Patent Publication Number: US-2021168111-A1

Title: System and method for social networking among users of a reusable item

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. App. No. 62/900,962, filed Sep. 16, 2019, which is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to social networking sites, and more particularly, to social networking among users of a reusable item, such as, those who are in a contiguous chain of gifting. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Single-use items can have an adverse impact on our environment, both in the manufacturing and disposal of such items. The environmental impact during manufacturing can include issues as CO2 emission, power usage, and resource efficiency, just to name a few. Moreover, disposal of single-use items can result is litter and strain on waste disposal resources, among others. 
     Such environmental concerns are important to many individuals. Typically, those intending to affect positive change for the environment typically do so through various channels such as political activism, charitable donations, volunteerism, or their profession. It is readily apparent that positive change results from individuals banding together around common concerns. However, it can be challenging for individuals to align their everyday purchasing decisions with such concerns, particularly when there is a lack of recyclable alternatives for typical single-use items. 
     For example, most gift wrap and gift cards are used as single-use items. Typically, gift wrap and gift cards are physical and not recyclable, contributing to significant land waste each year. Also, single-use items can raise practical concerns, e.g., recipients who want to save gift cards must store the physical items, which can get lost and destroyed. 
     As such, there remains a need for improved reusable gift wraps and gift cards. Moreover, connecting with other individuals aligned with concerns for the environment can further motivate individuals to increase their efforts towards environmental conservation. 
     It should, therefore, be appreciate that there remains a need for a system and method for social networking among users of reusable items. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention provides a computerized system and method for social networking among users of reusable items, such as a reusable gift wrap assembly. The system can include an application that runs on a mobile device that enables users to create and share digital messages for the recipient of the gift. The gift wrap assembly can include a reusable wrap or bag having means for securing the gift therein. The gift wrap assembly includes a unique identifier that is recognizable by the system, which can be incorporated onto the assembly. In this manner, the system can track the gift wrap as it travels among users, thereby creating a social network connection between users that have interacted with the gift wrap assembly associated with the unique identifier. As such, users will be motivated to reduce reliance on single-use items, such as disposable gift wraps and gift cards. 
     More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the present systems and methods is directed at facilitating richer communication between gift givers and gift recipients by enabling gift givers to record personalized digital messages that they can record and send to the gift recipients along with their physical gifts via a unique identifier, e.g., QR code or NFC. This system also tracks the reuse of the unique identifier, along a social chain of gifting. 
     In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, when the first gift recipient regifts the item, via the app, the user can create a new message for a second gift recipient. All givers/recipients along the chain can opt to receive a notification when a new message is recorded as associated with that gift wrap assembly as identified by the unique identifier, indicating that their item has been reused (contributing to less landfill waste). They can save all their interactions in a digital album of the system, and login to see information about gift givers and recipients further down the chain. 
     For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
     All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment disclosed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a reusable gift wrap assembly in accordance with the present invention, depicting a reusable wrap and securing band, along with wrapping instructions. The securing band includes a unique QR code that is recognizable by a mobile app of the system. 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified block diagram of a computerized system for social networking among users of a reusable item (reusable gift wrap assembly) accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified flow chart of a contiguous chain of gifting utilizing the gift wrap assembly of  FIG. 1 , wherein in each gift giver can record digital message for the gift receiver utilizing the system app running on a mobile device. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a screenshot of the system app for creating a gift message in accordance with the present invention, a flow chart is further provided that details steps for completing the message via the app such that the message is thereafter linked to the particular QR coded of the securing band of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  depicts a screenshot of the system app for tracking a particular gift wrap along its chain of gifting, the screenshot provides information that has been designated for public view. 
         FIG. 6  depicts screenshots of the system app for tracking a particular gift wrap along its chain of gifting, the screenshot provides information that has been designated for private view. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a screenshot of the system app for messages associated with a user of the system, the screenshot provides a user access to all digital messages sent and received with the system app. 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  provide a simplified flow chart depicting steps for users to interact with the system. 
         FIGS. 9A-9B  provide a simplified flow chart depicting steps for users to interact with a user profile maintained by the system. 
         FIG. 10  depicts another embodiment of a reusable gift wrap assembly in accordance with the present invention, depicting a reusable bag having securing straps, along with a tag that provides a unique identifier that is recognizable by the system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings, and particularly  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown a gift wrap assembly  10  having a reusable gift wrap  12  and securing band  14  that interacts with a computerized system  20  that provides social networking among users of reusable items, such as a reusable gift wrap assembly  10 . The system can include an application that runs on a mobile device that enables users to create and share digital messages for the recipient of the gift. The reusable band  14  is for binding the wrap  12  about the gift. The gift wrap assembly includes a unique identifier  16  that is recognizable by the system. In this manner, the system can track the gift wrap as it travels among users, thereby creating a social network connection between users that have interacted with that specific gift wrap assembly associated with the unique identifier. As such, users will be motivated to reduce reliance on single-use items, such as disposable gift wraps and gift cards. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the unique identifier  16  of the gift wrap assembly  10  is in the form of a unique QR code (Quick Response Code). Each gift wrap assembly is assigned a unique QR code. In other embodiments, other unique identifiers can be used, e.g., alpha-numeric codes, bar codes, hash functions, Bluetooth® chips, micro RF antennas, near field communication (NFC), among others. In the exemplary embodiment, the unique identifier is disposed on the securing band  14 . Additionally, or alternatively, the unique identifier can be disposed on, or otherwise attached to, the reusable wrap  12 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , step-by-step instructions are provided for wrapping a gift within the gift wrap assembly  10 . Steps  1 - 4 , detail a method for securing the wrap  12  about the gift, utilizing the band  14 . Notably, the band should be positioned so that the unique identifier  16  (e.g., QR codes) is readily assessable. Step  5  reminds the user to utilize the system app (discussed in detail below) on mobile devices  26 , such as a mobile phone, to create a digital message with the system app. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , in another embodiment, a gift wrap assembly  10  can comprise a bag  13  formed of reusable materiel, e.g., fabric, having a drawstring  15  about an upper opening  17  thereof to secure the contents, e.g., gift  21 , within the bag. The unique identifier (e.g., a QR code and/or NFC) can be incorporated into a tag  19  attached proximate to the drawstring. In the exemplary embodiment, the tag incorporates both QR code and NFC, which identifies the gift wrap assembly as discussed in detail herein. The user can 
     With reference now to  FIG. 2 , the system  20  includes a database management system (DBMS)  22  that maintains detailed data relating to user profiles, user location data, digital messages (including text, photos and videos), and gift wrap assemblies via corresponding unique identifiers. The system  20  further includes a system module  28  to execute system functionality, such as, gathers data from users  26  via a digital network  12 , e.g., internet, to aid in populating the DBMS  22 . For example, a user utilizes a device to interact with the system via a system app (program) running on the mobile device, which communicates via the digital networks with server(s), as is known in the art. In this manner, users provide user profile information, digital messages, gift wrap data (including unique identifier(s)), among other data, which is maintained in the DBMS for storage and access. 
       FIG. 3  depicts an exemplary contiguous chain of users as a reusable item is transfer among users. More particularly, the chain consists of users that have utilized a gift wrap assembly  10 , as gift givers and gift recipients, using the system app. As a result, the user will be connected in a social network via the system. Each gift giver (message generator) uses the system app to record a digital message for the gift recipient, as detailed in  FIG. 4 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , a screenshot for creating a digital message via the system app is shown. First, the user scans the QR code with the mobile device. The user then provides “to” and “from” information and creates the message, using combinations of emojis, text, video, and/or photos. The system further enables the user to set the privacy level for the message. For example, the privacy option enables the user to select whether the digital message and uploaded media is viewable only by the gift giver and gift receiver, by all users along the contiguous chain of gifting, by all friends of the gift giver and gift receiver, etc. Additional privacy options may be available. 
       FIG. 5  provides a screenshot of the system app, depicting information that is publicly available relating to a specific gift wrap assembly  10  via its unique identifier. For example, users can track the number of reuses. The system can also provide details about the social network created as a result of the reuses. Moreover, basic information such as, “to,” “from,” and publicly available aspects of the digital messages can be viewed. Such social connections will promote further reuse, resulting in less reliance on single-use items, e.g., single-use gift wrapping and cards. 
       FIG. 6  provides screenshots of the system app, depicting information that is confined to prescribed users via privacy settings. For example, authorized users can access specific digital messages to include text, video, photos, “to,” and “from,” etc. History button provides access to past digital messages. 
       FIG. 7  provides a screenshot of the system app, depicting an “Album” for a prescribed user showing all prior digital messages sent, received, and saved. The album is linked to the user profile. 
       FIGS. 8A-8C  provide a simplified flow chart depicting steps for users to interact with the system. The flow charts depict a giver user flow and a recipient user flow, along with corresponding screenshots for each step along the user flow. For example,  FIG. 8B  provides steps for creating digital media to incorporate in a digital message.  FIG. 8C  provides additional steps for completing the digital message, to include assigning a privacy setting for the message. In the exemplary embodiment, the user can choose from the following privacy settings: 
     (a) Public, message is visible to everyone, (b) Friends, message is visible to sender, recipient and friends, and (c) Private, message is visible to sender and recipient only. 
       FIGS. 9A-9B  provide a simplified flow chart depicting steps for users to interact with a user profile maintained by the system through the system app, thereby the user can create and manage an account with the system. The account can include an overview of the user&#39;s giving history, to include date, location, recipients, digital messages, and so on. In this way, users can track gifting history as well as link each individual gift wrap assembly the user has interacted with, thereby accessing the contiguous chain of gifting and corresponding users, as discussed above. In this manner, the user maintains connections with users throughout the world along the chain. This provides community ties to others that recognize the benefits of reusable items. 
     With reference again to  FIG. 2 , connections between components are shown using double-sided arrows, which may be physical, fiber optic, wireless, or any other type of communications link over a network. The network can be any of a variety of conventional network topologies and types (including optical, wired and/or wireless networks), using a variety of conventional network protocols (including public and/or proprietary protocols). The network can include, for example, home networks, cellular networks, corporate networks, Intranet(s), or the Internet, as well as possibly at least portions of one or more local area networks (LANs) and/or wide area networks (WANs) or telephone networks, among others. 
     The user devices  26  that may be any of a variety of digital devices, including, for example, and not limitation, a desktop PC, a notebook or portable computer, a workstation, an Internet appliance, a handheld PC, a cellular telephone or other wireless communications device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a set-top box, or combinations thereof. Other hardware components capable of digitally communicating and interacting with the system can be used without departing from the invention. 
     The system  20  can incorporate a database management system (DBMS)  22  configured to store system information in digital format utilizing hardware known in the art, such as hard drive, random access memory, read only memory, flash memory, cache memory, a portable magnetic computer diskette, such as a floppy diskette, zip disk, and/or other configurations capable of storing programming, data, or other digital information on hardware devices, whether co-located or distributed across a network. Other hardware components capable of digitally communicating and interacting with the system can be used without departing from the invention. 
     The system  20  is arranged to include a system module  28  to process data, control data access and storage, issue commands, and control other desired operations. The system includes processing circuitry configured to implement desired programming. For example, processing circuitry (hardware) may be implemented as one or more processor and/or other structure configured to execute executable instructions including, for example, software and/or firmware instructions, and/or hardware circuitry. Exemplary embodiments of processing circuitry include hardware logic, state machines, and/or other structures alone or in combination with a processor. Storage circuitry is configured to store programming such as executable code or instructions (e.g., software and/or firmware), electronic data, databases, or other digital information and may include processor-usable media. Processor-usable media may be embodied in any computer program, product(s), or article of manufacture(s) that can contain, store, or maintain programming, data, and/or digital information for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system including processing circuitry in the exemplary embodiment. System capabilities (including processing, data processing, data storage, module features, and others) of the system can be co-located or distributed across a network (including internet) without departing from the invention. 
     It will be understood that when components, apparatus, appliance, functions, steps or elements of this invention need to be or may be implemented on a data processing apparatus as a whole, or any individual component thereof described herein, that the apparatus or any individual component as described herein may be utilized within the contemplation of this invention. For instance, if a flowchart as described herein expressly or implicitly requires for example that a processor or storage for example be utilized, the applicable components described herein may be so utilized even if not specifically recited for that step. 
     It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present invention provides a computerized system and method for social networking among users of reusable items, such as a reusable gift wrap assembly. The system can include an application that runs on a mobile device that enables users to create and share digital messages for the recipient of the gift. The gift wrap assembly can include a reusable wrap and a reusable band for binding the wrap about the gift. The gift wrap assembly includes a unique identifier that is recognizable by the system. In this manner, the system can track the gift wrap as it travels among users, thereby creating a social network connection between users that have interacted with the gift wrap assembly. As such, users will be motivated to reduce reliance on single-use items, such as disposable gift wraps and gift cards. 
     The present invention has been described above in terms of presently preferred embodiments so that an understanding of the present invention can be conveyed. However, there are other embodiments not specifically described herein for which the present invention is applicable. Therefore, the present invention should not be seen as limited to the forms shown, which is to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. 
     Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with reference only to the exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other embodiments can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention, to include any and all combination of features discussed herein.