Abstract: A spiral wound product having indicia thereon. The indicia are disposed on the ends of the product, resulting in less ink usage while providing a functional benefit or an aesthetically-pleasing pattern which can last for the life of the product. Optionally, indicia may be applied to the XY surface of the product as well. The invention is applicable to paper products dispensed from a core, as well as coreless spiral wound paper products. This invention is also applicable to cut-and-stack configurations where the product may be dispensed from a package. The product may be dispensed from the package in either a reach-in or pop-up mode.

Abstract: A decorative container for displaying items in internal cavities includes an inner container and an outer container, defining a hollow region therebetween. The decorative container further includes a plurality of dividers within the hollow region separating the region into a plurality of internal cavities. The outer container further includes a removable plate, configured to provide access to each of the internal cavities, so that decorative objects within the internal cavities can be easily changed or rearranged. A method for decorating a container includes placing objects within the hollow region through an access opening and closing the access opening with a removable plate.

Abstract: A promotional item for being dispensed in a vending machine that dispenses a product item having a product within a product container upon receipt of a predetermined payment amount. The promotional item includes a product container similar to the product container of the product item, and a compressed fabric article contained within the product container and having an exterior load bearing dimension substantially equal to an interior load bearing dimension of the container. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the product container comprises a plastic bottle cut into two pieces, and the interior load bearing dimension comprises an inner diameter of the bottle. In addition, the compressed fabric article is generally cylindrical and the exterior load bearing dimension comprises an outer diameter of the compressed article. The promotional item further comprises means for securing the two pieces of the bottle together with the compressed fabric article contained therein.

Abstract: A carousel suitable for storing dolls having a plurality of compartments with doors opening into each compartment and a top storage above the compartments with doors that cover the storage space and for the top of the carousel.

Abstract: Fabric articles such as clothing are compressed into compact rectangular prisms that approximate the size and shape of selected products, such as books and video tapes. A package is formed when each of the compacted prisms is enclosed in a decorative and protective overlay that has printing on its visible surfaces that simulates visible surfaces of the selected product. A number of the packages are supported in side by side contact with each other on a horizontal surface in the same manner in which the simulated product is commonly displayed for sale.

Abstract: A packaging system for storing and dispensing liquid or powder products. The product is housed within an inner container having a body defined by a side wall and an opening therein for dispensing the product. A flexible outer shell substantially surrounds the inner container and is removably secured thereto. The outer shell can be designed to resemble the three-dimensional shape of an animal, cartoon character or the like, for superior aesthetic appeal. The contents of the inner container may be sealed with a closure. A three dimensional topper may be provided, which is designed to resemble the head or upper portion of the character being depicted. The outer shell can be squeezed to cause dispensing of the product from the inner container, and can be adapted to hold inner containers of all shapes and sizes. The inner container is easily replaced once empty.

Abstract: A method of holding plants to a stake is provided. A posable figure preferably having a plurality of elongate positionable appendages is provided. The posable figure preferably has an internal bendable wire frame and external relatively soft body, appendage, and head portions surrounding the wire frame. In addition, the figure is preferably a whimsical figure, such as a fanciful frog, garden bug, or farmer. A stake is inserted into the soil or other ground or potting material adjacent the plant. Then a pair of appendages of the figure are positioned on either side of the plant stem and stake and bent about the plant stem and the stake. The process is preferably repeated for additional appendages. The method provides a quick, easy, and decorative manner for safely holding a plant to a stake. A kit of posable figures is also provided for practicing the method of the invention.

Abstract: Perfume bottle structure including an upper casing and a lower casing mated with each other. The upper and lower casings are respectively housed in two frame bodies and the surfaces of the upper and lower casings are disposed with replaceable decorative articles. A perfume container is placed in the lower casing and connected with a base seat for firmly locating the perfume container. A fixing seat is mounted at bottom end of the lower casing for freely firmly locating the perfume bottle at desired places. The top end of the upper casing is formed with a cylindrical cavity in which a cylindrical sleeve is fitted. A decorative cap is engaged with the cylindrical sleeve for opening/closing the perfume bottle.

Abstract: A holder for assorted desktop articles such as pens, pencils, scissors, rulers, and the like. The holder comprises an annular top member, a cup-shaped container, a cylindrical sleeve, an annular base member, and a separate pen holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packing box transformable to real scenery display table mainly having two connectable cases inside of which an accommodation space is disposed in order to receive and fix all kinds of objects; accordingly, a basic structure of the packing box is created and characterized in that the surfaces of the two cases of the packing box are respectively provided with real scenery plain patterns corresponding to accommodated objects; locating surfaces for receiving the objects are disposed at pre-arranged position; moreover, when the two cases with downward opening are connected on a basic surface, the packing box is developed to a real scenery display table so that the objects accommodated inside can be located on the pre-arranged locating surfaces to create a three-dimensional effect.

Abstract: A collectible package (36) includes at least one collectible card (10) having a face (16) that includes a first distinctive image (32). The first distinctive image (32) may include subject matter concerning a sports personality, a music personality, a film personality, a cartoon character, or a tourist attraction. A can (34) has a first end (26, 28), a second end (26, 28), and a wall (18) coupling the first end (26, 28) and the second end (26, 28). The can (34) may include a second distinctive image (38) that relates to the first distinctive image (32), and may be configured according to the first distinctive image (32). The card (10) is sealed within the can (34) to form the collectible package (36).

Abstract: A photo album case or other storage container is formed with an outer shell having laterally enclosing walls and an end structure opposite an open end to the shell. At least one transparent display panel is formed in the shell, and preferably the shell is formed from a single sheet of transparent stock. A stiff, inner display retainer is inserted into the open end of the shell and fits into the storage cavity defined within the shell. The display retainer conforms to the shape of at least the transparent display panel wall. The display retainer preferably extends beyond the display wall to extend across another of the inner shell surfaces immediately adjacent thereto. A visual display sheet, such as a photographic print, is located between the transparent display wall and the display retainer. The display sheet may be merely inserted in between the transparent display wall and the display retainer, or it may be mounted upon either the retainer or the inner surface of the transparent display panel wall.

Abstract: A carrying case includes a panels forming an enclosure, with welting along seams between adjoining panels and along the panel free edges. The welting includes a tube of light-transmissive material. A wire is removably inserted into the tube, the wire having a decorative surface color or design visible through the wall of the tube for decorative effect. The tube also acts as a cylindrical lens to magnify the appearance of the wire. A removable cap on one end of the tube prevents the wire from sliding out of the tube. The tube might be either transparent or translucent. The wire is interchangeable with other wires of different colors or designs to vary the decorative effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packing box transformable to real scenery display table mainly having two connectable cases inside of which an accommodation space is disposed in order to receive and fix all kinds of objects; accordingly, a basic structure of the packing box is created and characterized in that the surfaces of the two cases of the packing box are respectively provided with real scenery plain patterns corresponding to accommodated objects; locating surfaces for receiving the objects are disposed at pre-arranged position; moreover, when the two cases with downward opening are connected on a basic surface, the packing box is developed to a real scenery display table so that the objects accommodated inside can be located on the pre-arranged locating surfaces to create a three-dimensional effect.

Abstract: A case composed of at least two shells. In a preferred embodiment, two semi-cylindrical shells are provided. The shells are coupled for relative rotation about an axis and are sized so that each shell segment nests within an adjacent shell. The shells are rotatable between a closed position, in which the shells cooperate to define an enclosed compartment, and an open position, in which said shells nest inside one another to provide access to the compartment.

Abstract: A carrying case with interchangeable side panels includes a suitcase and a number of ornamental side panels releasably attachable to the outside of the suitcase. The interchangeable ornamental side panels substantially cover the underlying structural side panels of the suitcase, and can be changed out without opening the suitcase or disassembling. This means the contents need not be disturbed in changing over the look and appearance of the carrying case, nor is the integrity of the suitcase compromised in any way. The carrying case may further include flanged framework around the interchangeable ornamental side panels to hold down the edges thereof. The flanged framework may be configured such that the ornamental side panel edges are tucked under. The carrying case may also be arrived at by simply reworking or converting a conventional suitcase.

Abstract: A device for protecting bows on gift-wrapped packages and the like. The device consists of two main components: a cup and a shield. The cup is of a type otherwise useful for drinking or eating ice cream from that has had its bottom portion cut into a number of pie-shaped segments all pointing to the center. The pie segments are flexible so that one can push the cup, bottom-first, over the bow to be protected, without harming the bow. Similarly, when the bow is to be displayed, the cup can be pulled back over the bow gently. The shield component extends across the otherwise open top of the cup, so as to provide protection against rain and other assaults on the bow from above. Operating together, the cup and the shield, when the device is slipped down over a decorative bow can protect the bow from becoming soiled or crushed, with special application to providing such protection when the package bearing the bow is wrapped for transportation, either across town or from one city to another.

Abstract: By providing a prize awarding system which is secretly incorporated into a multi-packed product or assembly, a unique prize delivery system is realized. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the prize award system incorporates a separate, independent housing constructed for being inserted into the void zone or open area which exists between the adjacent product holding containers forming a multi-pack assembly. Although the present invention is employable with any multi-pack product or assembly, products retained in cans, bottles, or similar vessels typically benefit most extensively from the present invention. In the present invention, the prize awarding system incorporates the actual prize or incorporates means for informing lucky consumers that a prize has been won, either in an audible or visual message delivery system, on certificates, vouchers, or similar printed materials, or in an electronic chip assembly.

Abstract: A gift product package that allows a gift giver to easily order and have delivered a personalized gift. The package is adapted for delivery such as by courier, and presents the gift and special effects in a lively and potentially personalized manner. The package generally entails a rugged exterior carton for shipping purposes, a disguised container for concealing a gift, a recordable sound module which allows a gift giver to record a personalized message that is played upon opening the container, and an inflation device that causes a small gas canister to fill a large balloon or eject confetti. In addition to these special effects, the container is also configured to contain other party favors and a gift card.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is a container, such as a tumbler, a toothbrush holder, a garbage pail, a soap dish, a pitcher, or a bowl, which is affixed to a sealed vessel containing a first liquid, a second liquid, at least one structure, wherein the structure is insoluble in both the first and the second liquids and floats on the first liquid, the first and the second liquids are immiscible, the first and the second liquids have densities such that the first liquid is beneath the second liquid, the volume of the second liquid is greater than the volume of the first liquid, the first liquid, or the second liquid or both of the first and the second liquids are optionally-colored and methods for making and using the container. The structure suspended in the sealed vessel is weighted so it can maintain its upright configuration irrelevant to the position of the sealed vessel.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to display packaging of trading cards, alone or in combination with models. In particular, this invention relates to the packaging of trading cards in the shape of entertainment figures and the combination of such cards with model vehicles and display stands.

Abstract: An air freshener container includes a first casing and a second casing attached to each other so as to form an animal model body, moreover the head and the hat are pivotally mounted in the animal model body. The tie, transparent cover and foot are attached to the first casing of the animal model body, and the signal sensor is attached to the second casing. The lighting unit extending to the transparent cover is attached to the signal sensor, and the container of air freshener is detachably received in the through hole of the animal model body.

Abstract: A disposable lighter holder including a first body member having an aperture, a plurality of lugs connected to the first body member, a first recess located between the plurality of lugs, and an abutment located at an end of the first recess. The disposable lighter holder further includes a second body member being opposite and connected to the first body member and a second recess formed in the second body member. The second recess includes a concave surface and a plurality of tapering sides. The aperture, first recess, plurality of lugs, concave surface and plurality of tapering sides of the second recess frictionally engage a lighter inserted through the aperture of the first body member.

Abstract: A colored refracting cup includes a cup body, a recess chamber formed in a bottom of the cup body, the recess chamber having multi-angle cut faces, and a bottom cap fused with the bottom of the cup body by means of supersonic welding process. An adornment with multi-angle cut faces for refraction is fixed on the bottom cap and plated with many colors. The colors of the adornment may be refracted through the multi-angle cut faces of the recess chamber to appear on the cup body, permitting the cup body look like very brilliant and glamorous and enhancing worth of the cup.

Abstract: A kettle for boiling water which uses steam power to drive a rotatable outer housing for providing animation is disclosed.

Abstract: A container (10) suitable for mounting on the neck of a bottle or other vessel having an annular abutment surface formed thereon and for containing a gift item consists of first and second wall sections (12,14) which are fixed together to form a generally closed space containing the gift item. One of the wall sections (14) has formed in it an opening (17) having around its periphery a plurality of elongate resilient fingers (18) projecting into the interior of the container. The fingers (18) together define a substantially frusto-conical structure such that when the neck of the bottle or other vessel is inserted into the container (10) through the opening (17) the fingers (18) are forced apart to allow passage of the neck until they have moved over the abutment surface formed on it. The ends of the plurality of fingers (18) engaged with the abutment surface to oppose movement of the neck of the bottle or other vessel out of the container.

Abstract: A toothbrush cover and holding assembly that resembles a football helmet and goal posts, or other sport equipment and/or playing surface, to protect and support a toothbrush when it is not in use while at the same time encouraging children to brush their teeth by creating an association with a recognized team, wherein the assembly includes a plurality of uprights substantially vertically oriented and having passages for receiving and supporting toothbrushes, a base structure that facilitates engagement to a horizontal or vertical surface while maintaining the uprights in a vertical position, and at least one toothbrush cover having a cavity for receiving the brush end of a toothbrush.

Abstract: A container is provided therein with a hollow tubular body which is provided at the bottom end thereof with an end piece having a first magnet. An ornament is movably disposed in the hollow tubular body and is provided in the underside of the bottom thereof with a second magnet for bringing about a repulsion effect in conjunction with the first magnet. The ornament is caused by the repulsion effect to trip up and down in a reciprocating manner in the hollow tubular body at such time when the container is moved up and down. The ornament is also caused by the repulsion effect and the inertia effect of the ornament to suspend in the hollow tubular body.

Abstract: In its broadest context, the packaging arrangement includes a rectangular container with an aperture within its upper surface. An arrow, with a message attached to its intermediate extent, can then be inserted into the container. A suction cup can also be secured to the shaft of the arrow. Thus, the arrow can be taken out of the container and the suction cup secured to its lower extent.

Abstract: A gift package simulating a baby nursing bottle, the package being composed of a cylindrical container housing a miniature doll or other gift and a molded plastic cap that fits on the open mouth of the container. The container is formed of transparent plastic material, the rim of the mouth being rolled to define an annular bead. The cap has an upper section shaped to simulate the nipple-cap ring of a baby bottle, a lower section in the form of a cylindrical stopper that fits into the mouth of the container, and a circular flange at the junction of these sections. Formed on the stopper section is a circumferential array of ledges which are shaped to permit the ledges to slide into the mouth of the container, the upper ends of the ledges being spaced from the flange to define a circular socket therebetween. To put the cap on, the stopper section is pressed into the mouth of the container to cause the annular bead to snap into the socket, thereby latching the cap in place.

Abstract: A decorative container that has a rigid inner body and a supple outer surface. The container is made of a rigid plastic material and is preferably injection molded. The supple decorative outer member is made of a relatively pliable plastic or rubber and is preferably rotation molded. The outer member has the general shape of a sleeve and is adapted to be slipped over the outer surface of the container so that a unitary appearing container is formed which is sturdy, but which is very supple, with a three-dimensional outer surface. The outer member may be configured to releasably retain a utensil on the exterior surface of the container.

Abstract: In order to depict features such as pivoting and/or the flexure of elements of an article or articles which are enclosed within a package, at least one holographic generating layer is disposed on the package to provide an enlarged highlighted view of a portion of an image which is printed on the surface of the package. In accordance with the invention, it is also possible to have two holographic image generating layers overlaid one on the other and adhered to the surface of a package. The outer layer permit the images produced by the underlying layer to be also viewed, although at different angles from the images produced by the upper or outer layer. This permits the simulation of different movements which are exhibited by the article or articles enclosed within the package.

Abstract: A fishing box has a case outwardly shaped to suggest use for fishing. The case has mating hinged upper and lower segments, the lower segment being formed from thermally insulating material. A tray formed from thermally insulating material is removably nestled in the lower segment to define a thermally discrete lower compartment. A mechanism disposed in the upper segment permits a rod and reel to be removably stored in the box. A sub-compartment in the upper segment stores dry foods separated by the tray and by the rod from cold foods in the lower compartment. Preferably, the lower compartment is sized and contoured to store a beverage container, such as a twelve ounce can of pop, and the upper sub-compartment is sized and contoured to store a sandwich.

Abstract: A plate includes a plate body, a decorative member and a decorative small plate respectively combined on the plate body separably. The decorative member has a base for containing a light emitting device to emit flickering light through holes in its wall. Dry ice may be placed under the decorative member in a recess for the decorative member to fit and stand on the plate body, producing smoke like mist rising up and dispersing through the holes of its wall. Then the plate is placed with food on its upper surface, with light flickering and smoke like mist slowly rising up, enhancing pleasing romantic atmosphere during dining. Further, the decorative small plate may be taken off the plate body for serving a small amount of food, and separable together with the decorative member from the plate body for convenience of storing and packaging.

Abstract: A container liner comprising a waterproof backing, a porous covering, a seed carrier interposed between the backing and the covering, and a plurality of seeds embedded in the seed carrier such that upon germination the seeds will sprout through the porous covering to form a soft, natural, protective cushion for objects, such as candies or Easter eggs. The container liner is sufficiently flexible so that the container liner can be easily manipulated to substantially conform to the interior contour of the container.

Abstract: A packaged cosmetic product is provided which includes a transparent cosmetic composition, a container for holding the composition and a carton surrounding the container. In a preferred embodiment, the container has a front and rear wall, the front wall being transparent while the rear wall is etched along a portion of its surface. A front wall of the container is transparent while a rear wall is etched along a portion of the surface. The carton has parallel anterior and posterior walls, each with a window cut through their respective surfaces. These windows are preferably of substantially equivalent shape, are bordered on the carton surface by a complementary shaped pattern, are aligned along a common axis and frame the translucent portion. Particularly preferred are windows in the shape of half leaves complemented by symmetrical half leaves embossed or printed on the container surface adjacent the windows. The etched portion is preferably patterned also as a leaf of generally similar design.

Abstract: A container may be folded into a configuration for a shipping container, a configuration for a picnic basket, and a configuration for a eating upon as a mat. The container may have a table cloth indicia depicted on its interior surface or a game board indicia or other printed matter. A top portion of the container may be configured as a handle for carrying the container or as a flat top for shipping. Certain portions of the container may be scored or perforated for easy removal in order to better adapt the mat as an eating surface.

Abstract: A container for holding liquid can be used, for example, as a promotional item or novelty item for a business establishment, business, product, or service. The container includes a vessel having a translucent circumferential side wall and a solid transparent window formed at a first location in the side wall. A design element is mounted at a second location on the side wall opposite the first location. When the vessel is filled with liquid to a height above the transparent window and design element, a magnified impression of the design element can be observed through the transparent window. The container can be used, for example, as a promotional item to advertise or promote a product, service, business, or business establishment, or alternatively as a novelty item for personal enjoyment and entertainment purposes.

Abstract: A bisectioned package is formed from curvilinear cross-sectioned mating components to provide the shape of a sport ball. The sections are formed from tinplate, aluminum, metal or a polymer can or container material and are readily separable. The container is usefully sized to hold a separately packaged serving of snack food. Graphic representations of features of an athletic ball are provided on the outer surfaces of the mating sections, and optionally the inner surfaces of the mating sections allow features of a playing field, stadium or sports theme to be displayed as a panorama. After the retail package function of the container is exhausted following purchase of the item, the separate mating components of the bisectioned container are useful as bowls for consumption of the packaged food and can be subsequently re-mated to form a separately useful keepsake or container such as a coin bank.

Abstract: A game or gift shaped as a simulated matchbook cover containing one or more tear-out strips anchored to the lower end of the cover in essentially the same fashion as matches in a conventional pocket matchbook. The strips are elongated panels which can be torn from the cover, and which bear messages on one or both sides. Alternatively, the strips are tear-out envelopes in which messages or small gifts are inserted. In one form, a spinner is rotatably secured to the cover, and the resting position of the spinner designates one or more specific strips to be torn from the cover.

Abstract: A combination toy and packaging assembly which is suitable for mailing without additional packaging includes a toy, preferably a plush toy animal, having predetermined areas thereon for receiving mailing and return addresses, and for indicating proper placement of postage. The sender of the toy can write the name and address of the receiving person onto the toy. The toy can be further provided with additional areas to write messages, pockets for gift items, flaps for pictures, electronic voice chips for outputting voice or musical greetings, strings for hanging the toy as an ornament, pins for attaching the toy to clothing, etc. The plush toy animal is received within a transparent, flexible plastic casing which substantially conforms to the outer surface of the toy. The casing includes a resealable opening for inserting and removing the toy from the casing.

Abstract: A carrying case for art supplies particularly used by children. The carrying case, when closed depicts an animal or other fanciful character. When opened, the carrying case includes a base section as well as two top foldable sections, each section provided with at least one compartment for the storage of art supplies. One of the top foldable sections includes a block provided with a plurality of holes into which art pencils are held when the carrying case is in the opened position. The block is hinged and will rotate into a closed position when the carrying case is in the closed position.

Abstract: A repository device, useful as a collection container, a religious instructional tool and a religious decorative item is disclosed. The repository device consists of a completely enclosed, ovoid-shaped basket having a conventional handle and having a moveable side entry closure in the top portion of the basket. The entry closure is designed to assimilate an ancient tombstone used in ancient times to seal burial tombs.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel and unique reusable flexible container for products wherein the container is made from a clear flexible material which permits the product to be totally visible to the consumer and also facilitates tactile feel of the product in view of the soft flexible material out of which the container is made. The nature of the design of the present invention container further permits the container to be reused for multiple purposes after the initial purpose for housing the product being sold is finished.

Abstract: A photo album case or other storage container is formed with an outer shell having laterally enclosing walls and an end panel opposite an open end to the shell. At least one display panel is formed in the shell and a window is defined in the display panel. A stiff, inner display retainer is inserted into the open end of the shell and fits into the storage cavity defined within the shell. The display retainer conforms to the shape of at least the display panel wall. The display retainer extends beyond the display wall to extend across another of the inner surfaces immediately adjacent thereto. A visual display sheet, such as a photographic print, is located between the display wall and the display retainer. The display sheet may be merely inserted in between the display wall and the display retainer, or it may be mounted upon either the retainer or the inner surface of the display panel wall.

Abstract: A gift package a bag having generally parallel front and rear walls, each having a top edge, a bottom edge opposite the top edge, and two lateral edges, and a pair of generally parallel side walls, each having a top edge, a bottom edge opposite the top edge, and a generally longitudinal fold, wherein the lateral edges of the bottom panel are joined to the bottom edges of the front, rear, and side walls to form a container having an opening defined by the top edges of the front, rear, and side walls, and wherein the bag has an expanded state and a collapsed state, where an area of the bag opening is larger when the bag is in its expanded state than when the bag is in its collapsed state, and a bag topper comprising a body portion having a top and a bottom surface, and at least one side panel extending from the body portion, wherein the bottom surface of the body portion is supported on the top edge of at least one of the folds of the side walls.

Abstract: A set of tiered trapezoidal cartons bundled together for holding goods. Each carton has a generally trapezoidal profile and the set of cartons stacks together to have a generally trapezoidal combined profile.

Abstract: A light-activated, sound-providing device (122) is slideably received in a cavity (64) formed in an insert (52) of a size and shape for receipt in the hollow volume of a container (10) with a friction fit. The insert (52) has a volume generally corresponding to the volume of consumer food product which would normally be received in the container (10). The provisions (50) for retaining the sound-providing device (122) includes a paperboard medallion (60) secured to the insert (52) including text and graphics (62). In a preferred form, the sound-providing device (122) is not activated while in the interior of the closed container (10) but when the container (10) is opened by removal of its closure layer (13), the sound-providing device (122) is activated providing a sound for prize announcement, attention getting, or a similar function.

Abstract: A decorative combination of component bags representing the head, torso, two arms, and two legs of a festive, seasonal, holiday, or non-holiday figure is provided. Each of the bags is comprised of a bag member formed of a flexible waterproof material and has an initially open end. The initially open end is for receiving filler material. A closing means is provided for closing the initially open ends of the component bags. The bags may have fanciful indicia for representing festive, seasonal, holiday, or non-holiday figures. Once assembled, the figure resembles a costumed male or female human, is substantially human-proportioned, and preferably has articulable appendages. The components of the figure may also be supplied in a kit.

Abstract: A set of coins is arranged relative to a display having discrete regions associated with discrete coins within the set. In a preferred embodiment, the display is a map, and an opening is provided within the borders of or proximate to each state on the map in order to receive a respective coin.