Abstract:
Enclosures, containers and 3-dimensional novelty items and toys that present two or more composite graphic images or sets of images when viewing an item from different directions. The novelty items can also perform another function, such as pencil holder, drinking cup, building block, paper weight, notebook, etc. The invention thereby provides an entertainment or enjoyment value, or commercial value (e.g., advertising, marketing, promotional) in addition to any other utility of the item. For example, the graphic images can be those of licensed characters, such as those available from The Walt Disney Company and Warner Brothers, for example, or text or a message. An observer can view a first image or set of images on the novelty item from a first direction and second image or set of images on the novelty item from a second direction.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The invention generally relates to enclosure, containers and 3-dimensional novelty items and toys that display graphics, messages, etc..  
         SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
         [0002]    The invention provides enclosures, containers and 3-dimensional novelty items and toys that present two or more composite graphic images or sets of images when viewing an item from different directions. Unless the context indicates otherwise, :item” and “toy” are used interchangeably herein, and item may refer to an enclosure or container unless the context indicates otherwise. “Image” or “images” are used herein in a broad sense, and encompass images of persons, places, things, characters, figures, graphic designs and abstracts, text, messages, etc., or parts thereof. In the preferred embodiments, the novelty items also perform another function, such as pencil holder, drinking cup, building block, paper weight, notebook, etc. The invention thereby provides an entertainment or enjoyment value, or commercial value (e.g., advertising, marketing, promotional) in addition to any other utility of the item. For example, the graphic images can be those of licensed characters, such as those available from The Walt Disney Company and Warner Brothers, for example, or text or a message. The images may also have a personal or other relationship with the holder or provider of the item. Items incorporating the invention may therefore be provided for many purposes, including personalization, enjoyment, entertainment, marketing, advertising, promotional and/or novelty purposes.  
           [0003]    The invention provides the two or more graphic images or sets of images, when the item is viewed by an observer from different directions. “Direction” as used in a broad sense and encompasses linear directions as well as directions along a curve, and clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. The item comprises, on all or part of an exterior viewable side or region, at least two interleaved series or sets of sections arranged in a wave-like manner such that each present a composite image or a set of images. The sections of each series of interleaved sections generally face in a common direction so that images or parts of images displayed by the sections of a same series are viewable together, and the sections of different series face in different directions. In a preferred embodiment, individual sections of the first series and individual sections of the second series are alternatingly interspersed with the adjacent edges of the sections being parallel. Preferably all or a substantial number of the edges of the sections in the series are parallel.  
           [0004]    An observer can view a first image or set of images on the item from a first direction and second image or set of images on the item from a second direction. For example, the sections of one series of sections may display a composite image of Mickey Mouse, while the sections of another series of sections may display a composite image of Donald Duck, or the sections may display messages, or combinations of graphic objects such as cartoon characters and messages, etc.  
           [0005]    As mentioned, the items are 3-dimensional and in cross section form, for example, closed figures. A closed figure may be a geometric figure such as polygon, or a tube or other curved figure. In the case of a polygon, each exterior and/or interior side may be provided with the series of sections described above. In the case of a tubular or other curved figure, all or part of the exterior and/or interior curved figure is provided with the series of sections. In the case of a notebook, the series of sections are provided as a cover to the notebook.  
           [0006]    Preferred embodiments provide 3-dimensional items in the form of enclosures and containers or vessels such as pencil holders, drinking cups and nestable toys, etc., as well as closed items such as toy blocks and paperweights.  
           [0007]    The wave-like series of sections may be exposed, and thereby provide an undulating surface, or closed by a smooth wall or sheet-like member, or sandwiched between smooth walls or sheet-like members to present a smooth surface. The 3-dimensional figures may be closed on one or more sides, i.e., open on one but less than all sides. A pencil holder or drinking cup, for example, is open at one end of tubular item. When the sections are closed or sandwiched by sheet-like members, such members are transparent or translucent.  
           [0008]    The invention also provides a novelty item or toy in the form of nestable or stackable blocks, each having on at least one side the wave-like structure described above.  
           [0009]    The blocks may be constructed with a rectangular cross-sectional profile, in which case the pitch and angle between adjacent sections is preferably substantially identical for all the blocks in the set in order to allow them to cleanly interlock with one another. The blocks may alternatively be constructed with a cylindrical cross-sectional profile, in which case the angle between adjacent sections is substantially identical for all the blocks in the set in order to allow them to cleanly interlock with one another  
           [0010]    The side-wall of each block may alternatively be constructed with smooth inner and outer walls that are spaced apart from one another and sandwich a wave-like structure therebetween. As discussed above, the walls may be transparent or translucent. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    The foregoing and other aspects of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of illustrative embodiments thereof and the accompanying drawings which illustrate the invention by way of example. In the drawings:  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a container according to a first embodiment;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1B is a top view of the first embodiment;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a container according to a second embodiment;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2B is a top view according to the second embodiment;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 is a plan view of an adhesive sheet;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4A is an isometric view of a toy block according to a third embodiment;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4B is a plan view of a set of three nestable toy blocks, a representative sample of which is shown in FIG. 4A;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a cylindrical toy block according to a fourth embodiment;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5B is a plan view of a set of three nestable cylindrical toy blocks, a representative sample of which is shown in FIG. 4A; and  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a notebook according to a fifth embodiment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0022]    [0022]FIGS. 1A and B illustrate a container  20  according to a first embodiment of the invention which can be used as a pencil holder. The container  20  has a rectangular cross-sectional profile and comprises a sidewall constructed from spaced-apart inner and outer walls  24  and  26 , and a bottom wall  24 . The container  20  has an open top, but may be closed by a wall similar to wall  24 . Alternatively, the top and/or bottom may be closed by a wall similar to a sidewall  24  which includes a wave-like structure  30  described below. In those embodiments, the item can be used as a toy block or paperweight. The inner and outer walls are preferably fabricated from plastic, such as acrylic. The outer wall  26  is transparent or translucent and the inner wall  24  is preferably transparent or translucent too, but it need not be. The bottom wall  28  also need not be transparent or translucent.  
         [0023]    A wave-like structure  30  is disposed between the inner and outer walls  24  and  26 . The structure  30  has two interleaved series of sections  34  and  38 , each of which is faces in a different direction. The first series of sections  34  is preferably imprinted with or otherwise carries graphics that form a first composite image or set of images. This image or image set, or at least portions thereof, can be coherently viewed from a first direction of observation, as exemplified by the pattern of planets shown on display sections  34 . The second series of sections  38  is preferably imprinted with or otherwise carries graphics that form a second composite image or set of images. This image or image set or at least portions thereof, can be coherently viewed from a second direction of observation, as exemplified by the pattern of stars shown on display sections  38 .  
         [0024]    The wave-like structure  30  is preferably sealed within the inner and outer walls  24  and  28  via a top lip or end cap  40 . As such, the first and second images are preferably pre-printed or pre-applied on the wave-like structure  30 . However, the end cap  40  can also be removeably secured to the inner and outer walls  24  and  26 , e.g., by a friction fit, allowing the wave-like structure  30  to be replaced with a another one if desired. The wave-like structure  30  may be constructed out of any material suitable for receiving graphics, such as cardboard or plastic. In addition, the graphics may be provided on an adhesive backed paper  44 , as exemplified in FIG. 3, which can be applied by the user. A kit of such parts may also be provided for sale.  
         [0025]    For best visual effects, the sections in each series  34 ,  38  are preferably of equal size and arranged parallel to each other, with the sections of one series being orientated transversely (preferably about  30  to  60  degrees) to the sections of the other series.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a container  50  according to a second embodiment of the invention which can be used as described above for the container  20 . Container  50  is tubular, and is otherwise similar to container  20  described above, in both an open top and fully closed form. The inner and outer walls  24 B,  26 B and wave-like structure  30 B of container  50  have a circular cross-sectional profile but the item  50  is otherwise similar to the item  20 . For best visual effects, the sections in each series  34 B and  38 B of the wave-like structure  30 B are preferably of equal size and arranged equidistantly along a circumference defined by the inner and outer walls  24 B,  26 B. In addition, the edges of adjacent sections are preferably parallel to each other, i.e., the lines formed by the intersection of the planes defining sections  34 B and  38 B are parallel to one another.  
         [0027]    The undulating wave-like structure encased in the walls of container  20  or  50  of items  20  and  50  provides an eye-catching display area suitable for character merchandising. For example, the first and second images can include popular cartoon characters. The container may be sized to function as a pencil or toothbrush holder, or may be made larger for uses such as a waste receptacle. The containers also have utility as novelty items per se.  
         [0028]    In alternative embodiments, the inner and outer walls  24  and  26  (or  24 B and  26 B) may be eliminated and replaced with a single undulating sidewall upon which the graphics constituting the composite images may be imprinted. An example of this is presented below.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 depicts a wave-like structure  44 , which is configured similar to wave-like structure  30  but may have a planer bottom, not shown. Wave-like structure  44  is rigid, but may flex, and generally maintains its configuration. The top of structure  44  has images as described above. The bottom has an adhesive backing covered by a peelable protective sheet. After removing the protective sheet, the structure  44  may be affixed to various surfaces and things, such as wearing apparel, refrigerator doors, etc.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4A shows an enclosure  62  according to a third embodiment, which may be open at both ends or closed at either or both ends. In the closed embodiment, the enclosure  62  may be used as a toy block or paper weight. In the embodiment in which the enclosure  62  is open at one or both ends, the enclosure may be nested with other similar enclosures. FIG. 4B depicts a set of rectangular blocks  62 A,  62 B and  62 C, where each block is sized somewhat larger or smaller than the other blocks in the set, so that the blocks can be nested. FIG. 4A shows one of the blocks in perspective view with an open top; this block is representative of any block in the set except for dimensions. FIG. 4B shows the set of blocks in plan view. The illustrated set includes three blocks, but any number greater than one will suffice. Each block  62  has a side-wall  66  that undulates in a triangular manner so as to define two interleaved series of planar sections  64  and  68 , each of which is disposed in a different direction. The first series of sections  64  is preferably imprinted with or otherwise carries graphics that form a first composite image, and the second series of sections  68  is preferably imprinted with or otherwise carries graphics that form a second composite image. For best visual effects, the sections in each series  64  and  68  are preferably of equal size and arranged parallel to each other, with the sections of one series being orientated transversely to the sections of the other series.  
         [0031]    In the illustrated embodiment, a bottom wall  74  of each block may also feature, or omit, an undulating surface as described above. In the illustrated embodiment the blocks are open-ended (i.e., five-sided volumes) so as to enable the blocks to nest into one another. However, the blocks may alternatively be close-ended (i.e., six-sided volumes) with all surfaces being undulated.  
         [0032]    The wave-like surfaces of all the blocks in a set preferably have identical pitch (p) and angle (θ) measurements so as to enable the blocks to cleanly interlock with one another when the wave-like surfaces of the blocks are stacked one on top of the other. The larger blocks have a greater number of sections  64 ,  68  along a given side than the smaller blocks.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 4A shows an enclosure  82  according to a fourth embodiment, similar to enclosure  62  except that it is cylindrical. Enclosure  82  may be open at both ends or closed at either or both ends. FIG. 5B shows a set of cylindrical blocks  82 A,  82 B and  82 C, where each block is sized somewhat larger or smaller than the other blocks in the set. FIG. 5A shows one of the blocks in perspective view; this block is open at the top and is representative of any block in the set except for dimensions. FIG. 5B shows the set of blocks in plan view. Each block  82  has a side-wall surface that undulates in a triangular manner so as to define two interleaved series of planar sections  84  and  88  along the circumference of the cylindrical block. Each section is disposed in a different direction, similar to the blocks  62  described above, with the angle (φ) formed between adjacent sections  84  and  88  being preferably selected from the range of 20 to 70 degrees, and most preferably about 45 degrees. In this case, in order to allow the blocks  82  to cleanly interlock with one another, the angle (φ) formed between adjacent sections  84  and  88  is preferably identical for each block in the set. The blocks  82  may be closed-ended or open-ended, in which case the blocks  82  may be nested. The ends closing the item  82  may be undulated or flat.  
         [0034]    In either embodiment, the blocks  60  or  80  provide an eye-catching design with undulating surfaces suitable for receiving graphics. The toys can thus be suitable for character merchandising.  
         [0035]    In alternative embodiments, the surface of the blocks can be formed from a double-walled structure with a wave-like structure disposed between the walls in a manner similar to the double-walled structure of container  20  or  50 .  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 6 depicts a notebook  90  having a wave-like structure  91 , similar to the wave-like structure  30  described above, serving as a notebook cover. The wave-like structure  91  may be secured to the cover  92  in any suitable manner. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the wave-like structure  91  is covered by a transparent enclosure  94 , which may be made of any suitable plastic, attached to the notebook cover  92 . The enclosure  94  has some rigidity to provide some protection to the wave-like structure  91  as may be encountered in normal use. However, in another embodiment (not shown) the enclosure  94  is omitted. FIG. 6 depicts embodiments in which a wave-like structure is secured to only one cover of the notebook. However, wave-like structures  91  may be secured to both covers, as well as to the spine of the notebook.  
         [0037]    The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the disclosure herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The applicant intends that the claims cover all such modifications and variations, and equivalents thereof, permitted by the prior art.