Personalized Sports Equipment

Abstract

A personalized sports equipment includes at least one zodiac based design element being joined to a surface of the sports equipment. The at least one zodiac based design element comprises an element chosen from a group of zodiac symbols corresponding to a birth date of an intended user of the sports equipment. A birth stone is joined to the sports equipment. The birth stone is corresponding to the birth date of the intended user where the sports equipment is personalized for the intended user to motivate the intended user's well being and sports performance.

Description

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0001] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

[0002] Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to sports equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to personalized sports equipments having decorative and aesthetic appearance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

[0006] The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that typical sports equipments, such as, cricket bats, baseball bats or golf clubs are commonly customized and decorated with various types of logos, stickers and other decorative art and are manufactured using either silk screen printing, foil stamping, and like techniques. Other conventional customization techniques use graphics, decals, colors, or other functional characteristics applied to a portion of the sports equipment. Cricket bats traditionally comprise of a handle connected to an elongate blade shaped to provide front striking surface and an opposed rear surface, which allows for customization. Additionally, sports fans commemorate their attendance at sports games and show support for their favorite player by buying souvenirs including souvenir cricket bats, baseball bats, golf clubs, banners, shirts, sports uniform, mugs, etc. and have their favorite player sign their souvenir.

[0007] Furthermore, other typical methods useful to be aware of related to f forming decorative novelty articles having an aesthetic appearance for display use on desks, wall shelves and furniture, both for home and office.

[0008] In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches for personalized sports equipments with aesthetic designs that users may prefer and may give additional motivation for enhanced player performance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[0010] FIG. 1a through FIG. 1d are exemplary designs of a personalizing zodiac sign theme in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 2a through FIG. 2c is an exemplary design of a personalized sports equipment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, a variety of personalized sports equipment are described.

[0014] In one embodiment a personalized sports equipment comprises at least one zodiac based design element being joined to a surface of the sports equipment. The at least one zodiac based design element comprises an element chosen from a group of zodiac symbols corresponding to a birth date of an intended user of the sports equipment. A birth stone is joined to the sports equipment. The birth stone is corresponding to the birth date of the intended user where the sports equipment is personalized for the intended user to motivate the intended user's well being and sports performance.

[0015] In another embodiment a personalized sports club comprises at least one zodiac based design element being joined to a surface of a striking element of the sports club. The at least one zodiac based design element comprises an element chosen from a group of zodiac symbols corresponding to a birth date of an intended user of the sports club. A birth stone is joined to a handle of the sports club. The birth stone is corresponding to the birth date of the intended user where the sports club is personalized for the intended user to motivate the intended user's well being and sports performance.

[0016] In another embodiment a personalized cricket bat comprises a first zodiac based design element being joined to a front striking surface of the cricket bat. The first zodiac based design element comprises an element chosen from a group of zodiac symbols corresponding to a birth date of an intended user of the cricket bat. A second zodiac based design element is joined to a rear surface of the cricket bat. The second zodiac based design element comprises an element chosen from the group of zodiac symbols corresponding to the birth date of the intended user of the cricket bat. A third zodiac based design element is joined to a side surface of the cricket bat. The third zodiac based design element comprises an element chosen from the group of zodiac symbols corresponding to the birth date of the intended user of the cricket bat. First additional design elements are joined to the front striking surface and the rear surface. The first additional design elements comprise the birth date of the intended user of the cricket bat. Second additional design elements are joined to the front striking surface and the rear surface. The second additional design elements comprises birth lucky numbers of the intended user of the cricket bat. A birth stone is joined to a handle of the cricket bat. The birth stone is corresponding to the birth date of the intended user where the cricket bat is personalized for the intended user to motivate the intended user's well being and sports performance.

[0017] Other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

[0019] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

[0020] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to "a step" or "a means" is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical "exclusive or" unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0021] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0022] From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

[0023] Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

[0024] Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

[0025] As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

[0026] It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details.

[0027] An embodiment of the present invention and at least one variation provides sports equipment that is personalized with zodiac based designs in accordance with on the user's birth date. Exemplary factors that a zodiac sign theme may be stylized according to, include, but not limited to, a birth sign, birth date, birth colors, birth stone and birth lucky numbers.

[0028] FIG. 1a through FIG. 1d illustrate a multiplicity of exemplary design themes based on the zodiac sign "Cancer" in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In accordance with the exemplary cancer based zodiac design themes shown, FIG. 1a shows a decorative element 100 depicting birth sign 101 "Cancer", FIG. 1b shows another decorative element 110 birth sign lucky numbers 112 "3 7" and birth date 112 "69". FIG. 1c shows yet another decorative element 120 depicting the birth sign 101 "Cancer" and FIG. 1d shows decorative element 130 depicting the birth sign 101 "Cancer". The birth sign color "Pale Blue and Silver" is used throughout the decorative elements, yet any suitable color/style scheme may be used depending upon the needs of the particular application.

[0029] FIG. 2a through FIG. 2c illustrates various views of an exemplary sports equipment having the exemplary zodiac sign theme in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 2a, a front view of the exemplary sports equipment, in this case a cricket bat, shows a handle 201 and a front striking surface 200 of the cricket bat, depicting at the top, the decorative element 100, and at the bottom, the decorative element 110. A birth stone 205, by way of example and not limitation, one corresponding to a zodiac sign, is joined to the very top of the handle 201. Some exemplary birth stones are presented without limitation as follows:

[0030] January, Birthstone Garnet;

[0031] Feburary, Birthstone Amethyst;

[0032] March, Birthstone Aquamarine;

[0033] April, Birthstone Diamond;

[0034] May, Birthstone Emerald;

[0035] June, Birthstone Pearl;

[0036] July, Birthstone Ruby;

[0037] August, Birthstone Peridot;

[0038] September, Birthstone Sapphire;

[0039] October, Birthstone Opal & Pink Topaz;

[0040] November, Birthstone Citrine; and

[0041] December, Birthstone Topaz.

[0042] In FIG. 2b, a rear view of the exemplary sports equipment shows the rear surface opposite the striking surface of the cricket bat depicting the decorative element 120. And, in FIG. 2c, a side view of the exemplary sports equipment shows the side surface 220 of the cricket bat depicting the decorative element 130. It should be understood that zodiac themes that signify a particular motivating meaning to a given user will largely depend upon the accepted meaning of each zodiac symbol in the user's culture. Those skilled in the art will readily know the prevailing zodiac themes suitable for the prevailing culture the intended user lives within, and thereby generate a suitable design that motivate the user's pleasure, happiness, and sports performance in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. Hence, any zodiac sign based artistic designs, themes, and meanings may be used, and are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. Some exemplary zodiac themes and meanings are presented without limitation as follows:

[0043] Libra; Born: September 23-October 22; Element: Air--communicative and logical; Quality: Cardinal, the quality that signifies change and movement; Symbol: The Scales; Lucky Day: Friday; Lucky Numbers: 6 and 9; Special Color: Blue and lavender, the colors of harmony and refinement; Libra Traits: Charming, indecisive, diplomatic, easy-going, vulnerable, idealistic.

[0044] Aries; Born: March 21-April 19; Element: Fire--active and ardent; Quality: Cardinal, the quality that signifies change and movement; Symbol: The Ram; Lucky Day: Tuesday; Lucky Numbers: 1 and 9; Special Color: Red, the color of passion and excitement.

[0045] Taurus; Born: April 20-May 20; Element: Earth--practical and steady; Quality: Fixed, the quality that signifies a resistance to change; Symbol: The Bull; Lucky Day: Friday; Lucky Numbers: 4 and 6; Special Color Pink/mauve and pale blue, the colors of refinement and gentleness.

[0046] Gemini; Born: May 21-June 20; Element: Air--communicative and logical; Quality: Mutable, the quality that signifies adaptability and flexibility; Symbol: The Twins Lucky Day: Wednesday; Lucky Numbers: 5 and 9; Special Color: Yellow, the color of novelty and freedom; Gemini Traits: Talkative, intellectual, restless, superficial, lively, nervous.

[0047] Cancer; Born: June 21-July 22; Element: Water--emotional and intuitive; Quality: Cardinal, the quality that signifies change and movement; Symbol: The Crab; Lucky Day: Monday; Lucky Numbers: 3 and 7; Special Color: Pale blue and silver, the colors of the water and the moon.

[0048] Leo; Born: July 23-August 22; Element: Fire--active and ardent; Quality: Fixed, the quality that signifies a resistance to change; Symbol: The Lion; Lucky Day: Sunday; Lucky Numbers: 8 and 9; Special Color: Gold and yellow, the color of the Sun; Leo Traits: Powerful, creative, arrogant, intolerant, warm-hearted, opinionated.

[0049] Virgo; Born: August 23-September 22; Element: Earth--practical and steady; Quality: Mutable, the quality that signifies adaptability and flexibility; Symbol: The Virgin; Lucky Day: Wednesday; Lucky Numbers: 3 and 5; Special Color: Gray and navy blue, the colors of taste and refinement; Virgo Traits: hard-working, modest, critical, pragmatic, meticulous, conservative.

[0050] Scorpio; Born: October 23-November 21; Element: Water--emotional and intuitive; Quality: Fixed, the quality that signifies a resistance to change; Symbol: The Scorpion; Lucky Day: Tuesday; Lucky Numbers: 2 and 4; Special Color: Shades of red, the color of passion; Scorpio Traits: Passionate, intense, jealous, volatile, determined, loyal.

[0051] Sagittarius; Born: November 22-December 21; Element: Fire--active and ardent; Quality: Mutable, the quality that signifies adaptability and flexibility; Symbol: The Archer; Lucky Day: Thursday; Lucky Numbers: 5 and 7; Special Color: Purple; Sagittarius Traits: Optimistic, intellectual, irresponsible, restless, freedom-loving, superficial.

[0052] Capricorn; Born: December 22-January 19; Element: Earth--practical and steady; Quality: Cardinal, the quality that signifies change and movement; Symbol: The Goat; Lucky Day: Saturday; Lucky Numbers: 2 and 8; Special Color: Dark green and brown; Capricorn Traits: Hard-working, industrious, pessimistic, disciplined, cautious, aloof

[0053] Aquarius; Born: January 20-February 18; Element: Air--communicative and logical; Quality: Fixed, the quality that signifies a resistance to change; Symbol: The Water Bearer; Lucky Day: Wednesday; Lucky Numbers: 1 and 7; Special Color: Electric blue; Aquarius Traits: Independent, analytical, friendly, idealistic, detached, original.

[0054] Pisces; Born: February 19-March 20; Element: Water--emotional and intuitive; Quality: Mutable, the quality that signifies adaptability and flexibility; Symbol: Two Fishes; Lucky Day: Friday.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will readily create a wide variety of decorative elements based upon the sample themes presented above, and depending upon the needs of the particular application and/or symbolic meanings in the target market, will readily create a wide diversity of alternative decorative elements conveying suitable meanings consistent with the perceptions of the particular culture for which the product is intended. Moreover, it is to be understood that while the embodiments shown implemented a coordinating system of design elements, alternative embodiments may only implement one or just some of a particular set of zodiac design theme elements.

[0056] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative personalized sports equipments include baseball bats, golf clubs, ping-pong, etc. Alternative zodiac themes and sports equipments according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the zodiac sign theme may vary depending upon the user's birth date, hence, birth sign, birth stone, birth sign lucky numbers and birth sign color. The alternative embodiments described in the foregoing were directed to personalized sports equipment implementations; however, similar techniques are to provide personalized garments such as, but not limited to, dress shirts for men and women, sports uniforms for players, and souvenirs such as, but not limited to, souvenir plastic cricket bats, baseball bats, golf clubs, etc. Non-sports equipment implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A personalized sports equipment comprising: at least one zodiac based design element being joined to a surface of the sports equipment, the at least one zodiac based design element comprising an element chosen from a group of zodiac symbols corresponding to a birth date of an intended user of the sports equipment; and a birth stone being joined to the sports equipment, the birth stone being corresponding to the birth date of the intended user where the sports equipment is personalized for the intended user to motivate the intended user's well being and sports performance.

2. The personalized sports equipment as recited in claim 1, further comprising an additional design element joined to the surface of the sports equipment, the additional design element comprising the birth date of the intended user of the sports equipment.

3. The personalized sports equipment as recited in claim 1, further comprising an additional design element joined to the surface of the sports equipment, the additional design element comprising birth lucky numbers of the intended user of the sports equipment.

4. The personalized sports equipment as recited in claim 1, in which design elements joined to the sports equipment are rendered with birth colors of the intended user of the sports equipment.

5. The personalized sports equipment as recited in claim 1, in which the surface of the sports equipment comprises a surface of a striking element.

6. The personalized sports equipment as recited in claim 1, in which the birth stone is joined to a handle of the sports equipment.

7. The personalized sports equipment as recited in claim 6, in which the birth stone is joined to a top of the handle.

8. The personalized sports equipment as recited in claim 1, in which the sports equipment comprises a club.

9. The personalized sports equipment as recited in claim 8, in which in which the club comprises a bat.

10. The personalized sports equipment as recited in claim 9, in which the bat comprises a cricket bat.

11. A personalized sports club comprising: at least one zodiac based design element being joined to a surface of a striking element of the sports club, the at least one zodiac based design element comprising an element chosen from a group of zodiac symbols corresponding to a birth date of an intended user of the sports club; and a birth stone being joined to a handle of the sports club, the birth stone being corresponding to the birth date of the intended user where the sports club is personalized for the intended user to motivate the intended user's well being and sports performance.

12. The personalized sports club as recited in claim 11, in which the birth stone is joined to a top of the handle.

13. The personalized sports club as recited in claim 11, further comprising an additional design element joined to the surface, the additional design element comprising the birth date of the intended user of the sports club.

14. The personalized sports club as recited in claim 11, further comprising an additional design element joined to the surface, the additional design element comprising birth lucky numbers of the intended user of the sports club.

15. The personalized sports club as recited in claim 11, in which design elements joined to the sports club are rendered with birth colors of the intended user of the sports club.

16. The personalized sports club as recited in claim 11, in which in which the sports club comprises a bat.

17. The personalized sports club as recited in claim 16, in which the bat comprises a cricket bat.

18. A personalized cricket bat comprising: a first zodiac based design element being joined to a front striking surface of the cricket bat, the first zodiac based design element comprising an element chosen from a group of zodiac symbols corresponding to a birth date of an intended user of the cricket bat; a second zodiac based design element being joined to a rear surface of the cricket bat, the second zodiac based design element comprising an element chosen from the group of zodiac symbols corresponding to the birth date of the intended user of the cricket bat; a third zodiac based design element being joined to a side surface of the cricket bat, the third zodiac based design element comprising an element chosen from the group of zodiac symbols corresponding to the birth date of the intended user of the cricket bat; first additional design elements being joined to the front striking surface and the rear surface, the first additional design elements comprising the birth date of the intended user of the cricket bat; second additional design elements being joined to the front striking surface and the rear surface, the second additional design elements comprising birth lucky numbers of the intended user of the cricket bat; and a birth stone being joined to a handle of the cricket bat, the birth stone being corresponding to the birth date of the intended user where the cricket bat is personalized for the intended user to motivate the intended user's well being and sports performance.

19. The personalized cricket bat as recited in claim 18, in which the birth stone is joined to a top of the handle.

20. The personalized cricket bat as recited in claim 18, in which design elements joined to the cricket bat are rendered with birth colors of the intended user of the cricket bat.

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