GB2474263A

GB2474263A - Sign system

Info

Publication number: GB2474263A
Application number: GB0917625A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Derk Brouwer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-10-08
Filing date: 2009-10-08
Publication date: 2011-04-13
Also published as: GB0917625D0; WO2011042558A1; US20110083348A1

Abstract

A sign system comprises a base element 3 and a plurality of interchangeable accessories 11, each accessory 11 being releasably attachable to the base element 3 so that a surface of the accessory is visible and at least partially surrounded by the base element which comprises a frame. The base element may be attached to flexible substrate such as an item of clothing 20 or may form a piece of jewellery. In another embodiment, the accessory forms a frame (41') which surrounds a display portion (34) of the base element.

Description

Sign system, particularly for use with clothing This invention relates to visual sign systems for conveying meaning between members of a community, and particularly but not exclusively to visual sign systems wherein the visible element (the signifier) is displayed on an article of clothing. More particularly, the invention relates to sign systems in which the signifier is intended to be recognised and decoded to yield its meaning (the signified) by members of the community but not by persons outside the community.

It is known from DE 296 06 437 Ui to provide an article of clothing with a symbol whose meaning may be decoded by reference to a printed code card. For example, the symbolic representation of a wine glass may convey the meaning: "I want to party". US 2006/00 10556 Al discloses an article of swimwear bearing a signal flag whose literal message may be determined by reference to the International Code of Signals.

It has been observed that the meaning of a sign (the signified) is not intrinsic to the visible element of the sign (the signifier), but rather is formulated contextually in the mind of the observer. For example, the international signal flags "Uniform Mike" conveying the literal message: "The harbour is closed to traffic" in accordance with the International Code of Signals may convey an entirely different meaning to an informed observer when displayed on a swimsuit by a bather.

One characteristic of sign systems such as those just discussed, is that the sign will only be interpreted as a sign if the signifier is recognised by the observer as belonging to a sign system. If the observer does not possess the printed code card or is not familiar with the International Code of Signals, then the symbol or signal flag displayed on the garment may be interpreted as mere decoration, so that the meaning is largely or entirely lost.

In the system of US 2006/00 10556 Al, this characteristic may be advantageous insofar as it is desired that the meaning of the sign should only be evident to those persons who are familiar with the International Code of Signals, so that the sign system functions as a restricted code for communication principally between mariners who happen to meet each other on the beach.

However, if the user of the sign system of US 2006/00 10556 Al wishes to change the message from "The harbour is closed to traffic" to, for example, "The fairway is navigable", he or she is disadvantageously required to change his or her swimwear. Furthermore, by restricting the range of available signifiers to those listed in the International Code of Signals, that system disadvantageously makes it difficult to extend the system by introducing new signs.

In contrast, the sign system of DE 296 06 437 Ui may presumably be extended by introducing new garments bearing new symbols whose meanings are provided on corresponding new code cards. However, when such a new symbol is viewed by an observer who is part of the community of those possessing such code cards but who has not obtained the corresponding new code card, the observer may interpret the unfamiliar symbol as mere decoration and not recognise it as being a new symbol belonging to the sign system. (To the observer, the new symbol might be said to be an unknown unknown, instead of a known unknown.) US 2009/0106881 Al discloses a method in which one or more selected graphical displays are detachably coupled to a leg covering, for example, by hook-and-loop material, so as to communicate a meaning, which may be for example an interest of the wearer, an emotion, or a sexual message. Advantageously, the signifier can be exchanged without changing the leg covering. However, since no code card is provided to assist in associating the signifier with the signified, the signifier may disadvantageously be interpreted as mere decoration unless it is widely and immediately recognisable (comprising for example the English words: "Go away") as a sign.

In the system of US 2006/00 10556 Al, the meaning of each signifier (signal flag) is decoded by reference to the International Code of Signals. For the community of mariners to whom the sign is addressed, the meaning of each signifier is thus underpinned and enriched by its relationship to the other signifiers sharing the common system of syntax and meaning provided by that Code. For example, the meaning contextually derived from the message: "There is good holding ground in my area might be enriched by the understanding that the message is an invitation to the observer to drop his anchor on the bottom.

In contrast, whereas US 2009/0106881 Al provides a method of communication, it does not provide any shared syntax or system of meaning which may assist in decoding the signified from the signifier. The method of US 2009/0106881 Al may therefore be less suited for use in accordance with a restricted code whose meaning is evident only to members of a selected community. Moreover, it may be difficult to introduce a new signifier in order to convey a new meaning, without the risk that the new signifier will be interpreted as mere decoration.

A particular problem associated with the releasable attachment of signifiers or mere decorative articles to clothing, is that where the article extends from the clothing it may easily become snagged on furniture, other people's clothing or the like, and so may be damaged or lost. This may occur when a detachable adornment dangles from the clothing, as disclosed for example in US 2005/00446 10 or US 2006/0248689. A flat fabric patch attached by hook-and-loop fastening material may be vulnerable to snagging if it begins to curl at the edges. If the article is flat and rigid, such as a detachable badge as disclosed in WO 2007/039324 Al, it may be vulnerable to snagging because it does not lie flat against the garment. Adornments attached by snap fittings such as disclosed by WO 00/53046, or by magnetic means such as disclosed by US 2006/0248629 Al, may become inadvertently detached by contact with other garments.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a visual sign system (which is to say, a system comprising a plurality of visible elements or signifiers, each signifier having an associated meaning) which is more suitable for facilitating communication between members of a community. Preferably the system should permit the introduction of new signs (i.e. new signifiers and their associated meanings) to accommodate the natural development of communication within the community. In some embodiments, the system should permit a signifier to be detachably displayed on an article of clothing. Preferably, the signifier should be securely retained against accidental detachment.

In its various aspects the present invention provides respectively a sign system and a portable article including a base element for use with a plurality of interchangeable accessories, as defmed in the claims. The base element may be attached to a garment.

In each of its embodiments, a selected one of the accessories is attached to the base element in use such that respective portions of the base element and the selected accessory are visibly juxtaposed, with one at least partially surrounding the other in the manner of a frame. The invention thus provides a composite signifier, comprising the visible portion of the base element juxtaposed with the visible portion of the selected accessory.

In practice, the visible portion of the base element (which may be secured to a garment or accessory or, for example, worn as jewellery) is made visually distinctive by virtue of its shape andlor other visual characteristics, and serves to identify the wearer as a member of the community of those persons amongst whom the sign system functions as a restricted code or shared means of communication. In the absence of an accessory, a member of the community may thus recognise the base element and derive from it two meanings: firstly, that the user is a member of the community; and secondly, that the user does not choose to communicate a message.

The significance of the latter meaning will depend on the range of meanings corresponding to the range of available accessories; thus the meaning of the base element as a signifier is underpinned and enriched by the shared syntax and the totality of available meanings in the sign system of which it forms a part.

For example: in one implementation of the invention, each user is provided with at least one base element and with a set of three alternative accessories, the visible face of each of the three variants depicting respectively a lemon, an apple, and a banana. The meanings of these symbols will be determined by common understanding between the members of the community. A user who displays the accessory depicting a lemon in juxtaposition with his base element might be understood to be desirous of obtaining a lemon; and so forth. The meaning of a base element without an accessory would thus be understood in the context of the shared sign system to mean that the user does not want any fruit.

Alternative implementations employing different indicia, colours, or other visual signifiers and different corresponding meanings will readily be conceived. It will also be understood that different communities may employ visually different base elements in order to operate different sign systems in accordance with the invention; similarly, one community may employ more than one base element, each base element representing a variant sign system in which the meanings of the corresponding accessories are correspondingly altered or nuanced. The different base elements may mechanically cooperate with the same set of accessories; alternatively, each base element may have different features, for example, a different shape, so that the different base elements mechanically cooperate with different sets of accessories.

The visible portion of the base element also serves to identify the accessory with which it is juxtaposed, as a signifier within the sign system. This solves the problem of how to introduce a new signifier and corresponding new meaning in order to accommodate the natural growth in the shared symbolic lexicon of the community. If a member of the community sees an unrecognised accessory, he will identify it as part of a composite signifier by its visual juxtaposition with the recognised placeholder, and may then approach the user (or other members of the community) in order to fmd out its meaning.

By providing a composite signifier comprising the base element together with the selected accessory, the invention further solves the problem of how to distinguish signs from mere ornaments, even when the meaning of the sign is not known.

Returning to the fruity example above, a new signifier might be introduced to the system, depicting an oval shape. In the absence of a shared system of meaning, the oval might be interpreted as mere decoration. However, its juxtaposition with the known base element identifies it to members of the community as a fruity symbol, and it is understood that the user wants a date.

Moreover, since the accessory is identified by the base element as part of a composite signifier, it is possible for the visual content of each accessory to bear only an arbitrary relation to its meaning; for example, each accessory could be a different colour or could depict a different numeral or geometric shape. The meaning of each composite signifier could then be determined only by asking another member of the community, making the invention particularly suitable for use as a restricted code for communication between members of the community, where the code is not intended to be understood by persons outside the community.

Further features and advantages will be evident from the various illustrative embodiments which will now be described, purely by way of example and without limitation to the scope of the claims, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figs. 1A, lB and IC are respectively a front, back and side view of a first base element; Fig. 2 is a side view of a backplate for use in permanently attaching the first base element to a flexible substrate; Fig. 3 is a front view of a second base element which is adapted to be worn on a chain as jewellery; Figs. 4A, 4B, and 4C are front views respectively of first, second and third accessories which are interchangeably attachable to either of the first and second base elements to form a first sign system; Fig. 4D is a side view of one of the accessories; Fig. 5 shows the first base element attached to a garment; Fig. 6 shows the first base element in use with an accessory; Fig. 7 shows the second base element in use with an accessory; Fig. 8 is a front view of a third base element; Fig. 9A and 9B are front views respectively of fourth and fifth accessories which are interchangeably attachable to the third base element to form a second sign system; and Fig. 10 shows the third base element attached to a garment and in use with an accessory.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in each of the figures.

Referring to Figs. 1A -7, a first sign system comprises a first base element 1, a second, alternative base element 2, and a plurality of interchangeable accessories 10, 11, 12, each accessory having a generally flat outer face 10, 11', iT bearing a different indicium, each indicium having a corresponding meaning which is understood by the community within which the sign system forms a shared means of communication.

Each base element 1, 2 comprises a generally triangular frame 3 surrounding a recess 4, which is adapted to receive a selected one of the accessories 10, 11, 12.

Each accessory is provided with three resiliently supported detents 13 which are received in use in corresponding recesses in the inner faces of the frame 3. The selected accessory may thus be snap-fitted into either of the base elements 1, 2 by pressing it into the open, outwardly facing side 4' of the recess 4, so that the detents 13 spring out into the recesses 5 to releasably retain the accessory in a use position as shown in Figs. 6 and 7 in which its outer face is visible within the frame. Advantageously, the frame entirely surrounds the outer face of the accessory in the use position as shown, and the depth D of the frame 3 and recess 4 (Fig. 1C) is slightly greater than the thickness T of the accessory (Fig. 4D), so that the the accessory does not extend outwardly of the frame in use; this ensures that the accessory is securely retained and cannot accidentally be dislodged by snagging on clothing or the like.

The triangular frame 3 is visually distinctive so that it is recognised by members of the community as a part of the shared sign system and, when the user chooses to insert a selected accessory, as part of the composite signifier thus formed, the outer face of the accessory being visibly juxtaposed with the frame as shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

The first base element 1 is substantially rigid, being made for example from die cast metal or the like, and is adapted to be permanently attached to a flexible substrate so that it can be worn by the user on a garment. In the example of Figs. 5 and 6, the substrate 20 comprises for example the fabric sleeve of a shirt, while in alternative implementations, it might be leather, rubber, PVC or any other flexible material. Instead of attaching the base element to a shirt, a pair of trousers or the like, it might of course be attached to an article of footwear, a bag, or any other portable article made from flexible material, so that the base element forms a permanent part of the article.

Conveniently, the first base element is provided with integral rivets 6 which are inserted through the fabric 20 or other substrate into holes 21 in a backplate 22.

The rivets are then closed to unite the frame 3 and the backplate 22 in a permanent assembly, leaving the substrate 20 sandwiched between the two parts.

In the example shown, both the frame 3 of the first base element 1 and the backplate 22 are open in the middle, so that the recess 4 extends entirely through the base element and the backplate, and a portion of the substrate 20 extends across the recess 4 behind the accessory 11 in the use position (Fig. 6) and is visible within the frame when the accessory 11 is removed from the base element 1 (Fig. 5). The accessory is thus easily removed and interchanged by pressing gently with the finger against the rear surface of the fabric 20 within the frame so as to pop the accessory out of the frame. With the accessory removed, the frame remains visible on the outer side of the garment as shown; however, since the fabric 20 extends within the frame, the frame does not detract from the appearance of the garment. The open frame also minimises the weight of the base element, so that the hang of the garment is not impaired.

The second base element 2 is also substantially rigid and has a chain 8 so that it can be worn by the user as jewellery, for example, attached to the neck or wrist, attached to an accessory, to a lace or the tag of a zip fastener, or the like. Unlike the first base element 1 it is provided with an integral backplate 7 which closes the rear side of the recess 4. The backplate 7 may have a protrusion in its centre (not shown) so that the accessory may be removed by pressing it firmly towards the backplate at one corner, causing it to pivot on the protrusion so that its opposite side is urged outwardly from the frame. Alternatively, a tool may be provided to remove the accessory. For expensive accessories, which may comprise jewels or the like, a recess in the centre of the rear face of the accessory may accommodate a central protrusion on the backplate to prevent pivoting. This allows inexpensive accessories to be easily removed, while expensive accessories can only be removed by a tool. In alternative embodiments, a second frame might be provided to receive a second accessory on the other side of the backplate. Alternatively, the second base element might have an open frame without a backplate, and the accessory might have identical or different indicia on both of its opposite faces which are then visible in the use position on the two respective sides of the frame.

Referring to Figs. 8 -10, in an alternative embodiment a second sign system comprises a third, substantially rigid base element 30 and a plurality of interchangeable accessories 41, 42. The third base element may be worn by the user similarly to the second base element. Alternatively, it may be permanently attached to a garment or other portable article comprising a flexible substrate in a similar way to the first base element.

In the example shown, the base element 30 comprises a flat plate 31, which is attached to the flexible material 50 of a garment as shown in Fig. 10, and a central display portion 32. The display portion comprises an insert portion 33 which extends outwardly from the plate 31 and material 50 and terminates in a display face 34.

The outer face of each accessory defmes a frame 41', 42' which surrounds a central recess 43, the recess forming an aperture which extends through the accessory. In use, the selected accessory is pressed onto the base element so that the insert portion 33 is received in the recess 43, releasably retaining the accessory by friction so that the frame 41' and the display face 34 are visually juxtaposed with the frame entirely surrounding the display face in the use position (Fig. 10).

In yet further alternative embodiments, the frame might be flexible rather than rigid. The frame of the base element may taper inwardly. The frame might be discontinuous so that it only partially surrounds the accessory or the display portion of the base element. Rather than being received in a recess, the accessory may alternatively be attached to the outer surface of the base element so that the frame comprises that portion of the base element which extends outwardly of the accessory to remain visible in the use position. Instead of spring loaded detents, the accessory might be retained by magnetic attraction, a flexible flange, or other known means. The frame may be a regular polygon having more than one axis of symmetry, such as a square or an equilateral triangle as shown, in which case the accessory may be inserted in more than one orientation. Alternatively, the frame may have no or only one axis of symmetry, so that the accessory can only be inserted in one orientation. Alternatively, the frame and the accessory can both be circular. instead of a separate backplate, two identical base elements may be arranged to engage one another through the substrate, optionally providing two frames back-to-back on either side of the garment. The base element may be attached to a garment or the like by gluing, sewing, moulding directly on the substrate (where the base element is made from mouldable plastics material or the like), or any other convenient means. In the examples described, each frame receives a single accessory; in alternative embodiments, the frame might be adapted to receive more than one accessory in combination.

It will be understood that, in order for the sign system to perform its function as a shared means of communication and preferably as a restricted code within the target community, it is necessary for each variant accessory (which is to say, each visually different type of accessory) to be available to at least several members of the community, who are also aware of its shared meaning. Each one of the plurality of interchangeable accessories which cooperate with the base elemeiit therefore comprises one of a plurality of interchangeable accessories having visually identical outer faces (being one of, for example, a plurality of "lemons" or a plurality of "bananas").

It is envisaged that the sign system may be supplied for example via specialist retail outlets offering jewellery, garments and the like incorporating the base element, and which also provide any required number of each variant accessory.

Thus the prospective user of the system might acquire for example three different accessories in respectively "lemon", "apple" and "banana" variants, or alternatively ten "lemons", ten "apples" and ten "bananas" for distribution to other community members.

The meaning of the visual content of each accessory might be supplied on a code card or the like available from the retail outlet, or on a poster displayed at the retail outlet, or on the rear side of the accessory, or on a website of the community, or alternatively only through existing cultural associations or by word of mouth between community members. In each case, the plurality of instances of each visually distinct type of accessory ensures that the meaning of that accessory will be progressively disseminated throughout the community in use.

In summary, a preferred sign system comprises a base element and a plurality of interchangeable accessories, each accessory being releasably attachable to the base element so that a visible surface of the accessory is visually juxtaposed with a visible surface of the base element, one part at least partially surrounding the other in the manner of a frame. The frame and accessory together form a composite signifier in which the signified is decoded from indicia on the accessory by members of a community who share the sign system and wear the base element, for example as jewellery or attached to a garment.

Many other adaptations falling within the scope of the claims will be evident from the foregoing description to those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A sign system comprising a base element and a plurality of interchangeable accessories, the base element being adapted to be worn by a user, each accessory having a visually different outer face, each accessory being releasably attachable to the base element in a use position in which the outer face is visible; characterised in that the base element includes a frame, and the frame remains visible and at least partially surrounds the outer face of the accessory in the use position.
2. A sign system according to claim 1, characterised in that the frame entirely surrounds the outer face of the accessory in the use position.
3. A sign system according to claim 1, characterised in that the base element includes a recess, and the accessory is received in the recess in the use position.
4. A sign system according to claim 3, characterised in that the accessory does not extend outwardly of the frame in the use position.
5. A sign system according to claim 1, characterised in that the base element is adapted for permanent attachment to a flexible substrate.
6. A sign system according to claim 3, characterised in that the base element is adapted for permanent attachment to a flexible substrate such that a portion of the substrate extends behind the accessory in the use position and is visible when the accessory is removed from the base element.
7. A sign system comprising a base element and a plurality of interchangeable accessories, the base element being adapted to be worn by a user, each accessory having a visually different outer face, each accessory being releasably attachable to the base element in a use position in which the outer face is visible; characterised in that the outer face of each accessory includes a frame, and the base element includes a display portion, and the frame at least partially surrounds the display portion such that the display portion remains visible in the use position.
8. A sign system according to claim 7, characterised in that the frame entirely surrounds the display portion in the use position.
9. A sign system according to claim 7, characterised in that each accessory includes a recess, and the display portion is received in the recess in the use position.
10. A sign system according to claim 7, characterised in that the base element is adapted for permanent attachment to a flexible substrate.
11. A portable article made from flexible material and comprising a rigid base element, the base element being permanently attached to the flexible material, the base element being adapted to releasably retain one of a plurality of interchangeable accessories in a use position in which an outer face of the accessory is visible; characterised in that the base element includes a frame which remains visible and at least partially surrounds the outer face of the accessory in the use position.
12. A portable article according to claim 11, characterised in that the frame entirely surrounds the outer face of the accessory in the use position.
13. A portable article according to claim 11, characterised in that the base element includes a recess, and the recess is adapted to receive the accessory in the use position.
14. A portable article according to claim 13, characterised in that the accessory does not extend outwardly of the frame in the use position.
15. A portable article according to claim 13, characterised in that a portion of the flexible material extends behind the accessory in the use position and is visible when the accessory is removed from the base element.
16. A portable article according to claim 11, characterised in that the article is a garment.
17. A portable article made from flexible material and comprising a rigid base element, the base element being permanently attached to the flexible material, the base element being adapted to releasably retain one of a plurality of interchangeable accessories in a use position in which an outer face of the accessory is visible; characterised in that the base element includes an insert portion, the insert portion extending outwardly from the flexible material and terminating in a display face; and the insert portion is adapted for insertion into a recess of the accessory such that the display face remains visible and is at least partially surrounded by the outer face of the accessory in the use position.
18. A portable article according to claim 17, characterised in that the article is a garment.
19. A sign system substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
20. A portable article substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.