US20150007381A1

US20150007381A1 - "Astro Patch"- Astrological or Zodiac Sign Appliques to be Attached to and/or Worn on Garments and other Cloth-like Materials

Info

Publication number: US20150007381A1
Application number: US14/244,882
Authority: US
Inventors: Wallace Burke; Emma B. Burke
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-04-03
Filing date: 2014-04-03
Publication date: 2015-01-08

Abstract

A unique method of divulging and fashioning one's astrological or zodiac sign; as well as one's related symbols & associated traits. To provide a profile image with greater social definition, class and style; to include an exhilarated depiction of the astrological or zodiac symbols with each individual sign having its own powerful, descriptive and sophisticated title and/or a unique delineation and layout of one's positive traits. This classy methodology is fashionable, impressive and at the same time, reflects positively the personality, romanticism and habitual tendencies of the sexes.

This fashionable methodology and its functionality are structured in a woven label applique format with a heat sealed backing {The word applique′ or appliques′ when used, shall also be construed to mean “Astro-Patch” or “Astro-Patches” when referred to in the singular or plural context as appropriate}. These heat-activated appliques are created in variable sizes, colors, and shapes. They are manufactured to be worn on variable types of garments, apparel and other materials as applicable. This high fashion potential idea is not generally seen in retail stores because of the complexities and the challenges of providing garments in the sizes needed; including the meaningful theory required by astrology or the zodiac. For instance, an individual's Virgo Sign denotes “The Virgin” as being symbolic of its characteristics. This may bring about reluctance from The Virgo Male to display such an image on fashionable wearing apparel. This methodology addresses this stigma, in that it provides for both female and male applique versions and promote total astrological pride, as well as depicts a class act in both male and female fashions.

The “Astro-Patch” also provide retail merchants with an economical solution to a non-practical stock supply and maintenance issue. e.g., for each astrological or zodiac sign, a retail merchant needs five (or more) sized garments (i.e., small, medium, large, X-large & XX-large—not to mention 3X & 4X etc.). Each size has twelve (12) astrological or zodiac signs. This mean, in order for a retailer, for instance, to maintain an adequate stock of just 10 separate sized garments, the retailer needs as many as six-hundred (600) items in stock. This is not practical. However, through use of my “Astro-Patch” methodology, one (1) size fits all. The merchant needs ONLY FIFTY (50) VARIABLE SIZED GARMENTS. Its cost effective, conserves space and dramatically limits the number of garments required by retailers to be maintained on store shelves and racks. And allows the astrological or zodiac symbols and their associated traits to be fashionable at the store or retail level and sold more readily on a wide scale basis without special order requirements.

The “Astro-Patches” are strong, lightweight and thin; they are made of 100% polyester or other suitable materials or fabric; and from a side angled view, they have an approximate breadth of only 0.675 mm in thickness. The iron-on “Astro-Patches” or appliques are created with use of existing embroidery technology and can be applied to or worn on virtually any cloth-like garment, wearing apparel or cloth-like materials. When adhered to materials, their thin-like appearance emulates Raised Printing as well as emblems that are manufactured onto garments or other suitable cloth-like products. Once adhered, they are extremely challenging to the naked eye to distinguish between the appliques and the materials on which the appliques are attached.

Description

The woven label appliques are manufactured to specifications, pre-packaged, distributed, and to be sold primarily at the retail levels; i.e., department stores, boutiques and other retail outlet stores. The Astro-Patch may eventually be sold via Internet, mail order and by other retail outlet methods, etc. These heat activated woven label appliques are made of 100% polyester. And such appliques may also be made of any other woven or embroidered fabric materials, including but not limited to cotton, nylon, rayon, silk; whether copied onto felt, twill, PVC, plastic, metal or transfer paper. They are primarily embroidered in a woven label format. They are thin, strong and have a breadth of approximately 0.675 mm in thickness, when viewed from a side angle; they also appear as raised printing when viewed by the naked eye.
This Woven Label Applique′ can be worn on any cloth-like material or garment, including but not limited to T-shirts, Polo Shirts, sweatshirts, jerseys, banlon shirts, sport shirts, dress shirts, skirts, dresses, blouses, shorts and other regular Shirts. Other usage shall include coats, jackets, sweaters, jeans and/or pants (of all types), hats, caps, scarves, handkerchiefs, duff bags, book bags luggage and more. This invention could be the latest trend in fashionable design. This methodology is designed to titillate friendship, relativity, companionship, as well as a spontaneous interest between the sexes—for those who understand and follow astrology or the zodiac, as well as for those who may not. The “Astro-Patches” or appliques also denotes a classy design and provide a profile image with greater credence and social definition of an individual's astrological or zodiac sign; and/or a delineation or listing an individual's positive traits.
An individual's astrological or zodiac sign denotes the traits and characteristics in people who are born under certain sun and star signs. According to the Wikipedia, “In astrology, the Signs of the Zodiac represent twelve equal segments or divisions of the zodiac. According to astrological theory, celestial phenomena reflect or govern human activity on the principle of ‘as above, so below’ so that the twelve signs at the same time are held to represent twelve basic personality types or characteristic modes of expressions. A star sign is simply the popular name for a zodiac or astrological sign, one of the twelve signs of the zodiac which originated from the ‘stars’ or constellations of the same name. Each of the zodiac or star signs occupies a different portion of the sky as seen from the earth, which remains fixed over time (or at least changes very slowly over the centuries). By contrast a Sun sign refers to the star sign or zodiac that the sun happens to occupy in its annual journey around the sky (different of course from its daily rising and setting). Sun signs last about a month each, as the sun travels through each of the star signs over the course of a year. Because the calendar is defined by the movement of earth around the sun, and its orbit is very near circular, the sign in which the Sun falls on any day of the year is fairly predictable (though it will vary a little due to the effect of the extra day in leap years). In other words, it is very easy to know what any individual's sun sign is, as the only information usually needed is their birthday”. From other sources and research indicate: The Planets, “To ancient astrologers, the planets represented the will of the gods and their direct influence upon human affairs”. “To modern astrologers the planets represent basic drives or impulses in the human psyche. Modern astrologers differ on the source of the planet power. Some hold that the planets exert their influence directly through gravitational or another unknown power. Others hold that the planets have no direct influence in themselves, but are mirrors of basic organizing principles in the universe”. The Elements: When astrologers compare the compatibility between people, they also look at the elements, in that these are basic building blocks of the Zodiac. The elements associated with an individual's sign provides further clues as to how ones traits are related or how one goes about things. The elements are FIRE, EARTH, AIR, and WATER. Each of the elements embodies three (3) of the astrological or zodiac signs. Your associated element endows one with certain qualities, which one shares with other members in the group of the three signs.
This particular methodology of revealing and fashioning one's astrological or zodiac sign is accomplished by use of existing embroidery, applique, digital imaging and print technology. Whereas, uniquely designed emblems are made into material patch appliques with a heat sealed backing or can be attached with other sealant or stitch-on methods to be applied to garments, wearing apparel or other cloth-like materials. Ideally, the most common means to attach such appliques are by use of a household iron or other iron-on applicators. These “Astro-Patches” or material appliques can adhere securely to virtually any cloth or cloth-like materials. The “Astro-Patch” can be stitched in place for added security and applied to any desired location of such materials, etc.
“Astro-patches” come in variable sizes and shapes in order to provide prospective customers with style, price options, as well as a more descriptive fulfillment or relativity. They are artistically designed and digitized to accommodate such variable sizes and shapes. Other applications can be embroidered, metallically molded or printed directly onto the garments, jewelry or other wearing apparel, where feasible; such as Caps, socks, belts, medallions, necklaces and other wearing apparel where one size fits all (See FIGS. 11 & 12). There are twelve (12) or more uniquely woven label or embroidered “Astro-Patches” or appliques, digital image or printed emblems. The “Astro-Patch” emblem is designed to be consistent with its own astrological or zodiac sign with the accommodating and associated trait and attribute embroidered or printed directly onto the applique or patch, digital image application or garments. Other iron-on “Astro-Patch” emblems are artistically structured emblems which denote the astrological or zodiac symbol and/or slogan name only; for those people who are more conservative in their fashion perceptions (see FIGS. 8 & 9).
The material patches shall carry the name: “ASTRO-PATCH” (see FIGS. 1 and 2); as it symbolizes an individual's astrological or zodiac sign, and the applicable personal attributes or the traits thereof Such personal attributes or traits are shown in the “Astro-Patch” lower banner as follows:
1. Aries-Assertive•Adventurous•Honest•Highly Competitive . . .
2. Taurus-Affectionate •Dependable Sensuous•Resourceful . . .
3. Gemini-Articulate•Sociable•Versatile•Adventurous . . .
4. Cancer-Sensitive•Intuitive•Loving•Compassionate . . .
5. Leo-Creative•Fun-loving•Noble•Courageous . . .
6. Virgo-Perfectionist•Pragmatic•Compassionate•Dedicated . . .
7. Libra-Sophisticated•Sociable•Charming•Gentle . . .
8. Scorpio-Powerful•Passionate•Perceptive•Resourceful . ..
9. Sagittarius-Romantic•Intellectual•Fun-Loving•Inspiring . . .
10. Capricorn-Successful•Competent•Fearless•Loyal . . .
11. Aquarius-Creative•Sophisticated•Courteous•Intriguing . . .
12. Pisces-Highly Talented•Intuitive•Compassionate•Imaginative . . .
The following depicts a list of adjectives that help add uniqueness, flair, sophistication and class to an individual's astrological or zodiac sign. The following slogans are embroidered or printed directly onto the “Astro-Patch” which precede the symbolic astrological or zodiac signs (e.g., The Vivacious Leo):
1. The Triumphant Aries
2. The Sensational Taurus, or The Extraordinary Taurus
3. The Phenomenal Gemini
4. The Tenacious Cancer
5. The Vivacious Leo, or The Imperious Leo, or The Magnificent Leo
6. The Mysterious Virgo or The Amazing Virgo
7. The Magnanimous Libra
8. The Incredible Scorpio
9. The Resilient Sagittarius
10. The Invincible Capricorn
11. The Prestigious Aquarius
12. The Awesome Pisces
These slogans are located in the upper banner of the “Astro-Patch” applique′ design. Locations can vary depending a particular “Astro-Patch” design or the applique′ system.
The impending trademark name: “Astrologically Personal”, or “AP” to be placed on garments, signage, as well as the “Astro-Patch” packaging. The “Astro-Patch” packaging, may or may not depict a chart displaying the dates associated with each individual's zodiac or astrological applicability.
T-shirts and other garments are designed and produced primarily to accommodate the Astro-Patch Applique system; however, the Astro-Patch can be worn with or without the accommodating designer garments. The T-shirts and other wearing apparel are designed and sold separately, and such apparel, may or may not display the words: “ASTROLOGICALLY PERSONAL” and/or the initials “AP”. (See FIGS. 5 and 6).
Also, another alternative methodology by which the “Astro-Patch” or applique′ system is utilized and structured, are the “Astro-Patch Minis”. The “Astro-Patch Minis are assortments of heat activated embroidered or woven label appliques′, that associates the relevant atmospheric elements and planetary environments with the personality, traits and love signs of individuals. They carry the name, “Astro-Patch Minis” because they are considerably smaller and shaped differently than our standard “Astro-Patch” applique′ system. Individuals who believe and follow the guidelines of astrology or the zodiac, may utilize this applique′ system as a Fashion Statement or, as a method in a social environment to attract the soul mate attributes of the opposite sex. They can be worn and creatively arranged on trousers, T-shirts, or any cloth-like materials (same methodology as our standard “Astro-Patch”). These “Astro-Patch Minis deliver even greater fashionable design and individual creativity, as well as the personality reveal and tendencies of the sexes (See FIGS. 9 & 10). On my invention, this information can also be digitally enhanced and printed directly onto the “Astro-Patch”, one-size fits all garments or any cloth-like materials; or molded onto jewelry or other accessories and products.
Another version of the “Astro-Patch” applique′ system is an assortment of the associated atmospheric elements and planetary environments with the personality, traits and Love Sign of individuals on a single “Astro-Patch” applique′ (See FIG. 13).
“Astro-Patch”

DRAWINGS

Figures/Reference Numerals

FIG. 1—is a perspective illustration of a fully functional and completed “Astro-Patch”. This particular “Astro-Patch” represents The Libra Sign, an example of one (1) of twelve (12) astrological or zodiac sign appliques′:
10. The upper banner, the astrological or zodiac sign's name preceded by a slogan; e.g.; “The Magnanimous Libra”—one (1) of twelve (12) slogans which adds flair to an individual's sign.
12. Depicts celestial stars in the cosmos.
14. Exemplifies celestial and astrological or zodiac symbols in the cosmos and shows all twelve (12) signs in a circular pattern.
16. The lower banner denotes four (4) words describing the positive traits of an individual's astrological or zodiac sign.
18. Depicts a full size astrological or zodiac sign symbol relevant to an individual's birth date.
24. Shows an alternative or minimum version of the astrological or zodiac sign symbols.
22. Indicate (other emblems may not indicate) the words “star sign” and “Sun sign”.
20. The point at which an individual's astrological or zodiac sign is displayed.
26. The astrological or zodiac symbol for The Libra Sign.
FIG. 2—is a second perspective illustration of a fully functional and completed “Astro-Patch”. This particular “Astro-Patch” represents THE VIRGO SIGN; another Example of one (1) of twelve (12) astrological or zodiac sign symbols.
FIG. 3—is an illustration of a general “Astro-Patch” which represents the format of all twelve astrological or zodiac signs with the applicable data missing for greater clarity.
10. Indicates a circular emblem, which depicts a unique design.
12. Illustrates an area where a full size astrological or zodiac symbol to be inserted.
14. Depicts an area of the patch, applique or digital image application where the twelve (12) Astrological or zodiac signs are formed in a circular pattern.
16. Shows symbols revealed when not covered by upper banner.
18. Shows symbols revealed when not covered by lower banner.
20. Depicts the area where the celestial stars in the cosmos to be applied.
FIG. 4—is a perspective view of an “Astro-Patch” emblem under phase two construction With an outline of the upper and lower banners
FIG. 5—is an example of an “Astro” T-shirt.
10. Depicts a standard design of an “Astrologically Personal” T-shirt, without the “Astro-Patch”.
12 Reveals a celestial environment depicting a decorative cross-image with stars throughout; and a circle designating where the Astro-patch or Applique′ to be applied to the T-shirt.
14. Illustrates astrologically personal design
FIG. 6—is an illustration of an optional or alternative female designed “Astro or “AP” T-shirt”.
FIG. 7—indicates an optional “Astro-Patch” installed onto an “Astrologically Speaking” or “AP”. . . ” T-shirt.
10. An optional “Astro-Patch” applied to an “Astrologically Personal” or “AP” T-shirt
FIG. 8—is an illustration of an optional Astro-Patch for those individuals who are more Conservative in style and preference in their wearing apparel.
FIG. 9—an alternative methodology of an “Astro-Patch” or applique′ system which associates the relevant atmospheric elements and planetary environment with an individual's personality, traits and love signs, astrologically. There are twelve (12) signs among the associated groups.
10. symbolizes and indicates “AIR” among the system as an alternative “Astro-Patch” under the Libra Sign.
12. indicates in written format, the word air.
FIG. 10—is an alternative “Astro-Patch” which promotes the “Astrologically Personal” slogan and implies secrecy in conjunction with curiosity, as it concurs with an individual's “Love Sign”.
10. indicates in written format, the words: “My Love Sign Is . . . Astrologically Personal”.
12. depicting variable celestial stars.
FIG. 11—another alternative sample “Astro-Patch” among the system under the Libra Sign. There are twelve (12) alternative glyph of signs.
10. shows the glyph of the Libra Sign
12. indicate celestial stars.
FIG. 12—denotes the Libra Scale symbol, an alternative Astro-Patch.
10. indicates the Libra Scale.
12. indicate celestial stars.
FIG. 13—the associated planet, Venus under the Libra Sign.
10. illustrates the Planet Venus.
12. indicates in written format, the word Venus.
FIG. 14—a sample schematic of the many creative applications of the alternative Astro-Patch or applique′ system on a T-shirt and trousers.
FIG. 15—is an illustration of an alternative means of wearing the astrological or zodiac Astro-Patch on a cap or hat.
10. An example of an astrological or zodiac Astro-Patch worn on cap
12. A color-coded borderline applicable to the associated astrological or zodiac sign.
14. A triangle box, is one of several Applique′s which houses the astrological or zodiac sign data.
16. An example of one (1) of twelve (12) astrological or zodiac signs—the Libra sign.
FIG. 15A—is a front and side angle view of an astrological or zodiac sign cap bearing an Astro-Patch.
FIG. 16—is a listing the astrological or zodiac symbols used the on Astro-Patches and emblems. The more expanded symbols will also be utilized.
FIG. 17—another alternative methodology of an “Astro-Patch” or applique′ system which associates the relevant atmospheric elements and planetary environment with an individual's personality, traits and love signs arranged in A single “Astro-Patch”.
FIG. 18—the “Astrologically Personal” slogan.

Claims

1. This idea is very different from prior art U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,454 of Apr. 30, 1985, which specifically relates to “designer type jeans having a zodiac symbol placed on a seat pocket” only—with no leading title or commentary regarding an individual's personal traits and the attributes of astrology or the zodiac. My “Astro-Patch” is structured to be used in a fashionable manner, which give greater social definition and depiction of the astrological or zodiac symbols, with each individual sign having its own powerful, descriptive and sophisticated title and/or unique delineation and layout of one's positive traits. My “Astro-Patch”, can be worn on virtually any garment or cloth-like materials. There are also specific wearing apparel and garments produced to be worn with or without said “Astro-Patch” applique′ format. An alternative methodology of an “Astro-Patch” or applique′ system are the “Astro-Patch Minis”, which associates the relevant atmospheric elements and planetary environment with the personality, traits and love signs of individuals (See FIGS. 9 & 10).

Another version of the “Astro-Patch”, is an assortment and variety of mini astrological or zodiac symbols, used in a fashionable manner, that associate the atmospheric elements and planets with the personality, traits, and Love Signs of individuals onto a single “Astro-Patch” applique format (See FIG. 13). On my invention, this information can also be digitally printed or molded directly onto the “Astro-Patch” and one-size fits all garments, jewelry and other products.

Many appliques have been provided in a prior art format, however, the “Astro-Patch” applique′ is unique and very different in it's methodology. e.g., the following are prior art that bears similarity: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,513,454 (Zodiac Designer Jeans); 20090280290 (Heat activated applique′ with upper stretch fabric layer); D456,981 (Clothing patch) and 20100058510 (An article of apparel with interchangeable appliques) The reason a whole lot of fashionable thought has not been given to this idea by other inventors, regarding T-shirts and other wearing apparel at the retail level and on a wide scale bases, is because it is challenging to translate and associate a meaningful relevancy of astrology or the zodiac on wearing apparel for male and female in a unisex format. For instance, an individual's Virgo Sign denotes the words “The Virgin” as being symbolic of its characteristics. This may bring about reluctance from The Virgo Male to display such an image on fashionable wearing apparel. My invention addresses this stigma, in that it provides for both female and male applique versions. It promote total astrological pride, as well as depicts a class act in both male and female fashions. Also in order for a merchant to have in stock ten (10) garment items of twelve (12) astrological or zodiac signs in five (5) common sizes, i.e., Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and XX-Large. It would require on store racks a total of SIX HUNDRED (600) shirts or other garment items, creating a space and store-rack nightmare; including a considerable higher stock investment! This marred the thoughts of consideration for potential inventors and investors.

e.g., when you figure:

10 SMALL SIZES×12-ASTROLOGICAL Signs=120

10 MEDIUM SIZES×12-ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS=120

10 LARGE SIZES×12-ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS=120

10 X-LARGE SIZES×12-ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS=120

10 XX-LARGE SIZES×12-ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS=120

(not considering 3X & 4X sizes, etc)

TOTAL STOCK REQUIREMENT, FOR TEN (10) GARMENT ITEMS TO BE RETAINED ON STORE SHELVES, would be A STAGGERING 600 MERCHANTABLE ITEMS!

However, by use of my “Astro-Patch” or Applique′ system, this problem is eliminated, saving the cost associated with maintaining a continued large inventory. i.e., to maintain an inventory of 10 items each. ONLY 50 VARIABLE SIZED GARMENTS ARE NEEDED TO MAINTAIN TEN (10) VARIABLE SIZES (ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL “ASTRO-PATCH” APPLIQUES′ THAT'S PRE-PACKAGE ON STORE COMPACT HANGING PEG RACKS-10×12/ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS).

As anticipated applications for The Astro-Patch prescribed uniqueness, they can also be molded onto coffee mugs, picture frames, necklaces, chains, decals and stickers for automobiles and vehicles. Such decals can be placed on bumpers, windshields (in a safe location) or directly onto the exterior body of the vehicle.