Abstract:
A customizable decorative party apparatus. One of several possible insert photographs, name tags, decals, or logos inserts in place on a generally planer surface of a base. A substantially transparent cover removably locks onto the base, defining a substantially water-tight protective cover over the insert. The apparatus includes an attaching structure on the opposite surface, configured to temporarily, removably connect the apparatus to one of a plurality of party items, e.g., cups, plates, straws, hats, ornaments, a string of holiday lights, or the like. The apparatus can be removed from the decoration, the cover can be removed from the base by hand-manipulating the lock, and the same insert, or a different insert, can be inserted for use at the same party or a different party.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a decorative party apparatus, and more specifically to a customizable decorative party apparatus which can be removably attached to a plurality of party items, the apparatus being configured to display a removable, interchangeable insert, such as a photograph, logo, symbol, or decal, visible to a user of the party item, while simultaneously protecting the removable insert from damage. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Party items are known, e.g., cups, plates, straws, ornaments, light strings, and hats, imprinted or embossed with corporate symbols, political party slogans, and party expressions such as “Happy Birthday,” “Happy Anniversary,” “Happy Halloween,” “Congratulations,” “Inauguration 2013,” “Bon Voyage,” “Happy New Year,” or the like. The vast majority of known party items, however, are not customizable, and therefore relatively impersonal. Other party items are available which allow limited customability, such as attachment to a party item of a tag printed with a name of a person, or a photograph of a person celebrating a birthday, a name and photograph of a political candidate, a photograph of a bride and groom, or a photograph of a graduate. 
     Such known customizable party items, however, have numerous disadvantages. For example, an attached nametag or an attached photograph typically are difficult to remove, so removability, interchangeability, and re-use of the customized portions, or re-use of the party item itself, typically is not possible, or else the customizable portion is not adequately protected from damage from liquid, food, and so forth. In addition, the customizable portion is limited with respect to the categories of party items to which it can be attached. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides an affordable customizable decorative party apparatus, removably attachable (for later re-use) to a wide variety of party items, e.g., cups, plates, straws, hats, ornaments, light strings, and the like, in which an insert, e.g., a photograph, a slogan, a decal, a logo, a symbol, or the like, can be removably and interchangeably inserted, with the insert being protected from damage. 
     A customizable decorative party apparatus is described and claimed below. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a customizable decorative party apparatus that substantially obviates one or more of the problems, limitations, and disadvantages of the related art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, the invention, a customizable decorative party apparatus, includes a base portion having a generally planar first or upper surface, a second or lower surface, and a preselected shape; a plurality of removable interchangeable inserts having the preselected shape, configured to be inserted on the first surface; a generally transparent cover portion having the preselected shape, and attaching structure, configured to removably attach the cover portion the base portion together with a substantially watertight connection and with the removeable interchangeable insert therebetween; and a connecting structure to removably connect the base to one of a plurality of party items, e.g., plates, cups, straws, hats, ornaments, light strings, or the like. The substantial watertight connection between the locking tabs and the locking portion may be obtained via a snap-lock action, a partial thread, or a full-thread. 
     The base portion also may be configured with an aperture for insertion therein of a light for illumination of the removable interchangeable insert. This configuration is particularly advantageous for use with a string of holiday lights, e.g., Christmas tree lights, wherein one or more lights in the string of lights can be inserted into a base of a customizable decorative party apparatus, in order to light up the inserts, e.g., desired photographs, symbols, or the like, on the tree. 
     Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the written description and claims, as well as the attached drawings. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is an exploded parts view of a customizable decorative party apparatus in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a top view of a generally transparent cover in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 1C  is a side view depicting an assembled base portion, insert, cover portion, and connecting structure in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded parts perspective view of a customizable decorative party apparatus in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a bottom view of the generally transparent cover portion, depicting one preferred embodiment for removably locking the base portion and the cover portion together in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a bottom view of the generally transparent cover portion, depicting another preferred embodiment for removably locking the base portion and the cover portion together in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 3C  is a bottom view of the generally transparent cover portion, depicting yet another preferred embodiment for removably locking the base portion and the cover portion together in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a front view depicting a customizable decorative party apparatus in accordance with the invention removably attached to a cup; 
         FIG. 4B  is a top view of a customizable decorative party apparatus in accordance with the invention depicting a connecting structure for removably attaching the party apparatus to the cup of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a top view depicting a customizable decorative party apparatus in accordance with the invention removably attached to a plate; 
         FIG. 5B  is an exploded parts view depicting a first embodiment of removable attachment of a customizable decorative party apparatus in accordance with the invention to the plate of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is an exploded parts view depicting a second embodiment of removable attachment of a customizable decorative party apparatus in accordance with the invention to the plate of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view depicting means for removable attachment of a customizable decorative party apparatus in accordance with the invention to a straw; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are top views of a customizable decorative party apparatus in accordance with the invention having a different preselected shape, i.e., a wedding bell; 
         FIG. 8A  is a front view depicting attachment of a customizable decorative party apparatus in accordance with the invention removably attached to a Christmas tree ornament, including an optional inserted light to illuminate the removable custom insert; 
         FIG. 8B  is a top view of a string of Christmas tree lights, with certain lights inserted into customizable decorative party apparatuses in accordance with the invention; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are front views depicting removable attachment of customizable decorative party apparatuses in accordance with the invention to respective party hats; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded parts view of a customizable decorative party apparatus in accordance with the invention, substantially similar to  FIG. 1 , but with a different configuration for threadably attaching the cover portion to the base portion; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of a customizable decorative party apparatus in accordance with the invention, substantially similar to  FIG. 1C , but with a light inserted into the base to illuminate the insert; and 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective exploded parts view of an alternate embodiment of the removable interchangeable insert in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
     As broadly embodied herein, with reference, e.g., to  FIGS. 1A-1C , and  FIG. 2 , a customizable decorative party apparatus  10  is provided. Party apparatus  10  comprises a base portion  12 . The base portion  12  has a generally planar first or upper surface  14 , and a second or lower surface  16 , opposite the first/upper surface  14 . In addition, the base  12  has a preselected shape. As embodied in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the preselected shape is generally circular, but the invention is not limited to this shape. For example  FIGS. 7A-7B  depict a bell-shaped base portion  12 , which would be suitable for use at a wedding reception, or the like. Other preselected shapes also are possible and within the scope of the invention, e.g., a heart-shape (not shown), for use, e.g., at a wedding shower, or a baby bottle-shape (not shown) for use at a baby shower. The preselected shape also could be text, forming a recognizable party saying, e.g., “HAPPY BIRTHDAY,” “HAPPY NEW YEAR,” “CONGRATULATIONS,” or the like. Numerous other shapes are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to any shape. 
     As broadly embodied in  FIGS. 1A and 2 , the base portion  12  further includes at least one lock tab  18 , projecting from a surface thereof, preferably from the upper surface  14 . As further broadly embodied in  FIG. 2 , a plurality of lock tabs  18  may be provided projecting from the upper surface  14 . Each lock tab  18  is generally-L shaped, with a vertical portion  19 , and an inwardly-projecting portion  20 . As broadly embodied in  FIG. 2 , each vertical portion  19  is positioned proximate a periphery  21  of the generally circular base portion  12 . 
     Decorative customizable party apparatus  10 , as broadly embodied in  FIGS. 1A-1C , and  FIG. 2  further comprises a removable, interchangeable insert  30  having the preselected shape, configured to be inserted on one of the surfaces, preferably the generally planar first or upper surface  14  as shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 C, and  2 . Insert  30  has a slot  32 , and preferably a plurality of slots  32 , penetrating the insert, at positions corresponding to the positions of the lock tabs  18 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , each slot  32  preferably has a wider portion and an adjoining narrower portion. When the insert  30  is placed on the base portion  12 , the lock tabs  18  and the wider portions of the slots  32  will be in substantial alignment, and the lock tabs  18  will penetrate the wider portions of the slots  32 . 
     As broadly embodied in  FIGS. 1A-1C  and  FIG. 2 , decorative customizable party apparatus  10  further comprises a substantially transparent cover portion  40  including a substantially transparent top surface  46 . The transparent cover  40 , when attached to the base  12 , provides substantially watertight protection of the insert  30 , while simultaneously allowing the insert  30  to be visible through the cover portion  40 . In some embodiments, such as use of the customizable decorative party apparatus  10  with a plate, as discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 5A-5C , the top surface of transparent cover  40  will be planar. In other embodiments, such as the embodiments of  FIGS. 1C ,  2 , and  4 A- 4 B, the top surface  46  may be shaped as a dome. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3C , several preferred configurations are presently envisioned for removably attaching the cover  40  to the base  12 , to provide a substantially watertight seal with the interchangeable insert  30  temporarily, removably locked therebetween. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A , a bottom surface  42  of transparent cover portion  40  includes locking slots  43 , positioned to align with the slots  32  on the insert. These locking slots  43  are configured such that vertical portions  19  of lock tabs  18  will project into these slots, and the inward-projecting portions  20  will snap inward, thereby removably snap-locking the cover  40  in place on top of the base  12  with a substantially watertight seal. Washers (not shown) can be inserted between the base portion and the cover portion to enhance the watertight seal therebetween. 
       FIG. 3B  broadly depicts structure for a partial thread attachment of base portion  12  and cover portion  40 . Partial threads are provided on the bottom surface  42  of the cover  40 , comprising outer slot portions  44 , and internal slot portions  45 . Outer slot portions  44  align with the wider portions of the insert slots  32 . The lock tabs  18  insert into place through the wider portions of the slots  32  and into the outer slot portions  44 , then twist into the internal slot portions  45 , thereby removably locking the cover  40  into place on base  12  with a substantial watertight seal. Again, washers (not shown) can be inserted between the base portion and the cover portion to enhance the watertight seal. 
       FIG. 3C  broadly depicts structure for a full thread attachment of base portion  12  to cover portion  40 . As broadly embodied in  FIG. 3C , a full circumferential thread  48  is provided on the lower surface  42  of the cover  40 . Lock tabs  18  are inserted into place through the slots  32 , the inwardly projecting portions  20  engage the full circumferential thread  48 , and the lock tabs  18  are twisted until the cover  40  and the base  12  are removably locked together with the interchangeable insert removably, interchangeably locked therebetween with a substantial watertight seal. Once again, washers (not shown) may be inserted between the base portion and the cover portion to enhance the watertight seal. 
     The lock tabs  18  and the cover  40  can be manipulated by hand in order to disconnect the substantial watertight connection and remove the cover portion  40  from the base portion  12 . The removability of the cover portion  40  from the base portion  12 , and the interchangeability of the insert  30 , enables the same decorative party apparatus  10  to be used and re-used in a number of different party situations, either with the same insert  30  or with a different insert  30 . 
     For example, in the case of a birthday party, removable, interchangeable insert  30  can be, e.g., a photograph of the individual celebrating his or her birthday. For a graduation party, insert  30  can be, e.g., a photograph of the graduate in a cap and gown. For a political rally or inauguration party, insert  30  can be, e.g., a photograph of the candidate, a symbol of the political party, a slogan of the campaign, or the words “WE WIN.” For a corporate picnic, insert  30  can be, e.g., a corporate logo, or one of the company&#39;s brand names, trademarks, or service marks. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7A-7B , for a wedding reception, insert  30  can, e.g., be a photograph of the bride and groom kissing at the altar. This photograph, or other photographs of the bride and groom or the bridal party, can be taken at the wedding ceremony, and e-mailed, via electronic notebook, digital camera, mobile phone, or other well-known electronic medium to a computer at the reception site, down-loaded, printed, and inserted in the customizable decorative party decorations  10  before the bridal party and the wedding guests arrive. 
     Other inserts  30  are possible and within the scope of the invention, e.g., team photographs, class or military unit reunion photographs, family photographs, holiday photographs, and sayings, e.g., “Happy New Year,” “Happy St. Patrick&#39;s Day,” “State Champions,” “Baby&#39;s First Christmas,” and so on. 
     As was the case with the preferred shapes discussed above, the invention is not limited to any replaceable inserts. While in use, the respective inserts  30  will be protected from damage by the substantial watertight connection between the respective base portions and the respective cover portions  40 . 
     Moreover, once the cover portions  40  are removed from the base portions  12 , the respective inserts  30  can be removed and stored for potential future re-use, and the party items themselves can be stored for potential future re-use. 
     As broadly embodied herein, and referring to  FIGS. 1A-1C ,  2 ,  4 B, and  6 , the customizable decorative party apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention is removably attachable to a plurality of party decorations. As broadly embodied herein, a connecting structure  50  is fixed to the second surface  16  of the base  12 . Referring to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 C,  2 , and  4 B, attachment device  50  comprises an adhesive pad, coated with a temporary adhesive compound. A number of well-known temporary adhesive compounds are commercially available, such as temporary adhesive compounds manufactured and sold by the 3M™ Corporation. 
       FIG. 4A  depicts one example of a customizable decorative party apparatus  10 , removably attached to a cup  52 . Referring to  FIG. 4B , which depicts a top view of the cup of  FIG. 4A , the cup  52  has an outer surface  53  defining a convex arc, and the attachment device  50  of the customizable decorative party apparatus has an inner surface  54 , defining a concave arc. The concave arc of inner surface  54  is generally an inverse of the convex arc defined by the outer surface  53 . 
       FIG. 5A  depicts an example of a customizable decorative party apparatus  10 , removably attached to a plate  56 . In one preferred embodiment, a plate  56  can be specially configured with a central aperture  58 , and the customizable decorative party apparatus  10  is attached in the central aperture  58 . 
       FIG. 5B  depicts a first preferred embodiment for attachment of a customizable decorative party apparatus  10  to a plate  56 . The base portion  12 , with the lock tabs  18 , and the insert  30  are inserted upward into the central aperture  58  from below the plate. Next, the transparent cover portion  40  is inserted downward from above into the central aperture  58  of the plate  56 , and attached to the base portion  12  to define a substantial watertight seal. In this embodiment, a peripheral side surface of transparent cover portion  40  is configured with external threads  48 , which threadably engage with corresponding internal threads  59  in the central aperture  58  to removably connect the customizable decorative party apparatus  10  to the plate  56 . 
       FIG. 5C  depicts another preferred embodiment for attachment of a customizable decorative party apparatus  10  to a plate  56 . In this embodiment, a set of external threads  57  are provided on the outer periphery of the base  12 . As depicted in  FIG. 5C , the customizable decorative party apparatus  10  is first fully assembled, then inserted upward from below the plate  56 , into the central aperture  58 . When the external threads  57  engage the internal threads  59  of the central aperture  58 , the customizable decorative party apparatus  10  is removably connected to the plate  56 . Moreover, although the drawing depicts the customizable decorative party apparatus  10  being inserted upward into central aperture  58  from below the plate  56 , it also is possible and within the scope of the invention to insert the fully assembled customizable decorative party apparatus  10  downward into central aperture  58  of plate  56 . 
     It is also within the scope of the invention to use a plate  56  without a central aperture  58 , and to adhere a customizable decorative party apparatus  10  to a surface of the plate  56  with a connecting structure  50  in the form of a temporary adhesive pad. 
       FIG. 6  depicts another embodiment of a customizable decorative party apparatus  10  configured for attachment to a drinking straw  60 . In this embodiment, connecting device  50  comprises a flexible split ring  62 , connected to the second side  16  of base portion  12 . When the flexible split ring  62  is compressed by compressive force C, flexible split ring  62  is compressed to define substantially a  360  degree circle, with a diameter smaller than a diameter of the straw  60 , thereby holding the customizable decorative party apparatus  10  in place on the straw  60 . 
       FIG. 8A  depicts an embodiment of a customizable decorative party apparatus  10  configured for attachment to a Christmas tree ornament  64 . In this embodiment, the ornament  64  typically is configured with a partial arcuate convex outer face  66  defining a convex arc. The attaching device  50  is again configured as an adhesive pad with a concave inner face, which is generally the inverse of the convex arc of the outer face  66 , similar to the case of the cup embodiment in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . As broadly embodied herein, the Christmas tree ornament embodiment preferably also has additional features. Insert  30  preferably is translucent. Moreover, the base portion  12  is configured on one surface with an aperture  68 , sized to allow insertion therethrough of a light  69 , preferably an LED. When in place behind the insert  30 , illumination of the light  69  will transmit bright light through the translucent insert  30  and transparent cover  40 , creating a dramatic visual effect. Although not shown in  FIG. 8A , the shape of ornament  64  also could be, e.g., the shape of a pair of baby shoes, or the like. 
       FIG. 10  depicts an electric cord  70  of Christmas tree lights  69 , including a plug  71  for electric connection of the light cord  70  to a power source (not shown). Although an electric plug is shown in  FIG. 8B  for connection to an external power source, the electric cord  70  could have an internal power source, e.g., a battery. As broadly embodied in  FIG. 8B , one or more lights  69  can be inserted through apertures  68  into the bases  12  of customizable decorative party apparatuses  10  in accordance with the invention, so that the lights  69  illuminate one or more interchangeable inserts  30 . Moreover, the inserts can be translucent to create a more dramatic visual effect. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  broadly depict another embodiment of a customizable decorative party apparatus  10 , removably attachable to a hat, e.g., a New Year&#39;s Eve party hat  72  in  FIG. 9A  or a birthday party hat  73  in  FIG. 9B . 
     Alternate embodiments of aspects of the present invention exist. As broadly embodied in  FIG. 10  for example, a cover portion  140  threadably connects to a base portion  112 , forming a substantially watertight seal with a removable interchangeable insert  130  therebetween. The connection is made by the mating of threads  170  provided on vertical portions  119  of lock tabs  118  with threads  172  provided on corresponding opposite-facing surfaces within cover portion  140 . Once again, a washer (not shown) may be inserted between the base portion and the cover portion to enhance the watertight seal. 
     Another alternate embodiment of the present invention, broadly depicted in  FIG. 11 , includes a light  69 , preferably an LED, inserted through an aperture  68  into the base portion  12 , in order to illuminate the insert  30 . Preferably, insert  30  in this alternate embodiment is translucent, in order to enhance the visual effect. 
     Yet another alternate embodiment involves the removable, interchangeable insert itself. As broadly embodied in  FIG. 12 , insert  230  includes a base  234 , having a plurality of slots  232 , for insertion therethrough of locking tabs (not shown). The slots  232  define an imaginary inner perimeter  236 . A generally round removable sticker or disk  238 , printed with the desired photograph, decal, logo, or emblem, inserts within the circle defined by the imaginary perimeter  236 , with the space  234  outside the perimeter  236  to be covered by outer peripheral edges of the cover portion. 
     Still other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. For example, one of ordinary skill will recognize that locking tabs, or threaded locking tabs, alternatively can be provided on the lower surface of the transparent cover, while locking slots, or threaded locking slots, alternatively can be provided on the first/upper surface of the base. One of ordinary skill also will recognize that different connecting structures can be configured for attachment to different party items, including but not limited to flatware, balloons, signs, banners, and so forth. For all of these reasons, the specification and the disclosed embodiments are to be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims and their legal equivalents.