Trading Card Costume Device

Abstract

A trading card costume device is provided. The device is comprised of a wearable costume device designed to resemble a three-dimensional, living trading card, offering customizable features that mimic various trading card themes, such as sports, fantasy, or game cards, to enhance personal expression and engagement at themed events. The device comprises a front member with an opening for the wearer's face, evoking the image area of a trading card, and may feature thematic indicia like player names or holographic designs for authenticity. A matching rear member includes thematic and visually cohesive indicia, with typical card-back details such as statistics or descriptions. Structural integrity is maintained by supports, and the device is secured with adjustable, padded shoulder straps for comfort and fit. A method of use includes donning the costume and adjusting the straps for stability and ease of wear.

Claims

1. A trading card costume device comprising: a front member comprising an opening and a first indicia; a rear member comprising a front surface comprised of a second indicia and a rear surface having a third indicia; a support connecting the front member to the rear member; and a shoulder strap attached to the rear member.

2. The trading card costume device of claim 1, wherein the front member is comprised of a paper-based material or a plastic-based material.

3. The trading card costume device of claim 1, wherein the rear member is comprised of a paper-based material or a plastic-based material.

4. The trading card costume device of claim 1, wherein the first indicia is comprised of a holographic element.

5. The trading card costume device of claim 1, wherein the first indicia is comprised of a foil element.

6. The trading card costume device of claim 1, wherein the third indicia is comprised of a text.

7. The trading card costume device of claim 1, wherein the third indicia is comprised of a statistic.

8. The trading card costume device of claim 1, wherein the shoulder strap is comprised of an adjustable strap.

9. The trading card costume device of claim 8, wherein the shoulder strap is comprised of a fastener.

10. The trading card costume device of claim 9, wherein the fastener is comprised of a hook and loop fastener, a buckle, or a snap.

11. A trading card costume device comprising: a rectangular front member comprising a rectangular opening and a first indicia; a rectangular rear member comprising a front surface comprised of a second indicia and a rear surface having a third indicia; a support connecting the front member to the rear member; and a shoulder strap attached to the rear member.

12. The trading card costume device of claim 11, wherein the first indicia is comprised of a logo.

13. The trading card costume device of claim 11, wherein the first indicia is comprised of a name.

14. The trading card costume device of claim 11, wherein the shoulder strap is comprised of a padding.

15. The trading card costume device of claim 11, wherein the shoulder strap is comprised of a fastener.

16. The trading card costume device of claim 11, wherein the second indicia is comprised of a pattern, a color, or a graphic.

17. The trading card costume device of claim 11, wherein the first indicia, the second indicia, and the third indicia are embossed.

18. The trading card costume device of claim 11, wherein the first indicia is comprised of a stylized border.

19. The trading card costume device of claim 11, wherein the first logo is comprised of a word.

20. A method of using a trading card costume device, the method comprising the following steps: providing a wearable costume comprising a front member shaped to emulate a trading card, the front member having an opening and a first indicia, a rear member positioned behind the front member, the rear member comprising a front surface with a second indicia and a rear surface with a third indicia, a support connecting the front member to the rear member, and an adjustable shoulder strap attached to the rear member; positioning a user's upper body between the front member and the rear member; placing the shoulder strap over the user's shoulders; and adjusting the length of the shoulder strap using a fastener of the shoulder strap.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a trading card costume device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodiment of a trading card costume device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of a trading card costume device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a trading card costume device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0023] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved costume. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a trading card costume device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a trading card costume device that provides a costume that resembles a trading card. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a trading card costume device that provides a costume that resembles a trading card wherein the wearer themselves is the subject of the trading card.

[0024] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a trading card costume device. The device is a wearable costume designed to resemble a three-dimensional, living trading card. It includes customizable features to imitate various card types, such as sports, game, or collectible fantasy character cards, allowing users to express their interests and engage in themed events like conventions or parties.

[0025] The device features a front member that serves as the main visible surface, preferably shaped as a rectangle to replicate the form of a traditional trading card. This front member is proportionally scaled to fit the user's size and can be made from paper-based or plastic-based materials to ensure both durability and flexibility. An opening is integrated to highlight the user's face or upper body, functioning as the focal point in a manner similar to an image area on an actual trading card.

[0026] The front member also includes at least one indicia, such as text, numbers, logos, or graphics, which align with the theme of the trading card. These indicia may be applied through methods like printing or embossing and may feature holographic or foil effects to replicate the look of rare cards.

[0027] A rear member acts as the back panel, mirroring the shape and material of the front member. The front surface of the rear member serves as a backdrop for the user, decorated with indicia like patterns or graphics relevant to the card's theme. The rear surface of the rear member displays indicia that replicate the design elements of a card's reverse side, including logos, statistics, or descriptive text that corresponds to the card type.

[0028] The front and rear members are linked by at least one support, providing structural stability and maintaining proper alignment. This support is typically rigid and extends horizontally between the two members.

[0029] The rear member's front surface includes at least one adjustable shoulder strap to secure the costume on the user's shoulders. The strap features fasteners, such as buckles or snaps, that allow for adjustment in length and tension, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. Padding may be included for added comfort during prolonged use.

[0030] A method of using the device involves several steps: assembling the costume components, positioning the user's upper body between the front and rear members, placing the shoulder strap over the shoulders, and adjusting the fasteners for a proper and comfortable fit.

[0031] The trading card costume device is particularly advantageous as it provides an enhanced costume experience. Specifically, it offers a trading card-like appearance with the wearer themselves as the subject, addressing limitations found in existing costume designs.

[0032] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a trading card costume device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is comprised of a costume that can be worn by a user to give the appearance that the user is a three-dimensional, living trading card. In different embodiments, the device 100 may have customizable features to reflect/resemble different types of trading cards, including but not limited to sports cards, game cards, or collectible fantasy character cards. This design allows for versatility in personal expression and engagement in themed events, such as conventions, parties, or promotional activities.

[0033] The device 100 is comprised of a front member 110 that forms the primary visible surface of the costume when viewed from the front. The front member 110 is preferably (but not limited to) rectangular to emulate the shape of a traditional trading card. The dimensions of the front member 110 may be scaled proportionately to a typical trading card, ensuring visual authenticity while accommodating the user's body size. The front member 110 may be made from a paper-based material, such as cardboard or coated cardstock, and/or a plastic-based material, like polypropylene or polycarbonate, to provide both flexibility and durability. The front member 110 is comprised of an opening 112 strategically positioned to display the user's face and/or upper body. This opening 112 functions similarly to the framed image area on an actual trading card, allowing the wearer's features to become the focal point.

[0034] The front member 110 may also be comprised of at least one indicia 116. The indicia 116 may include but are not limited to words, letters, numbers, logos, or graphics that thematically relate to trading cards. Examples of such indicia may include player names, team logos, card values, or stylized borders that are commonly found on sports cards or collectible cards. The indicia 116 may be printed, embossed, or applied using decals, depending on the desired visual and tactile effect. In some configurations, the indicia 116 may be in the form of holographic or foil elements to mimic rare card features.

[0035] The device 100 is also comprised of a rear member 120 that serves as the back panel of the device 100, as seen in FIG. 2. The rear member 120 is also preferably rectangular and mirrors the shape and material composition of the front member 110, using paper-based or plastic-based materials to ensure consistency in appearance and durability. The front surface 122 of the rear member 120 is designed to act as a backdrop for the user's body while wearing the device 100. This surface 122 may be comprised of at least one indicia 124, such as patterns, colors, or graphics, that create a visually appealing background. The indicia 124 may be thematic, reflecting the genre or style of the trading card being emulated, such as but not limited to a sports field for an athlete card or a mystical landscape for a fantasy character card.

[0036] The rear surface 130 of the rear member 120 is comprised of at least one indicia 132 that gives the appearance of the back side of a trading card. The indicia 132 may include features typical of a card's reverse side, such as a card logo, player statistics, descriptive text, or images that are relevant to the card's theme. For example, sports cards may include player stats, team affiliations, or a brief biography, while collectible game cards may display unique abilities, card rarity, or lore descriptions.

[0037] The front member 110 and rear member 120 are connected by at least one support 140, as seen in FIG. 3. The support 150 is preferably a rigid support. The support 140 extends horizontally between the members 110 and 120, maintaining the structural integrity of the costume and ensuring that the members remain properly aligned when worn.

[0038] The front surface 122 of the rear member 120 is further comprised of at least one shoulder strap 126. The strap 126 is designed to secure the device 100 on the user's shoulders, ensuring that the costume stays in place while being worn. The strap 126 may be adjustable and feature at least one fastener 128, such as hook and loop, buckles, snaps, etc. These fasteners 128 provide the user with the ability to modify the strap 126 length and tension for optimal comfort and fit. The adjustable nature of the strap 126 allows the device 100 to accommodate a wide range of body sizes, from children to adults, while preventing the costume from shifting or slipping during use. Additional padding 127 may be incorporated into the shoulder straps for increased comfort during extended wear.

[0039] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 4. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a front member 110 comprised of a first indicia 116 and an opening 112, a rear member 120 comprised of a front surface 122 with a second indicia 124 and at least one strap 126, and a rear surface 130 with a third indicia 132, and at least one support 140 that connects the front member 110 to the rear member 120 [Step 202]. Then, a user can position their upper body between the front member 110 and the rear member 120 [Step 204]. Then, the user can place the shoulder strap 126 around their shoulder [Step 206]. Finally, a user can adjust the tightness of the shoulder strap 126 via at least one fastener 128 of the strap 126 [Step 208].

[0040] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein trading card costume device and device are interchangeable and refer to the trading card costume device 100 of the present invention.

[0041] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the trading card costume device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the trading card costume device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the trading card costume device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the trading card costume device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the trading card costume device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0042] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0043] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.