Decorative devices and methods of making same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a decorative device for a non-food item, kits relating to the device, and methods of making the device. In one embodiment, the decorative article includes a non-food item having a first portion, a second distal portion, and a middle section disposed between the first and second portion. A decorative article is attached to the first portion of the non-food item. And, a decorative base is attached to the second portion of the non-food item. In another embodiment, the decorative article does not extend to the second portion of the non-food item.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates decorative devices and methods of making them. In one embodiment, the present invention pertains to embellishments for non-food items so as to make them decorative and attractive to users.

BACKGROUND

It may be desirable for some to decorate non-food items to make them more attractive to the user or to decorate them for a particular season or celebration. For example, pencils can be decorated with ornamental erasers or ornamental devices on the non-writing end. While these decorations are available in the market, other decorations are still needed.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to decorating a device so as to make them more attractive and appealing to the users. In one aspect, the present invention pertains to a decorative device comprising (a) a non-food item comprising a first portion, a second distal portion, and a middle section disposed between the first and second portion; (b) a decorative article attached to the first portion of the device; and (c) a decorative base attached to the second portion of the device.

In another aspect, the non-food item is an applicator and present invention pertains to a decorative applicator comprising (a) a body comprising a material therein, the body having a first end, a second end, and an middle section disposed between the first and second end, wherein the first end is designed to hold a cap and wherein either the first or the second end includes means for dispensing the material through the first end, (a) a decorative article attached to the cap; and (c) a decorative base attached to the second end of the body.

Yet another aspect of present invention pertains to a kit comprising: (a) at least two non-food items, each comprising a first portion, a second distal portion, and a middle section disposed between the first and second portion; (b) at least two different decorative articles each removably attached to the first portion of the at least two non-food items; and (c) at least two different decorative bases each removably attached to the second portion of the non-food items. When the decorative articles are removably attached to the non-food items, they do not extend to the middle section of the non-food items. One advantage of the kit is that the different decorative articles and decorative bases are interchangeable with one another, so that the user can generate different decorative devices. Another advantage of kit is that the user can generate a collection of the devices that can create different permutations of the devices.

Yet another aspect of the present invention pertains to a method of decorating an applicator comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body comprising a material therein, the body having a first end, a second end, and an middle section disposed between the first and second end, wherein the first end is designed to hold a cap and wherein either the first or the second end includes means for dispensing the material through the first end, (b) providing a decorative article and a decorative base; (c) attaching the decorative article to the cap; and (d) attaching the decorative base to the second end of the body.

The present invention is meant to decorate the underlying non-food item to make them more appealing to the user. As such, the decorations are attached onto to specific portions of the non-food item and thus do not cover the entire the underlying non-food item. The decorative article and decorative base, once attached to the non-food item (such as, but not limited to, glue stick, paint stick, lipstick, lip balm), do not extend to the middle section thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be more completely understood in view of the following detailed description of the various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary inventive device having a decorative article and a decorative base; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective sectional view of another exemplary inventive device where the non-food item is a glue stick and where the decorative article and the decorative base has not yet been attached to the glue stick;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of sections of an exemplary decorative article;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of sections of another exemplary decorative article; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of sections of yet another exemplary decorative article.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Device 10 contains non-food item 12, which can be of any type, including but not limited to, writing utensils (such as pens, markers, crayons, etc.), applicators for items such as, but not limited to adhesives, paint, lipstick, and lip balm, wooden articles (including but not limited to blocks and cylinders), plastic articles (including but not limited to bottles), and metal articles. The non-food item has a first portion (not shown) that is covered by decorative article 20. The non-food item has a second distal portion, i.e., a second portion (not shown) that is positioned away from the first portion that is covered by decorative base 22. The decorative article and/or the decorative base can completely cover or cover only a part of the first portion or second portion respectively. The non-food item has middle section 14. In one embodiment, the middle section includes at least one compartment for holding items or materials.

While FIG. 1 shows that the middle portion of the non-food item is substantially cylindrical, it is within the scope of the present invention for the middle section to be of other shapes. For example, the cross section of the middle section can be circular and have a varying diameter. The cross-section of the middle section can be any be a polygon, such as a triangle, square, rectangle, etc. or it can be star-shaped, moon-shaped. Combinations of the shapes can be used. The cross section of the middle section can be the same or different in shape and size than that of the first and second portions.

In one embodiment, at least one of the decorative article and decorative base does not extend to the middle section of the non-food item. The term “extend to” means generally that the decoration is of a sufficient length that it does not reach into the middle section. In another embodiment, at least one of the decorative article and decorative base does not contact the middle section of the non-food item.

FIG. 2 shows another exemplary embodiment of the present invention where the non-food item is an applicator. Applicator 40 has body 42 and cap 52 containing material 44 therein. The body includes first end 46, second end 50, and middle section 48 disposed between the first and second end. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, reference numbers 48a and 48b delineate middle section 48 from the first and second ends. The first end of the body is designed to hold cap 52. Material 44 can be any viscous, pliable, or abradable substance. Illustrative examples include, but are not limited to, adhesives, paint, lip balm, and lipstick. When material 44 is an adhesive, then the applicator is typically referred to as a glue stick.

In one embodiment, the adhesive is non-toxic as defined in the Federal Hazardous Substance Act and conforms to ASTM D-4236. In another embodiment, the adhesive is a permanent adhesive. As used herein, the term “permanent adhesive” means, generally that when the adhesive is applied to a target surface (such as, e.g., paper, fabric, or photo), which surface is then applied to a substrate, the adhesion between the target surface and the substrate is of a strength that will not allow removal of one from another without damaging at least one or the other. In another embodiment, the adhesive is a repositionable adhesive. As used herein, the term “repositionable adhesive” means generally that when the target surface is removed from the substrate (or vice versa), there is substantially no or very little damage to either one. In yet another embodiment, the adhesive is photo safe. In yet another embodiment, the adhesive is washable.

Returning now to FIG. 2, decorative article 60, shown unattached to the cap, contains a hole (not shown) at the bottom of the article for attachment to the cap of the applicator. Once assembled, the decorative article can cover the entire cap or just a portion of the cap, but it does not extend to the middle section of the body. In one embodiment, the decorative cap does not come into contact with the middle section of the body. Decorative base 62, shown unattached to the second end of the glue stick, contains a hole for attaching to the second end of the body of the applicator. Once assembled, the decorative base can cover the entire second portion or just a part of the body of the applicator. In one embodiment, the decorative base does not extend to the middle section. In another embodiment, the decorative base does not come into contact with the middle section of the body. Attaching the decorative article and the decorative base to the applicator yields a decorative applicator, one that may be more aesthetically more appealing to the user.

The decorative article of FIG. 2 may be of a design that, once attached to the first end of the applicator, the center of mass of the applicator or non-food item will shift. If the decorative base of the applicator is not sufficiently wide, the applicator may tip over when placed in its intended position. In one embodiment, to prevent the tipping of the applicator, a ratio of a dimension of the decorative article to a dimension of the decorative base can be used for design purposes. As shown in FIG. 2, the applicator has a centerline shown as reference number 65, which line has been extended through the decorative head and decorative base. That is, the centerline of the applicator extends throughout the applicator. Line 60a, drawn normal to the applicator's centerline, represents the longest distance from the centerline to the furthest point on the decorative article. Line 62a, also drawn normal to the applicator's centerline, represents the longest distance from the centerline to the furthest point on the decorative base. In one embodiment, the ratio of the distance of 60a to 62a is less than 2:1. In another embodiment, the ratio of the distance 60a to 62a is less than 0.9:1.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary decorative article having first part 70 and second part 76. First part 70 has at least one pin 72 and in this particular case, the pin is mounted on a ring that defines hole 74 where the first portion of the non-food item or, with reference to FIG. 2, the first end of the body of the applicator would reside. Second part 76 has at least one boss 78 also mounted on a ring that defines hole 80 where the first portion of the non-food item or the first end or, with reference to FIG. 2, the first end of the of the body of the applicator. The pins and bosses are aligned on the first and second parts of the decorative article so as to allow for their mating. The first and second parts of the decorative article can be attached together using various methods, such as spin or ultrasonic welding, or using adhesive or mechanical means. In one application, the decorative article of FIG. 3 is attached to the cap of the applicator through welding, through adhesive means, or through mechanical means.

FIGS. 4a and 4b shows another exemplary decorative article having first part 90 and second part 96. First part 90 has at least one pin 92 and in this particular case, the pin is mounted on a ring that defines hole 94. Second part 96 has at least one boss 98 also mounted on a ring that defines hole 100. The pins and bosses are aligned on the first and second parts of the decorative article so as to allow for their mating. FIG. 4b is a bottom perspective view of the second part of the decorative article to better show the existence of hole 100. In one application, the decorative article functions as the cap of the applicator once the first and second parts are attached. While FIGS. 3 and 4 show that the decorative article has parts divided generally horizontally, other planes can be used. For example, the first and second parts of the decorative article can be divided vertically.

FIG. 5 shows yet another exemplary decorative article where first part 101 has a plurality of holes 105 where pins 104 of decorative hair piece 103 illustrating that other accessories can be added to the decorate article to achieve a desired design.

The decorative article and the decorative base can be made from a wide variety of material, including but not limited to, injection moldable polymers, thermoformable polymers, moldable plastics, stamped plastics or metals, and extrudable polymers. Some illustrative polymers include polystyrene, high impact polystyrene, polyethylene, polyurethanes, rubbers, and elastomers. They can also be made from other materials, such as wood, metals, or ceramics. The decorative article and the decorative base can be formed (e.g., injection molded) as one piece and attached to the non-food item or applicator with an interference fit. The decorative article and decorative base can be made with multiple parts and then joined together, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.

In one embodiment, the decorative article and the decorative base are of a size that meets regulations to reduce choking hazards in children less than three years of age. The decorative article conforms to ASTM D-4236 for size. In one embodiment, at least one of the decorative article and decorative base is permanently attached to the first end of the applicator. That is, they cannot be removed without damaging the applicator or to the non-food item. In another embodiment, the decorative article and decorative base is removably attached to the applicator or to the non-food item. That is, they can be removed from the applicator or non-food item as desired by the user and then later reattached.

The decorative article and the decorative base can be colorable, meaning generally, that they are able to accept and retain color from various sources. Exemplary sources of color include, but are not limited to, markers, crayons, color pencils, and water or oil based paints. This feature allows the user to produce a custom device to generate unique works of art.

Claims

1. A decorative device comprising:

a non-food item comprising a first portion, a second distal portion, and a middle section disposed between the first and second portion;

a decorative article attached to the first portion of the non-food item; and

a decorative base attached to the second portion of the non-food item.

2. The decorative device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the decorative article and the decorative base does not extend to the middle section of the non-food item.

3. The decorative device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the decorative article and the decorative base does not contact the middle section of the non-food item.

4. The decorative device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the decorative article and the decorative base is made from a polymeric material.

5. The decorative device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the decorative article and decorative base is colorable.

6. The decorative device of claim 1, wherein the non-food item has a centerline that extends throughout the device, and the ratio of the longest dimension of the decorative article, as measured normal to the centerline, to the longest dimension of the decorative base, as measured normal to the centerline, is less than about 2:1.

7. The decorative device of claim 1, wherein the non-food item has a centerline that extends throughout the device, and the ratio of the longest dimension of the decorative article, as measured normal to the centerline, to the longest dimension of the decorative base, as measured normal to the centerline, is less than about 0.9:1.

8. The decorative device of claim 1, wherein the middle section comprises a compartment.

9. The decorative device of claim 1, wherein the non-food item is selected from the group consisting of an applicator and a bottle.

10. A decorative applicator comprising:

a body comprising a material therein, the body having a first end, a second end, and an middle section disposed between the first and second end, wherein either the first or the second end includes means for dispensing the material through the first end,

a decorative article attached to the first end of the body; and

a decorative base attached to the second end of the body.

11. The decorative applicator of claim 10, wherein the at least one of the decorative article and the decorative base does not extend to the middle section of the body of the glue stick.

12. The decorative applicator of claim 10 further comprising a cap for attachment to the first end of the body.

13. The decorative applicator of claim 10, wherein the applicator further comprises a cap and the decorative article is attached to the cap.

14. The decorative applicator of claim 10, wherein the material is selected from the group consisting of adhesive, paint, lip balm, and lipstick.

15. The decorative applicator of claim 10, wherein at least one of the decorative article and the decorative base is removably attached to the first and the second end of the body respectively.

16. The decorative applicator of claim 10, wherein at least one of the decorative article and decorative base is made from injection moldable polymers, thermoformable polymers, moldable plastics, stamped plastics or metals, and extrudable polymers.

17. The decorative applicator of claim 10, wherein the middle section of the body is substantially cylindrical or substantially polygonal.

18. The decorative applicator of claim 10, wherein at least one of the decorative article and decorative base is colorable.

19. The decorative applicator of claim 10, wherein the applicator has a centerline, and the ratio of the longest dimension of the decorative article, as measured normal to the applicator's centerline, to the longest dimension of the decorative base, as measured normal to the applicator's centerline, is less than about 2:1.

20. The decorative applicator of claim 10, wherein the applicator has a centerline, and the ratio of the longest dimension of the decorative article, as measured normal to the applicator's centerline, to the longest dimension of the decorative base, as measured normal to the applicator's centerline, is less than about 0.9:1.

21. A kit comprising:

at least two non-food items, each comprising a first portion, a second distal portion, and a middle section disposed between the first and second portion;

at least two different decorative articles each removably attached to the first portion of the at least two non-food items; and

at least two different decorative bases each removably attached to the second portion of the non-food items,

wherein when the at least two different decorative articles are removably attached to the at least two non-food items, the at least two different decorative articles do not extend to the middle section of the at least two non-food items.

22. The kit of claim 21, wherein the at least two different decorative articles are interchangeable with one another.

23. The kit of claim 21 further comprising means for coloring at least one decorative article and one decorative base.

24. A method of decorating an applicator comprising the steps of:

providing a body comprising material therein, the body having a first end, a second end, and an middle section disposed between the first and second end, wherein either the first or the second end includes means for dispensing the adhesive through the first end,

providing a decorative article and a decorative base;

attaching the decorative article to the first end of the body; and

attaching the decorative base to the second end of the body.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein after the decorative article has been attached to the first end of the body, the decorative article does not extend to the middle section of the body.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the decorative article is provided as two portions, a first portion and a second portion.

27. The method of claim 24 wherein the first portion contain at least one pin and wherein the second portion contain at least one boss, the pin and boss aligned on the first and second portions.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein the first and second portions are spin welded or ultrasonically welded together to form the decorative article.