Abstract:
A decorative element for use on a pierceable object such as a pumpkin is provided which includes a decorative body and an insertion device. The decorative body defines an interior chamber. The interior chamber receives and is attached to the insertion device. Preferably, the insertion device is attached to the interior chamber with glue. 
     A method for attaching and removing a decorative element to a pierceable object, including grasping the decorative element at a grasping section, positioning decorative element in a desired location on pierceable object and inserting the insertion device into the pierceable object. Decorative element is removed from pierceable object by grasping decorative element at grasping section and applying force sufficient to remove the insertion device from the pierceable object.

Description:
PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority to provisional application, entitled, DECORATIVE ELEMENTS FOR TO PUMPKINS OR OTHER PIERCEABLE OBJECTS, Ser. No. 60/267,632, filed Feb. 9, 2001. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to decorative elements that can be used to create a face or other decoration on a pumpkin or snowman or like base. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and a method for removably attaching decorative elements on a pumpkin or snowman or the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Snowmen and pumpkins are examples of objects that are displayed to celebrate or identify a certain season or holiday. Snowmen are part of the tradition and fun of celebrating the winter season. Pumpkins are decorated to celebrate the Halloween holiday. Over the years, the tradition has grown to include decorating other objects in addition to pumpkins and snowmen. For example, Styrofoam forms have been used instead of snow to make snowmen for indoor use in seasonal displays. 
     The display of decorated pumpkins is part of the tradition and fun of Halloween. Originally, pumpkins were decorated by cleaning out the soft pulp on the inside, and carving openings representing at least eyes, nose, and mouth. A similar tradition exists in making snowmen during the winter season, wherein a face is often made using decorative elements, for example, a nose of coal and a carrot nose. In modern times, snowmen are often made of Styrofoam or other artificial materials, and kits of decorative elements are provided as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,841,019; 4,322,004; and Des. 267,210. 
     The traditional method of decorating a pumpkin is a messy process involving the inconvenience of cleaning out the pumpkin seeds and the soft pulp and allowing for individualizing of the face. This method allows little margin for error, for example, changing of the position of carved features after they are made. For example, if an eye or mouth is placed at a location that is undesirable, it cannot be changed in position. Thus, kits are available which allow for placement and rearrangement of the facial elements, such as one example shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,833. Kits have also evolved to include other decorative elements such as hats, jewelry, and other fanciful objects. 
     A limitation of the existing decorative elements for decorating pierceable objects is that insertion and removal of the decorative elements can be difficult. For example, when elements such as ears are attached to a pumpkin, a pin-type element is attached to a decorative body and inserted into the pumpkin. When the pin is inserted into the pumpkin or other like base, the pin becomes engaged in the soft pulpy material of the pumpkin. The fit between the pin and the pumpkin can create a suction or sticking, which makes it difficult to remove the pin from the pumpkin. Furthermore, decorations, made from soft material or paper or other similar material, are removed by pulling on the pin, thereby disengaging it from the pumpkin. 
     One disadvantage of using a pin or other like object in attaching a decorative element to a pierceable object such as a pumpkin or snowman is that the pin is hard to grasp, which makes removal difficult. Another disadvantage is that the decorative elements can become separated from the pin by shear forces created between the decorative element and pin due to the suction or sticking force created by the pin in the soft pumpkin. Thus, there exists a need for decorative elements that are easily attached and removed, while reducing the likelihood that a decorative body will separate from a insertion device during insertion and removal and also making the removal easier so that the effect of the suction at the interface between the insertion device and pierceable object is reduced. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A decorative element for a pierceable object comprising a decorative body defining an interior chamber, an insertion device having first and second ends, the first end including a grasping section received by the chamber, the grasping section further including a reduced diameter portion defining a grasping portion adjacent to the first end, the second end having distal and proximal sections, the second end having a taper from the distal section to the proximal section, the proximal section located adjacent to the grasping section of the first end of the insertion device. 
     A method for decorating a pierceable object comprising grasping a decorative element having a decorative body defining an interior chamber and an insertion device, the insertion device having first and second ends, the first end including a grasping section received by the chamber, the grasping section further including a reduced diameter portion defining a grasping portion adjacent to the first end, the second end having distal and proximal sections, the second end having a taper from the distal to the proximal section, the proximal section located adjacent to the grasping section of the first end of the insertion device, inserting the second end of the insertion device into a pierceable body, grasping the decorative element by the grasping portion, and removing the second end of the insertion device from the pierceable body. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a pierceable object, such as a pumpkin, including a decorative element in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 1A is a section view of one of the decorative element of FIG. 1 along line  1 A— 1 A. 
     FIG. 1B is a section view of one of the decorative elements of FIG. 1 along line  1 B— 1 B. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of an insertion device of one of the decorative elements of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of an insertion device of one of the decorative elements of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a decorative element of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a decorative element of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is an elevation view of decorative element of the present invention removably secured to a pierceable object. 
     FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a pierceable object, such as a pumpkin, including a decorative element in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 shows a pierceable object  12 , in this illustration a pumpkin, having embodiments of decorative elements  10 ,  110  of the present invention attached to pierceable object  12 . Although different embodiments of decorative elements  10 ,  110  are depicted attached to pierceable object  12 , this is for illustration purposes. 
     In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, decorative element  10  includes a decorative body  20  defining an interior chamber  22  and an insertion device  50 . Referring to FIG. 1, decorative body  20  is shown in the shape of an ear. Decorative body  20  can be shaped in a multitude of configurations, including an eye, nose, mouth, ears, hat, or hair. In one embodiment, decorative body  20  of decorative element  10  of the present invention is fabricated from a soft-material. Preferably, soft-material is felt, cotton, wool, or cloth. Decorative body  20  can also be made of other materials including paper, plastic, or rubber. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of decorative element  10  of the present invention is shown attached to pierceable object  12  using a plurality of insertion devices  50 . However, it is not necessary for decorative element  10  to be attached by a plurality of insertion devices  50 , As shown in FIG. 7, decorative element  210  can be attached to pierceable object  300 , in this case a snowman, using one insertion device  50 . 
     In one preferred embodiment, insertion device  50  of decorative element  10  of the present invention is fabricated for a material of rigidity sufficient to withstand the pressure exert during insertion into and removal from pierceable object. Preferably insertion device  50  is made of wood or plastic. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, insertion device  50  is made of metal. Preferably, insertion device  50  is made by molding or stamping. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, decorative element  10  is attached to pierceable object  12  by a plurality of insertion devices  50 . Insertion device  50  further has a first end  60  and a second end  70 . First end  60  includes a grasping section  62 . Grasping section  62  includes a reduced diameter portion  64  defining a grasping portion  66 . Second end  70  of insertion device  50  further includes a distal end  72  and a proximal end  74 . Distal end  72  is capable of being removably secured to a pierceable object  12 . Proximal end  74  is located adjacent to grasping section  62  of first end  60  of insertion device  50 . 
     Referring to FIG. 3, in one preferred embodiment of insertion device  50  of decorative element  10  of the present invention, a taper is formed from first end  60  to second end  70 . Taper is defined by width of the proximal section  74  of second end  70 , defined by line A—A being greater than width of distal section  72  of second end  70 , defined by line B—B. Tapering proximal section  74  relative to distal section  72  assists insertion and removal of second end  70  of insertion device  50  into and from pierceable object  12 . 
     Referring to FIG. 3, in one preferred embodiment, insertion device  50  of decorative element  10  of the present invention has a width W measured along line WW. Preferably, W is between 0.1 and 10 inches. More preferably, W is between 0.5 and 2.0 inches. Most preferably, W is about 1.5 inches. Insertion device  50  of decorative element  10  of the present invention has a length L measured along line L—L. Preferably, L is between 0.25 and 10 inches. More preferably, L is between 0.5 and 4.0 inches. Most preferably, L is about 3.5 inches. Insertion device  50  of decorative element  10  of the present invention has a length thickness T measured along line T—T. Preferably, T is between 0.0125 and 0.5 inches. More preferably, T is between 0.0575 and 0.25 inches. Most preferably, T is about 0.125 inches. Thickness T does not have to be uniform over length L of insertion device  50 . 
     Referring to FIG. 2, in one preferred embodiment of insertion device  150  of decorative element  110  of the present invention, a taper is formed from first end  160  to second end  170 . Taper is defined as the width of the proximal section  174  of second end  170 , defined by line A′—A′ being greater than width of distal section  172  of second end  170 , defined by line B′—B′. Tapering proximal section  174 , relative to distal section  172 , assists insertion and removal of second end  170  of insertion device  150  into and from, respectively, pierceable object  12 . 
     Referring to FIG. 2, in one preferred embodiment, insertion device  150  of decorative element  110  of the present invention has a width W′ measured along line W′—W′. Preferably, W′ is between 0.1 and 10 inches. More preferably, W is between 0.5 and 2.0 inches. Most preferably, W′ is about 1.5 inches. Insertion device  150  of decorative element  110  of the present invention has a length L′ measured along line L′—L′. Preferably, L′ is between 0.25 and 10 inches. Preferably, L′ is between 0.5 and 4.0 inches. Most preferably, L′ is about 3.5 inches. Insertion device  150  of decorative element  110  of the present invention has a length thickness T′ measured along line T′—T′. Preferably, T′ is between 0.0125 and 0.5 inches. Preferably, T′ is between 0.0575 and 0.25 inches. Most preferably, T′ is about 0.125 inches. Thickness T′ does not have to be uniform over length L′ of insertion device  150 . 
     Referring to FIG. 2, one preferred embodiment of insertion device  150  of decorative element  110  of the present invention includes second end  170  having a unitary insertion piece  174 . FIG. 1 shows unitary insertion piece  174  removably secured to pierceable object  12 . When insertion piece  174  is removably secured to pierceable object  12 , decorative element  110  can be positioned and repositioned as necessary to complete overall effect desired. Also, insertion device  150  optionally can include holes  250  that can be used in stitching decorative element (not shown) to insertion device  150 . 
     As shown in FIG. 1, one preferred embodiment of insertion device  50  of decorative element  10  of the present invention includes second end  70  having a plurality of prongs  76 . Prongs  76  are capable of being removably secured to pierceable object  12  and decorative element  10  can be repositioned as necessary to complete overall effect desired. Preferably, second end  70  has 2 to 6 prongs  76 . More preferably, second end  70  has 2 to 4 prongs  76 . Most preferably, second end  70  has 2 prongs  76 . 
     Referring to FIG. 4, in one preferred embodiment, insertion device  150  of decorative element  100  of the present invention is capable of being received into interior chamber  222  of decorative body  220 . In one embodiment, decorative body  220  further has an opening  224  for receiving insertion device  150 . Decorative body  120  is secured to insertion device  150 . While it is recognized that various methods can be used to secure decorative body  120  to insertion device  150 , gluing or stapling is preferred. Insertion device  150  can also be secured to decorative body  120  by designing opening  224  to have a width that is less than or equal to the width of proximal section  174  defined by line A′—A′, as shown in FIG.  2 . As shown in FIG. 4, only distal section  172  of insertion device  150  protrudes from decorative body  120 . Proximal section  174  of second end  170  is secured within interior chamber  122  at a point where width of second end  170  along taper between distal section  172  and proximal section  74  is greater than width of opening  124 . 
     In one embodiment of decorative element  110  of the preferred invention, insertion device  150  is received by interior chamber  122 , as shown in FIG.  1 . Insertion device  150  is attached to interior chamber  122 . As shown in FIG. 1A, glue  230  is located at an interface  232  between decorative body  120  and insertion device  150  at or near grasping portion  166 . Referring to FIG. 1B, in one of the embodiments of decorative element  110  of the present invention, a staple  234  secures decorative body  120  to insertion device  150  near or at grasping portion  166 . In addition to glue  230  or staple  234 , alternative means may be used to attach insertion device to decorative body, including fasteners or adhesives. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, one preferred embodiment of insertion device  150  of decorative element  210  of the present invention includes grasping section  162  for holding decorative element  210  during insertion into and removal from pierceable object  12 . Grasping section  160  is received into interior chamber  122  of decorative body  120 . Grasping section  160  further has reduced diameter portion  164  defining grasping portion  126 . In one embodiment of insertion device  150  of decorative element  210  of the present invention, grasping portion  124  is semi-circular. 
     The present invention also includes a method of removably securing decorative element  10 ,  110 ,  210  to pierceable object  12 . Referring to FIG. 6, one embodiment of the method of the present invention includes attachment and removal of decorative element  110  to and from pierceable object  12 , in this case a pumpkin. Attachment of decorative element  110  is accomplished by grasping decorative element  110 . During grasping, decorative body  120  is gathered around grasping portion  166 . Gathering decorative body  120  around grasping portion  166  minimizes shear forces between insertion device  150  and decorative body  120  during insertion and removal of second end  170  of insertion device  150  in pierceable object  12 . After grasping decorative element  110 , second end  170  of insertion device  150  is inserted at a suitable location on pierceable object  12 . Removal of decorative element  110  from pierceable object  12  is accomplished by grasping decorative element  110  by grasping portion  166  and removing second end  170  of insertion device  150  from pierceable body  12 . 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, pierceable object  12  is a pumpkin. Pierceable object  12  can also be a snowman or other object made from snow, a squash, a Styrofoam ball or object. Referring to FIG. 7, decorative element  310  is shown attached to a snowman  300 . Preferably, snowman  300  is made of snow or Styrofoam. In the embodiment shown, decorative element  310  represents an ear, although decorative element  310  can be shaped to represent a variety of features, including, but not limited to, hats, hair, eyes, nose, or mouth. 
     The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.