"Astro Patch"- Astrological or Zodiac Sign Appliques to be Attached to and/or Worn on Garments and other Cloth-like Materials

Abstract

A unique method of divulging and fashioning one's astrological or zodiac sign; as well as one's related symbols & associated traits. To provide a profile image with greater social definition, class and style; to include an exhilarated depiction of the astrological or zodiac symbols with each individual sign having its own powerful, descriptive and sophisticated title and/or a unique delineation and layout of one's positive traits. This classy methodology is fashionable, impressive and at the same time, reflects positively the personality, romanticism and habitual tendencies of the sexes. This fashionable methodology and its functionality are structured in a woven label applique format with a heat sealed backing {The word applique′ or appliques′ when used, shall also be construed to mean “Astro-Patch” or “Astro-Patches” when referred to in the singular or plural context as appropriate}. These heat-activated appliques are created in variable sizes, colors, and shapes. They are manufactured to be worn on variable types of garments, apparel and other materials as applicable. This high fashion potential idea is not generally seen in retail stores because of the complexities and the challenges of providing garments in the sizes needed; including the meaningful theory required by astrology or the zodiac. For instance, an individual's Virgo Sign denotes “The Virgin” as being symbolic of its characteristics. This may bring about reluctance from The Virgo Male to display such an image on fashionable wearing apparel. This methodology addresses this stigma, in that it provides for both female and male applique versions and promote total astrological pride, as well as depicts a class act in both male and female fashions. The “Astro-Patch” also provide retail merchants with an economical solution to a non-practical stock supply and maintenance issue. e.g., for each astrological or zodiac sign, a retail merchant needs five (or more) sized garments (i.e., small, medium, large, X-large & XX-large—not to mention 3X & 4X etc.). Each size has twelve (12) astrological or zodiac signs. This mean, in order for a retailer, for instance, to maintain an adequate stock of just 10 separate sized garments, the retailer needs as many as six-hundred (600) items in stock. This is not practical. However, through use of my “Astro-Patch” methodology, one (1) size fits all. The merchant needs ONLY FIFTY (50) VARIABLE SIZED GARMENTS. Its cost effective, conserves space and dramatically limits the number of garments required by retailers to be maintained on store shelves and racks. And allows the astrological or zodiac symbols and their associated traits to be fashionable at the store or retail level and sold more readily on a wide scale basis without special order requirements. The “Astro-Patches” are strong, lightweight and thin; they are made of 100% polyester or other suitable materials or fabric; and from a side angled view, they have an approximate breadth of only 0.675 mm in thickness. The iron-on “Astro-Patches” or appliques are created with use of existing embroidery technology and can be applied to or worn on virtually any cloth-like garment, wearing apparel or cloth-like materials. When adhered to materials, their thin-like appearance emulates Raised Printing as well as emblems that are manufactured onto garments or other suitable cloth-like products. Once adhered, they are extremely challenging to the naked eye to distinguish between the appliques and the materials on which the appliques are attached.

1 . This idea is very different from prior art U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,454 of Apr. 30, 1985, which specifically relates to “designer type jeans having a zodiac symbol placed on a seat pocket” only—with no leading title or commentary regarding an individual's personal traits and the attributes of astrology or the zodiac. My “Astro-Patch” is structured to be used in a fashionable manner, which give greater social definition and depiction of the astrological or zodiac symbols, with each individual sign having its own powerful, descriptive and sophisticated title and/or unique delineation and layout of one's positive traits. My “Astro-Patch”, can be worn on virtually any garment or cloth-like materials. There are also specific wearing apparel and garments produced to be worn with or without said “Astro-Patch” applique′ format. An alternative methodology of an “Astro-Patch” or applique′ system are the “Astro-Patch Minis”, which associates the relevant atmospheric elements and planetary environment with the personality, traits and love signs of individuals (See  FIGS. 9 & 10 ).
 Another version of the “Astro-Patch”, is an assortment and variety of mini astrological or zodiac symbols, used in a fashionable manner, that associate the atmospheric elements and planets with the personality, traits, and Love Signs of individuals onto a single “Astro-Patch” applique format (See  FIG. 13 ). On my invention, this information can also be digitally printed or molded directly onto the “Astro-Patch” and one-size fits all garments, jewelry and other products. 
 Many appliques have been provided in a prior art format, however, the “Astro-Patch” applique′ is unique and very different in it's methodology. e.g., the following are prior art that bears similarity: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,513,454 (Zodiac Designer Jeans); 20090280290 (Heat activated applique′ with upper stretch fabric layer); D456,981 (Clothing patch) and 20100058510 (An article of apparel with interchangeable appliques) The reason a whole lot of fashionable thought has not been given to this idea by other inventors, regarding T-shirts and other wearing apparel at the retail level and on a wide scale bases, is because it is challenging to translate and associate a meaningful relevancy of astrology or the zodiac on wearing apparel for male and female in a unisex format. For instance, an individual's Virgo Sign denotes the words “The Virgin” as being symbolic of its characteristics. This may bring about reluctance from The Virgo Male to display such an image on fashionable wearing apparel. My invention addresses this stigma, in that it provides for both female and male applique versions. It promote total astrological pride, as well as depicts a class act in both male and female fashions. Also in order for a merchant to have in stock ten (10) garment items of twelve (12) astrological or zodiac signs in five (5) common sizes, i.e., Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and XX-Large. It would require on store racks a total of SIX HUNDRED (600) shirts or other garment items, creating a space and store-rack nightmare; including a considerable higher stock investment! This marred the thoughts of consideration for potential inventors and investors. 
 e.g., when you figure:
 10 SMALL SIZES×12-ASTROLOGICAL Signs=120 
 10 MEDIUM SIZES×12-ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS=120 
 10 LARGE SIZES×12-ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS=120 
 10 X-LARGE SIZES×12-ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS=120 
 10 XX-LARGE SIZES×12-ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS=120
 (not considering 3X & 4X sizes, etc) 
 
 
 TOTAL STOCK REQUIREMENT, FOR TEN (10) GARMENT ITEMS TO BE RETAINED ON STORE SHELVES, would be A STAGGERING 600 MERCHANTABLE ITEMS! 
 However, by use of my “Astro-Patch” or Applique′ system, this problem is eliminated, saving the cost associated with maintaining a continued large inventory. i.e., to maintain an inventory of 10 items each. ONLY 50 VARIABLE SIZED GARMENTS ARE NEEDED TO MAINTAIN TEN (10) VARIABLE SIZES (ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL “ASTRO-PATCH” APPLIQUES′ THAT'S PRE-PACKAGE ON STORE COMPACT HANGING PEG RACKS-10×12/ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS). 
 As anticipated applications for The Astro-Patch prescribed uniqueness, they can also be molded onto coffee mugs, picture frames, necklaces, chains, decals and stickers for automobiles and vehicles. Such decals can be placed on bumpers, windshields (in a safe location) or directly onto the exterior body of the vehicle.