Customizable elastic band system

Abstract

A customizable elastic band includes a means for coupling at least one secondary component thereto, the secondary component adapted to individualize the elastic band. In one aspect of the present invention, the elastic band includes a recess adapted to receive and hold the secondary component. In a further aspect of the present invention, the secondary component includes a printed message, a design, or a combination thereof. In a still further aspect of the present invention, the secondary component includes electronic circuitry. In a still further aspect of the present invention, the system including the elastic band and the secondary component are adapted to interact with a point of sale system.

1 . A wearable product, comprising:
 an elastic band configured as a continuous loop having at least one recess formed therein, the elastic band having a first thickness in a portion outside an area in which the at least one recess is disposed, and having a second thickness, different from the first thickness, in a portion in the area in which the at least one recess is disposed;   wherein each recess is adapted to receive and hold at least one secondary component.   
     
     
         2 . The wearable product of  claim 1 , further comprising a first secondary component removably disposed within a first one of the at least one recesses. 
     
     
         3 . The wearable product of  claim 2 , wherein the first secondary component is comprised of the same material as the elastic band. 
     
     
         4 . The wearable product of  claim 2 , wherein the elastic band has a color, and the first secondary component has a color that is different from the color of the elastic band. 
     
     
         5 . The wearable product of  claim 2 , wherein the first secondary component is operable to supply electric power. 
     
     
         6 . The wearable product of  claim 2 , wherein the first secondary component is operable to provide optical magnification. 
     
     
         7 . The wearable product of  claim 2 , wherein the first secondary component is operable to engage in wireless communication. 
     
     
         8 . The wearable product of  claim 7 , wherein the first secondary component is operable to engage in wireless communication with a point-of-sale device. 
     
     
         9 . The wearable product of  claim 2 , wherein the first secondary component includes a GPS receiver. 
     
     
         10 . The wearable product of  claim 1 , wherein the elastic band has a first width in a portion outside an area in which the at least one recess is disposed, and has a second width, different from the first width, in a portion in the area in which the at least one recess is disposed. 
     
     
         11 . The wearable product of  claim 1 , wherein a first one of the at least one recesses has a first set of dimensions and a second one of the at least one recesses has a second set of dimensions. 
     
     
         12 . The wearable product of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least one recesses is adapted to receive a secondary component that includes a flange. 
     
     
         13 . The wearable product of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one attachment structure extending outwardly from the elastic band;   wherein the at least one attachment structure includes a flanged topside, and is adapted to engage with a secondary component having a recess therein.   
     
     
         14 . A wearable product, comprising:
 an elastic band configured as a continuous loop having at least one outwardly extending attachment structure formed thereon;   wherein each attachment structure is adapted to receive and hold at least one secondary component, the secondary component having a recess formed therein, the recess adapted to engage with at least one of the at least one attachment structures.   
     
     
         15 . The wearable product of  claim 12 , wherein each of the at least one outwardly extending attachment structures includes a flange.