US20060207286A1

US20060207286A1 - Humorous identification item

Info

Publication number: US20060207286A1
Application number: US11/079,972
Authority: US
Inventors: Lance LoRusso
Original assignee: Breakfast Tech Inc
Current assignee: Breakfast Tech Inc
Priority date: 2005-03-15
Filing date: 2005-03-15
Publication date: 2006-09-21

Abstract

A bracelet having a humorous message is disclosed. At first glance, the bracelet is similar to identification bracelets that convey an individual's health information (e.g., blood type) or medical condition (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, etc.). However, rather than having such serious information, the identification bracelet, in some embodiments, includes a humorous message or a punch line.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to prank items and, more particularly, to humorous identification items.

BACKGROUND

As individuals mature in age, they are often presented with prank gifts that make fun of their age. For example, T-shirts having “over the hill” emblazoned on them are presented to these individuals on birthdays or other festive occasions. In addition to T-shirts, coffee mugs are often used to convey humorous messages. While T-shirts and coffee mugs are ubiquitously employed for such entertainment purposes, other avenues for conveying such humorous messages have yet to be explored in great detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
FIG. 1A is a diagram of a bracelet having a humorous writing inscribed onto the bracelet.
FIG. 1B is a diagram of a bracelet having a humorous writing clipped onto the bracelet.
FIG. 1C is a diagram of a bracelet having a humorous writing adhered onto the bracelet.
FIG. 1D is a diagram of a bracelet having a pocket for inserting a humorous writing.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a bracelet having a different theme.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cuff-type bracelet with a humorous writing.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method of fabricating a bracelet with a humorous writing.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method of fabricating a bracelet associated with a humorous theme.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another method of fabricating a bracelet with a humorous writing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings. While several embodiments are described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.
As noted above, T-shirts and coffee mugs are often used to convey humorous messages, such as “over the hill.” While T-shirts and coffee mugs are ubiquitously employed such entertainment purposes, other avenues for conveying such humorous messages have yet to be explored in great detail.
In some embodiments of the invention, humorous identification bracelets are provided for conveying funny messages. For those embodiments, a humorous identification bracelet appears, at first glance, to be similar to a “medical alert bracelet” (as they are commonly known), which conveys an individual's health information (e.g., blood type) or medical condition (e.g., diabetic). However, unlike the medical alert bracelet, the humorous identification bracelet conveys a funny message or a joke.
Thus, when others look at the humorous identification bracelet, they initially expect to find health information or serious medical information related to the individual that is wearing the identification bracelet. However, upon closely examining the writings on the bracelet, the observer will soon realize that the bracelet is a prank item that conveys a funny message.
For example, the bracelet may have an inscription that reads: “IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, PLEASE DRIVE PROMPTLY TO THE NEAREST NASCAR EVENT.”Or other inscriptions such as: “BLOOD TYPE: 30% GIN, 69% TONIC, 1% LIME.” As one can imagine, almost any type of humorous message can be placed on the humorous identification bracelet. The stark contrast of providing a humorous message on a normally serious medium adds to the humor, since one would hardly expect to find absurd messages on such identification bracelets.
In some embodiments, humorous identification bracelets can be fabricated with a given theme, such as identifying stereotypical characteristics or traits that are associated with rednecks. Thematic bracelets that allude to rednecks can be referred to, in the aggregate, as “redneck alert bracelets” (rather than “medical alert bracelets”). Thus, for redneck alert bracelets, the inscriptions may mention NASCAR®, professional wrestling, or other off-color humor (e.g., being married to your sister) that is stereotypically associated with rednecks.
In other embodiments, the thematic bracelets may mock a person's age. Those thematic bracelets may be referred to, in the aggregate, as “old-fart alert bracelets” or something similar. As one can see, the themes can be varied according to any stereotypical trait or characteristic, such as, for example, blondes (“blonde-alert bracelet”), lawyers (“lawyer-alert bracelet”), etc.
FIGS. 1A through 3 provide various devices associated with humorous identification bracelets. While bracelets are shown in various embodiments, it should be appreciated that other media, which are normally used to convey serious messages, can also be used in lieu of bracelets.
FIG. 1A is a diagram of a bracelet 100 a having a humorous writing 120 inscribed onto the bracelet 100 a. Specifically, in the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the bracelet 100 a includes a substantially-smooth portion 110, and a humorous writing 120 that is placed on the substantially-smooth portion 110. In the particular embodiment of FIG. 1A, the humorous writing 120 is inscribed onto the substantially-smooth portion 110 using, for example, an etching technique or an engraving technique. In alternative embodiments the humorous writing 120 is printed on the substantially-smooth portion 110 using various methods of ink, paint, or dye transfer techniques. For yet other embodiments, the humorous writing 120 can be stamped onto the bracelet 100 a, molded onto the bracelet 100 a, or integrally manufactured into the bracelet using a variety of known techniques. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the bracelet 100 a also includes a chain 150 a, 150 b that permits wearing of the bracelet 100 a on an individual's wrist.
As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the substantially-smooth portion 110 can also include a theme 130. For example, if the humorous writing 120 is associated with a stereotypical characteristic of a redneck, then the theme 130 can be “redneck alert” or other indicia of a redneck. It should be appreciated that such a theme is optional.
Additionally, an optional logo 140 a can be placed on the bracelet 100 a, in the event that a particular company or institution seeks to use such bracelets as corporate gifts. As one can appreciate, this logo 140 a can take on any form, depending on the desired appearance of the bracelet 100 a. For example, while FIGS. 1A and 1B shows a particular logo 140 a on the bracelet, FIGS. 1C and 1D show a different logo 140 b.
FIG. 1B is a diagram of another embodiment of a bracelet 100 b having a substantially-smooth portion 110. In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the humorous writing 120 is clipped onto the bracelet 100 b. As such, the humorous writing 120 is placed on a plate 160, and the plate 160 is releasably attached to the substantially-smooth portion 110 by clips 165 or other known securing mechanisms. By using a releasably attached plate 160, the contents of the humorous writing 120 can be changed from time to time without the need to purchase additional bracelets.
FIG. 1C is a diagram of yet another embodiment of a bracelet 100 c. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1C, the humorous writing 120 is placed on a sticker 170, which is then adhered to the substantially-smooth portion 110. It should be appreciated that the substantially-smooth portion 110 can have a texture associated with the surface. For example, the texture may be a leather-like texture or other grainy textures, as long as the surface is amenable to having a writing placed on such a surface.
As shown in FIG. 1C, for some embodiments, the logo 140 b can include a likeness of an individual. For example, if the bracelet 100 c is a gift for a particular individual, then the logo 140 b can include a picture of that particular individual, thereby heightening the comic effect. Alternatively, such a bracelet 100 c can be used as a political statement by embossing or engraving a likeness of a well-known politician on a part of the logo 140 b.
FIG. 1D is a diagram of yet another embodiment of a bracelet 100 d. In the embodiment of FIG. 1D, the bracelet 100 d has a pocket 190 for inserting the humorous writing 120. The pocket 190, for some embodiments, is transparent or semi-transparent. Thus, when a humorous writing 120 is placed on a piece of paper 180, that paper 180 can be inserted into the pocket 190. In that regard, the humorous writing 120 can be readily interchanged simply by re-writing another piece of paper 180 and inserting the newly-written piece of paper into the pocket 190.
As one can imagine, there are a plethora of ways to place a humorous writing 120 onto the substantially-smooth portion 110 of the bracelet 100. In fact, for some embodiments, the humorous writing 120 can be written onto the substantially-smooth portion 110 of the bracelet 100 using permanent marker.
Such bracelets can be used as prank gifts for individuals, thereby expanding the market beyond T-shirts and coffee mugs. However, unlike T-shirts or coffee mugs, which rarely convey urgent information, these medical alert-type bracelets often convey critical information, such as, for example, health or medical information. The stark contrast of having a comical message on such a serious item adds to the absurdness, and hence the humor.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a bracelet 200 having a different theme 230. While similar in appearance to the “redneck alert” bracelet 100 of FIGS. 1A through 1D, the bracelet 200 of FIG. 2 includes a different theme 230, such as, for example, “blonde alert.” As such, the humorous writing 220 reflects a stereotypical characteristic that is associated with blondes. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the bracelet 200 can accommodate various themes and traits that are associated with different groups of individuals.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cuff-type bracelet 300 with a humorous writing 320. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the cuff-type bracelet 300 includes a substantially-smooth surface 310, on which a humorous writing 320 is placed. Additionally, for the embodiment of FIG. 3, a theme 330 (e.g., “redneck alert”) is placed on the inside of the bracelet 300, where it would not be visible when an individual is wearing the bracelet 300. Such cuff-type bracelets can be fabricated using metal, plastic, rubber, or a variety of other materials.
As one can imagine, the shapes and sizes of bracelets can be varied without detrimentally affecting the comic effect of such bracelets. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the theme can be varied to accommodate any group of individuals that can be stereotyped for comic effect (e.g., rednecks, blondes, lawyers, etc.). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the substantially-smooth surface 310 need not be a planar surface, but may also be a curved surface.
FIGS. 4 through 6 provide various methods or processes associated with marketing and fabricating humorous identification bracelets. Again, while bracelets are shown as example embodiments, it should be appreciated that other media, which are normally used to convey serious messages, can also be used in lieu of bracelets.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method of fabricating a bracelet with a humorous writing. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the process comprises the step of providing (410) a bracelet having a substantially-smooth surface. The substantially-smooth surface can have a slight texture, such as that of leather. The process of FIG. 4 further comprises the step of placing (420) a humorous writing on the substantially-smooth surface. As described above, the humorous writing may include a theme (e.g., redneck, blonde, lawyer, etc.), or a punch line (e.g., “BLOOD TYPE: Beer,” etc.), or both.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of another method for fabricating a bracelet. Specifically, the embodiment of FIG. 5 also provides an approach to customizing the bracelet in accordance with a customer's wishes. As such the embodiment of FIG. 5 begins by providing (510) a list of humorous themes (e.g., redneck, blonde, lawyer, etc.) for selection by a customer. The list of humorous themes can be provided through a graphical user interface, such as, for example, a web page over the Internet. Alternatively, the themes can be selected over a touch-tone telephone, using a menu structure. Since such touch-tone menu structures are known in the art, the process of selection is not discussed further.
Once the customer provides a selection, that selection is received (520) by the system. Again, such a selection can be provided through a web interface or a telephone interface. Upon receiving the customer's selection, the selected humorous theme is then placed (530) on a bracelet. For some embodiments, the humorous theme can be engraved on the bracelet. For other embodiments, the humorous theme can be releasably attached to the bracelet, as shown in the embodiments above.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another method of fabricating a bracelet with a humorous writing. FIG. 6 also provides a method for receiving orders for customized bracelets. As such, the embodiment of FIG. 6 begins by providing (610) a list of themes (e.g., redneck, blonde, lawyer, etc.) for selection. The selection may be provided (610) over the Internet, by phone, or by other known methods. A selection is then received (620) from the provided list. Upon receiving (620) the selection, a list of humorous punch lines (e.g., “BLOOD TYPE: Beer,” etc.) is retrieved (630).
The retrieved list of punch lines is provided (640) to the customer, so that the customer can select one of the punch lines. When the customer selects a punch line from the list, that punch line is received (650) for further processing. Such further processing can be accomplished using known methods, which are not discussed herein. Once the order has been fully processed, the selected punch line is placed (660) on the bracelet, and thereafter provided to the customer.
As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1A through 6, the humorous identification bracelets provide an additional avenue for generating revenue. Thus, the market for such prank gifts can be expanded beyond T-shirts and coffee mugs.
It should be appreciated that such bracelets are dissimilar to T-shirts or coffee mugs because these bracelets, which appear at first glance to be medical alert bracelets, are typically used to convey serious information, such as a person's medical condition or health information. Conversely, T-shirts and coffee mugs rarely convey urgent information. In fact, T-shirts and coffee mugs typically convey banal information. Thus, for medical alert-type bracelets, the stark contrast of having a comical message on such a serious item adds to the absurdness, and hence the humor. Also, this contrast between the comic message and the serious device evidences the nonobvious nature of the bracelet, since one would not readily contemplate placing a comical message on such a serious item.
Any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure.
Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, or alterations to the disclosure as described may be made. All such changes, modifications, and alterations should therefore be seen as within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A bracelet comprising:

a substantially-smooth portion; and

a humorous writing on the substantially-smooth portion of the bracelet.

2. The bracelet of claim 1, wherein the humorous writing is inscribed onto the substantially-smooth portion of the bracelet.

3. The bracelet of claim 1, wherein the humorous writing is adhered to the substantially-smooth portion of the bracelet.

4. The bracelet of claim 1, wherein the humorous writing is written onto the substantially-smooth portion of the bracelet.

5. The bracelet of claim 1, wherein the humorous writing is transferred to the substantially-smooth portion of the bracelet.

6. The bracelet of claim 1, wherein the humorous writing is stamped onto the substantially-smooth portion of the bracelet.

7. The bracelet of claim 1, wherein the humorous writing is molded onto the substantially-smooth portion of the bracelet.

8. The bracelet of claim 1, wherein the humorous writing is placed on an attachment, the attachment being configured to releasably attach to the substantially-smooth portion of the bracelet.

9. The bracelet of claim 1, further comprising means for releasably attaching the humorous writing to the substantially-smooth portion of the bracelet.

10. The bracelet of claim 1, wherein the humorous writing identifies a stereotypical characteristic of a group of individuals.

11. The bracelet of claim 10, wherein the stereotypical characteristic is a trait associated with rednecks.

12. The bracelet of claim 10, wherein the stereotypical characteristic is a trait associated with blondes.

13. The bracelet of claim 10, wherein the stereotypical characteristic is a trait associated with elderly individuals.

14. The bracelet of claim 1, wherein the humorous writing identifies a stereotypical characteristic of an individual.

15. A method comprising the steps of:

providing a bracelet having a substantially-smooth surface; and

placing a humorous writing on the substantially-smooth surface of the bracelet.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of placing the humorous writing comprises the step of inscribing the humorous writing onto the substantially-smooth surface.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of placing the humorous writing comprises the step of adhering the humorous writing onto the substantially-smooth surface.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of placing the humorous writing comprises the step of writing the humorous writing onto the substantially-smooth surface.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of placing the humorous writing comprises the step of releasably attaching an attachment to the substantially-smooth surface, the attachment having the humorous writing.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of placing the humorous writing comprises the step of identifying a stereotypical character associated with a group of individuals.