeve 232. Further, the passage sleeve 232 comprises a first end and a second end, and is adapted for receiving a sunglass arm to securely affix the sport identifier assembly 220 to a pair of sunglasses. To affix the assembly 220 to a pair of glasses, the user aims an arm through an expandable and contractable foam insertion point in the silicon sleeve 232, and inserts the arm through the sleeve 232.

FIG. 10 is another diagram illustrating a sport identifier assembly 200 affixed to a pair of sunglasses. The assembly 200 comprises a sport identifier 210 designed to affix to a pair of sunglasses. The sport identifier comprises an indent region 212, the indent 212 region comprising a sleeve comprising an aperture configured for receiving a sunglass arm. The sport identifier 200 further comprises a round 216 and a flat side 218 opposite the round side, wherein the flat side is adapted to lay flat against the sunglass arm to securely affix the sport identifier 210 to the arm. To affix the assembly 200 to a pair of glasses, a user aims an arm through an expandable and contractable foam insertion point in the silicon sleeve, inserts the arm through the sleeve, and the flat face touches the face of the user.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a person wearing an exemplary embodiment of sport identifier assembly as a necklace.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a different person wearing two different embodiments of a sports identifier assembly as a necklace.

FIG. 13 is another diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiments of a sports identifier assembly necklace.

With reference to FIGS. 11-12, the sports identifier necklace assembly comprises a first identifier connected to a first end of a connecting piece, and a second identifier connected to a second end of the connecting piece. In some embodiments, the connecting piece comprises a plurality of ridges configured to increase grip between the assembly and a neck of a user. With reference to FIG. 13, the sports identifier assembly 500 is shown as designed for receiving a screw-in sport identifier 520 comprising a threaded end 522. The assembly 500 comprises a necklace 510, the necklace comprising a back region 516, two arms 512 connected to the back region 256, and two ends 518 each comprising a cavity 519 adapted for receiving a threaded end 522 of a screw-in sport identifier 522. In the preferred embodiment, the necklace is a flex necklace, meaning that it is designed to be bendable and flexible. Further, miniature balls and helmets may be attached to said flex necklaces. In some embodiments, the balls or helmets can be screwed to the flex necklaces to enable users to mismatch balls and helmets. Further, it is understood that sports identifier bracelet assemblies may be designed in the same fashion.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of an exemplary sport identifier bracelet.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier bracelet.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary brand identifier bracelet.

With reference to FIGS. 14-16, the sports identifier assembly 200 comprises a first identifier 210 connected to a first end of a connecting piece 220, and a second identifier 210 connected to a second end of the connecting piece 220. In some embodiments, the connecting piece 220 is shaped as a semi-circle and is adapted to fit around a wrist of a user.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of an sport identifier assembly affixed to different sneakers. With reference to FIG. 17, the sports identifier 300 comprises a clip, and is shown affixed to a shoelace of a sneaker.

FIG. 18 is another diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of a sport identifier assembly 300. With reference to FIGS. 17-18, a sports identifier assembly 300 adapted to affix to a pair of sneakers is shown. Accordingly, the assembly 300 comprises a flat side 320, a round side 330 opposite the flat side, and a plurality of apertures configured for inserting a shoe lace of a shoe in order to secure the assembly 300 to said sneaker.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of another exemplary sport identifier assembly 400 affixed to a rear bumper of a car.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating multiple perspective views of multiple exemplary sport identifier assemblies.

FIG. 21 is another diagram illustrating multiple embodiments of exemplary sport identifier assemblies comprising suctions cups.

With reference to FIGS. 19-21, the identifier assembly 400 comprises an identifier 410 connected to a suction cup 420. With reference to FIG. 19, the identifier assembly 400 is shown affixed to a rear bumper of a car.

In some embodiments, the identifier is shaped as an article of equipment used when playing a sport. The miniature equipment shaped identifiers may comprise replicas of tennis rackets, golf clubs, skis, snowboards, bicycles, skateboards, and the like. The miniature equipment may represent various equipment used by athletes. In some embodiments, the equipment shaped identifiers are miniature versions of actual equipment.

In some embodiments, the identifier is shaped as a jersey worn by an athlete playing a sport. The miniature jersey shaped identifiers may comprise replicas of jerseys representing various jerseys of sports teams worn by athletes. In some embodiments, the jerseys are miniature versions of actual jerseys.

Further, the helmet, ball, or sport identifier is to be a part of attachable and wearable sports accessories and/or can be attached to attachable and wearable sports accessories, including but not limited to, eyeglasses, sunglasses, a sneaker or footwear, a hand or wrist bracelet, an angel bracelet, a necklace, a vacuum suction cup, a finger ring, a belt buckle, an outfit, a surface, a wall, a refrigerator, a vehicle, an earbud, an earphone-like headgear, a bag or luggage, a tie handkerchief, a short clip, and/or or any other accessory that a person wears or that attaches to a person. In the preferred embodiment, the identifier may be affixed to an article worn on the body of a sports fan. In some embodiments, the identifier may be affixed to a hat, a scarf, a shirt, a jacket, a belt, a suspender, a dress, a shoe, a tie, a collar, and the like.

In some embodiments, the sports identifier is a single unitary piece. In some other embodiments, the sports identifier is a piece of a larger instrument. In some embodiments, the sports identifier may be affixed or attached to another object using attachable means, including but not limited to, suctions attachments, adhesive attachments, screw-on attachments, click-on attachments, connecting attachments, plug-in attachments affixing attachments, hook and loop fastener attachments, and sleeve insertion attachments, and any other suitable means of attachment. These attachments relate to the 3D sport or league identifier or whole mini split mini club or team's ball or helmet covered or printed with a team's name, colors, and/or logo.

In some embodiments, the identifier comprises a molded polycarbonate material.

Polycarbonates are a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Polycarbonates are easily worked, molded, and thermoformed. Because of these properties, polycarbonates are well suited materials for the present invention. In other embodiments, other suitable including silicon plastic material and other materials, whether identified, or unidentified, known or unknown, described or undescribed may be used. In some other embodiments, film positive printing, and digital printing may be utilized. In some other embodiments, a water transfer printing process may be used with almost any material including metals, plastics, glass, hard woods, and more.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of manufacturing the sports identifier. The method generally comprises the following steps: printing a sports identifier, and affixing a logo onto the sports identifier. With reference to FIG. 3, first, at step 702 a sports identifier is printed. In some embodiments, the sports identifier is printed using a 3-D printer. In some other embodiments, the sports identifier is manufactured using a mold. Next, at step 704, a logo is affixed to the sports identifier.

While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding those insubstantial modifications of the invention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto.