Abstract:
A method of conveying information or a message, wherein two articles of clothing on two wearers are used with the first part of a message and/or graphic on the first article of clothing, and the second part of the message and/or graphic on the second article of clothing. The messages and/or graphics can be on the front or back of the articles of clothing, and both the front and back of the articles of clothing may have complementary messages and/or graphics. The articles of clothing may also include orienting emblems on lateral sides of the articles of clothing. The orienting emblems indicating the proper relative orientation of the wearers to communicate the desired message.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/277,485 entitled “METHOD OF MESSAGING” filed on Mar. 24, 2006, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present application. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to clothing systems for displaying coordinated messages.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     A number of patentable ideas have been associated with T-shirts, such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,364, which featured a friendship band with exchangeable closed loop members. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,943,866 involved customized printing of messages. U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,233 disclosed a garment with various indicia. Further, various information was contained in U.S. Published Application Nos. 2005/0085189, 2004/0187184, and 2004/0216209.  
         [0004]     Typically, T-shirts convey an individual message on an individual T-shirt. Of course, many T-shirts are identical, such as those produced to commemorate a race, for example. All participants may have the same shirt and will be identified as a participant in the particular race commemorated by the T-shirt.  
         [0005]     In addition, T-shirts identified with a geographical region are popular. Whenever a person wears a T-shirt from such geographical region, it signifies to all who see the shirt that the wearer has been to the geographical place noted, or at least has an interest in such place. The same holds true for schools, favorite sports teams, and for many types of activities as well as products.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     In accordance with the subject invention, articles of clothing can now create a method of togetherness and communicative expression heretofore unavailable. A first article of clothing for a first wearer may include a message or graphic which may or may not be a complete thought or object in itself. A second article of clothing may be provided for a second wearer which may include a compatible message or graphic. Each article of clothing may include an orienting emblem on at least one lateral side of each article of clothing. When the first and second articles of clothing are viewed together with the orienting emblems in a specific orientation, the messages or graphics on the articles of clothing form a complete word, thought, graphic or some improved intelligible idea that is lacking unless the two articles of clothing are observed together with the orienting emblems in a specific orientation to one another.  
         [0007]     Further, the first and second articles of clothing may have messages on the front and back of the articles of clothing which are compatible in a variety of ways. For example, when the second wearer is standing with the first wearer, both facing the same way, a first message may be completed. If the second wearer is turned around so that the back of his or her article of clothing is viewed with the front of the first article of clothing, a different compiled message may be present, or if both wearers are facing away such that the backs of the article of clothing are together, a further compatible message may be delivered.  
         [0008]     In this area of sequencing, puzzles or sophisticated advertising messages may be produced, to the entertainment and evocation of those who view the articles of clothing and to generate commercial appeal of products and/or services.  
         [0009]     Entertaining, religious, commercial and political messages, and messages signifying unity and togetherness, are all available to be displayed such that this invention maybe used to fulfill friendship, communication, advertising and purely entertainment goals, all within the imagination of the producer.  
         [0010]     In accordance with the above description, it is an object of the subject invention to provide compatible articles of clothing which together provide an interesting message or graphic.  
         [0011]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide articles of clothing that can be worn by individuals such as to promote togetherness between the individuals.  
         [0012]     It is but another object of the present invention to provide articles of clothing with commercial value that through compatible messaging and graphics provide names, graphics or thoughts which will serve to advertise certain products or services.  
         [0013]     It is a further object of the subject invention to provide unintelligible information on one article of clothing which can only be made intelligible by viewing a second article of clothing in combination with the first article of clothing. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a T-shirt with a message;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is the front of a second T-shirt with a compatible message to  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a further embodiment shown as the back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 2 , with a further message;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a further embodiment shown as is the back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 1  with a message compatible to the message of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is an alternate embodiment showing a different back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 2 , providing a different message;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is the back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 1 , also showing a different message, but one which is compatible with  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is the front of another T-shirt with an incomplete message;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is the T-shirt of a second wearer, which completes in part the message of the T-shirt of  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is the back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 8 , which has another incomplete message;  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is the back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 7 , which completes the message of  FIG. 9 ; and together completes a further message of  FIGS. 7, 8 ,  9 , and  10  combined;  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  is the front of a T-shirt which produces a partial type of advertising;  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is the front of a further T-shirt which completes the message of  FIG. 11  and creates an advertising purpose;  
         [0026]      FIG. 13  is the back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 12 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 14  is the back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 15  is the front of a T-shirt which shows an incomplete pictorial message;  
         [0029]      FIG. 16  is the front of a further T-shirt which shows a further incomplete pictorial message, but when  FIGS. 15 and 16  are seen together the pictorial message is completed;  
         [0030]      FIG. 17  is the back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 16 ; and  
         [0031]      FIG. 18  is the back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 19  is a front view of a T-shirt with a message and an orienting emblem on the left lateral side;  
         [0033]      FIG. 20  is the front of a second T-shirt with a compatible message to  FIG. 19  and an orienting emblem on the right lateral side;  
         [0034]      FIG. 21  is a front view of a T-shirt with a message and an orienting emblem on the right lateral side;  
         [0035]      FIG. 22  is the front of a second T-shirt with a compatible message with  FIG. 21  and an orienting emblem on the left right lateral side;  
         [0036]      FIG. 23  is the back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 21 , with a third message and the orienting emblem on the right lateral side (viewed from the back);  
         [0037]      FIG. 24  is the back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 22 , with a message compatible with  FIG. 23  and the orienting emblem on the left lateral side (viewed from the back);  
         [0038]      FIG. 25  is a front view of a T-shirt with a message and an orienting emblem on the right lateral side;  
         [0039]      FIG. 26  is the front of a second T-shirt with a compatible message with  FIG. 21  and an orienting emblem on the left right lateral side;  
         [0040]      FIG. 27  is the back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 26 , with a third message and the orienting emblem on the right lateral side (viewed from the back);  
         [0041]      FIG. 28  is the back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 25 , with a message compatible with  FIG. 27  and the orienting emblem on the left lateral side (viewed from the back). 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0042]      FIG. 1  shows a T-shirt  10  to be worn by one wearer. The T-shirt has a message, in this case the word “BEST”  12 , which appears on the front of the T-shirt. In  FIG. 2 , there is the front of a second T-shirt  15 , with the word “FRIEND”  17  on its front. Thus, when the wearer of T-shirt  10  is with the wearer of T-shirt  15 , the message “BEST FRIEND” is conveyed to any onlookers as conveying togetherness between the wearer of T-shirt  10  and the wearer of T-shirt  15 . Good friends, lovers, and parent and child will enjoy the message to each other and the message that they are then giving to onlookers when they wear the respective T-shirts  10  and  15  together.  
         [0043]      FIG. 3  shows the back  20  of the T-shirt of  FIG. 2 , and on back  20  the message “BEST”  22  is emblazoned thereon by any of the known methods of T-shirt printing.  FIG. 4  shows the back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 1 , and on this back  25  the message  27  “FRIEND” is also given. Thus, the T-shirts convey a completed thought when worn together with the individuals facing one way or the other. Likewise, if the T-shirt of either  FIGS. 1 and 4  or  FIGS. 2 and 3  is worn alone, there is still a completed message shown, i.e., “BEST FRIEND” reading from front to back or back to front, as the case may be.  
         [0044]     In this type of situation, there is also the possibility of adding humor or confusing or entertaining messages of  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  FIG. 5  shows an alternate embodiment of the back of T-shirt  30  of the T-shirt of  FIG. 2 . Here the word “WORST”  32  is shown. In  FIG. 6  the back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 1  is shown with the word “ENEMY”  37  on this back portion  35  of the T-shirt of  FIG. 1 . Thus, when the wearers of  FIGS. 1 and 2  are faced, they convey the message of “BEST FRIEND”, but when they are turned away, their back messages are “WORST ENEMY”. In this manner, contrary or humorous messages can also be utilized and enjoyed by the wearers and the onlookers.  
         [0045]     It is not necessary that the markings of one or the other T-shirt be intelligible in and of themselves. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the front of T-shirt  40  has the letters “HAP”  42 , which does not have much meaning alone. When a wearer wears the T-shirt of  FIG. 8 , the front of which is shown as  45  with the letters “PY”  47 , a complete word is fashioned to create a message.  
         [0046]     That message can be further developed on the back of the respective T-shirts, as  FIG. 9  shows the back  50  of the T-shirt of  FIG. 8  with the words “CAM”  52 . Likewise, the back of the T-shirt of  FIG. 7  is shown as T-shirt  55  in  FIG. 10  with the words “PER”  57  shown. Thus, the complete message of all four surfaces, i.e., when the front and back of each of the two T-shirts is read, the words “HAPPY CAMPER” are appreciated by onlookers, thus providing enjoyment to the wearers and the onlookers.  
         [0047]     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the front of T-shirt  60  has the letters “CO”  62 . In  FIG. 12  T-shirt front  65  has the letters “LA”  67 , thus completing the word “COLA”, which can be part of an advertising slogan for products shown in such a manner.  
         [0048]     As shown in  FIG. 13 , in a further embodiment the back  70  of T-shirt  65  has the letters “CO”  72 , which in combination with the letters “LA”  67  on the front side of T-shirt  65 , can also complete the COLA message. Further, back  75  of t-shirt  60  in  FIG. 14  can display the letters “LA”  77 , and in combination with the letters “CO”  62  displayed on the front oft-shirt  60 , can complete the COLA message.  
         [0049]     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the front of T-shirt  80  has half of a heart  82  pictorially depicted. In  FIG. 16 , the front of T-shirt  85  has the other half of the heart  87  shown to match the depiction of  FIG. 15 . Thus, the wearers of the T-shirts of  FIGS. 15 and 16  when seen together complete the heart  82  and  87  in the eyes of the observers.  
         [0050]     In a further embodiment in  FIG. 17 , the back  90  of t-shirt  85  shows a half heart  92  which completes the half heart  87  from  FIG. 16  and in  FIG. 18  the half heart  97  of back  95  completes the message with half heart  82  of  FIG. 15  and also with the half heart  92  of t-shirt  90  of  FIG. 17 .  
         [0051]     Thus, the T-shirts of a first and second wearer will convey information when read together. This information can be expanded on by having similar or contrary messages on the backs of the T-shirts as well, so that the compatibility is furthered, or in some cases used for contrary and confusing messages to create a more humorous or thought evoking situation as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  
         [0052]     The information can be compiled so that the first and second wearer create a showing of togetherness, which may be appreciated both by the wearers and the onlookers. Further, various messages such as religious or political messages can be set forth, to the enjoyment, education, benefit, consideration or evocation of the wearers and the onlookers alike.  
         [0053]     Further, educational or game-like messages can be produced which will have interesting content for the onlookers, thus providing enjoyment for the wearers.  
         [0054]     As in the case of the T-shirt of  FIGS. 1 and 4 , a message may be conveyed from front to back of the same T-shirt. Thus, the T-shirt will have some meaning when worn by one person who is not in the company of the second person. Also, in the case of, for example,  FIG. 8 , a wearer of the T-shirt with the letters “PY”  47  on the front and “PER”  57  on the back, shows to onlookers that that person alone is incomplete, thus sending a message which may be perceived as loneliness when that person is in fact alone without the companion wearer.  
         [0055]     As shown in  FIGS. 19-24 , the T-shirts may also include orienting emblems  105 ,  107 . The orienting emblems  105 ,  107  maybe the same or different. The orienting emblems maybe on a first lateral half  101  or a second lateral half  103  of the T-shirt. For convenience, these halves may be referred to as a right half  101  or a left half  103 , with the position relative to the wearer&#39;s right and left. The first orienting emblem  105  and the second orienting emblem  107  may independently be on either the right lateral half  101  or the left lateral half  103  of the first T-shirt  10  and second T-shirt  15 , respectively.  
         [0056]     The orienting emblems  105 ,  107  may by on opposite sleeves of the first and second T-shirts. As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the first orienting emblem  105  may be on the left lateral side  103  of the first T-shirt  10 , while the second orienting emblem  107  may be on the right lateral side  101  of the second T-shirt  15 . When the first and second orienting emblems  105 ,  107  are adjacent to one another, as in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the message “BEST FRIEND” will be conveyed to onlookers viewing individuals wearing the T-shirts  10 ,  15 .  
         [0057]     In an alternate embodiment shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the first orienting emblem  105  may be on the right lateral side  101  of the first T-shirt  10  and the second orienting emblem  107  may be on the left lateral side  103  of the second T-shirt  15 . When the first and second orienting emblems  105 ,  107  are opposite one another, as in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the message “BEST FRIEND” will be conveyed to onlookers viewing individuals wearing the T-shirts  10 ,  15 .  
         [0058]     The inventive method and system may also include directions instructing the individuals wearing the T-shirts  10 ,  15  to remain oriented such that the first orienting emblem  105  is in a specific position relative to the second orienting emblem  107 . Depending on the location of the orienting emblems, the instructions may advise that the orienting emblems remain adjacent to one another, as in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , or opposite one another, as in  FIGS. 21 and 22 .  
         [0059]     The orienting emblems and instructions may be used to produce creative combinations of phrases. For example,  FIGS. 21-24  depict two T-shirts which, when positioned with the orienting emblems  105 ,  107  opposite one another, communicate “BEST FRIEND” on the front of the T-shirts. When positioned with the orienting emblems  105 ,  107  adjacent to one another, the backs of the T-shirts communicate “WORST ENEMY.” If, however, the wearers turn such that the orienting emblems  105 ,  107  are positioned to the same side, i.e. both to the left or both to the right, the T-shirts can communicate either “WORST FRIEND” or “BEST ENEMY.” This play on words, and other variants, will provide enjoyment for both the wearers and onlookers alike. Where the inventive method or system includes instructions, the instructions may provide instructions concerning various messages that will be displayed when the orienting emblems  105 ,  107  are in specified orientations relative to one another.  
         [0060]     Yet another embodiment that includes a play on words is shown in  FIGS. 25-28 . In this embodiment, where the orienting emblems  105 ,  107  are opposite one another the T-shirts communicate “BEST FRIEND” on the front and “WORST ENEMY” on the back. When the individual wearing the “FRIEND” shirt turns around the orienting emblems  105 ,  107  are positioned to the same side and the T-shirts communicate “BEST WORST” when viewed from one direction and “FRIEND ENEMY” when viewed from the opposite direction.  
         [0061]     Thus, through the means of compatible lettering on mating T-shirts, many messages of many different types may be utilized to cause enjoyment or provide education or evocation to onlookers while promoting togetherness of the wearers.  
         [0062]     It is understood that T-shirts is being used broadly to also include any similar shirts such as Vee neck, spaghetti strap, long sleeve T-shirts, and muscle shirts. In addition, while T-shirts are use herein as exemplary articles of clothing, it is to be understood that the claimed method and system apply to other articles of clothing including, but not limited to, hooded shirts, sweat shirts, wind breakers, collared shirts, jackets, shorts, pants, hats, bathing suits and combinations thereof. Where the article of clothing is not a shirt, the messages will remain on the front or back of the clothing and the orienting emblem will be located on one of the lateral sides of the article of clothing.  
         [0063]     In some embodiments, the orienting emblems may be located on the sleeve of a T-shirts, or another location, such as the shoulder, where the orienting emblem is visible from both the front and the back of the wearer. Where the article of clothing is not a T-shirt, the orienting emblem may also be located where the orienting emblem is visible from both the front and the back of the wearer. For example, the hip or leg of a pair of pants or the portion of a hat above the wearer&#39;s ear.  
         [0064]     The orienting emblems may take any form that can be recognized by the wearers. The orienting emblems may be decorative, with their purpose of orientation unknown to everyone except the individuals wearing the articles of clothing.  
         [0065]     This description has been by way of example of how the invention can be made and carried out. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various details maybe modified in arriving at the other detailed embodiments, and that many of these embodiments will come within the scope of the invention.  
         [0066]     Therefore, to apprise the public of the scope of the invention and the embodiments covered by the invention, the following claims are made: