Abstract:
A customized unit of furniture comprising: (a) a base furnishing including at least one of a projection and a recess; and (b) an inlay incorporating a customized indicia, with at least a portion of the inlay including at least one of a corresponding recess and a corresponding projection to engage at least one of the projection and recess of the furnishing to permanently mount the panel to the furnishing. The invention also includes a method of distributing customized furniture comprising: (a) offering a plurality of furnishings for sale; (b) offering a customized inlay to be permanently mounted to an unfinished furnishing to form at least one of the plurality of furnishings; and (c) selling at least one of the plurality of furnishings with the customized inlay, where the customized inlay includes a visible face incorporating a customized indicia.

Description:
RELATED ART 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0001]    The present invention is directed to customized furnishings and, more specifically, to customized furnishings with customized indicia that may include personalized messages. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0002]    The present invention includes methods of customizing units of furniture and the resulting customized furniture. In exemplary form, a customized raised-relief inlay includes some unique, character specific, or customer specific indicia that is incorporated to the unit of furniture to personalize the furniture and provide a classy, elegant appearance. While not required, an inlay fabricated from the same material as the unit of furniture allows for a seamless incorporation of the customized indicia into the unit of furniture without detracting from the appearance of the furniture. Thus, as time progresses, the original owner, as well as those who follow, will be reminded of the commemorative events surrounding the initial receipt of the furniture and the circumstances corresponding to the personalized indicia. 
         [0003]    It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a customized unit of furniture comprising: (a) a base furnishing including at least one of a projection and a recess; and (b) an inlay incorporating a customized indicia, with at least a portion of the inlay including at least one of a corresponding recess and a corresponding projection to engage at least one of the projection and recess of the furnishing to permanently mount the inlay panel to the furnishing. 
         [0004]    In a more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the furnishing is at least one of a table, a display stand, a magazine rack, a bookcase, a chair, a chest, a cabinet, and a serving tray. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the customized indicia include a linguistic representation of at least one of a particular event, a particular person, or a particular message. In a further detailed embodiment, the panel inlay includes a projection generally rectangular in cross-section, the furnishing includes a recess generally rectangular in cross-section and, the inlay at least partially occupies the recess using at least one of a compression fit, an adhesive, and a permanent fastener. In still a further detailed embodiment, the inlay includes an exposed raised face comprising a generally planar surface with at least one edge of the planar surface being beveled to approximate the level of surface of the furnishing surrounding the recess. In a more detailed embodiment, the inlay includes an exposed raised face that overlaps any recess or projection of the furnishing so that no portion of the recess or projection is visible when the inlay is mounted to the furnishing. In a more detailed embodiment, the inlay is permanently or removably mounted to the furnishing. In another more detailed embodiment, the inlay includes a plurality of panels each incorporating a differing customized indicia, where each of the plurality of panels is permanently mounted to the furnishing. 
         [0005]    It is a second aspect of the present invention to provide a method of customizing furniture, the method comprising mounting a customized inlay, having a customized indicia on a face of the inlay exposed to an objective observer, to a furnishing, where the customized inlay includes at least one of a recess and a projection that interfaces with at least one of a corresponding projection and a corresponding recess of the furnishing to permanently mount the inlay to the furnishing. 
         [0006]    In a more detailed embodiment of the second aspect, the method further comprises the act of fabricating the customized inlay to include a projection to be received within a recess of the furnishing. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the act of fabricating the customized inlay includes forming the permanent indicia on the face of the customized inlay. In a further detailed embodiment, the act of forming the permanent indicia includes the act of engraving the permanent indicia on the face of the customized inlay. In still a further detailed embodiment, the act of fabricating the customized inlay includes utilization of a rotating bit to form the projection. In a more detailed embodiment, the permanent indicia includes a linguistic representation of at least one of a particular event, a particular person, and a particular message. In a more detailed embodiment, the furnishing includes at least one of a table, a display stand, a magazine rack, a bookcase, a chair, a chest, a cabinet, and a serving tray. 
         [0007]    It is a third aspect of the present invention to provide a method of distributing customized furniture comprising: (a) offering a plurality of furnishings for sale; (b) offering a customized inlay to be permanently mounted to an unfinished furnishing to form at least one of the plurality of furnishings; and (c) selling at least one of the plurality of furnishings with the customized inlay, where the customized inlay includes a visible face incorporating a customized indicia. 
         [0008]    In a more detailed embodiment of the third aspect, the customized indicia include a linguistic representation of at least one of a particular event, a particular person, or a particular message. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the method further comprises, but is not limited to, electronically receiving instructions of a customer as to the customized indicia to be incorporated with the customized inlay, and mounting the customized inlay to the unfinished furnishing. In a further detailed embodiment, the act of offering the plurality of furnishings for sale can be performed electronically and, the act of offering the customized inlay to be mounted to the unfinished furnishing can be performed electronically. In still a further detailed embodiment, the method further comprises the act of providing an electronic data input for a customer to input at least a portion of the customized indicia. 
         [0009]    It is a fourth aspect of the present invention to provide a method of distributing customized furniture comprising: (a) receiving a unit of furniture in component parts from a supplier; (b) customizing at least one of the component parts in response to a particular consumer request; (c) assembling the component parts to permanently incorporate the customized component part as an integral part of a customized furnishing; and (d) supplying the customer with the customized furnishing in satisfaction of the particular consumer request. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is an overhead view of an exemplary end table fabricated in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a frontal view of the exemplary end table of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a profile view of the exemplary end table of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary end table taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of the isolated area A of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a frontal view of an exemplary customized inlay panel of the exemplary end table of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is an overhead view of the exemplary customized inlay panel of  FIG. 6 ; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a profile view of the exemplary customized inlay panel of  FIG. 6 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated below to encompass methods of customizing furnishings as well as the resulting furnishings incorporating customized indicia. Of course, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the preferred embodiments discussed below are exemplary in nature and may be reconfigured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. However, for clarity and precision, the exemplary embodiments as discussed below may include optional steps, methods, and features that one of ordinary skill should recognize as not being a requisite to fall within the scope of the invention. 
         [0019]    Referencing  FIGS. 1-4 , an exemplary unit of furniture, such as a wooden occasional table  10 , is fabricated from conventional techniques. The table  10  includes four legs  12  vertically oriented and spaced apart in a rectangular pattern. The lower portion  14  of each leg  12  is mounted to a horizontal support  16 , having a bridging support  18  running between the horizontal supports. Adjacent sides  26 ,  28  of each leg  12  are mounted to a pair of corresponding facial apron panels  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36  concurrently mounted to the underside  22  of a table top  24 . Two of the facial panels  32 ,  36  include two corresponding rectangular routed recesses  42 ,  44  that are each adapted to receive a corresponding customized, raised-relief inlay  46 . 
         [0020]    Each customized, raised-relief inlay  46  may include an indicia  48  integrally formed on the face  50  of the inlay. The indicia  48  may include various types of personalized messages signifying a particular event, a particular person, a particular location, or a particular message. Exemplary indicia include messages such as, without limitation, “Happy 18th Birthday John Doe,” “Jane Doe/Senior Partner/McCoy &amp; Company,” “John &amp; Jane Doe/Married/2006,” “John Doe/Attorney at Law,” “John &amp; Jane Doe/San Francisco/California.” Opposite the face  50  of the inlay  46  is a rectangular rabbeted projection  52  that is received within one of the routed recesses  42 ,  44  so that the face of the inlay is visible when the projection  52  is inserted into one of the routed recesses  42 ,  44 . 
         [0021]    In this exemplary embodiment, each recess  42 ,  44  is routed from each facial apron panel  32 ,  36  of the table  10 . The dimensions of the recesses  42 ,  44  are not necessarily unitarily fixed and may be varied to accommodate the dimensions of various projections  52 . In exemplary form, each recess  42 ,  44  has dimensions of 1.31″ in width, 
         [0022]    4.31″ in length, and 0.188″ in depth. The dimensions of each projection  52  are very 
         [0023]    similar to those of their corresponding recess  42 ,  44 , and in exemplary form are 1.25″ in width, 4.25″ in length, and 0.125″ in depth. 
         [0024]    Exemplary dimensions for the other components of the exemplary table  10  include (length×width×height): table top  24  (16″×24″×0.75″); legs  12  (23.25″×1.75″ (tapering to 1.25″)×1.75″ (tapering to 1.25″)); short facial panels  32 ,  36  (10.50″×4.0″×0.75″); long facial panels  30 ,  34  (18.50″×4.0″×0.75″); horizontal supports  16  (10.50″×1.75″×0.75″); and, bridging support  18  (19.50″×1.625″×0.75″). 
         [0025]    It is to be understood, however, that other dimensions could likewise be utilized in place of the aforementioned dimensions for the exemplary components of the table  10 . By way of example, and not limitation, the recesses  42 ,  44  could be dimensioned to have a length of 1.06″, a width of 3.56″, and a depth of 0.188″. Likewise, the projections  52  could be dimensioned to have a length of 1.0″, a width of 3.5″, and a depth of 0.125″. In sum, those of ordinary skill will readily discern the obvious variations in dimensions that may be imparted to any of the aforementioned exemplary table  10  components. 
         [0026]    The instant invention also includes a method of ordering one or more units of furniture and having one or more of its component pieces customized. A first exemplary method includes fabricating a unit of furniture using various preexisting patterns or designs, customizing a component inlay to the unit of furniture in response to a consumer or supplier request, and supplying the consumer or supplier with the customized unit of furniture in satisfaction of a previous request. A second exemplary method includes fabricating a unit of furniture using various preexisting patterns or designs, supplying the unit of furniture to a supplier in at least two component parts, customizing at least one of the component parts in response to a particular consumer request, assembling the component parts to incorporate the customized part(s) as an integral unit of furniture, and supplying the customer with the customized unit of furniture in satisfaction of a previous request. 
         [0027]    Implementing the first exemplary method includes providing a furniture catalog in electronic or tangible form that displays various units of furniture  10  such as tables, display stands, serving trays, magazine racks, bookcases, chairs, chests, cabinets, etc. Each of these available furnishings includes a routed recess  42 ,  44  capable of accepting a rabbeted projection  52  from a customized inlay  46  to mount the customized inlay  46  to the furnishing. A consumer then purchases one or more of the furnishings  10  and indicates what indicia  48  should be associated with the inlay  46 . The retailer records this information concerning the indicia  48  requested by the consumer for customization of the inlay  46 . In first exemplary variation, the retailer fabricates the base furnishing and the inlays  46  at a single location and combines the customized inlays  46  with the base furnishing prior to shipment of the customized unit of furniture to the customer. In a second exemplary variation, the information from the retailer is submitted to an off-site manufacturer, who, in turn, fabricates the unit of furniture  10  with the permanently mounted inlays  46  prior to shipment of the customized unit of furniture to the retailer or end customer. 
         [0028]    It is also within the scope of first exemplary method that the customized units of furniture are ordered by consumers on-line via the Internet, by email, by facsimile, or by telephone. Order forms or other furnishing request information may be obtained electronically or in paper form via the Internet, by email, by facsimile, by catalog, or other means. Exemplary order forms allow consumers to enter their personalized message or design to be associated with the inlay  46 . An exemplary website may provide pictures and descriptions of the units of furniture available, in addition to an electronic entry blank. The electronic entry blank allows consumers to type in the personalized message that will be associated with the panel  46  and/or select from preexisting designs to customize the panel  46 . Regardless of the means utilized to identify the personalized message or design, the personalized message or design may already be in electronic form or later transcribed into an art layout using a computer program. In any event, the message or design is engraved into the inlay  46  as requested by the customer and thereafter incorporated into the furnishing as an integral component. 
         [0029]    Implementing the second exemplary method includes providing a furniture showroom that displays various units of furniture  10  such as tables, display stands, serving trays, magazine racks, bookcases, chairs, chests, cabinets, etc. Each of these units of furniture includes a recess  42  capable of accepting a projection  52  from a customized inlay  46  to mount the customized inlay  46  to the furnishing. A consumer then purchases one or more of the units of furniture  10  and then indicates what indicia  48  should be associated with the inlay  46 . The retailer records this information concerning the indicia  48  requested by the consumer for either on-site customization of the inlay  46  or off-site customization of the inlay  46 . In any event, indicia is engraved into the inlay  46  and permanently installed into the unit of furniture  10 . 
         [0030]    In each of the above discussed exemplary methods, inlays  46  may be fabricated completely separate from the base furnishing and thereafter joined with the base furnishing to comprise the customized unit of furniture. In other words, the base furnishing may be fabricated wholly separate from the inlays  46 , where the panels are customized at a location not necessarily the same as that of the furnishing fabricator. It should be noted, however, that the base furnishing is not complete until the inlay is permanently installed. In other words, anyone looking at a base furnishing would realize that it is incomplete without the inlay installed. 
         [0031]    While the aforementioned furnishings have been described with respect to wood or wood composites, the instant invention is not limited to these compositions of matter. Instead, the invention also is applicable to metal, stone, composites, and polymer furnishings. However, it is envisioned that the material comprising the inlay panel be the same as or substantially similar to the base furnishing to provide an integral, complementary appearance. 
         [0032]    Following from the above description and invention summaries, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the methods and apparatuses herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the invention contained herein is not limited to this precise embodiment and that changes may be made to such embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the interpretation of any claim element unless such limitation or element is explicitly stated. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claims, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.