TWO-SIDED LENTICULAR TAG AND DISPLAY

Abstract

A lenticular tag display system and a lenticular tag are provided. The tag display system includes a display structure having an axis of rotation and a set of the lenticular tags, removably connected to the display structure. Each tag in the set of lenticular tags has a first lenticular image selected by a name program and a second lenticular image that is a souvenir image. Each tag is oriented relative to the display structure such that an axis of lenticulation of the lenticular tag is parallel to the axis of rotation of the display structure.

Claims

1. A two-sided lenticular tag, the tag comprising: a main body having a first side and a second side; an attachment arrangement rotatably attached to the main body; a first lenticular image having at least a first and second image, the first lenticular image being located on the first side of the main body; and a second lenticular souvenir image having at least a third and fourth image, the second lenticular image being located on the second side of the main body, wherein rotation of the tag about an axis of lenticulation relative to a viewer causes the viewer to see a motion sequence defined by a viewed one of the first lenticular image and the second lenticular image.

2. The tag of claim 1, wherein the tag is a keychain and its main body has a width of between approximately 0.75 inches and 1.5 inches and a length of between approximately 2 inches and 3 inches.

3. The tag of claim 1, wherein the tag is a zipper pull and its main body has a width of between approximately 0.25 inches and 0.75 inches and a length of between approximately 0.5 inches and 1.25 inches.

4. The tag of claim 1, wherein the attachment arrangement includes a vertex configured to contact a support member of a display structure and to allow the tag to pivot relative to the support structure, the vertex being offset from a center of gravity of the tag and the main body in a direction parallel to the axis of lenticulation.

5. The tag of claim 4, wherein a hanging axis extends through the vertex and the center of gravity of the tag, and the tag is generally self-orienting such that, when the vertex contacts the support structure, the hanging axis hangs parallel to the pull of gravity and the axis of lenticulation.

6. The tag of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second surfaces defines a recessed region, and the shape of the recessed region of the first surface is substantially the same size and shape as the first lenticular images and the shape of the recessed region of the second surface is substantially the same size and shape as the second lenticular image.

7. The tag of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second lenticular images further includes a plurality of lenticular lenses, oriented in a direction parallel to the axis of lenticulation.

8. A method of displaying a plurality of souvenir tags comprising: providing a first plurality of souvenir tags, each tag including a first lenticular image having at least a first and second image, the first lenticular image being a name, the first lenticular image having an axis of lenticulation, rotation about the axis of lenticulation causes a viewer to see a motion sequence defined by the first lenticular image, each tag including a support structure configured to hang the souvenir tag; and hanging the first plurality of souvenir tags from a support structure of a display system being rotatable about a rotational axis such that the axis of lenticulation is parallel to the rotational axis of the display system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0024] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a two-sided lenticular tag according to the teachings of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIGS. 2-3 are a simplified drawings illustrating the lenticular technology used on the lenticular tag of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIGS. 4-8 are front views of a first side of the two-sided lenticular tag of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIGS. 9-13 are top views of the two-sided lenticular tags shown in FIGS. 4-8;

[0028] FIGS. 14 and 15 are perspective views of a rotating display for a plurality of sets of two-sided lenticular tags;

[0029] FIGS. 16 and 17 are top views of the rotating display of FIGS. 14 and 15;

[0030] FIG. 18A shows a perspective view of the two-sided lenticular tags arranged on a display system;

[0031] FIG. 18B shows a top view of the two-sided lenticular tags shown in FIG. 18A; and

[0032] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the rotating display of FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0033] While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Beginning with FIG. 1, a souvenir in the form of a two sided lenticular tag 10 is illustrated. The tag 10 is generally comprised of an attachment arrangement 12, rotatably attached at a joint 13 to a main body 14, and first and second lenticular images 16, 18. The lenticular images 16, 18 preferably include one name image (see the first lenticular image 16) and one souvenir image (see the second lenticular image 18).

[0035] The attachment arrangement 12 takes the form, in this embodiment, of a circular ring which defines a concave vertex 19. The vertex 19 is a point on an inner surface of the attachment arrangement 12. The vertex 19 is offset from the main body 14 in a direction parallel to an axis of lenticulation 20, (which is discussed in more detail below). The vertex 19 is also a greater distance from the main body than any other point on the inner surface in a direction parallel to the axis of lenticulation 20. The attachment arrangement 12 is shown as a ring, wherein the ring is slidable along its circumference within the joint 13 of the tag 10, and the vertex 19 may be any point along the ring. In this embodiment, the vertex 19 is preferably substantially centered along the width W of the tag 10. In other embodiments, the attachment arrangement 12 may be a variety of shapes, such as a diamond or triangle, wherein a corner of the diamond or triangle is the vertex 19. A center of gravity 56 is also preferably centered along the width W.

[0036] The main body 14 is generally flat with a first surface 15 and a second surface 17. The first and second surfaces 15, 17 each define a recessed region and a surrounding outer peripheral portion. The first lenticular image 16 is fixed to the first surface 15 of the main body 14, and is located in the recessed region thereof The second lenticular image 18 is fixed to the second surface 17 of the main body 14, and is located in the recessed region thereof The recessed regions of the first and second surfaces 15, 17 are substantially the same shape and size as the first and second lenticular images 16, 18, which aids in the alignment of the first and second lenticular images 16, 18 relative to the main body 14. The recessed regions also help protect the edges of the first and second lenticular images 16, 18 from external forces encountered during normal use of the tag 10, which might otherwise cause the lenticular images 16, 18 to become unattached to the main body 14. The first and second lenticular images 16 and 18 may be fixed to the main body by a variety of methods, including any appropriate adhesive or mechanical fastening.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the lenticular tag 10 is a keychain, wherein the main body 14 has a width W at its widest cross-section of between approximately 0.75 inches and 1.5 inches and a length L at its longest cross-section of between approximately 2 inches and 3 inches. In an alternative embodiment, the tag is a zipper pull having a width W of between approximately 0.25 inches and 0.75 inches and a length L of between approximately 0.5 inches and 1.25 inches. Other embodiments are also contemplated, including a jewelry pendant.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the first lenticular image 16 is one of a plurality of name images selected using a name program such that a plurality of the tags 10 will have a plurality of different names. The second lenticular image 18 is a souvenir image. A “souvenir image” herein shall be an image selected to represent the location or event where the tag 10 will be sold.

[0039] Referring next to FIGS. 2 and 3, the structure of a representative lenticular image 50 is illustrated in simplified form. A sequence of images including a first image 40 and a second image 42 are arranged in a plurality of interlaced thin strips under a plurality of lenticular lenses 44 such that exactly one strip from each image is generally beneath every lenticular lens 44, and the strips from each image are arranged such that they alternate with each other, and are therefore arranged in the same sequence beneath every lens. Each lens 44 has a longitudinal axis 43 oriented parallel to the strips of the images beneath it. The longitudinal axes 43 of the lenses 44 are arranged parallel to each other such that as the lenticular image 50 rotates relative to a viewer about any axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 43 of the lenses 44 (this axis of rotation will be referred to hereinafter as an “axis of lenticulation 20”), the image seen by the viewer alternates between the first and second images 40 and 42. As such, the lenticular image 50 may rotate relative to the viewer about any axis of lenticulation, for example, about axes 20, 20′, and 20″, and result in alternating images seen by the viewer.

[0040] Similarly, a viewer in a first viewing position 46 at a first range of viewing angles α, α′, α″, α″″ relative to the lenticular image 50 sees the first image 40, while a viewer in a second viewing position 48 at a second range of viewing angles (β, β′, β″, β″″ relative to the lenticular image 50 sees the second image 42. Thus, as the lenticular image 50 and the viewer rotate relative to each other about an axis of lenticulation 20, the image seen by the viewer changes from the first image 40 to the second image 42 and back again as the range of viewing angles changes.

[0041] Two images, namely, the first and second images 40 and 42, are used in FIGS. 2 and 3 merely to illustrate the concept of lenticular images. Typically, several different images are arranged beneath a series of lenticular lenses in the manner described such that the viewer views a series of images that convey a motion sequence. As such, more than two images may be interlaced with one another.

[0042] Turning now to FIGS. 4-8 and FIGS. 9-13, a simplified representation of a lenticular tag 10 rotating about an axis of lenticulation 20 is shown. The tag 10 is oriented such that the first lenticular image 16 is viewed. As the tag 10 rotates about the axis of lenticulation 20, the viewer sees a motion sequence of exploding fireworks and a name selected by the name program getting larger or smaller depending on the direction of rotation.

[0043] The motion sequence of a lenticular image may be any of a variety of different sequences. A motion sequence defined by the name program, for example, may be a name growing larger or smaller, or it may be a name changing colors. The name may also stay the same size and color, while a background sequence such as the fireworks shown in FIGS. 4-8 changes size or color. A motion sequence of a souvenir image may be a recognizable geographic location changing from day to night or an object (i.e. a dolphin or a motorcycle) moving across the tag 10. These examples are illustrations only, and all acceptable motion sequences appropriate for a name program and for a souvenir image are contemplated herein.

[0044] Turning now to FIG. 14, a lenticular tag display system 110 is shown and will be discussed in detail. The display system 110 is comprised generally of a display 112 having a plurality of display surfaces 115 separating separate display regions of the display 112 from one another. The display surfaces extend generally upward relative to a base 124 and surround a central axis 120 about which the lenticular tag display system 110 rotates.

[0045] A plurality of mounting devices illustrated in the form of peg hooks 118 are removably or permanently attached to each display surface 115 such that a first set of lenticular tags 114 may be displayed relative to a first display surface in a first display region, and a second set of lenticular tags 116 may be displayed relative to a second display surface in a second display region.

[0046] Each set of lenticular tags 114 and 116 is comprised of a plurality of lenticular tags such as the lenticular tag 10 described above having a name image and a souvenir image. The embodiment of the display system shown in FIG. 14 has four display surfaces and accommodates four sets of lenticular tags. However, alternative embodiments of the display system 110 may have one or more display surfaces having one or more display regions.

[0047] The first lenticular image 16 of the first set of lenticular tags 114 is determined by a name program, such that the plurality of first lenticular images 16 within the first set of lenticular tags 114 comprise the names selected by the name program. The tags 10 in the set of lenticular tags are arranged relative to the display structure 110 such that the first lenticular image 16 of each tag 10 faces generally outward toward the viewer and may be viewed by a potential purchaser. This allows the purchaser to easily select the specific name he or she desires. In a preferred embodiment, each unique name selected by the name program is displayed on at least one hook 118, and no hook 118 accommodates more than one name. More preferably, the names are arranged alphabetically, first from left to right across a top row of hooks 118, and then from the top to the bottom of the display system 110. Also, multiple hooks 118 may display the same name depending on the popularity of the name.

[0048] The second lenticular images 18 of the first set of lenticular tags 114 are a first lenticular souvenir image. Thus, the first set of lenticular tags 114 have a plurality of different names on the first set of lenticular images 16, and substantially identical second lenticular images 18. As such, each tag 10 of the first set of lenticular tags 114 all have one side that is substantially the same, namely, the souvenir image.

[0049] The second set of lenticular tags 116 is configured similar to the first set of lenticular tags 114 such that the name program selects a plurality of names for the first lenticular images 16 for the tags 10 in the second set of tags 116, and the second lenticular image 18 of the second set of tags 116 is a second souvenir image, different from the first souvenir image.

[0050] Different sets of tags having different name images or souvenir images may be hung on any additional display surfaces 115.

[0051] In one embodiment, a motorized lenticular advertising display 122 is fixedly attached at a top end of the display system 110. The motorized display moves a plurality of images behind a lenticular screen such that a viewer may view a motion sequence of a subject without any movement relative to the advertising display 122. This helps attract the attention of potential purchasers.

[0052] Turning now to FIG. 15, it can be seen that each tag 10 is removably mounted using its attachment arrangement 12 to a hook 118. The attachment arrangement 12 is arranged such that the vertex 19 of the attachment arrangement 12 contacts the hook 118. Because the vertex 19 and the center of gravity 56 are centered along the width W and the vertex 19 is offset from the main body in a direction parallel to the axis of lenticulation 20, a hanging axis 57 passing through the vertex 19 and the center of gravity 56 hangs parallel to the pull of gravity 127 when the vertex 19 contacts the hook 118. Further, the recessed region of each of the first and second surfaces 15, 17 (shown in FIG. 1) generally aids in the alignment of the first and second lenticular images 16, 18 respectively relative to the main body 14 such that the axes of lenticulation 20 of the first and second lenticular images 16, 18 are parallel to each other and to the hanging axis 57. This allows the axis of lenticulation 20 to also be oriented parallel to the direction of the pull of gravity 127. This also allows the tags 10 to be self-orienting such that the axis of lenticulation 20 will be parallel to the rotational axis 120 of the display system 110.

[0053] FIG. 16 shows a first way in which the display system 110 provides an advantageous arrangement for the display of the lenticular tags 10 to promote attracting the attention of a potential purchaser. A viewer who walks by the display system from Position A to Position B as illustrated by the arrow 131 will experience a change in viewing angle relative to the tags 10. In this manner, the viewer will view a first image of the first lenticular image 16 from Position A, and a second image of the first lenticular image 16 from Position B. Thus, the motion of the viewer as the viewer walks from Position A to Position B causes the tag to rotate relative to the viewer about the axis of lenticulation 20, and causes the viewer to view the motion sequence effect of the first lenticular image 16 of the tag 10. This effect is best viewed when the tag is arranged such that the axis of lenticulation 20 is arranged generally perpendicular to a travel path of the viewer.

[0054] FIG. 17 shows a second way in which the display system 110 provides an advantageous arrangement for the display of the lenticular tags 10 to promote attracting the attention of a potential purchaser. A viewer may stand in a single Position A as the display system 110 rotates about an axis 120. Because the tags are arranged such that the axis of lenticulation 20 is parallel to the axis of rotation 120, a stationary viewer will view the motion sequence provided by the first images 16 of the lenticular tags 10 in a similar manner as discussed with regard to FIG. 16. In a first embodiment, the display system 110 is not motorized such that the display system 110 rotates only upon manual manipulation. In an alternative embodiment, the display system 110 includes a motor and is motorized such that the display system 110 continuously rotates slowly about its axis 120.

[0055] FIGS. 18A and 18B show a third way in which the display system 110 provides an advantageous arrangement of displaying lenticular tags 10. Although the tags 10 are self-orienting such that the axis of lenticulation 20 is oriented parallel to the pull of gravity, the tags 10 have some limited freedom to rotate about their hanging axes 57 when they are removably attached to the hooks 118. As such, adjacent tags 10, and consequently, the first lenticular images 16 of the adjacent tags 10, may be slightly rotated relative to each other when hung from a hook 118, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B. In this way, the tags 10 may be positioned such that a viewer can simultaneously view images within the first lenticular images 16 that are different from each other, as shown in FIG. 18A. For example, a viewer may see a name having a large size on a first one of the tags 10, and the same name having a smaller size on a second one of the tags 10 due to a slight rotation of each tag about its hanging axis 57. The rotation about the hanging axes 57 may occur at the time the tags 10 are hung from the hooks 118, or it may also occur due to gusts of air caused, for example, by a door opening and closing in a retail environment, by wind if the display system 110 is located outside, or by a person walking by the display system 110. As such, the slight rotation of the tags 10 relative to each other on each hook 118 may increase the visual interest of the display system 110.

[0056] This slight rotation of the tags 10 relative to hook 118 is permitted because the interface between the attachment arrangement 12 and the hook 118 is short in an axial direction and is therefore almost a point contact. This configuration provides a limited pivot point to allow the aforementioned limited variation in angular orientation of individual tags relative to a single hook 118.

[0057] Thus, the display system 110 provides various ways to catch the eye of prospective customers because the longitudinal axis 43 of the lenses, and consequently the axis of lenticulation 20, is arranged to be parallel to the axis of rotation 120 of the display system 110 and generally perpendicular to the relative travel path 131 between the viewer and the tags 10. Again, the tag 10 is designed such that the hanging axis 57 passing through the vertex 19 and the center of gravity 56 is parallel with the axis of lenticulation 20 such that the tags are self-orienting in this beneficial way. Also, the tags 10 have some degree of freedom to rotate about an axis of lenticulation while hanging from the hooks 118.

[0058] Turning now to FIG. 19, an alternative embodiment of the display system 210 is illustrated. The display system 210 has a continuous and generally circular display surface 215, and rotates about an axis of rotation 220. The tags 10 of the display system 210 are generally self-orienting in a manner similar to the tags of the display system 110, creating the same advantageous ways in to catch the eye of the customer.

[0059] The display systems 110 and 210 may be made of one or more various suitable rigid materials, including but not limited to wood, rigid plastic, and metal. The display units 110 and 210 are two of many different configurations of a lenticular tag display system wherein the axis of lenticulation is advantageously arranged relative to an axis of rotation of the display or perpendicular to a travel path of the viewer to catch the customer's eye.

[0060] In a preferred method of operation, a name program is used to select a plurality of names, and a motion sequence such as the fireworks sequence discussed above is selected. A plurality of first lenticular images 16 are created, displaying the plurality of selected names within the selected motion sequence. A second souvenir image is then selected as the second lenticular image 18. The plurality of first lenticular images 16 are placed on the first surface 15 of each tag 10 in the first plurality of tags 114, and the second lenticular image 18 is placed on the second surface 17 of each tag 10 in the first plurality of tags 114.

[0061] The first plurality of tags 114 is then hung from the hooks 118 at its attachment arrangement 12. Due to the position of the center of gravity 56 in relation to the vertex 19 and the axis of lenticulation 20, the tags self-orient such that when mounted with the vertex 19, the axis of lenticulation 20 aligns with the pull of gravity 127 and parallel to the axis of rotation 120. The plurality of tags 114 are placed on the hooks 118 such that the first lenticular image 16 having the name program image faces outward. The plurality of tags 114 is further arranged such that the tags are alphabetically organized, first from left to right, and then from the top to the bottom of the display system 110.

[0062] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0063] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0064] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.