Special Occasion Ornament Patents (Class 428/7)
  • Patent number: 6015598
    Abstract: The invention refers to a three-dimensional structure, covered with strips of flat film, consisting of a core or main body, which can be of any shape; a continuous strip of flat film with an exterior finish that is attractive to the eye, which completely covers said core in a uniform, regular, and continuous fashion, by the longitudinal overlapping of the edges of the tape; and, a fastening device, located at the upper part of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Javier M. Del Rio-Sandoval
  • Patent number: 5985380
    Abstract: A method for making decorative grass from an optical effect material having a holographic design which imparts at least a portion of an optical effect to the decorative grass. The optical effect material may include printed matter and/or an embossed pattern to provide at least a portion of the decor of the decorative grass. The method includes slitting the sheet of optical effect material to provide strips; and chopping the strips of optical effect material into segments of a predetermined length to provide the decorative grass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5968613
    Abstract: A lamp netting assembly has a net, a serial decoration lamp assembly disposed on the net, the serial decoration lamp assembly having a plurality of decoration lamps and a wire, a plurality of retainer plates retaining the respective decoration lamps on the net, and two opposite rods disposed on two laterals of the net. The lamp netting assembly is disposed on a panel. The net has a plurality of net threads forming a plurality of meshes. A pattern string is marked or knit on the net. The retainer plates are arranged in series along the pattern string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Mei-Lu Lin
  • Patent number: 5955156
    Abstract: A lighted display device includes a sculpted frame formed of thin wire or tubing. The frame outlines a character or an object and has one or more closed portions defined by the wire or tubing enclosing an area or partially enclosing an area. The display further includes a string of lights disposed along selected portions of the frame, and at least one translucent panel disposed in the closed portions or partially-closed portions of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Mr. Christmas Inc.
    Inventor: Terry Hermanson
  • Patent number: 5918742
    Abstract: A holiday treat package (16) comprising a tubular container (18) filled with a plurality of candy and small toys (20). A wrapper (22) has first and second longitudinal edges (24) of a length longer than the axial length of the tubular container (18). It also has first and second transverse edges (26) of a width longer than the radial circumference of the tubular container (18), so that the wrapper (22) can be rolled about the tubular container (18). A facility (28) is for sealing off the transverse edge (26) of the wrapper (22) after the wrapper (22) is rolled about the tubular container (18). A component (30) is for retaining one of the longitudinal edges (24) to the wrapper (22) after the wrapper (22) is rolled about the tubular container (18) so that it can be given to a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Flora Rose Moon
  • Patent number: 5882742
    Abstract: A decoration lamp netting has a net, a serial decoration lamp assembly disposed on the net, the serial decoration lamp assembly having a plurality of decoration lamps and an electric plug, a plurality of retainer members retaining the respective decoration lamps on the net, and two opposite rods disposed on two laterals of the net. The decoration lamp netting is disposed on a plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Mei-Lu Lin
  • Patent number: 5861199
    Abstract: A method for making decorative grass from an optical effect material having a holographic design which imparts at least a portion of an optical effect to the decorative grass. The optical effect material may include printed matter and/or an embossed pattern to provide at least a portion of the decor of the decorative grass. The method includes slitting the sheet of optical effect material to provide strips; and chopping the strips of optical effect material into segments of a predetermined length to provide the decorative grass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5853823
    Abstract: The present invention award plural component dispenser device includes a support means for supporting a framework of an object and a plurality of insert pieces. The support means has a base and a plurality of holders for holding the plurality of insert pieces. Each insert piece is sized and shaped to be removably inserted into a corresponding holder. The insert pieces and holders are polygonally shaped and approximately conical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Paul A. McKenna
  • Patent number: 5824378
    Abstract: An innovative method of making pinatas utilizes pre-cut and scored cardstock designed with tab and slot closures. Once the shapes are folded and secured, the pinatas can be decorated using traditional or innovative methods. By designing the tab/slot closure of the body on the bottom of the pinata, the enclosed treats may be released in a non-destructive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Aztec Imports Inc.
    Inventors: Esther Armendariz, Victor Mireles, Michael Angel Balibrera
  • Patent number: 5761838
    Abstract: An ornament for displaying a standard 35 mm slide mount including removable planar frame member to hold the transparency, a body member with integral device for attaching the ornament to a decorative string of lights, a reflector within the body member for reflecting light toward the 35 mm slide to be viewed, and a diffuser within the body member to diffuse the light directed toward the 35 mm slide to be viewed. The removable planar frame may be rectangular in shape to simulate a picture frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: CubeWorks, Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian J. Chisholm, Lori Ann Melchiorre, Kathleen Kendra
  • Patent number: 5756176
    Abstract: A transition strip for providing a smooth transition between the margin of a rigid flooring and the margin of adjacent carpeting. The transition strip comprises a substantially planar elongated base member with a pair of opposing side edges. A vertical wall extends upwardly from one of the opposing side edges. Extending outwardly and downwardly from the top of the vertical wall is an angled wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Larry Feld
  • Patent number: 5718962
    Abstract: A decorative ornament and supporting display box are disclosed. The decorative ornament provides an elongate body of a thin sheet material having a covering of holographic vinyl. The holographic vinyl has the characteristic of refracting light into a rainbow-like display of colors. The elongate body forms a spiral, having upper and lower ends that gently taper. The body has been cut to provide a large number of very narrow radially directed slats having squared ends. These slats provide a large number of planar surfaces each angled in a slightly different direction, which results in a more eye-catching display of color. A multifaceted crystal made of glass or other transparent material is carded by the bottom of the elongate body, pulling the body downwardly in a manner that causes it to be better displayed. A short segment of transparent support line carries the top of the helix body, allowing it to spin if touched or in a breeze.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: James H. Walling
  • Patent number: 5714210
    Abstract: An amusement streamer is disclosed in which portions of the streamer of greater and lesser widths are disposed along the length of the streamer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: James O. Watkins
  • Patent number: 5645168
    Abstract: A combined floral display and keepsake are described. The floral display includes a container (1) with a bottom (4), side walls (7) and a pick (8) extending vertically upwards from the container bottom. Flowers (13) are displayed by positioning them into a foam block (14) contained in the container. The keepsake (2) is elevated above the container, connected to the top of the pick by an attachment mechanism (3). When the floral arrangement is no longer fresh, the container, the pick, the foam block, and the flowers may be discarded, while the keepsake remains useful and decorative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Teleflora LLC
    Inventor: Bryan K. Honkawa
  • Patent number: 5609928
    Abstract: A decorative ornament that is constructed generally in the shape of a bow, flower or tree which is formed by wrapping a first section of sheet material on a rigid core. The first section includes a plurality of spaced apart cuts which extend between a solid upper border and a solid lower border. When the first section is folded over upon itself with the borders abutting, the material located between the cuts each form a loop. The first section is basically in the shape of a truncated cone with the left edge being of a short length and the right edge being of a longer length. The first section is to be overlapped with the borders abutting and then wrapped on the core. Wrapping in a direct overlapping arrangement will produce one type of ornament and wrapping longitudinally along the core will produce another type of ornament. Also, different types of decorative ornaments are produced when the wrapping starts with the short edge or the long edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventors: Monte A. Yedlin, Mary M. Yedlin
  • Patent number: 5607734
    Abstract: An expansible ornament assembly comprising an expansible form having an open position and a closed position and constructed of a lightweight material such as tissue paper. The form has cavities formed therein and includes two ends wherein each of the two ends is attached to at least one base. The assembly includes means for attaching each base at each end thereof to a flat planar surface. When in the open position, the expansible ornament assembly is adapted to display a three dimensional object or another simulative representation such as a letter, phrase, or the like. The ornament assembly may be used in combination with a gift wrapping sheet which coordinates in some respect with the displayed three dimensional object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Maureen Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 5605765
    Abstract: A decorative composite is formed by extruding a plurality of colored rods to form an elongated decorative composite article having a decorative pattern throughout defined by the individual rods. The decorative composite can be formed into decorative consumable articles, such as soap bars, deodorants, air fresheners or candy. A decorative veneer can be formed by slicing thin sections in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the decorative composite article. A decorative wax veneer can be formed by employing colored wax rods. The decorative wax veneer is applied to a core to form a decorative article, such as a clear wax core to form a glowing candle. Enhanced resolution of the decorative pattern is achieved by generating an enlarged digitized image of the decorative pattern comprising a plurality of colored pixels and selecting individually colored rods in accordance with the observed colored pixels of the enlarged digitized image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Magma Industries (ILUM) Ltd.
    Inventor: Dan Rudick
  • Patent number: 5603993
    Abstract: This invention relates to articles for decoration and amusement. Specifically the present invention relates to a Christmas tree ornament consisting of two equal halves in the form of prefabricated paper, cardboard or other sheet materials which are joined essentially composing a flat body. The body exhibits exterior shape in many geometric and whimsical forms. The ornament is provided with means for hanging such as cord or the like. The invention offers a multipurpose function, serving as seasonal decoration as well as a disposable storage unit for smaller articles such as a strip of paper containing words of wisdom, well wishes, a catch phrase or a fortune if you will. Other articles such as festive confetti and a penny for good luck are also contained inside ornament to serve as gifts and amusement for the new year. Ornament is placed on tree at Christmas as decoration and taken from tree on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day and given as gift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Tammy Ampomah
  • Patent number: 5576019
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making and administering a blinded oral dosage form and the blinded oral dosage form therefor, used for disguising the identity of tableted medications. The method includes making a blinded oral dosage form by placing a tableted medication within a capsule have a diameter greater than its height. The blinded oral dosage form is the combination of the above-described capsule and the tableted medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: CapTab 11c
    Inventor: Manley A. Paulos
  • Patent number: 5558878
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making and administering a blinded oral dosage form and the blinded oral dosage form therefor, used for disguising the identity of tableted medications. The method includes making a blinded oral dosage form by placing a tableted medication within a capsule have a diameter greater than its height. The blinded oral dosage form is the combination of the above-described capsule and the tableted medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Captab, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Manley A. Paulos
  • Patent number: 5548493
    Abstract: The present invention is collar for an ornamental light bulb in which the collar contains a phosphorescent material such that the light bulb emits light into the collar and stimulates the phosphorescent material within the collar to emit light. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the phosphorescent material is combined with a florescent dye to produce a miniature light collar containing a phosphorescent-florescent dye. Preferably, the collar is comprised of a low density polyethylene to promote flexibility of the collar to enable to fit over miniature bulbs of varying sizes. The present invention is further comprised of a plastic collar for a miniature light comprised of a cylinder having a series of slots cut into the cylinder such that the cylinder can expand to accommodate light bulbs of varying sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Anthony R. Young
  • Patent number: 5534315
    Abstract: A decorative art form structured to be a substantially rigid and free-standing display is disclosed. The decorative art form includes a first sheet of material lying generally in a first plane and having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough in a predetermined pattern to outline the profile of the decorative art form. Also included is a second sheet of material lying generally in a second plane which is generally parallel to the first plane. The second sheet has a predetermined plurality of second apertures formed therethrough in a predetermined pattern which outlines the same profile as that outlined by the predetermined pattern of first apertures formed through the first sheet. A predetermined plurality of retainers are inserted into corresponding apertures of the first and second sheets to maintain the first and second sheets in a rigid and parallel relationship to form a free-standing decorative art form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Donald H. Witte
  • Patent number: 5526830
    Abstract: A multisensory decorative hair bow, or bow (10), for providing an audible message such as music, spoken words, or sound effects upon the activation of an acoustic element (22). The bow (10) is designed to adorn a wearer by placement in the person's hair. A conventional bow (12) is provided with an acoustic device (22) secured thereto in a conventional manner. A control switch (24) is carried by the acoustic device (22) such that when selectively engaged, the acoustic device (22) produces the audible message. A covering member (30) may be provided to cover the acoustic device (22) to hide the same from sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Christina J. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5518784
    Abstract: A rotative animated ornament has at least one rotative component and one or more moveable components in moveable relationship to the rotative component. The rotative component can be rotated by an electrical motor, or by any other type of rotative means such as a spring motor, a gas-pressure motor or a prime mover. The one or more moveable components are actuated magnetically by one or more magnetic elements in magnetic relationship to one or more magnetically responsive elements. The magnetic elements and the magnetically responsive elements can be positioned on an ornament holder and/or on the one or more moveable components. Actuation of a moveable component occurs when rotation of the rotative component positions a magnetic element in magnetically responsive nearness to either (a) a magnetically responsive element for magnetic attraction, (b) an opposite pole of another magnetic element for higher magnetic attraction, or (c) a same pole of another magnetic element for magnetic resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: David A. Fussell
  • Patent number: 5506009
    Abstract: A decoration, such as a wreath, of the present invention has a base with a plurality of openings formed therein and a group of flexible decorating strips which are interwoven through the openings of the base for creating an ornamental design. The end portions of the decorating strips extend from the back side of the base through adjacent openings in such a manner that they create a ruffled effect when viewing the back side of the grid. In another aspect of the invention, another group of decorating strips, each having a loop which extends through an opening, are positioned adjacent the front side of the base. A method of assembling the decoration is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Faye M. G. Stolzman
    Inventors: Faye M. G. Stolzman, Suzanne Shearer, Margaret Johnston
  • Patent number: 5496612
    Abstract: A shoe adornment in the form of a thin sheet-like base to which is mounted on the lower surface thereof an elastic band. On the upper surface of the base is mounted an ornament. The elastic band is to be secured around the ball area of a human foot and upon the foot being inserted into a shoe, the base can be deformed to be in juxtaposition with the shape of the shoe in the area of the throat of the shoe, thereby giving the appearance that the ornament is mounted on the shoe itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: J. J. Moods, Inc.
    Inventor: Jayne M. Ransbottom
  • Patent number: 5492739
    Abstract: The apparatus is a flexible suction cup including a convex outer wall with a concave interior wall having a translucent design allowing illumination through the suction cup walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventors: Leroy A. Thorne, Susan C. Potts
  • Patent number: 5487925
    Abstract: A decorative, action oriented ornament/display system is attained by providing an attention-attracting member which cooperates with a support platform or plate which is removably mounted to any limb or branch of a tree. By employing this construction, an ornament display system is realized which is quickly and easily mounted to a tree, whenever desired, or removed therefrom for display on any other surface. In the preferred embodiment, the ornament/display member incorporates interlock means formed on the support plate for removably affixing the ornament/display member to the support plate whenever desired. Furthermore, the ornament/display member also preferably incorporates a stowable hook or ring member cooperatively associated with the upper portion of the ornament/display member for enabling the ornament/display member to be affixed to a supporting branch or limb independently of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Link Group International
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Robert S. McDarren, Joseph Truchsess
  • Patent number: 5431988
    Abstract: The invention provides an ornamental film comprising a laminate structure consisting of two biaxially oriented films and a thermally fusible polyolefin layer interposed between the films, characterized in that the biaxially oriented film has a decorative layer either on a face side or on a reverse side, that the thermally fusible polyolefin layer has a thickness corresponding to 25.about.70% of the total thickness of the laminate structure, and that the bond strength between the biaxially oriented film and thermally fusible polyolefin layer has been controlled at 20.about.170 g/15 mm. This ornamental film is advantageous in that when formed with slits or cutouts and expanded three-dimensionally, it is protected against tear propagation, that it lends itself well to vapor deposition, that it can be incinerated for disposal, and that it is comparatively inexpensive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Meiwa Pax
    Inventor: Yasutoshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 5414957
    Abstract: A flower bouquet holder comprising a rigid holder assembly with an encaged block of water retentive foam to be used in constructing cascade style flower bouquets. The holder is pear shaped on the front side with a recessed lower portion. The improvement over other bouquet holders lies in the greater depth of foam into which the stems of flowers comprising the cascade may be inserted and the ability to use longer floral picks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Leonard D. Kenney
  • Patent number: 5413801
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for serving confectioneries comprises a first base support member having a second support member positioned thereon. The second support member is smaller in plan than the base support member thereby defining a peripheral ledge or tier. Cupcakes or other similar confectioneries may be placed on the ledge and on top of the second support member and an illusion of a traditional multi-tiered birthday cake is created. Yet, each cupcake or confectionery is available to be readily removed by children of the earliest ages and consumed without the need for plates or utensils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Lillian P. McIlwain
  • Patent number: 5393075
    Abstract: A mobile suspendable from a fixed support, comprises a planar image support member suspended on a flexible line so as to undergo random motion in the presence of air currents. An image carried by said support member, which creates a visual effect that directs the eye of a viewer to a remote point spaced from the support member and having a fixed spatial relationship to it. A three-dimensional object, such as a miniature basketball, is mounted on a stiff wire attached to the support member such that the three-dimensional object is maintained substantially at the remote point having a fixed spatial relationship to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Christopher Harber
  • Patent number: 5393578
    Abstract: Disclosed is a Christmas motion ornament which includes an AC motor set received inside a hollow, semi-spherical shell, a cover covered on the AC motor set, a rotary table decorated with animate toy ornaments and disposed above the cover and having a bottom gear meshed with a pinion on the output shaft of the AC motor set, and a fixed table decorated with inanimate toy ornaments and fixed to a pin dowel being protruded over the rotary table through a hole thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Steve Yang
  • Patent number: 5364017
    Abstract: The invention relates to the creation of three dimensional objects from elements or blanks produced by inscribing inwardly and outwardly extending circles about a plurality of polygons, such as isoceles triangles, rectangles, or trapezoids of four, six or other even numbered sides through each point where the sides of the polygons intersect. To provide the appropriate arc lengths, the inscribed circles have the same diameter as the length of the side of the polygon where the arcs are to be inscribed. The element is bent or folded along each arc to form the three dimensional object. Multiple elements can be joined to form complex elements by superimposing individual elements upon a portion of adjacent elements. The objects thus formed can be held together by forces generated by the folded arcs, although an adhesive may optionally be used. The elements three dimensional objects, and methods of making same also form part of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Herbert G. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5338583
    Abstract: A display device wherein a decorative ornament is mounted on a drive plate that is driven by a windup music box drive mechanism through a transmission assembly so that rotation of the drive plate in a first direction winds up the drive mechanism which, during unwinding and the production of music, causes the drive plate and ornament to rotate in a second opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Giftec, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jack Hou
  • Patent number: 5322717
    Abstract: The present invention is an animated ornamental fixture for installation in a garden or similar outdoor area frequented by visitors. Upon the approach of an observer, the fixture commences operation to surprise and entertain by elevating a decorative flowerpot to reveal a small figurine beneath, and optionally emitting sounds, and after departure of the observer, the fixture ceases operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventor: William R. Killian
  • Patent number: 5314696
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making and administering a blinded oral dosage form and the blinded oral dosage form therefor, used for disguising the identity of tableted medications. The method includes making a blinded oral dosage form by placing a tableted medication within a capsule have a diameter greater than its height. The blinded oral dosage form is the combination of the above-described capsule and the tableted medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Manley A. Paulos
  • Patent number: 5277948
    Abstract: A mobile decorative part of a Christmas tree ornament is orbited around a stationary decorative part by an electrical motor locked onto the stationary decorative part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Noma International, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Daun
  • Patent number: 5264258
    Abstract: A fire-proof buri filament material making process includes steps of obtaining buri fibers by dipping a smashed rattan buri in a salt and dilute hydrochloric acid solution, drying the buri fibers, dipping the well-dried buri fibers in a heated hydrogen peroxide dilution, boiling the buri fibers in a pigment dye, glycerin and soda water solution, dipping the colored buri fibers in a solution containing ammonium phosphate and borax at the ratio of 3:1 for 30 minutes in forming into buri filaments, drying the buri filaments and cutting them into the desired length and binding them up with iron wires in forming into bunches of buri filaments. The invention also relates to the buri filaments made according to the aforesaid process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Chin S. Cheng
  • Patent number: 5204146
    Abstract: A decorative container is disclosed having a transparent shell-like housing with an attached balloon which can be removably placed as a cover over an article. The balloon can be inflated by any of three methods including two negative pressure techniques and a positive pressure technique. In one of the negative pressure techniques, a space surrounding the balloon is evacuated while ambient air enters to expand the balloon. When the balloon is inflated, the housing is placed into the open throat of the balloon to seal the balloon. In the second negative pressure and the positive pressure techniques, the shell-like housing has a sealable air passage through which air can flow to inflate the balloon. The balloon can be inflated by evacuating a space around the balloon allowing ambient air to enter the balloon through the air passage in the housing. The air passage is then closed to seal the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventors: Sally M. Heinze, Leda M. Borghese
  • Patent number: 5175029
    Abstract: Disclosed is a Christmas tree ornament formed of three transparent plastic parts, a top member, a bottom member and an internal member. Photographs and messages may be mounted on the internal member, the internal member and the top member being attached to the bottom member by suitable attachment means including mating pins and apertures, adhesives and mating lips, depressions and rims. The top member may be configured as a cone, a cylindrical barrel or a portion of a sphere. The internal member is generally pyramid-shaped, providing three large triangular portions for supporting photographs and three separating panels on which messages may be placed. In a second embodiment of the internal member the triangular portions have a substantially convex surface configured substantially like a lens. The bottom member may also be formed as a substantially convex wall. The attaching means include pins and holes, and adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Laverne R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5165637
    Abstract: Cake plates in a multi-tiered cake are supported by adjustable length rods inserted into cake layers below the supported plates. By adjusting the lengths of the support rods it is possible to compensate for small variations in cake layer thickness and minor thickness variations within each cake layer. Each adjustable length rod can take the form of a main rod element having a threaded bore, and a rod extension element having a threaded shank extending into the bore. The adjustable length rod assemblies can be manufactured at relatively low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventors: John Polley, Constance M. Polley
  • Patent number: 5130169
    Abstract: A novelty design apparatus has an elongated body member with an outer surface and first and second ends. An elongated body member has an outer surface and first and second ends. A flexible elongated tube is slidably mounted on the outer surface of the body member. One end of the tube is secured to the first end of the body member with the remainder of the tube slidably and rotatably embracing the body member. The central portion of the tube has a plurality of elongated slits which expand into a variety of design configurations when the free end of the tube is rotated, and slidably moved towards the fixed end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventor: Arnold M. DeJaynes
  • Patent number: 5116648
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a Christmas tree ornament in the form of a folder of heavy paper, cardboard, or other sheet material, provided with slots adapted for receiving a photograph, a window opposite the location of the photograph, a locking tab and corresponding slot for locking the folder in its closed configuration, and a pair of openings aligned when the folder is in its closed configuration which are located for receiving one end of a conventional Christmas tree ornament hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventors: Mark M. Martin, M. Frances Upp
  • Patent number: 5031758
    Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, a vertical braid of bundles of yarn having means at one end by which the braid can be hung from a surface. Many different types of jewelry and accessory items can be attached by clamping or pinning the items to the braid or by inserting portions of the items between strands of yarn in the braid. In another aspect of the invention, the braid is affixed to a board on which is mounted other means for organizing or displaying jewelry and accessories. In a further aspect of the invention, the braid is affixed to a display stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Carlota Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 5030485
    Abstract: A decorative hanging device is provided and consists of a plurality of suspension members secured to and projecting from the top portion of a basket frame structure so as to be hung from a ceiling or the like. A plurality of silk flowers are arranged about a macrame fabric structure which covers the basket frame structure. Decor paint is applied to the macrame fabric structure so as to make an aesthetically pleasing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Inventors: Roland Meeks, George Spector
  • Patent number: 5016373
    Abstract: A collage sheet for hanging on the wall and securing articles thereto comprising a sheet of material having an adhesive on one side with said sheet of material wound around a cylindrical support so that said sheet of material can be unwound to form a collage sheet with an exposed adhesive surface that articles can be fastened thereto and a member for supporting the collage sheet on a wall with the sheet of material having a rib and a weight for holding the portion of the unrolled collage sheet in a flat condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Mark H. Theno
  • Patent number: 4966793
    Abstract: A decorative wall hanging that compresses to a compacted storage position and expands to a flat hanging position having inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces, an artistic design on the outwardly facing surface, ornament positioning holes within the outline of the artistic design which pass between the inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces, and a guide on the inwardly facing surface for using the ornament positioning holes in sequence, the holes being of such size and shape to restrainably hold ornaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Inventor: O. Dexter Covell
  • Patent number: D387699
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Ching-Kuei Chen
  • Patent number: RE36438
    Abstract: A combined floral display and keepsake are described. The floral display includes a container (1) with a bottom (4), side walls (7) and a pick (8) extending vertically upwards from the container bottom. Flowers (13) are displayed by positioning them into a foam block (14) contained in the container. The keepsake (2) is elevated above the container, connected to the top of the pick by an attachment mechanism (3). When the floral arrangement is no longer fresh, the container, the pick, the foam block, and the flowers may be discarded, while the keepsake remains useful and decorative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Teleflora LLC
    Inventor: Bryan K. Honkawa