WO2005000681A2

WO2005000681A2 - Methods and apparatus for customized packaging

Info

Publication number: WO2005000681A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/019993
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rajesh Khosla; Stuart R. Fishman
Original assignee: Mass Personalization Ip Associates, Llc
Priority date: 2003-06-23
Filing date: 2004-06-23
Publication date: 2005-01-06
Also published as: WO2005000681A3

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for customizing a toy (104) and its associated packaging (100) to provide a personalized toy and package. The apparatus includes a saleable item (100) having a package (102) for receiving and retaining a product (104), with display indicia (106) formed along the exterior of the package. One or more customizable elements (110, & 112) are incorporated into the package, alone or in combination with the product. The customizable elements include printed indicia or labels, or other customizable elements.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CUSTOMIZED PACKAGING

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/480,871, filed June 23, 2003. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for customized packaging. More particularly, this invention is directed to a method and apparatus for the customized packaging of goods, such as gifts in the form of toys. Personalized toy items are increasingly popular. In this regard, an interest level in a particular toy is frequently related to a degree with which a personal association is made with the toy. It is also common to design toys based on characters featured in television programs, movies and magazines, with whom a person may relate or identify. Success of such products is based in part on the effectiveness of the association of the owner with the toy. In common practice, such goods are mass-manufactured and packaged. A name and design of the toy product, along with the design of the packaging, are selected so as to appeal to the largest number of individuals in a target demographic. Toy products and other such mass-produced gift items are often generically packaged due to manufacturing constraints. There is an element of risk involved in toy design since it is not always easy to predict the degree with which a person may associate with a given product name or design. The subject invention overcomes the above-noted limitations and provides a method and apparatus for rapid and economical creation of customized packaging of personalized toys. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for the customized packaging of personalized toys. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for . customizing a gift item and/or its packaging for an individual recipient, so as to "personalize" the gift. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a saleable item including a package that receives and retains a product, such as a toy or other gift. The item also includes display indicia formed along an exterior portion of the package. Such display indicia suitably include a product description or other graphical representation of the product or an association with the product. Also included in the saleable item is at least one customizable element respectively incorporated the package alone, or the package in combination with the product. In one embodiment, the customizable element also includes custom printed indicia applied to the package, which includes a printed element affixed to the package. The printed element is at least one of an adhesive label, an "iron-on" applique, a cold impression or a molded element, h another embodiment, the custom printed indicia includes printing on a predetermined area of the package. The printing is suitably covered by a protective layer of varnish or layer of transparent material so as to protect the printing from wear and to provide a finished appearance. In another embodiment, the customizable element of the saleable item is a programmable sound-producing element. Further, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of customizing a saleable item. The method begins by selecting a product that is received and retained within a package. The package includes display indicia formed along an exterior portion of the package. Next, the method incorporates a customizable element onto the package alone, or the package in combination with the product. In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of applying a custom printed indicia to the package. The method then includes the step of affixing a custom printed element to the package. The custom printed element is an adhesive label, an "iron-on" applique, a cold impression, or a molded element. In another embodiment, the method, prior to the step of applying, customized indicia is printed on the element to be affixed to the package. The method further includes the step of printing custom printed indicia to a predetermined area of the package. In yet another embodiment, the element is a programmable sound-producing element. The method further includes the step printing custom printed indicia onto the package, the product or a printed element to be affixed to either the package and the product. Still further, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a computer- implemented method of customizing a saleable item. The method includes the step of selecting an item file corresponding to a predetermined customizable item from a computer- implemented directory. The method also includes the step of entering customized indicia in a respective customizing field of the item file. Next, the method prints the customized indicia to produce an output in a preselected format, wherein the output is affixable to the customizable item.

In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes the step of entering alphanumeric text, which further includes personalized information. The output of the computer-implemented method produces an output onto self-adhesive labels, affixable to the customizable item, hi another embodiment, the preselected format is a plurality of choreographed styles, wherein the output is affixable to a respective plurality of locations on the customizable item. The choreographed styles include preselected font properties for the customized indicia. Still yet further, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method and apparatus in which a saleable item includes a package for receiving and retaining a product, with display indicia formed along the exterior of the package. One or more customizable elements are incorporated into the package, alone or in combination with the product. The customizable elements can include printed indicia or labels, or other customized elements, as is set forth in greater detail below. The subject system is particularly advantageous in one preferred environment of use in conjunction with small, retail establishments. The system is advantageously adapted to rapid, inexpensive replication and deployment in retail marketing establishments, including kiosks in existing stores, malls, airports, and the like. In such an embodiment, the system also provides readily a variant in which an establishment may be quickly set up and quickly taken down to address unique, seasonal sales preferences while limiting year-round lease and labor expenses. Still other aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of this invention, simply by way of illustration of one of the best modes suited for to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects all without from the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an exemplary depiction showing the general placement of customizable elements, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a diagram depicting a number of possible alternative implementations in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 is a flow chart depicting a method of the customization station in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E illustrate different configurations of one convertible package design that can include customizable elements further in accordance with the present invention; Figure 5 illustrates a complete customizable package in accordance with the convertible package design of Figures 4 A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E;

Figure 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D illustrate different configurations of an alternate convertible package design that can include customizable elements further in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 7 illustrates a complete customizable package in accordance with the convertible package design of Figures 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for customizing a toy and its associated packaging to provide a personalized toy and package. Referring now to Figure 1, there is illustrated an exemplary saleable item 100, e.g., a gift product 104 such as a toy and its associated packaging 102, e.g. a box. The saleable item packaging 102 is suitably designed to facilitate the customization of the purchase. The saleable item's packaging 102 receives and retains the gift product 104, and includes display indicia 106, located along an exterior portion of the packaging 102. The display indicia 106 suitably comprises graphical or textual information, or a combination thereof, informing the purchaser as to the gift product 104 contained therein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that an open- display type package is adaptable to inform the purchaser as to the nature of the gift product 104, as well. It will be appreciated by the skilled artisan that the display indicia 106 is capable of employing a photographical representation of the enclosed gift product 104, as well as a written description of the enclosed gift product 104, without departing from the scope of the subject invention. In one exemplary embodiment, the package 102 is suitably designed with appropriate graphics and wording to both transmit product information as well as influence the prospective buying decision, as is typical of such product packaging. The exemplary saleable item 100 of Figure 1 further includes a window 108, suitably composed of a transparent material. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the transparent material of the window 108 is any suitable transparent or see-through material known in the art, such as plastic, mylar, cellophane, mesh, lattice, or the like. In order to make the gift item more relevant and identifiable to the recipient, one or more customizable elements, such as labels 110 and 112, are incorporated into the package 102 alone, or in combination with the gift product 104. The package 102 includes one or more predetermined areas 114 and 116, respectively, on the package 102 and/or the gift product 104. hi a preferred embodiment, the customizable element includes custom printed indicia applied to the package. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 1, the customized printed elements are a printed element 110 affixed to the package 102 and a printed element 112 affixed to the gift product 104. The printed elements are prepared with individualized wording to personalize the package 102 alone or in combination with the gift product 104. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the representative saleable item 100 illustrates a single label on the gift product 104, the subject invention is suitably capable of facilitating the placement of multiple labels on the gift product 104. As shown in Figure 1, text or a graphic is placed on the printed element 110 using a printer (not shown) having a printing head 118. As will be understood by those skilled in art, the printer is any printer known in the art capable of fixing an image to a display medium. In the embodiments of the subject invention discussed herein, the printer head 118 is preferably a computer-driven printer head 118, configured to respectively print onto the package 102, the product 104, and/or the printed element 110 and 112 to be affixed. It is contemplated that the printer head 118 is mounted inside a suitable printer housing. For example, for labels, as standard-type computer printer is suitably employed. For printing directly onto a package 102, a suitable box printer is used, adjustably sized to accommodate a number of different printing surfaces on a number of different package sizes. As illustrated in Figure 1, the printed element 110 suitably comprises a non-adhesive front face and an adhesive back face. The non-adhesive front face is suitably comprised of any material known in the art capable of retaining ink. Alternatively, the non-adhesive front face of the printed element 110 is composed of any thermally-activated substance known in the art, capable of displaying, upon the heated activation by the printing head 118, the intended graphical or textual selection. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in the preferred embodiment the printed element 110 is advantageously any transparent or opaque material known in the art, suitably adapted for retaining and displaying the intended graphical or textual representations imparted by the printing head 118. It is to be appreciated that a background chosen to match a target is also suitably used. Alternatively, the printed element 110 suitably comprises an "iron-on" applique, a cold impression, or a molded element. For example, in the case of a toy item, the name of the person is advantageously incorporated onto the package 102 and product 104, so as to improve the association of the person to the toy, and increase the person's excitement level upon receiving the gift. It will be appreciated by those skilled in art that the exemplary saleable item 100 illustrates a single label on the packaging 102, the subject invention is suitably capable of facilitating the placement of multiple labels on the packaging 102, such as along a side exterior portion, a back exterior portion, a top exterior portion, and/or a bottom exterior portion. The saleable item 100 may better be understood with reference to the diagram of Figure 2. Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a diagram illustrating the system 200 of the subject invention. The customizing process, i.e., printing operation, is capable of being performed at a direct point-of-sale location 208, e.g. a store 202 or a kiosk 204, or remotely 210, e.g., the Internet 206. The point of direct sale location 208 is any suitable retail sales venue known in the art, such as a "brick and mortar" retail store 202, a stand-alone kiosk 204 located in a mall or other suitable location. In an exemplary implementation of the subject invention, the store 202, the kiosk 204, or other point of sale location 208, e.g., retail establishment, offers for sale a "personalizable" item 100 to a customer. In this exemplary embodiment, the saleable item 100 is a toy for a person, however the skilled artisan will appreciate that the subject invention is capable of being employed with a variety of gift products 224, and the subject invention need not be limited to a toy. For example, the gift product 224 of the exemplary embodiment is a gift item intended for an adult, such as a "gag gift," a commemorative item, or any other such item for which personal customization would be appropriate. Customizable pet gifts, particularly directed to a pet's owner, are also advantageously supplied. Upon completion of the purchase of the item 100, the customer is directed to a customization station 250, which is capable of implementation as a "self-server" stand-alone unit, or which requires the assistance of store personnel to complete the customization process. As will be discussed below, with reference to Figure 3, the customer is prompted and directed to input information into the auto-font unit 212 and the printing unit 214 of the customization station 250. The printing unit 214, for example, suitably comprises a label printer, a computer with attached printer, a stand-alone printer, a multifunction peripheral device, or other such device. The auto-font unit 212 suitably comprises software, hardware, or a combination of both, which is then used to format the data for the printing unit 214. For example, the customer is prompted to describe the multiple names, nick-names, tag-lines and other such verbiage as is required to personalize the gift product 224 and packaging 222 for the intended recipient. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the customization station 250 suitably includes an input device and associated user-interface (not shown). Through the input device (not shown), the customer, or store personnel, enters the data corresponding to the verbiage into the auto font unit 212. The printing unit 214 of the customization station 250 is suitably configured to output one or more adhesive labels, "iron-on" appliques, thermal images, cold impressions, or the like, or some combination of such items. The output of the printing unit 214 is then suitably impressed upon or used in a manner on both the package 222 and/or the gift product 224 to personalize the gift. Additionally, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the subject invention enables a printed item to be output, in which words or phrases selected by the customer from a number of columns, along with the recipient's name, to generate a "one-of-a-kind" story or anecdote for the item, tailored to the particular recipient. An exemplary implementation of the subject invention at the store 202 and/or integrated kiosk 204 level suitably functions as follows. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the kiosk 204 of the following example suitably includes both saleable items 100 and a customization station 250. A package 222 is initially designed to accept printed elements 220, e.g., labels, or other customization media, e.g., a sound-producing element 218. In this exemplary embodiment, the package 222 is designed to be of a "standard mode," that is, without requiring customization. Thus, saleable item 100 is available for purchase by a customer without necessitating any customization. This enables a broader and more flexible approach at the sales point. For instance, if the customer is unsure whether personal customization would be desired by the recipient of the saleable item 100, or if the customization does not provide any value added in the purchaser's view, then the box design would be of a manner that makes the toy packaging seemingly "complete" without the customization. However, the package 222 is of a suitable design such that the package 222 includes certain locations wherein the addition of customization media elements are suitably placed to enhance the value of the item 100. Thus, in the design of a package 222 for a battery operated dog, the package design is suitably configured to resemble a dog house with a location on the exterior of the package for the attachment of media where a pet's name is usually written. An example of such a design is shown in Figure 5, which is discussed below. It is anticipated that the number and size of the locations of the media placement sites will be standardized within a line of product packaging to enable smooth, repetitive and time- saving operation at the point of package customization. The label/customization media is adaptable to either a background design or "see-through" when applied, since both provide differing benefits in differing contexts. The see-through embodiment would be particularly valuable in settings where it is beneficial for the background colors to be viewable through the label. For instance, the package design of Figure 7 where the background is camouflage is best shown through the label to promote the camouflage nature of the packaging design.

Having a large block of non-camouflage customization is detrimental to the overall effect. It will be beneficial to have a design on the label prior to customization wherein the design elements for each location are "choreographed" so as to either color match the background, match font type or other background design elements of the label prior to customization. Such selection enhances the look of the customization by making it more prominent on the package 222. The subject invention further enables the online purchase of a customizable item 100, e.g., over the Internet 206, or a remote location 210. For example, the purchase is capable of accessing a web page and customizing a saleable item 100 from the comforts of the customer's own home. The customer downloads a template for a label and enters the data at the customer computer. Printing and affixing or otherwise customizing the package 222 or the product 224, is then accomplished upon receipt of the item, either at the customer's home or pick-up at a point of sale location 208. Thus, in the event that a customer purchased the item 100 at a point of sale location 100, but was uncertain as to the desired verbiage, the customer can still purchase the item 100 and customize the item using his or her home computer. Similarly, a customer is capable of ordering the item from a web site and then using a template stored on such a web site, complete the customization process at his or her home. In an alternate embodiment, the subject invention enables a customer to customize an item using a computer network from a remote location 210. For example, a kiosk 204 or kiosks are located throughout a mall and connected to store 202 via an intranet. The customer then purchases and customizes the saleable item 100 from the remote location 210 and proceeds to the store 202 from the kiosk 204 to pick up the saleable item. Alternatively, the auto-font 212 unit of the customization station 250 is a web page accessible via any means known in the art. hi such an alternate embodiment, the customization station 250 is not present, however its components are. Thus, the printing unit 214 is located remotely with respect to the customer and the auto-font unit 212, such as at a warehouse or distributor location. The printing is then accomplished using the printing unit 214 at the warehouse or distributor upon the receipt of an order from the customer through the auto-font unit 212. In another embodiment, the subject invention enables the placement of the by the customer via a sales representative, who can be located in a retail establishment, a telephone customer service department, or in a "home party" sales organization. The pre-customized item 100 can then be shipped directly to the customer, or to the sales representative, who will then complete the order fulfillment. In accordance with one embodiment of the subject invention, the saleable item 100 suitably includes customization media, e.g., formatted printer label sheets. The formatted label sheets are stored within the package 222 or are purchased or provided separately from the package 222 at the time of sale. Alternatively, the sheets are accessible via a web site dedicated to such a purpose. However, the skilled artisan will appreciate that including the formatted printer label sheets in the package 222 include the ability of the purchaser to self personalize at home using either a local printer or the Internet as an enabling medium. The skilled artisan will also appreciate that the benefits of providing the formatted printer label sheets separately from the saleable item 100 include the ability to provide it as an additional benefit of purchase or as an "up sell". J addition, in an automated setting, a kiosk 204 employing a customization station 250, automatically produces a package 222 based upon input from an input device. The package 222 is then suitably personalized within the kiosk 204 using printing technology as opposed to labeling technology. As shown in the diagram of Figure 2, the subject invention includes the ability to add a protective layer 216 to the printed elements 220 output by the customization station 250. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the protective layer 216 is advantageously used, particularly when the subject invention employs water-soluble or solvent-based inks. The protective layer 216 is applied to the printed elements 220 to provide a layer of protection or cosmetic uniformity, giving a "finished" look to the customized package 222. As will be understood by the skilled artisan, the protective layer is any suitable material known in the art, including an adhesive sheet applied after printing, and a lacquer that is sprayed on to the package 222 after printing. In embodiments wherein a protective layer is applied, the printing inks are suitably selected with a predetermined color offset, so as to provide an accurate color match to the surrounding display indicia 106 of the package 222 after application of the protective layer. It should also be appreciated that the entire box is capable of custom printing to include the customizable element and the display indicia 106. In another embodiment, the subject invention uses a large label, having a size equivalent to a face of the package 222, printed to include customizable elements and display indicia 106.

In an alternate embodiment of the subject invention, as shown in the diagram of Figure 2, the customizable element is a programmable sound-producing element 218. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the sound-producing element 218 is any element known in the art capable of storing and repeating recorded sounds. In a preferred embodiment, the sound-producing element 218 suitably comprises a programmable integrated circuit, although a different type of sound-producing device is suitably employable, e.g., a magnetic-based recording and playback device as is known in the art. The application of a sound-producing element 218 to the saleable item 100 enables further customization tailored to a specific recipient. For example, the gift product 224 is programmed to speak the recipient's name, nickname, or other personal reference, alone or in combination with other identifiable words or other sounds, such as a familiar slogan, musical jingle, sound effect, or a combination thereof. In an alternate embodiment, the sound- producing element 218 is suitably incorporated into the package 222 of the product 224, and is used in addition to the printed element 220 and display indicia 106, as is shown in the embodiments above. It will be understood that the sound-producing element 218 is suitably customized using sound-synthesizing software to create the recipient's name or other customized sounds, and optionally combining these customized sounds with other sounds selected from a sound library. While the preceding exemplary embodiments have been explained using sound- producing elements 218 and printed elements, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the subject invention need not be so limited. The skilled artisan will understand that other customizable media, such as video or photographic, is capable of being employed without departing from the spirit of the subject invention. In still another embodiment of the subject invention, the customizable element is personally customized as a sub-licensed brand. For instance, a "Buzz Lightyear" toy such as is licensed from Disney Studios suitably includes a customized element indicating that the toy is intended for "Johnny Smith, Friend of Buzz Lightyear," thereby combining personal customization with trademarked names, likenesses, trade dress, and the like. Also, for sound- producing customizations, the person's name is suitably combined with distinctive sound effects, slogans, and jingles associated with proprietary licensed properties. In this way, the extension of brands into the customization arena is implemented. Turning now to Figure 3, there is illustrated a flow chart depicting one embodiment of the customization process of the customization station 250 of the subject invention. The method begins at step 302 by determining whether the product has a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) number. Thus, an item is selected by the user for customization at a store, kiosk, or other fulfillment venue. The item packaging is inspected to locate the SKU number for that particular item. The SKU preferably includes a number of initial digits for locating a category of items from a computer-implemented directory or subdirectory. The SKU also preferably includes a number of subsequent digits corresponding to an item file for a particular customizable item selected by the purchaser. When the selected item lacks an SKU number at step 302, the method progresses to step 304, wherein a listing of available products are displayed to the user. The listing of available products includes those products in stock at the fulfillment venue that are available for customization. The user is prompted to scroll through the list of available items until the item the user has selected is located. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the listing, in a preferred embodiment, uses a graphical user-interface to show the user a picture and/or textual description of the available items. An input device, such as a mouse, keyboard, or the like, is used to scroll through the listing of available items. The skilled artisan will further appreciate that the listing is displayed on any display known in the art, including a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitor, a plasma display screen, or the like. Thus, using a computer interface, the item, or the item file, is selected for the desired customizable item from among a number of such item files in a computer-implemented directory, h other words, information regarding the item is displayed on a software interface page for each item file. The page, in the preferred embodiment, includes the SKU number and an item description. In addition, the page further depicts a picture of the item so as to provide confirmation that the correct item has been selected. Returning to Figure 3, the user selects the item from the displayed list corresponding to the item selected at the store 202 or kiosk 204 at step 306. The method then progresses to step 310 wherein the customization station 250 determines the type of product that has been selected, comparing the user input select with the stored list of available product types. Returning to step 302, when the product has a recognizable SKU number, the user simply scans the SKU number at step 308. The customization station 250 then determines the product type at step 250, comparing the scanned SKU number with the available product types at step 310. As will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, the SKU is scanned by any scanning unit known in the art, suitably comprising a barcode reader and associated electronic controls. The skilled artisan will appreciate that any known barcode reader is suitably compatible with the subject invention. Once the product type has been determined by the customization station 250, a listing of fonts available, corresponding to the product type, is displayed to the user at step 312. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that in the preferred embodiment, the customization station 250 displays only those fonts compatible with the package 222 of the saleable item 100. Thus, in essence, only those fonts matching the background fonts, if any, or the overall theme, of the package 222, are displayed to the user. For example, on the camouflage background of Figure 7, stencil-type font is used. The method therefore, displays a listing of fonts similar to the stencil for the user to select one for the customization of the package 222. The user then selects the desired font from the listing of available fonts at step 314. In one embodiment, the user is prompted to select the color of the associated font at step 316. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the selection of color available to user corresponds to the colors available of the printing unit 214. Furthermore, the available colors will also correspond to the type of font selected, thereby complementing the overall theme, in essence providing a continuous "choreography" of the generation of the package 222. The user is then prompted to enter the desired text at step 318. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the page for the item file includes one or more customizing fields for respectively entering customized indicia. The customized indicia is alphanumeric text, preferably personalized information such as a name or other identifier, used alone or in combination with a personalized message. The item file page also includes guidance on the optimum number of characters that can be entered in the customizing fields. The guidance suitably comprises a warning that the customized indicia exceeds the allowable number of characters. Alternatively, the customizing field advantageously includes an auto-edit function that will substitute a long word, e.g., a title such as "Mister" or "Sergeant," with the common abbreviation. The purchaser can selectively either shorten the number of characters or keep the abbreviated title. The software page further provides additional input instructions, such as to select whether an '"s" is to be included to indicate possession in the customization of the item. In operation, the desired customized indicia input is entered into one or more customizing fields of the item file. This entry is suitably entered by sales or customer service personnel, or is entered on a "self-serve" basis by the purchaser. After entering the desired text at step 318, the user is prompted to select one of a plurality of available greetings at step 320. In a preferred embodiment, the customization station 250 suitably includes one or more greetings, corresponding to the selected item, thereby maintaining the overall "choreography" of the item. For example, when the desired item is a soldier, in addition to including the recipient's name, a greeting such as, "gung ho", "semper fidelis", "airborne", or the like, are displayed to the user for selection corresponding to the service in which the recipient, or the toy, are intended to belong. A determination is made at step 322 that the user desires to include a standardized greeting and the method proceeds to display a listing of available greetings at step 324, again corresponding to the overall "choreography" of the item's theme. Once the user has selected the appropriate greeting, the method proceeds to step 326, wherein the customization station 250, particularly the auto-font unit 212, determines the appropriate type and size of the customized indicia, e.g., label, corresponding to the selected item. The subject invention, as implemented in this exemplary embodiment, employs a software interface, including features enabling the "choreographed" presentation of customized indicia. The software adjusts the case of inputted text as required for the particular preselected design elements. For example, the software automatically formats all the characters in upper case, or assigns the characters or proper case, e.g., to capitalize the words. The interface page also determines as optimal length of customized indicia, so as to best incoφorate with the design elements. For example, if an input is too long, the page will suggest that the input be shortened. Thus, the page will suggest that a first name be shortened to only an initial. In the event that the user declines to follow the suggestion, the auto-font unit 212 will automatically adjust the font size to enable the input text to fit on the allotted customized indicia. Alternatively, when the input is unduly short, the interface will suggest that the input be lengthened, e.g., a rank title such as "Sgt." will be spelled out as "Sergeant." The present software interface page permits the incoφoration of customizable text into the design elements of the saleable item. The interface thereby produces one or more preselected formats for a customized indicia output. The output format includes a plurality of "choreographed" output styles, particularly where a number of output elements are incoφorated into a respective number of locations on the customizable item. For example, an embodiment is contemplated wherein output elements include a number of printed labels, affixed to various locations on a merchandise item and its packaging element. These locations are configured with design elements having different colors and/or font styles, or other type of designs. The interface automatically selects a choreographed style for the customized indicia, such as a font and also preselected font properties, e.g., bold, italic or underline, color, font size, and also effects such as dropped shadows, beveled edges, glow, etc. The properties are preselected for each location on the packaging element and the merchandise item. For example, a first printed label is in black with stencil font, a second label is printed in blue with Arial bold, and a third label is printed in red with Times Roman italic. The software automatically scales the font for each preselected location based upon the length of the input. For example, a first label is in 10 pt font while a second label is in an 18 pt font. Upon entering the customized indicia, the interface enables printing of the customized indicia to produce an output in the respective preselected formats. To accomplish the printing, a sheet stack is selected at step 328. The sheet stack suitably includes blank or pre- formatted sheets of customizable indicia for printing. Depending upon the type of printing unit 214 used by the customization station 250, the sheets are already in an input tray or require the manual loading of the appropriate sheets. Thus, at step 330, a determination is made that the selected sheet is automatically available. When the sheet is available, the sheet is automatically loaded into the printing unit 214, and the method progresses to step 336. When the printing unit 214 does not contain the required sheet, the proper sheet is manually loaded at step 334. In the preferred embodiment, the sheet suitably comprises self-adhesive labels, which are affixable to the customizable item. The labels are capable of being printed onto a number of different sheet styles, where each sheet style is designed for each respective particular item. For example, each sheet can have die-cut labels in the specific size and shape for a particular item. The sheet can have a SKU number printed onto it to identify each selection. The sheet would also include an orientation indicator to show the proper loading of the sheet into the printer. Once the appropriate sheet has been inserted into the printing unit 214, the customization station 250 determines an N number of labels to be printed. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the number of labels are determined based upon the particular item. For example, one item requires the printing of four labels, while a second item requires only two labels. The selected item dictates the number of labels required to complete the customization process. When the proper number of labels has been determined, the printing unit 214 subsequently outputs, at steps 340-342, the corresponding labels. The present invention provides many benefits. Mass customization provides the ability to allow many people to enjoy the same basic gift item as if that item were specifically made for them. In essence, it is "tailoring" a gift item to an individual. Personalized gift giving provides the ability for people to give a gift that accurately reflects the personality of the buyer or seller, the ability to transmit person specific information with that package of box and toy and the ability to generate humor, sadness or other emotion into the gift giving process by proper selection of the personalized wording to be put on the box and on the toy. In these ways and others, the present invention offers many improvements and benefits over previous-type products and methods. In an alternate embodiment of the subject invention, as shown in Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E, a custom packaging design is also employed to convert the package 102 into part of the toy. Figure 4A illustrates a package 402 in pre-assembled form. The package 402, as shown, depicts the package 102 prior to the incoφoration of the gift product 104. Assembly of the package 102 begins in Figure 4B, wherein the bottom of the package 404 is closed and the top flap is bent, so as to enable further closure, resembling the peak of a dog house. Figure 4C shows the same package as Figure 4B, without the seams of the joined flaps visible. It will be appreciated by the skilled artisan that the package 406 now more closely resembles the dog house intended for the package 102. Figure 4D shows the package 408 representing the retail version of the package 102. That is, the package 408 illustrates the saleable item 100 as it appears on the shelves or displays of a store 202 or kiosk 204. The absence of the peaks, as visible in the previous figures 4A-4C, provides a more advantageous means of storing the item 100, e.g., in stacks. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the package 402 is capable of forming a rectangular box, minimizing the costs associated with shipping both from overseas as well as domestically of the saleable item 100, as illustrated in Figure 4D. It will further be appreciated that the package 102 is formed into a dog house for display and merchandising puφoses, or after the sale has been made. Figure 4E shows the package 410, representing the product package 102 in fully assembled form. As shown in Figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 4E, the top flap provides a closure that is extra-long so as to be the same length as the box top. Two triangular side flaps are retained inside the package but flip up when the top flap is opened. As shown, the closure and box top fit on top of the triangular sides so as to convert the package into a house for the toy. Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown an isometric view of the dog house form 500 of the above-identified package 102. Any of these surfaces can also be printed with display indicia and customizable elements. In an alternate embodiment of the subject invention, as shown in Figures 6A, 6B„ 6C and 6D, a custom packaging design is also employed to convert the package 102 into part of the toy. It will be appreciated by the skilled artisan that the box illustrated in Figures 6A- 6D, when assembled, resembles a tent-like package suitably employed for packaging a toy, such as a soldier, a hunter, or the like. Figure 6 A illustrates the pre-assembled form of the package 102, designated as 602. The skilled artisan will appreciate that this pre-assembled form includes joining flaps, so as to maintain the tent-like structure of this embodiment. One triangular flap includes a viewing window 610. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the viewing window 610 is suitably comprised of any transparent material known in the art. The window 610, in a preferred embodiment, is a transparent plastic material. As shown in Figures 6A, 6B and 6C, two triangular side flaps, including one flap having the transparent window 610, are flipped up when the top flap is closed. The top flap, having a crease, or joint, running parallel along the long axis, enables the folding of the top flap to form the peak of the tent-like structure. As shown, the two triangular side flaps and the top, creased flap, along with a larger base flap, convert the package into a tent for the enclosed toy. Figure 6B illustrates the first step in the assembly of the tent-like package 604. Assembly of the package 102 begins in Figure 6B, wherein the top of the package 604 is folded along the main crease parallel to the long axis and a joining flap is folded to connect to tabs located along the open edge of the larger base flap. As shown in Figure 6B, the appearance of tent in the package 604 is readily ascertainable. Figure 6C shows the package 606 fully assembled, with hidden lines showing the location of all flaps previously viewable in Figures 6A and 6B. It will be noted that the transparent window 610 is viewable in Figures 6A-6D. Turning now to Figure 6D, there is shown the package 608 illustrating the completed tent-like structure of the intended box, similar to Figure 6C, but without the hidden lines showing the pre-assembled structure of the box. It will be appreciated by the skilled artisan that the package 608 now more closely resembles the pup tent intended for the package 102. Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown an illustrated view of the pre-assembled tent form 700 of the above-identified package 102. Any of these surfaces can also be printed with display indicia and customizable elements. In addition to the preceding description of the exemplary packages illustrated in Figures 4-7, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the joining flaps of either described package are suitably capable of employing adhesive tabs, thereby maintaimng the form of the intended package, i.e., dog house and tent, for a greater period of time. The skilled artisan will further understand that other forms of enclosures, such as Nelcro, button, latch, heat- activated glues and the like, are advantageously employable to maintain the structural integrity of the toy/box package. The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for puφoses of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Fulfillment can also be performed at the point of sale or from a remote location. Any corresponding procedure is advantageously performed to realize any customizable element from any other medium not specifically described herewith, without departing from the invention. It will be appreciated that various changes and/or modifications in the details, materials and arrangements of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention, may be made by those skilled in the area within the principle and scope of the invention as will be expressed in the appended claims when inteφreted in accordance to the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

Claims

We Claim: 1. A saleable item comprising: a package for receiving and retaining a product; display indicia formed along at least an exterior portion of the package; and at least one customizable element respectively incoφorated into one of: the package alone; and the package in combination with the product.

2. The saleable item of claim 1 wherein the customizable element comprises custom printed indicia applied to the package.

3. The saleable item of claim 2 wherein the custom printed indicia comprises a printed element affixed to the package.

4. The saleable item of claim 3 wherein the printed element is selected from a group comprising at least one of: adhesive labels, "iron-on" appliques, cold impressions and molded elements.

5. The saleable item of claim 2 wherein the custom printed indicia comprises printing applied to a predetermined area of the package.

6. The saleable item of claim 5 further comprising a protective layer to cover the printing.

7. The saleable item of claim 2 wherein the customizable element further comprises custom printed indicia applied to the product.

8. The saleable item of claim 1 wherein the customizable element comprises a programmable sound-producing element.

9. A method of customizing a saleable item comprising: selecting a product, received and retained within a package, said packing including display indicia formed along at least an exterior portion of the package; and incoφorating at least one customizable element respectively into one of: the package alone; and the package in combination with the product.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of incoφorating a customizable element comprises applying custom printed indicia to the package.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of applying comprises affixing a printed element to the package.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the step of affixing a printed element comprises affixing a printed element selected from a group comprising at least one of: adhesive labels, "iron-on" appliques, cold impressions and molded elements.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein, prior to the step of applying, printing customized indicia onto the printed element to be affixed to the package.

14. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of applying comprising printing custom printed indicia to a predetermined area of the package.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising applying a protective layer to cover the custom printed indicia.

16. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of incoφorating further comprises applying custom-printed indicia to the product.

17. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of incoφorating comprises incoφorating a programmable sound-producing element.

18. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of incoφorating a customizable element comprises printing custom printed indicia onto at least one of: the package; the product; and a printed element to be affixed to at least one of the package and the product.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of printing comprises printing with a computer-driven printer head, configured to print onto a respective one of: the package; the product; and the printed element to be affixed.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of printing is performed at least one of: a point of direct sale of the saleable item; and a remote location.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein the step of printing is performed at a retail sales venue.

22. The method of claim 20 wherein the step of printing is performed at a remote location accessible by a computer network.

23. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of incoφorating the at least one customizable element comprises customizing a sub-licensed brand.

24. A computer-implemented method of customizing a saleable item comprising: selecting an item file corresponding to a predetermined customizable item from a computer-implemented directory; entering customized indicia in at least one respective customizing field of the item file; printing the customized indicia to produce an output in at least one preselected format, wherein the output is affixable to the customizable item.

25. The computer-implemented method of claim 24 wherein the step of selecting an item file comprises selecting from a plurality of item files in the computer-implemented directory.

26. The computer-implemented method of claim 24 wherein the step of entering customized indicia comprises entering alphanumeric text.

27. The computer-implemented method of claim 26 wherein the step of entering alphanumeric text comprises entering personalized information.

28. The computer-implemented method of claim 24 wherein the customizable item is selected from at least one of a merchandise item and a packaging element for retaining the merchandise item.

29. The computer-implemented method of claim 24 wherein the step of printing to produce an output comprises printing onto self-adhesive labels, affixable to the customizable item.

30. The computer-implemented method of claim 24 wherein at least one preselected format of the output comprises a plurality of choreographed styles, wherein the output is affixable to a respective plurality of locations on the customizable item.

31. The computer-implemented method of claim 30 wherein the plurality of choreographed styles comprise a plurality of preselected font properties for the customized indicia.

32. A computer interface for customizing a saleable item comprising: an implementation for selecting an item file corresponding to a predetermined customizable item from a computer-implemented directory; an implementation for entering customized indicia in at least one respective customizing field of the item file; an implementation for printing the customized indicia to produce an output in at least one preselected format, wherein the output is affixable to the customizable item.

33. The computer interface of claim 32 wherein the implementation for selecting an item file comprises an implementation for selecting from a plurality of item files in the computer-implemented directory.

34. The computer interface of claim 32 wherein the implementation for entering customized indicia comprises an implementation for entering alphanumeric text.

35. The computer interface of claim 34 wherein the implementation for entering alphanumeric text comprises an implementation for entering personalized information .

36. The computer interface of claim 32 wherein the customizable item is selected from at least one of a merchandise item and a packaging element for retaining the merchandise item.

37. The computer interface of claim 32 wherein the implementation for printing to produce an output comprises an implementation for printing onto self- adhesive labels, affixable to the customizable item.

38. The computer interface of claim 32 wherein at least one preselected format of the output comprises a plurality of choreographed styles, wherein the output is affixable to a respective plurality of locations on the customizable item.

39. The computer interface of claim 38 wherein the plurality of choreographed styles comprise a plurality of preselected font properties for the customized indicia.