Patent Publication Number: US-2019191838-A1

Title: Switchable decor

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/467,681 filed on Mar. 23, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/351,613 filed on Nov. 15, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/920,198 filed on Oct. 22, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/832,903, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the contents of all which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates to covers that are attached to devices, for example, to protect or decorate devices. 
     Many consumer products, including portable devices (e.g., electronic mobile devices, toys) as well as clothing (shirts, hats) and equipment, are desirably customized to allow the owner to more easily distinguish their device from other products thereby facilitating identification and personalization of his/her device. 
     For example, in the portable electronic device market, a wide variety of cases and “skins” (i.e., thin sticker with adhesive) are available for covering cell phones, smartphones, laptop computers and tablet computers. These cases also allow owners to personalize their equipment and express themselves. 
     When the cover becomes worn or when the owner of the device grows tired of the image or graphical design on the device, the cover is replaced or in the case of a skin, stripped from the housing of the device. 
     SUMMARY 
     In a general aspect of the invention, an apparatus comprises an article including a non-flat (e.g., curved) or non-rigid surface, a decorative sheet member and a fixation sheet member. The decorative sheet member has a first side and a second side, neither of the first and second sides having an adhesive. The fixation sheet member has a third side configured to be attached to the outer surface of the article, the third side including a permanent bonding agent with a first adhesion characteristic, and a fourth side, opposite the third side and configured to receive one of the first and second sides of the decorative sheet, the fourth side having a repositionable material with a second adhesion characteristic, the second adhesion characteristic being less permanent than the first adhesion characteristic. 
     Embodiments of these aspects of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The decorative sheet member and the fixation sheet member are configured such that when the decorative sheet member is removed from the fourth side of the fixation sheet, the repositionable material remains on the fourth side of the fixation sheet member. 
     The decorative sheet member is formed of a first material, the fixation sheet member is formed of a second material and the repositionable material adheres more strongly to the second material than to the first material. 
     The decorative sheet member has a predetermined dimension that is commensurate in size with a predetermined dimension of the fixation sheet member. 
     The decorative sheet member has a thickness a range between 4 mil (0.004 inch) and 50 mil (0.050 inch). 
     The first side of the decorative sheet member includes a photographic, graphical or textual image. 
     The fourth side has a first region including the repositionable material and a second region that does not include the repositionable non-adhesive material. The second region has a first predetermined shape. 
     The non-rigid surface of the article is formed of fabric. In some embodiments, the article is in the form of a clothing (e.g. a shirt or hat). In other embodiments, the article is a toy (e.g., stuffed animal toy). 
     The repositionable material may be an adhesive or a non-adhesive (e.g., including microspheres). 
     The fixation sheet member includes a frame region surrounding a central region. In some embodiments, the central region has the second adhesion characteristic and the frame region has a third adhesion characteristic greater than the second adhesion characteristic. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the central region has the second adhesion characteristic and the frame region has a third adhesion characteristic less than the second adhesion characteristic. 
     Among other advantages, an apparatus includes a fixation sheet member having enough tackiness for the decorative sheet member (i.e., the switchable decor) to stay secured in place while being able to switch easily the decorative sheet member for another decorative sheet member. To promote this result, in certain embodiments, the fixation sheet member has different shapes and areas devoid of repositionable material (which may be adhesive or non-adhesive) to balance tackiness and switch-ability. 
     Other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following description, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a switchable decor used in conjunction with a smartphone. 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of the front face of the case of  FIG. 1  including a fixation sheet. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the fixation sheet shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of the rear side of the case. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional end view along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a suction tool for use in removing the switchable decor from the case. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the use of the suction tool of  FIG. 6  in removing the switchable decor from the case. 
         FIG. 8  is an alternative embodiment of a system having a switchable decor used in conjunction with a smartphone. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of another alternative of a switchable decor used in conjunction with a smartphone. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of yet another alternative of a switchable decor used in conjunction with a smartphone. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a second fixation sheet. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional side view of the second fixation sheet of  FIG. 11  with articles attached thereto. 
         FIG. 13  is a functional flow diagram of a smartphone used in conjunction with a switchable decor of the type shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram of the smartphone shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIGS. 15A and 15B  illustrate an example of using an application stored on the smartphone of  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
         FIGS. 16A and 16B  illustrate another example of using an application stored on the smartphone of  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
         FIGS. 17A and 17B  illustrate still another example of using an application stored on the smartphone of  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
         FIG. 18  illustrates still another example of using an application stored on the smartphone of  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
         FIG. 19  illustrates yet another example of using an application stored on the smartphone of  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
         FIG. 20  is a plan view of a switchable decor used in conjunction with a T-shirt. 
         FIG. 21  is a plan view of an embodiment of a fixation sheet for use with a non-rigid product, such as the T-shirt of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a fixation sheet for use with a non-rigid product. 
         FIG. 23  is a plan view of yet another embodiment of a fixation sheet for use with a non-rigid product. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates use of a switchable decor used in conjunction with a hat. 
         FIG. 25  illustrates still another embodiment of a fixation sheet having an embossed support frame for use with a non-rigid or curved product. 
         FIG. 26  illustrates another embodiment of a fixation sheet having a support with different tackiness for use with a non-rigid or curved product. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a system  10  for protecting and decorating a smartphone  12  includes a protective case  14 , a fixation sheet  16  and a decorative covering, referred to here as a switchable decor  18 . In this embodiment, the case  14  is formed of relatively rigid and molded plastic but could also be formed of metal or wood and is sized to receive smartphone  12 . In particular, case  14  includes a backwall  20  and four side walls  22  which in aggregate form a shell that essentially encloses cell phone  14 . Side walls  22  may include openings or cutouts to allow access to switches and connections for charging, headphones, etc. on smartphone  12 . Member  20  also includes an opening  24  so as not to block or conceal the camera lens of the smartphone  12 . As will be described in greater detail below, case  14  is sized and shaped to receive switchable decor  18 . Furthermore, case  14  includes a rear surface that opposes the outer surface of smartphone  12  and when attached to the smartphone forms a cavity  49  ( FIG. 5 ) that is used to store additional decors  18 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , system  10  includes a fixation sheet  16  formed of relatively thin (2-5 mils) plastic or paper and sized to attached to a front surface  26  of case  14 . A rear surface  28  of fixation sheet  16  includes a relatively strong adhesive  30  so that when positioned on front surface  26  of case  14 , fixation sheet is, for most practical circumstances, permanently affixed to case  14 . One example of a suitable relatively permanent adhesive is Ref. No. 204, manufactured by Polykote Corporation, Easton, Pa. 
     On the other hand, fixation sheet  16  includes on a front surface  32  a non-permanent adhesive  34  that is less strong than adhesive  30  used on rear surface  28 . Fixation sheet  16  also includes an opening  36  sized commensurately with opening  24  of case  14 . For reasons that will be discussed in greater detail below in conjunction with  FIG. 6 , fixation sheet also includes a cutout  38  such that a portion  40  of front surface  26  of case  14  is exposed and not covered with an adhesive. In this embodiment, the cutout  38  is provided so that exposed portion  40  of case  14  is in a corner of the case. 
     In this embodiment, non-permanent adhesive  34  is a microsphere adhesive composed of tiny spheres. The tiny spheres measure 10 to 250 microns in diameter and form a discontinuous film to limit the amount of surface area contact between the adhesive and front surface  32  of fixation sheet  16 . One example of a suitable non-permanent adhesive is Ref. No. PS822, manufactured by Polykote Corporation, Easton, Pa. 
     Switchable decor  18  is formed of plastic and sized commensurately with fixation sheet  16 . The thickness of switchable decor  18  is generally between 6 mil (0.006 inch) and 30 mil (0.030 inch), preferably 12-17 mil. Decor  18  also includes an opening  48  sized commensurately with openings  24 ,  36  of fixation sheet  16  and case  14 , respectively. Unlike fixation sheet  16 , switchable decor does not include an adhesive. Rather, switchable decor is securely attached to case  14  by non-permanent adhesive  34  on fixation sheet  16 . 
     The adhesive characteristic or “stickiness” of non-permanent adhesive  34  is dependent on the materials it contacts. That is, non-permanent adhesive  34  may have a stronger adherence to one material than a different material. Therefore, depending on the particular non-permanent adhesive that is being used, the particular materials selected for making fixation sheet  16  and switchable decor  18  are generally selected such that the non-permanent adhesive will adhere more strongly to fixation sheet  16  and will adhere less to switchable decor  18 . By selecting the appropriate non-permanent adhesive in conjunction with the materials for fixation sheet  16  and switchable decor  18 , the switchable decor is more easily separated from fixation sheet  16  and the non-permanent adhesive more securely retained on the fixation sheet. 
     Switchable decor  18  includes a graphical image or design having black and white, color, text, names, patterns, images, photographs, or combinations of such designs. For example, the designs can include names, logos, slogans, advertisements or combinations of such graphical indicia. The designs may be customized by the user or be provided by the manufacturer of system  10 . The design can be provided onto the substrate supporting the design by printing, silk screening, etching, etc. In certain embodiments. Switchable decor may have a luminescent effect (i.e., glow-in-the-dark), for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,875,525, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
     In this embodiment, fixation sheet  16  includes a graphic  42  (e.g., a corporate logo). Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 4 , a rear surface  44  of case  14  may also include a graphic  46  that is printed, embossed or etched thereon. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , front surface  26  of case  14  includes a lip or ridge  48  that extends around the periphery of backwall  20 . Ridge  48  has a height the same or slightly larger than the combined thickness of decor  18  and fixture sheet  16  so that once attached to fixture sheet  16  the edge of switchable decor  18  is protected. In this way, the likelihood that the switchable decor  18  is inadvertently removed is minimized. 
     In using system  10 , the user carefully attaches rear surface  28  of fixation sheet  16  to front surface  26  of case  14  such that non-permanent adhesive  34  on front surface  32  of the fixation sheet is exposed. The user can then attach switchable decor  18  to the non-permanent adhesive on the front surface  32  of fixation sheet  16 . Once in place, switchable decor  18  is firmly secured to case  14 . 
     Over time, the graphical image on switchable decor  18  may become worn or the user may desire replacing the decor for a different one. To do so, the user can remove the switchable decor  18  that is on case  14  and replace it with a different switchable decor (e.g., one that may be stored between smartphone  12  and case  14 ). Because the switchable decors do not include adhesive, they are easily exchanged and stored. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a suction tool  60  can be used to facilitate removal of switchable decor  18  from fixation sheet  16 . In particular, the suction tool  60  includes a handle  62  attached to a suction cup  64  sized consistent with the size of cutout  38  of fixation sheet  16 . Because there is no adhesive associated with cutout  38 , the user applies suction cup  64  over and to that portion of switchable decor  18  over the cutout  38  of fixation sheet  16 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , once suction tool  60  is attached to switchable decor  18  the user can pull on handle  62  to lift the edge of the decor. With an edge  63  of switchable decor  18  lifted, the user can grasp the switchable decor  18  and peel it from the fixation sheet having non-permanent adhesive  34 . 
     In another embodiment, the case  14  may be eliminated and the fixation sheet  16  applied to directly to an outer surface of the article. For example, referring to  FIG. 8 , a system  100  includes fixation sheet  16  which is applied directly to an outer rear surface  102  of smartphone  12  as well as switchable decor  18 . Switchable decor is attached and removed from fixation sheet  16  in the same manner described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-6 . 
     In still another embodiment, the fixation sheet  16  is eliminated and non-permanent adhesive  34  is applied directly to the outer surface of the case  14  or to any article including the smartphone  12  without a case. In this way, switchable decor  18  is attached directly to the case or the article. For example, the non-permanent adhesive can be applied directly to the outer rear surface by the manufacturer of the case and covered by a temporary sheet or switchable decor. In that case, the manufacturer would select an appropriate non-permanent adhesive that is suitable for use with the material of the case. For example, as described above, the material used to form case  14  and the particular non-permanent adhesive  34  are selected such that the adhesive adheres more strongly to the material of the case and adheres less strongly to the flexible decor. 
     It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. 
     For example, although non-permanent adhesive  34  is described as being in the form of microspheres, other non-permanent adhesives can be used. Other examples of non-permanent adhesives include removable pressure sensitive adhesives as well as repositionable adhesives. Furthermore, other non-adhesive mechanisms (e.g., magnetic or static) can be substituted for non-permanent adhesive  34 . 
     Also, although a system  10  including a fixation sheet and switchable decor was described above in conjunction with a smartphone it is appreciated that the system can be used with a wide variety of other articles including portable electronic devices (cell phones, laptop computers, tablets, MP 3  players and similar devices) as well as other articles such as a luggage tag, light switch plate, frames, books or insert spot in an auto dashboard or the like. 
     In the embodiments described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-8 , a general approach for allowing a user to change the decorative sheet (e.g., switchable decor  18 ) was described. This approach relied upon the use of a fixation sheet having a first adhesive that firmly secured the fixation sheet to the article and a second adhesive, less permanent than the first adhesive, to allow the user to change the decorative sheet (e.g., switchable decor). This concept can be extended to the decorative sheet itself 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , a second fixation sheet  70  can be affixed to an exposed outer surface of switchable decor  60  so that yet another and different object can be easily attached or applied to the smartphone or article. Although the object can be of a variety of sizes and shapes, in applications where the article is a smartphone the object is generally planar and flat to allow the smartphone to be easily stored (e.g., placed in a pocket). The object preferably would have the same or at least a similar footprint as the second fixation sheet  70 . 
     In some embodiments, the footprint of the second fixation sheet occupies only a portion of the outer surface of the switchable decor  18 . That way, the second fixation sheet  70  and attachable object can be framed or surrounded by the pattern of the switchable decor  18 . 
     As was the case with fixation sheet  18 , second fixation sheet  70  includes a non-permanent adhesive agent (i.e., a bonding agent) on a front surface that is less strong than an adhesive or other bonding agent that is used on rear surface. Like fixation sheet  16 , fixation sheet  70  would also include an opening  72  sized commensurately with opening  24  of case  14 . Furthermore, fixation sheet  70  might also include a cutout (not shown) such that a portion of front surface of the switchable decor  18  is exposed and not covered with an adhesive. 
     Prior to applying the object on the second fixation sheet  70 , a protective liner  84  can cover the front surface of the second fixation sheet and the non-permanent adhesive agent. 
     In this embodiment, the object is a photograph  8 . The use of a second fixation sheet on a switchable decor is particularly attractive and advantageous in an application in which the object is a personal item such as a printed image or a photograph  80  having an image  88 . That is, the user can produce relatively two-dimensional items to be attached as a switchable decor with the second fixation sheet  70  acting as the mounting surface. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the case  14  may be eliminated and the fixation sheet  16  applied to directly to an outer surface of the article. For example, referring to  FIG. 10 , fixation sheet  16  is applied directly to an outer rear surface  102  of smartphone  12  as well as switchable decor  60 . Switchable decor is attached and removed from fixation sheet  16  in the same manner described above in conjunction with  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a fixation sheet might also be composed of a plurality of fixation pieces  70   a,    70   b,    70   c  at different positions on switchable decor  18 . The different fixation pieces  70   a,    70   b,    70   c  might have different adhesive agents with different adhesive characteristics for supporting different types of objects. Or, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the thickness of one fixation piece  70   a  might be different than a neighboring fixation piece  70   c,  for example, such that the overall thickness of a fixation piece  70   c  and its associated object  82  is the same or similar to the overall thickness of a neighboring, perhaps thicker, fixation piece  70   a  that supports a thinner but heavier object  80  (here a photograph). Thus, the objects attached to the fixation sheet are substantially uniform, thereby allowing the article (e.g., smartphone) to be stowed in a pocket. 
     Furthermore, as described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-8 , the non-permanent adhesive might be a microsphere adhesive composed of tiny spheres or a different material with adhesive properties (e.g., silicon). 
     In a particular embodiment, the photograph  80  can be produced using an instant camera of the type which uses self-developing film to create a chemically developed print shortly after taking the picture. One example of such a system is the Instax® brand of instant still camera marketed by Fujifilm®. For this embodiment, the Instax® “mini” format (62 mm×46 mm) is dimensionally well-suited for being applied to switchable decor  60  having a fixation sheet  70  generally smaller than fixation sheet  16 , which is used to attach switchable decor  60  to case  14 . In this embodiment in particular, fixation sheet  70  is sized and shaped consistent with the dimensions of the Instax mini-format photograph. The photograph could also be generated by other camera systems including those provided by Polaroid, Fuji, HP Sprocket and other Instant photo systems like printers. 
     Of course, objects could be substituted for a photograph including objects made of materials including plastics, leather, fur, wood, and fabric. 
     The systems described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-12  provide a simple and fun way to decorate, change and personalize the look of the article. The look of the article can be changed without having to replace the entire case or the decal or skin that has adhesive applied directly to it. 
     There are other advantages of the systems described above when used with particular applications, for example, software stored on a device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, etc.) 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , for example, smartphone  12  includes software, e.g. an application  102  for recognizing an image on a switchable decor. In a particular, application  102  includes a lookup module  104 , which receives image data  106  from a digital camera  108  used to capture a digital image of a graphic  109  on the switchable decor  18 . Lookup module  104  compares image data  106  with data representative of images  110  stored in a library  112  and, if an appropriate match is found, provides identification data  114  associated with image data  106 . 
     Application  102  also includes a presenter module  116  which receives identification data  114  that is used by the presenter module to acquire a presenter asset  118  associated with the identification data. In one embodiment, presenter asset  116  can point to an address (e.g., a URL) that is used by presenter module to acquire a media presentation  120 . In this embodiment, presenter module  116  acts as a browser to acquire the media presentation from a cloud storage or over the Internet via antenna  122 . In other embodiments, media presentation  120  could be stored on the smartphone  12  itself along with other pre-stored media presentations. In still other embodiments, the media presentations can be accessed as a combination of two or more of identification data from cloud storage, the Internet or on the mobile device itself. 
     Media presentation  120  can provide a visual experience, audio experience or both. For example, in the case of an audio experience, media presentation  120  can be audio, such as spoken word or music. In the case of a video experience, media presentation  120  can be in the form of a video or an even more complex multimedia experience, such as a full 3D animation video with music. The media presentation  120  is provided by presenter module  116  to a display  124 , speaker  126  or headphone jack  128  of smartphone  12 , as would be appropriate, for viewing, listening or both, by a user  130 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , for performing the actions described above in conjunction with  FIG. 13 , smartphone  12  includes a processor  140  and a memory  142 , which stores lookup module code  104 A, presenter module code  116 A, library  112  and, in some cases, presenter asset  118 . 
     Several examples of using a smartphone  12  including a case  14  having a fixation sheet  16  and a switchable decor, as described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-12 , and how such can be used with application  102 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15A , a switchable decor  150  is shown being removed from fixation sheet  16 . In this example, switchable decor  150  has an image of a dog wearing sunglasses and underlying text (“PUG LIFE”). 
     Referring to  FIG. 15B , camera  108  of smartphone  12  is used to capture a digital image of the dog wearing sunglasses. As described above, application  102  stored in memory  142  of smartphone  12 , accesses a media presentation, which in this case, is a full 3D animation associated with the static image on switchable decor  150 . For example, the dog  152  shown on switchable decor  150  begins moving and talking (symbolically depicted here as an enlarged dog  152 A). 
     Referring to  FIG. 16A , a switchable decor  160  is shown being removed from fixation sheet  16 . In this example, switchable decor  160  depicts an image of a landscape showing mountains and trees. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16B , camera  108  of smartphone  12  is used to capture a digital image of the landscape. Application  102  then accesses a media presentation of a video showing a downhill skier transposed over the landscape scene (symbolically depicted here as an enlarged skier  162 A). 
     Referring to  FIG. 17A , in yet another example, a switchable decor  170  being removed from fixation sheet  16  depicts an image of the Eifel Tower below the word “PARIS.” Referring to  FIG. 17B , camera  108  of smartphone  12  is used to capture a digital image of the Eifel Tower, triggering a media presentation in which a woman walking carrying shopping bags springs forth in video form (symbolically depicted here as an enlarged strolling woman  172 A). 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , camera  108  can capture static images of multiple switchable decors  150 ,  160 , simultaneously. In this embodiment, application  102  is capable of capturing media presentations associated with both images and is able to trigger a media presentation in the form of a 3D animation in which the moving/talking dog is shown along with the walking woman 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , in another example, camera  108  captures static images of multiple switchable decors  150 ,  160 , and  170  simultaneously. In this example, a media presentation in the form of a 3D animation that is different than what each individual static image would have triggered. As shown in  FIG. 19 , the static images of the dog, Eifel Tower and landscape triggers a 3D animation of a rocket  180  soaring across the sky (symbolically depicted here as an enlarged rocket). 
     With respect to application  102 , other embodiments and variations are within the scope of the claims including the following: 
     Other forms of a two-dimensional indicia can be added along with the graphical or photographic image on the switchable decor. For example, a QR code or watermark type code could be printed or embedded on the switchable decor. 
     In another embodiment, a combination of all or part of an image on a switchable decor can trigger several different experiences from the same switchable decor. For example, one corner of a switchable decor could trigger the playing of music, another corner of the switchable decor could trigger a video, a middle portion of the switchable decor could trigger a 3D animation, while the overall image of the switchable decor could trigger a link to a website. 
     In certain embodiments, specific customers can choose unique two-dimensional indicia (e.g., QR code style indicia or watermarks) that can be printed or embedded into their custom switchable decor designs. For example, a customer in the skiing business could add to an image depicting skiing and/or mountains, a code that will trigger the 3D animation skier that will spring off its switchable decor design showing his image as well as the choose unique two-dimensional indicia. 
     In certain embodiments, application  102 , in conjunction with camera  118  or other imaging or scanning device, serves as a reader/scanner that will read/scan a switchable decor and recognize a code that can be either the entire switchable decor, a part of it, a watermark or any other type of codes (e.g., QR codes or the like). Once the code is recognized, an augmented reality (AR) experience, such as a 3D animation, video, web-content, music, photo, web-link and other, will be triggered and the user will be able to experience it coming alive right from the switchable decor. 
     The AR experience, for example, whether a 3D animation, video, web-content, music, photo, web-link (or combinations of such media) can be changed from time to time on an existing switchable decor. That means that even when the reader recognizes an existing switchable decor and triggers its AR experience, the AR experience can be changed as many times as desired and will always work in conjunction with the software application and the given switchable decor. This will enable an innumerable variety of experiences, stories, advertising, promotion, etc. 
     In certain embodiments, software application  102  allows the user to record or save the AR Experience (as a picture or video), for example, store the picture or video in the memory of the device. The stored picture or video can then be shared via any number of social channels (Snap, Instagram, Facebook), as well as through text messaging or via email. In addition, the user will be able to create his or her own custom switchable decor using the saved AR experience content. 
     In other embodiments, software application  102  will enable its user to make selfies, mixing his or her image and the media presentations (e.g., AR Experience) together to create exciting, fun and realistic augmented reality pictures or videos. 
     Software app  102  can be used in conjunction with an e-store that allows users to purchase mobile device cases, other or extra switchable decors from available collections, extra-branded switchable decors, as well as, creating his or her own custom designs with his or her own photo, art or saved AR experience content. 
     The media presentations, whether an AR experiences in the form of a 3D animation, video, or music can include brand content (e.g., advertising, promotion, product placements and more from companies and other third parties). The content in those media presentations can be created by anyone from the software application that will offer features to be able to create the user&#39;s own AR Experience linked to the user&#39;s own custom switchable decor (custom design). 
     In essence, software application  102  can provide all of the functions that will enable users to leverage infinite swap features from experiencing unlimited and magical AR experiences, saving, sharing, buying and customizing switchable decors and more. Swappable products associated with the software application can be combined to provide truly new and exciting multimedia platform. 
     It is also important to appreciate that application  102  can be stored on a smartphone of the person who possesses the particular switchable decor on their smartphone case or on someone else&#39;s smartphone or other device. 
     It is also important to appreciate that mobile devices other than a smartphone, such as tablets, having a case and switchable decor can include application  102  for experiencing a media presentation based on a graphic on the switchable decor. 
     The embodiments described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-19  are generally related to fun ways to decorate, change and personalize the look of an article (e.g., smartphone, tablet, etc.) without having to replace the entire case or the decal or skin that has adhesive applied directly to it. Furthermore, as discussed above, system  10  included a fixation sheet and switchable decor used in conjunction with portable electronic devices (mobile phones, laptop computers, tablets, MP3 players and similar devices) as well as other articles such as a luggage tag, light switch plate, frames, books or insert spot in an auto dashboard or the like. However, all of these articles generally include a rigid flat surface upon which the fixation sheet is adhered. 
     Using system  10  on a non-flat and/or a non-rigid surface, such as fabric, has the problem that the decorative sheet or switchable decor is more likely to separate from its fixation member when it is flexed or exposed to heat (e.g., from the sun). Articles made from fabric, leather and flexible plastic do not generally hold their shape unless supported on a rigid surface. 
     However, increasing the adhesive characteristic (e.g., increasing tackiness) such that it adheres more strongly to the fixation member results in requiring a commensurately greater force required to remove the switchable decor. A person applying this greater force is more likely to deform (e.g., bend, wrinkle) or otherwise mar the switchable decor. For example, to remove a switchable decor that is more firmly attached to the fixation sheet requires the user to grasp a corner or edge of the switchable decor and pull or tug with greater force to remove it. This repeated action will cause the corners and edges to begin to curl upward, thereby deforming the switchable decor, particularly the corners and edges, resulting in a switchable decor with degraded appearance. 
     Therefore, in certain other embodiments, the adhesion characteristics of the fixation sheet are controlled so that when the fixation sheet is attached to articles that are made from materials that are not rigid and do not inherently have flat surfaces, a corresponding switchable decor can be securely attached and also removed with less risk of damage to the switchable decor. 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 20 , a T-shirt  200  can include a system  210  having a fixation sheet and switchable decor constructed in the manner described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 2 and 3 . System  210  is better suited for use on a T-shirt  200  and other articles made from non-rigid materials, but because system  200  is being used on a non-flat and non-rigid surface, it will have different adhesion characteristics than system  10 , which is used on a flat, rigid surface. The different adhesion characteristics of system  200  are achieved by applying the adhesive to the fixation sheet in a pattern such that there are regions with adhesive and regions without adhesive. Furthermore, the pattern and shapes of regions with adhesive and regions without adhesive are predetermined depending on a number of factors including the size and shape of the fixation member, the size and shape of the article to which the fixation member is being attached, and the material of the article. A primary goal is to have sufficient tackiness of the fixation member for the switchable decor to stay secured in place while being able to easily switch to a different switchable decor without damaging either switchable decor. 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , a fixation sheet  212  includes adhesive  214  in a pattern resembling a frame portion  216  and a series of parallel extending strips  218  that connect to sides  216   a,    216   b  of the frame. With a switchable decor securely attached to the fixation sheet  212 , parallel extending strips  218  of adhesive  214  define a direction arrow  219  that the user will apply a force to more easily remove the switchable decor from the fixation sheet. That is, in  FIG. 21 , a user would apply a force in the longitudinal direction (left-to-right or right-to-left) of the parallel extending strips  218 . Applying a force in a direction transverse to the length of the strips would require much greater force. 
     Referring to  FIG. 22 , in another embodiment, a fixation sheet  220  may include a frame portion  222  and a series of curved, parallel extending strips  218  that connect to sides  216   a,    216   b  of the frame. 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , in yet another embodiment, a fixation sheet  230  includes oval-shaped regions  232  that do not have adhesive. 
     It is appreciated that system  210  can be applied to other articles that are not flat and non-rigid including various garments or articles of clothing (shirts, sweatshirts, jackets). For example, referring to  FIG. 24 , system  210  is shown attached to a baseball-style cap  240 . Baseball-style cap  240  may include an outer surface to which the fixation member is attached that is fabric, leather or plastic. Regardless of the material, the advantages of a system  210  for cap  240  that has a curved shape (even if rigid) has the same benefits as an article made of fabric System  210  can also be attached to other styles of hats including knitted ski caps, beanies, and berets. 
     It is also appreciated that system  210  can be attached to other articles having non-rigid and no-flat surfaces such as certain toys having curved surfaces (e.g., dolls) or which are made from fabric (stuffed animals). 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , in another embodiment, a system  250  includes an embossed support frame  252  that surrounds a fixation member  254 . Embossed support frame  252  is in the form of a ridge that stands out in relief from the surface to which the fixation member is attached. Embossed support frame  252  advantageously protects the outer peripheral edge of the switchable decor (not shown) that would be attached to fixation member  254 , generally assists in maintaining the switchable decor on the fixation member and minimizes the likelihood that the switchable decor is removed unintentionally or is damaged upon removing. Embossed support frame  252  can be made in a variety of ways including as an embroidered frame surrounding the switchable decor, by thermoforming (Thermo Molding) by stitching or by gluing a premade frame of any of a variety of different materials (fabric, rubber, plastic, leather, etc.) to the outer surface of the article. 
     In other applications, it may be desirable to address the problem of attaching a switchable decor to a non-rigid or curved outer surface of an article by providing regions of different tackiness to the fixation member. 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 26 , a system  260  includes a fixation member  262  having a central region  264  surrounded by an outer frame  266 . System  260  is configured such that the tackiness of outer frame  266  is greater than the tackiness of central region  264 . Central region  264  could have any shape (e.g., generally rectangular as shown in  FIG. 1  or could be patterned to have areas of no adhesive (see, for example,  FIGS. 21, 22 and 23 ). 
     In the embodiments described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 20-24 , the articles to which the system  200  was attached had outer surfaces made of fabric. It is appreciated the outer surface of the material can be made of a variety of materials including rubber, plastic, leather or combinations of these materials. Furthermore, using a system  200  having predetermined patterns allows using switchable decors that are made of different materials including fabric, rubber, plastic, leather, etc. 
     Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.