Patent Publication Number: US-9841160-B2

Title: Decorative candle sleeve and interlocking connectors for sheets

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Candles are available in a variety of diameters and heights and include traditional flame candles having a wax and wick as well as flameless candles, such as electrical candles like LED candles. Some are able to stand independently, while others require a holder. For example, pillar type candles are wide cylindrical candles having various heights. The extreme wide nature of pillar candles allows the candle to burn for an extended period of time and they are widely used as light sources and scent sources for various parties and events due to their long burning nature. Further, the wide base of these candles makes them less likely to tip over. Other candles which may be similarly self-supporting include short wide candles such as tea lights. 
     Pillar candles have a larger mass and are thus more visible when used, but pillar and other candles have limited aesthetic appeal. Likewise, candles of other sizes, including traditional and flameless candles, as well as other light sources, can also have limited aesthetic appeal. Candles and other light sources may be decorative only in the sense that the wax or other material may be colored other a shade of white or cream. In some instances, candles may have a small decorative twine garland with an ornament of some type secured around a section of the candle. Alternatively, a decorative element can be added by way of a decorative holder, dish or plate placed under the candle or other light source. 
     This sheets may be used for various purposes. However, systems for interconnecting two sheet edges, whether used for decorative purposes or other functions, can be cumbersome to engage. In some cases, the connection may be permanent, preventing disengagement and later reuse. In other cases, particularly when the material is plastic, the interconnection can result in buckling and a less than smooth appearance that detracts from the visual appeal. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various embodiments include decorative sleeves for receiving or placing around a light source. In some embodiments, the decorative sleeve is a flexible sheet of translucent or transparent material having a surface image thereon. The sheet has opposing first and second edges and a locking system to smoothly connect the first and second edges to form the sheet into a sleeve configuration. The locking system can further be disconnected to allow for flat storage of the sheet, and then can be connected again to form the sleeve at a later time. The sleeve is self-supporting and may be tubular or conical in shape. 
     The locking system may be formed only from the sheet material itself, with no additional components. In some embodiments, the locking system includes a first locking member adjacent to the first edge and a second locking member adjacent to the second edge. The first locking members is configured to align with and connect with the second locking member when the sheet is formed into the sleeve configuration. In some embodiments there are a plurality of first and second locking members. In some embodiments, the first locking member is a tab extending from the first edge and the second locking member is an elongated aperture adjacent to the second edge. The first locking member further include an aperture within the tab. 
     The flexible material may be a thin and flexible plastic. IN some embodiments, it is an opaque plastic, which may be colorless and which may simulate the appearance of frosted glass when used surrounding a light source such as a candle. 
     In some embodiments, the sheet includes an aperture configured to permit the unblocked passage of light when the sleeve is placed around a light source. For example, when the image on the decorative sleeve is a face, the aperture may form an eye of a face. 
     In some embodiments, the image is reverse printed on a surface of the sheet which forms the inside of the sleeve when in the sleeve configuration, such as when an opaque plastic or lenticular material is used. 
     In some embodiments, the decorative sleeve is provided with one or more self-adhesive decorative elements allowing the user to decorate the sleeve. 
     In still other embodiments, the sheet includes guideline markings to guide a user to cut the sheet and reduce its size by removing the third and/or fourth edges of the sheet, such as by removing the edges symmetrically. 
     Other embodiments include the locking system itself, which may be used for various purposes, such as to connect elements of a diorama to a base in perpendicular orientation, or the form the closure of box. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a decorative sleeve and candle of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of a sheet for use as a decorative sleeve. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a sheet being assembled into a decorative sleeve. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a decorative sleeve. 
         FIG. 5  is a close up view of a first and second locking member of the decorative sleeve in a locked configuration. 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a diorama including a first sheet for locking into a second sheet in the base. 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the diorama with the first sheet interlocked with the second sheet in a base. 
         FIG. 8  is a close-up view of the interlocked first and second sheet of  FIG. 7 , with a partial see-through to show the first locking member beneath the second sheet. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the bottom of the base of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of the base of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of a sheet for folding into the diorama of  FIGS. 6-9 . 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of a sheet for folding into the box of  FIGS. 13-15 . 
         FIG. 13  is a side perspective view of an open box created by folding and adhering the sheet of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is a side perspective view of the box of  FIG. 12  in closed form. 
         FIG. 15  is a side perspective view of the box in closed form as in  FIG. 12  but with a partial see-through to show the first locking member. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of a sheet for use as a decorative sleeve including a detachable portion. 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of an alternative sheet for use as a decorative sleeve including a detachable portion. 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of another alternative sheet for use as a decorative sleeve including a detachable portion. 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of another alternative sheet for use as a decorative sleeve including a detachable portion. 
         FIG. 20  is a top view of an alternative sheet for use as a decorative sleeve including guideline markings for reducing the sleeve height. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is directed to a sleeve having an open top and bottom and configured to cover a light source such as a candle or similar illuminable unit therein, and to closures for use in decorative sleeves and with other sheets. The sleeve is further adapted with decorative elements including a design or various images integrated therein or thereon and/or to have decorative elements added to it by a user. The application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 62/182,929 filed Jun. 22, 2015 and U.S. patent application No. 62/094,257 filed Dec. 19, 2014, the disclosures of both of which are incorporated by reference. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a transparent (and/or translucent) flexible sheet  12  surrounding and covering a candle  14 , which is an example of a decorative sleeve  10  of the present disclosure. The sleeve  10  is a substantially cylindrical tube for covering and surrounding a candle  14 , the tube having an open top  18  and an open bottom  20 . The sleeve  10  includes a flexible sheet  12  that may have a decorative scene or  16  printed or adhered thereon and/or apertures of any size or shape there through. The candle  14  in this embodiment, as well as in other embodiments described herein, may be a traditional flame candle or may be flameless, such as an electric candle like an LED candle. Furthermore, in this embodiment and others described herein, the sleeve may alternatively be used with a light source which is not a candle, such as a bulb. 
     An example of a sheet  12 , in an unassembled substantially flat form as during manufacture, shipping, and storage between uses, is shown in  FIG. 2 . The sheet  12  is generally rectangular in shape, having an upper edge  22  and an opposing lower edge  24 . The sheet  12  further includes a first side edge  26  and an opposing second side edge  28 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the side edges  26 ,  28  are brought together and then connected to form the sheet  12  into a cylindrical tube  10 . 
     The sheet  12  is produced from a flexible material, where the material may also be transparent and/or translucent. That is the material may be clear and/or may allow the transmission of some but not all light. For example, the sleeve  10  may be produced from a plastic film or sheet having a thickness sufficient to allow the sheet structural integrity with an adequate degree of flexibility such that the sheet  12  and the scene  16  are not distorted, torn or cracked when assembled and covering a candle. Alternatively, other thin and flexible material such as paper maybe used. The sheet  12  is also preferably capable of withstanding heat emitted from a burning candle, a flameless, or another light source with which it is used. The sleeve  10  is sturdy and can retain an upright position when resting on a surface on the top  18  or bottom  20  even when the sleeve is not covering a candle  14 . 
     The sleeve  10  in this example is adapted with an integral decorative scene  16  which may include various images, colors, designs, words and/or phrases printed on or otherwise adhered to the sheet  12 . The transparent sheet  12  allows the scene  16  to be illuminated when the candle  14  is lit or illuminated. Further, the sleeve  12  can be adapted with various scenes  16  or messages appropriate for the occasion or season. Alternatively, the sheet  12  may be plain or partially decorated such that a user may create a decorative scene or message, or add to or augment the declarations or messages provided on the sheet  12 . For example, the sheet  12  may be provided as part of a kit including materials for a user to decorate the sheet  12  as desired. For example, the kit may include one or more self-adhesive elements such as stickers, gel clings, adhesive jewels, or glitter glue, to name just a few options, and/or may include elements to draw or paint on the sheet  12  such as pens, markers, or paints. 
     Since some candles such as pillar type candles are large and burn for extended periods of time, and with the prevalence now of flameless candles and other light sources that can be used for years, the sleeve  10  of the present disclosure is configured for removal, storage, and later reuse. The open top  18  and open bottom  20  of the sleeve  10  also allow a user to replace or change decorative sleeves  10 , which may be changed based on the scene  16  and/or the occasion or current season. 
     The sheet  12  is configured such that the assembled sleeve  10  is a cylinder having an open space for receiving the candle  14  or other light source. The sheet  12  may be wrapped around the candle  14  and secured in the cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the candle  14  or other light source may be placed in or removed from the space within the tube sleeve  10  by lifting or lowering the sleeve  10  with respect to the candle  14  by open top  18  or open bottom  20 . 
     The sheet  12  may be generally rectangular in shape. Other shapes for the sheet  12  are possible and contemplated and may be used with candles of various heights or dimensions. For example, pillar candles having a cylindrical shape where the height of the candle is closer to the width of the candle may require a square sheet  12 . The dimensions of the sheet  12  may be sufficient in width and height or when measured on a diagonal to substantially cover the initial surface are of the candle. As traditional candles burn and tend to lose at least some height, the sleeve  10  may cover the initial size of the candle  14 . Alternatively, the sheet may be trapezoidal, having tapering edges, such that the sleeve is conical is tapered (open at both ends) or conical (open at only one end) in shape when rolled formed into a sleeve. 
     The width of the sheet  12  may allow the assembled sleeve  10  to have a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the candle  14  or other light source, allowing the sleeve  10  to be easily removable from the candle  14  or other light source (or the candle  14  or other light source easily insertable into space  22  of sleeve  10 ). Thus, inner facing surface  24  of the sleeve  10  may partially but not fully contact candle  14 . 
     The candle  14  or other light source may fit snugly within the sleeve  10  as shown in  FIG. 1 , such as when a pillar candle is used. Alternatively, the candle  14  or other light source may be narrower in diameter than the sleeve and both the candle  14  or other light source and sleeve  10  may each rest upon a support surface, such as a table, with a gap between the candle  14  or other slight source and the sleeve  10 . In a further alternative, the candle  14  or other light source may be both substantially smaller in diameter and substantially shorter than the sleeve  10 , such as when a sleeve  10  that fits snugly around a pillar candle is used instead with a tea light candle. In such an alternative, the entire height of the sleeve  10  would be well illuminated by candle  14  or other light source. 
     In some embodiments, two or more sheets  12  may be adjoined in series along their connecting edges and formed into a single sleeve. A sleeve formed in this way would have a larger diameter than one formed from an individual sheet. In this way, the size of the sleeve may be adjusted by interconnecting a plurality of sheets, each of which could alternatively be used individually, in order to create a sleeve of the desired larger size. 
     The sheet  12 , which is assembled to form sleeve  10 , may be produced from a larger web of material where the web is plain or is printed with a selected design or images and later cut for each individual sleeve  10 . Any one of various processes for printing or otherwise applying the design to the sheet material and cutting the sheet  12  for each sleeve  10  may be used. In some embodiments, ink may be applied directly to the sheet, such as by using an ultraviolet press. Alternatively, a decorative design may be applied to the sheet using etching, laser, embossing/debossing, stickers, vinyl, or other techniques on the sheet. In some embodiments, the decorative design may include textured printing, such as a buildup of layers both matt and glossy material of the same color, with some of each the matt and the glossy material at the surface to create an illusion of texture which may give it a hand painted appearance. In still other embodiments, the decorative design may be applied to a substrate, such as a translucent and/or transparent substrate, which may be adhered to the sheet. The larger sheet of a transparent and/or translucent material having the decorative design applied thereto, either directly or indirectly, may be cut by die cutting or other processing methods, into individual sheets  12 . 
     Some decorative designs include cut out elements that form apertures of various shapes within the sheet  12 . For example, the decorative design may include a face having eyes, and the eyes of the face may be formed by apertures within the sheet  12 . Other types of apertures are also contemplated, such as snowflake shapes, stars, or any other shape. These apertures may be cut out of the sheet  12  at the time that the individual sheets  12  are cut from the larger sheet of material. Since the light can pass through such apertures without obstruction by the sheet, they can appear brighter and/or may be a different color than the light shining through remainder of the sleeve  10 , such as if the body of the candle  14  is visible through the aperture. In some embodiments, the upper and/or lower edges  18 ,  20  may include cut out portions such that the edges  18 ,  20  are irregular rather than straight, as a component of the decorative design. 
     In an alternative embodiment, a sleeve  10  may comprise two or more overlapping sheets  12 , inside of each other. The sheets  12  may each be adapted with a different decorative image or scene  16  or apertures which may correspond to one another to form a composite scene  16 . The sleeve  10  may comprise two sheets  12 , each forming a cylindrical tube. A first, inner sheet  12  may have a cylindrical tube diameter that is greater than the diameter of the candle  14 . A second, outer sheet  12  would then have a cylindrical tube diameter that is greater than the diameter of the first sheet. For example, the outer sheet  12  may be only slightly larger than the inner sheet  12  such that the sheets  12  abut each other when put together as a sleeve, or it may be slightly larger forming a small gap between the sheets  12 , or may be large enough to form a large gap between the sheets  12  when formed into a layered multipart sleeve  10 . The sheets  12  may then be layered to form the sleeve  10  having a decorative scene  16  that is a composite scene, having a dimensional effect. The sheets  12  may each have a same or different sizes, including different heights or have different perimeter shapes as well as different decorative images or scenes. 
     In some embodiments, the sheet  12  is made of a colorless opaque plastic which simulates the appearance of clear frosted glass. The sheet  12  may have one smooth surface and one rough surface. In order to more realistically simulate frosted glass, the rough surface may be oriented outward when the sheet  12  is formed into a sleeve  10 . However, such a rough surface may not provide a good substrate for printing, therefore it may be preferable to print the decorative design on the smooth inner surface of the sheet  12 . In such embodiments, the decorative design may be reverse printed on the inner surface in order to achieve the proper image orientation when the sheet  12  is used as a sleeve  10 . For example, if words are printed onto the inner surface of the sheet  12 , the words and letters may be printed backward so that they appear to have a normal, left to right orientation when viewed through the sheet  12  after the sheet  12  is assembled into a sleeve  10 . Likewise, the orientation of any decorative image may be reversed when printed into the inner surface of the sheet  12  to achieve the desired orientation when the sheet  12  is rolled into a sleeve  10  and the image is seen through the sheet  12 . 
     In some embodiments, the material used for the sheet  12  may be lenticular, such as a lenticular plastic. For example, the sheet  12  may be a plastic having a smooth surface which may be oriented toward the inside when formed into a sleeve  10 , and an opposing lenticular surface having a plurality of lenticular lenses. A plurality of interlaced images may be used for decorating the sleeve, which may be printed on the smooth surface of the sheet  12  or may be printed on a substrate and applied to the sheet  12 . The use of lenticular material may allow for the decorative elements of the sleeve  10  to appear 3 dimensional or to appear to change or move when an observer moves with respect to the sleeve  10 . For example, the interlaced decorative elements and the lenticular lenses may be oriented around the sleeve  10  such that, when the sleeve  10  is in use and resting on a horizontal surface, as an observer walks past or around the sleeve  10 , the decorative elements appear to change or move in an appropriate manner. This may be achieved by orienting the lenticular lenses vertically in the sleeve  10 , for example. 
     A further optional alternative with any embodiment is the use of a scented material as a component of the sheet  12 . For example, the ink used to print a decorative scene may be scented. Alternatively, the material of the sheet  12  itself may be scented. An example of a scented material that may be used in various embodiments is the scented cellulosic plastic known as AURACELL which is commercially available from Rotuba Extruders of Linden, N.J., and which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,741,266. Other scented plastics or papers may alternatively be used. Such materials may continuously release a scent over time. The scent used in the sheet  12  may be coordinated with the scene itself, such as the use of a pine scent for a winter scene. 
     The sheet  12  is adapted along at least one side length for securing the assembled sleeve  10  in the cylindrical shape. The sheet  12  may be adapted with a clasp (not shown) or an adhesive strip along one side length (not shown) for securing the assembled sleeve  10 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the sheet includes an interlocking mechanism, described further below. Other securing mechanisms may be used or incorporated as well. This allows a user to quickly assemble the sleeve  10  prior to use with the candle  14 . The interlocking mechanism used to secure the sheet  12  into a sleeve  10  results in a smooth, releasable connection of the edges of the sheet  12  that does not result in buckling of the sheet  12 . 
     In the interlocking mechanism shown, the first side edge  26  includes a plurality of first locking members  30  and the second side edge  28  includes a plurality of second locking members  40 . The locking members  30 ,  40  of each side edge  26 ,  28  are aligned and configured to smoothly, securely and releasably mate together to interconnect the side edges  26 ,  28 . 
     The first locking member  30  is a tab that extends outward from the first edge  26 . The first locking member  30  includes a leading edge  32 , furthest from the first edge  26  of the sheet  12 . The leading edge  32  includes a tip  34  and tapers back toward the first edge  26  of the sheet  12 . In this example, the tip  34  is rounded and semicircular, but the tip  34  could alternatively simply be a rounded or hard angle and/or the leading edge  32  could be rounded or straight across its length. The first locking member  30  also includes opposing edges  36  that extend directly from the first edge  26  of the sheet  12  to the leading edge  32  of the tab. In this example, the edges  36  are angled away from each other slightly as they extend from the first edge  26 . Alternatively, the edges  36  may be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first edge  26 , or may angle toward each other as they extend from the first edge  26 . There is a single aperture  38  within the first locking member  30 . In this embodiment, the aperture is semicircular in shape, forming a half circle, with an edge  37  and a base  39  that is aligned with the first edge  26  of the sheet  12 , though other shapes are possible. 
     The second locking member  40  is located within the body of the sheet  12 , adjacent to the second edge  28 . It is formed by an elongated aperture  41  within the sheet  12 , extending lengthwise parallel to the second edge  28 . The aperture  41  includes an inner edge  42  farthest from the second edge  28  and an opposing outer edge  44  closest to the second edge  28 . The inner and outer edges  42 ,  44  come together in a rounded acute angle at the ends of each aperture  41 . In alternative embodiments, where the inner and outer edges  42 ,  44  come together at each end of the aperture  41 , a linear slit may extend away from the aperture  41 , forming a continuation of the length of the aperture  41 . The slit may be narrower than the aperture  41 , and there may be no gap in the material of the sheet  12  within the slit or there may be a small gap to more easily accommodate the thickness of the sheet  12  when the locking members  30 ,  40  are connected. The length of the aperture  41 , including any slits (if present) may be only slightly greater than the width of the first locking member  30  from edge  36  to edge  36 , to allow the first locking member  30  to fit snugly into the aperture  41 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the inner edge  42  is curved (C-shaped) and extends away from the aperture  41 . The outer edge  44  angles away from the aperture  41  at its edges. However, more centrally within the aperture  41  the outer edge  44  reverses direction and extends into the aperture  41  to form a tab portion  50  projecting within the aperture  41 . The tab portion  50  includes a tab edge  52  that tapers outward into the aperture  41  to form a tab tip  54 . In the embodiment shown, the tab tip  54  is rounded and semicircular, but the tip  54  may alternatively be a rounded or hard angle. 
     When the first and second locking members  30 ,  40  are interlocked as shown by the arrows in  FIG. 3 , the members  30 ,  40  mate as shown in  FIG. 4  and in the close up shown in  FIG. 5 . This is achieved by rolling sheet  12  into a tube and sliding the first locking member  30  past the second edge  28  on the outer surface of the sheet  12  and into the aperture  41 . The leading edge  32  inserts into the aperture  41  to lie against the inner surface of the sleeve  12 . This action is assisted by the tapering of the leading edge  32  and the roundness of the tip  34  as well as the roundness of the inner edge  42 . In alternative embodiments, the first locking member  30  may be wider than the aperture  41 , and may extend through the slits at the edges of the aperture  41 . 
     Once the first locking member  30  is inserted sufficiently far into the aperture  41 , the tab tip  54  of the tab portion  50  of the second locking member  40  can extend from behind the first locking member  30  through the aperture  38  of the first locking member  30 . In this position, the tab tip  54  is in front of the first locking member  30 , with the edge  37  of the aperture  38  behind the tab tip  54 . In this way, the edge  37  of the aperture  38  abuts the tab edge  52  adjacent to the tab tip  54 , securing the first locking member  30  in position within the aperture  41  and preventing it from sliding out and locking the two members  30 ,  40  together. To release the members  30 ,  40  the tab tip  54  can be pushed back through the aperture  38 , owing to the flexibility of the sheet material, and the members  30 ,  40  can be slid apart. In this way the members  30 ,  40  retain their shapes and functionality so that they can be easily reengaged again later. 
     The design of the first and second locking members  30 ,  40 , which may include nothing but the sheet material itself, allows them to easily slide together and lock into place, yet also allows them to separate easily and be used over and over again. Because of this, the first and second locking members  30 ,  40  can be used in any application to connect one sheet to another to form a continuous smooth plane. For example, they may be used to releasable close an envelope, a box such as a take-out food box. 
     Alternatively, the first and second locking members  30 ,  40  can also be used to connect first and second sheets in a perpendicular arrangement. Examples of such include planar elements inserted into a horizontally oriented base, so that the planar elements are able to stand vertically, though other orientations are also possible. The sheet that forms the base includes a space or gap beneath the sheet to allow insertion of the locking member through the base and perpendicular alignment. 
     An example of the use of the locking members in a perpendicular connection is shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . In this example, there is a first sheet  70  that is planar and in the shape of a tree (though any shape could be used) and a second sheet  80  which forms a base  90 . In this example, the first and second sheets  70 ,  80  are components of a scene within a diorama  100  having a swinging front panel  110  allowing a user to open and view the scene. Although not shown, the scene may include a plurality of other sheets, in the shapes of other trees and/or any other shapes, which may include first locking members like first sheet  70  and which may be inserted into the second sheet  80  through other second locking members. In this way, the scene may include an array of pieces, locked into position using first and second locking members. In some embodiments, diorama  100  may include further enhancements, such as lighting. For example, a light may be located in the base  90  to create the look of a camp fire, and reflective material such as a metal foil may be used inside the diorama  100  such as on one or more inner walls to enhance the fire light effect. Various other scenes may likewise be created. 
     The first sheet  70  includes a first edge  72 , from which the tab shaped first locking member extends. The first locking member includes a tapered leading edge  132  and tip  134  and edges  136  on each of the sides, between the first edge  72  and the leading edge  132 . The first locking member further includes an aperture  138  that is semicircular in shape. 
     The second sheet  80  forms the top of base  90  and includes a second locking member within it. The second locking member is formed by an elongated aperture  141 , which can be further seen in the aerial view of the base  90  shown in  FIG. 9 . The aperture  141  includes a first edge  142  and an opposing second edge  144 . Where the first and second edges  142 ,  144  come together at each end of the aperture  142 , there is a linear slit  146  extending away from the aperture  141 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the first edge  142  is curved (C-shaped) and extends away from the aperture  141 . The second edge  144  angles away from the aperture  141  at the edges and more centrally reverses direction and extends into the aperture  141  to form a tab portion  150  projecting within the aperture  41 . The tab portion  150  includes a tab edge  152  that tapers outward into the aperture  141  to form a tab tip  154 . In the embodiment shown, the tab tip  154  is rounded and semicircular, but the tab tip  154  may alternatively be a rounded or hard angle. 
     The first locking member can be inserted through the aperture  141  of the second locking member as indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 6  in a perpendicular orientation. Once the first locking member is inserted sufficiently far through the aperture  141 , the tab tip  154  pops through the aperture  138  to lock it in place as shown in  FIG. 7  and hold the sheets in perpendicular orientation. The first locking member is further held in position by the slits  146  which retain the outer edges of the first locking member. The first edge  72  of the first sheet  70  is aligned with the base  139  of the aperture  138 . This results in the first edge  72  of first sheet  70  aligning with and abutting the top surface of the second sheet  80 , with the first locking member located beneath the second sheet  80 , remaining largely unseen by a user within the base  90 . 
     For further clarification,  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the base  90  from below, showing the first and second locking members in interlocked arrangement. The first locking member can be seen projecting through the aperture  141 , with the tab tip  154  of the second locking member extending through the aperture  138  of the first locking member to hold it in place. The sides  92  of the base  90  provide an empty space or gap between the bottom surface of the second sheet  80  and the surface such as a table upon which the base is placed. This allows the first locking member to be inserted through the aperture  141  without obstruction and hides it from view beneath the second sheet  80 . 
       FIG. 11  shows the diorama  100  in a flat, unfolded form, including the second sheet  80 , which forms a portion of the base  90 , which in turn forms a portion of the diorama sheet, including second locking member  140 . The diorama  100  as shown may be folded into the box shaped scene shown in  FIG. 6-10 , with the first sheet provided separately. The sheets  70 ,  80  may be any stiff but flexible material, such as a thin plastic or stiff paper material. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second sheets  70 ,  80 , and optionally additional sheets having a first or second locking members may be provided in a kit for a user to assemble. For example, the kit may form a diorama when assembled with multiple sheets having locking members to insert into a base having corresponding locking members. The kit may further include a book with a story in which the elements of the diorama are featured within the story. For example, the sheets may include one or more characters from the story. In still other embodiments, the kit may provide for insertion of sheets into a base in a designated order and a particular times, such as once per day, in the nature of a calendar such as an advent calendar. Insertion of the sheets by the user may count down the days to a final day which may be particular event such as a holiday, birthday, graduation, first or last day of school, etc., until the project, such as a diorama or other scene, is completed by the user on the final day to mark arrival of that day. 
     In another example, the first and second locking members may be distinct components of a single sheet, locked together in perpendicular orientation by the locking members. An example of such an embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 13-15  which show a box  200  constructed from a single sheet  202  as shown in  FIG. 12 . The sheet  202  may be any stiff but flexible material, such as a thin plastic or a stiff paper material, depending upon the use of the box  200 . When used for carrying food, such as for taking home left overs or for carry-out food or quick service food, the box  200  may be constructed from a water resistant paper material such as a wax coated paper. The box  200  may be formed by folding the sheet  202  and adhering it into a box shape, with the first and second sheet portions  215 ,  220  loose to allow closure of the box  200  using the first and second locking members  230 ,  240 . The box  200  may include a perpendicular portion  210  which may be shaped into a decorative shape and which may be used for source identification or advertising, for example. 
     The first sheet portion  215  of the box  200  is connected to the perpendicular portion  210  along a folding line  217 , which allows the perpendicular portion  210  to fold relative to the first sheet portion  215 . However, the first sheet portion  215  and the perpendicular portion  210  are separated centrally by a cut through the sheet  202  to form the first locking member, bisecting the folding line  217 . The first locking member  230  is thus cut out of the first sheet portion  215  and is continuous with the perpendicular portion  210 . When the perpendicular portion  210  is folded along fold line  217 , the perpendicular portion  210  and the first locking member  230  both turn, relative to the first sheet portion  215 , remaining together in the same plane. 
     In  FIG. 13 , the sheet  202  has been folded and adhered into a box  200 . The perpendicular portion  210  has been folded along fold line  217  upward, away from the box  20 , resulting in the first locking member  230  projecting downward, toward the box  200 . As the box is closed by moving the first sheet portion  215  downward as shown by the arrow, the first locking member  230  inserts into the aperture  241  of the second locking member  240 . Once fully inserted, as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the tab tip  254  inserts into the aperture  238 , locking the members  230 ,  240  together, thereby holding the box closed and also holding the perpendicular portion  210  in an upright position, generally perpendicular to the top surface of the box  200 . In this example, the perpendicular portion  210  is in the shape of a chef&#39;s hat, but any shape could be used. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12-15 , it can be seen that the first and second locking members  230  and  240  are shaped slightly differently than in the previous embodiments. It should be understood that the locking members described in the previous embodiments could be substituted for the locking member of this embodiment. Likewise, the locking members of this embodiment could be substituted for those of the previous embodiments. 
     The first locking member  230  is in a tab shape and includes a leading edge  232  and edges  236  on the sides. The leading edge  232  is flat, with no tapering or tip. However, the edges  236  are tapered such that the tab is narrower at the leading edge and wider at the base, though alternatively the edges  236  could be parallel to each other or could be angles such that the tab is wider at the leading edge  232  than at the base. The first locking member  230  includes an aperture  238 , in the shape of an elongated slot. 
     The second locking member  240  includes an aperture which is an elongated slot  241  having a first edge  242  and a second edge  244 . The slot  241  is straight at the periphery and curved centrally. The second edge  244  curves to form a semicircular tab  254 . The first edge  242  curves outward in accommodate the shape of the tab  254 . 
     Returning to the sheets  12  for use as candle sleeves  10  as described previously, it may be desirable for a vendor to hang the sheets  12  on a rack in order to display them in a store. Furthermore, it may be desirable to add labeling to the sheets  12  to assist with the sale of the sheets  12 , for example. However, it may be preferred if such labeling can be provided without obscuring the decorative scene or leaving any residue on the scene that would interfere with its later use. Therefore, some embodiments may be modified to assist with hanging and labeling of the sheets  12  as described further below and as shown in  FIGS. 16-19 . 
     Each of the alternative sheets  12  of  FIGS. 16-19  includes a detachable portion  300  with an aperture  302  for purposes of hanging the sheet on a rod of a display rack, such as for displaying the sheets  12  for sale in a store. The detachable portion  300  is not a component of the final decorative sleeve  10 . Therefore the connection between the sheet  12  and the detachable portion  300  may be perforated in order to allow a user to easily detach it from the sheet  12 . The detachable portion  300  not only allows for the inclusion of an aperture  302  for displaying the sheets  12 , but allows for printing or labeling the sheet  12  with printing, stickers, logos, or other labeling or images that may indicate the name, source or price of the product or other information, which may then be removed from the sheet  12  by the user in order to not interfere with the decorative appearance of the sleeve  10 . 
     In some embodiments, the sheet  12  may include guidelines which may be used by a user to reduce the height of the sleeve  10  in order to match the height of a particular candle or other light source. For example, the sleeve  12  may be sized for use with a candle of one height, such as a candle measuring 6 inches tall, and so the sleeve  12  may be sized to stand approximately 6 inches high. However, some users may want to use the sleeve  10  with shorter candles or other light sources, such as candles measuring 5 inches or 4 inches. The user may cut the sheet  12  to reduce the height of the sleeve  10 . In order to make this easier, the sheet may include markings which are guidelines to show a user where to cut the sheet  12  to reduce the height of the sleeve  10  for use with standard sized candles, such as one or more of 6 inches, 5 inches, or 4 inches in height. In some embodiments, in order for any decorative imaging to remain centered on the candle or other light source, the sheet  12  may include guidelines for reducing the height of the sleeve by symmetrically removing a portion of the sheet from both the upper edge  22  and the lower edge  24  of the sheet  12 . 
     An example of a sheet including size-reduction guidelines is shown in  FIG. 20 . The guidelines are provided in pairs, adjacent to both the first and second edges  26 ,  28 , to guide a user in cutting the sheet  12  from the first edge  26  to the second edge  28 . Furthermore, the guidelines include an upper and a lower pair, for guiding symmetrical removal of equal amounts from the upper edge  22  and the lower edge  24 . For example, the two pairs of guidelines  314   a  and  314   b  direct a user to reduce the sleeve by cutting across the sleeve from guideline  314   a  to  314   b , along both the upper and lower edges  22 ,  24 . To reduce the sleeve  10  to an even smaller height, the user would cut from each guideline  312   a  to the corresponding guideline  312   b . To reduce the sleeve  10  to a still smaller height, the user would cut from each guideline  310   a  to the corresponding  310   b . In this way, the guidelines direct a user in where to cut the sheet  12  as needed to symmetrically reduce the height of the final sleeve  10 . 
     The guideline marks may be printed on the sheet  12 , such as on the inner surface of the sheet, in the form of a subtle solid, dashed, or dotted line, for example. In some embodiments, the guidelines may not be printed lines but rather may be formed by linear (such as solid, dashed, or dotted) gaps in the decorative printing of the design. The guidelines may be located only at, or closely adjacent to, the first and second edges  26 ,  28 , where they will be less visible, or they may extend partially or completely across the sheet  12 . 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.