Patent Publication Number: US-2007114336-A1

Title: Pumpkin decor kit

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM  
      This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/721,244, entitled “Pumpkin Decorating Kit,” which was filed Sep. 28, 2005. Application No. 60/721,244 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
      The present invention relates generally to craft kits for making decorative statuettes and displays using pumpkins, squash, melons, various fruits and vegetables, and other like-shaped articles composed of various materials. It is known that people often carve pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns, and/or decorate pumpkins in various fashions for exhibition as seasonal décor, particularly around Halloween. People also regularly display faux pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns made from assorted materials as seasonal decorations. Thus, it is desired to have novel methods of decorating and accessorizing pumpkins, squash, melons, various fruits and vegetables, and other artificial like-shaped items for use as seasonal décor.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention provides a décor kit for decorating and accessorizing pumpkins, squash, various fruits and vegetables, and other artificial like-shaped items composed of various materials. Therefore, the present invention provides a support base to sustain a real or simulated fruit or vegetable in an elevated position, where the support base is composed of substantially planar interlocking support members and shaped to provide a statuette appearance with the elevated real or simulated fruit or vegetable as part of the statuette.  
      In addition, the present invention provides a support base to sustain a real or simulated fruit or vegetable in an elevated position where the support base is composed of substantially planar interlocking support members, and a covering to surround the support base where the support base and covering are shaped to provide a statuette appearance with the elevated real or simulated fruit or vegetable as part of the statuette.  
      In addition, the present invention provides a support base to sustain a real or simulated fruit or vegetable in an elevated position, a covering to surround the support base, and a carving template for use in carving the real or simulated fruit or vegetable, where the support base and covering are shaped to provide a statuette appearance with the elevated real or simulated fruit or vegetable as part of the statuette.  
      In addition, the present invention provides a themed statuette comprising a support base, a real or simulated fruit or vegetable resting atop the support base, and a covering surrounding the support base where the support base and covering are shaped to provide a statuette appearance with the elevated real or simulated fruit or vegetable as part of the statuette.  
      In addition, the present invention provides a process for assembling a statuette comprising the steps of interlocking the planar support members to form a support base, placing a real or simulated fruit or vegetable atop the support base, and wrapping the support base in a covering. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  shows a completed statuette made with a décor kit according to one embodiment the invention.  
       FIG. 2  shows the support structure of the embodiment of the décor kit illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  shows a completed statuette made with the inventive décor kit according to another embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 4  shows the support structure with covering and accessory of the embodiment of the décor kit illustrated in  FIG. 3 .  
       FIG. 5  shows a completed statuette made with the inventive décor kit according to another embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 6  shows the support structure with covering and accessory of the embodiment of the décor kit illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention will now be described with occasional reference to specific embodiments of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.  
      Except as otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.  
      Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, properties, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the following specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the present invention. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values to the extent that such are set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements.  
      A complete understanding of the invention will be obtained from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference characters identify like parts throughout. For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.  
      The present invention is directed to a pumpkin décor kit for general use in decorating and accessorizing pumpkins for enjoyment and display. However, the present invention is not limited for use with pumpkins, as the device may be employed to decorate a wide assortment of fruits, vegetables, and other various like-shaped articles. Non-limiting examples of pumpkin-alternative possibilities include squash, melons, faux pumpkins and other artificial like-shaped items composed of materials such as plastic, Styrofoam™, ceramic, and plaster. Specific examples utilizing pumpkins, various fruits and vegetables, and/or artificial fruits and vegetables provided herein are not intended to be limiting.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the pumpkin décor kit  100  of the present invention generally includes, among other things, a support base  102  comprising at least one support member. The support base  102  is desirably fashioned so that when a completed statuette is made with pumpkin décor kit  100  and a real or simulated pumpkin or other fruit or vegetable, the statuette assumes a humanoid appearance with the pumpkin or other natural or simulated fruit or vegetable simulating the “head” of the humanoid.  
      As representative of one embodiment,  FIG. 1  illustrates an assembled pumpkin décor kit  100  with pumpkin in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the associated pumpkin décor kit of the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1  includes a support base  102  comprising a first support member  104  and a second support member  105  that frictionally interlock. While the décor kit depicted in  FIG. 2  has a support base  102  comprised of interlocking first support member  104  and second support member  105 , alternate embodiments of the present invention may have support bases comprised of a single support member or may be comprised of more than two attached support members.  
      The support base may comprise a single support member, or may be composed of more than one attached support members. In some embodiments with more than one support member, the support members may be attached to one another by engaging the support members through the use of interlocking slots or slits, clips, or other fasteners. The illustrated embodiments of  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4  show the support base  102  of the pumpkin décor kit being comprised of a first support member  104  and a second support member  105  that interlock perpendicular to one another through the use of slits  106  to form a friction fit joint  108 . However, the first support member  104  and second support member  105  need not interlock perpendicular to one another, and further, need not interlock with one another at all. In alternate embodiments, support members may be attached to one another through the use of adhesive, tape, staples, welds, or combinations of such.  
      The support base  102  of the present invention may be constructed by the consumer after purchase of the pumpkin décor kit. The support members  104 ,  105  may be fashioned from essentially planar materials, and marketed in a substantially flat packaging arrangement. Once the substantially planar support members  104 ,  105  are removed from the packaging, a three dimensional support base  102  may be constructed by the consumer for utilization in the pumpkin décor kit. This may be done by the consumer interlocking the essentially planar support members  104 ,  105  in a perpendicular fashion once removed from the packaging. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the support members  104 ,  105  need not be essentially planar. Further, it should also be apparent to one skilled in the art that support base  102  need not be sold to the consumer with assembly required, and thus may be sold already constructed in a three dimensional form.  
      The support base  102  may be formed from materials that have sufficient rigidity to support an object such as a pumpkin, a large vegetable or fruit, or other similar object. In certain embodiments, the support base may be formed from heavy cardboard or plastic corrugate. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the support base  102  of the present invention is not limited to the construction of cardboard and plastic corrugate, but may be formed from various materials. Non-limiting possible examples include sheet metal, metal wire, solid plastic, baffled plastic, plastic corrugate, plastic wire, wood, rigid-paper-board, or combinations of one or more of such materials. In alternate embodiments, the pumpkin décor kit support base may only require support of a lighter-weight faux pumpkin, and thus the support base could also be formed of material that is less rigid, such as paperboard or light weight metal or plastic wire.  
      In the  FIG. 1  embodiment of the present invention, the combination of support base  102  and covering  116  gives a simulated humanoid appearance when used in conjunction with a pumpkin. In other embodiments of the invention, the support base itself may give the desired humanoid appearance when used in conjunction with a pumpkin or other natural or simulated fruit or vegetable. For example, the support structure  102  as illustrated in  FIG. 2  bears some resemblance to a humanoid torso and can be used without covering  116  to generate a humanoid appearance when used in combination with a pumpkin or other natural or simulated fruit or vegetable.  
      In the décor kit  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 , the support base  102  and covering  116  give a humanoid statuette appearance by portraying the appearance of a torso  112  and arm-like appendages  110 . In the same way, the support base and associated covering of the inventive décor kit can be fashioned to portray other humanoid characteristics. This is illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 3 and 5 . In  FIG. 3 , the support base  102  and covering  216  portray legs  111  of a scarecrow humanoid, while in  FIG. 5 , a support base  202  and the covering  316  give an appearance of a vehicle containing the body of a humanoid driver. In the embodiments of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 5 , the pumpkin sitting atop the support base represents the head of the figure. However, alternate embodiments of the present invention need not give the statuette appearance of a humanoid figure, but may give a statuette appearance of many different forms. Non-limiting possible examples include animals, fictional characters and creatures, vehicles, and assorted shapes.  
      In some embodiments of the present invention, the support base&#39;s measurements may be in the range of about four inches to six feet in height, about four inches to six feet in width, and about four inches to six feet in length. These ranges in measurements allow the present invention to be employed with fruits, vegetables, and other various like-shaped articles of various sizes and shapes. The illustrated embodiments of the present invention depict a support base with a height of about one foot, a width of about one foot, and a length of about on foot for application with a five to fifteen pound pumpkin. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the measurements for the support base&#39;s height, width, and length are not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and may vary depending on the application of the décor kit.  
      In some embodiments of the present invention, the support base may be flat along the bottom to sit substantially flush on a flat surface for stability. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the pumpkin décor kit need not have a support base with a substantially flat bottom. Further, the present invention may also include one or more spikes, barbs, points, or other implements protruding from the bottom of the support base for sticking into the ground for additional stability. These optional spikes or barbs protruding from the bottom of the support base may be formed from various materials. They may be composed from extensions of the material used to form the support base, or may be made from the non-limiting examples of metal or plastic. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the pumpkin décor kit need not include spikes, barbs, points, or other implements protruding from the bottom of the support base.  
      In some embodiments of the present invention, the top of the support base  102  may include a recess  114  to support an object selected by the user, such as a pumpkin. See  FIG. 2 . It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the optional recess  114  may be formed in a variety of sizes depending on what type of object is to be supported in the application of the décor kit. In other embodiments, the pumpkin décor kit may further include one or more spikes, barbs, points, or other implements protruding from the top of the support base capable of impaling, piercing, or otherwise attaching an object selected by the user, such as a pumpkin. In yet other embodiments, the support base may include the combination of both a recess and spikes or other implements to secure an object that is rested on the support base. These implements that may protrude from the top of the support base should provide additional prevention of the supported pumpkin from being dislocated from the support base. The spikes or barbs that may protrude from the top of the support base may be formed from various materials. They may be composed from extensions of the material used to form the support base, or may be formed from the non-limiting examples of metal or plastic. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the pumpkin décor kit need not include spikes, barbs, points, or other implements protruding from the bottom of the support base.  
      In some embodiments of the present invention not shown, the pumpkin décor kit may include drawings and writings directly on the support base. The support base may include these designs to give the appearance of clothes on the statuette, give the appearance of a certain identity that the statuette is to resemble, and/or display messages. The designs on the support base may also be included to further give the appearance of a humanoid form, an animal, a vehicle, or a fictional character or creature. Generally, the possible designs for the support base of the present invention may deal with Halloween and Autumn themes. Non-limiting specific examples of possible designs may include designs associated with ghosts, witches, skeletons, scarecrows, monsters, goblins, and the like. However, the designs on the support base may also be associated with themes such as fictional characters, sports, racing, holidays, birthdays, or special events. Further, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the support base of the pumpkin décor kit need not include a Halloween, Autumn, or other special event theme. Additionally, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the support base of the pumpkin décor kit need not include any drawings, writings, or designs.  
      In other embodiments of the present invention not shown, the pumpkin décor kit may include an unadorned support base, allowing the user to design the appearance their own personalized statuette. Additionally, the pumpkin décor kit may additionally include pens, markers, paint, stickers, and decals to provide the user with the tools to decorate their statuette. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the pumpkin décor kit need not include tools for designing the figurine.  
      In yet other embodiments, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the pumpkin décor kit  100  of the present invention may also include items such as coverings  116  to wrap the support base  102 , and accessories  118  to further ornament the statuette. The coverings may be in the form of clothing on the statuette, in the form of giving an appearance of clothing on the statuette, in the form giving an appearance of a certain identity that the statuette is to resemble, in the form of a vehicle appearance, and/or in the form of décor for a special event or occasion. The illustrated embodiments of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3  show fabric coverings  116 ,  216  to wrap the support base  102 . The illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 5  shows a plastic and plastic corrugate covering  316  to surround and enclose the support base  202 . It should apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to fabric coverings or plastic coverings as shown in the illustrated embodiments, but the coverings may consist of various materials. Non-limiting possible examples of materials that may compose the coverings of the pumpkin décor kit include fabric, plastic, plastic corrugate, cardboard, foil, metal, and paper. Further, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the pumpkin décor kit need not include a covering.  
      The coverings may be included to further give the appearance of a humanoid form, an animal, a vehicle, a fictional character or creature, and/or décor for a special occasion. Generally, as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , the coverings  116 ,  216  may deal with Halloween and Autumn themes. Non-limiting specific examples of possible coverings include coverings associated with the themes of ghosts, witches, skeletons, scarecrows, monsters, goblins, and the like. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the coverings may also be associated with other assorted themes such as fictional characters, sports, racing, holidays, birthdays, or special events. For example, as depicted in  FIG. 5 , the covering  316  deals with a racing theme. Further, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the coverings need not incorporate any particular set theme, but may generally represent a human figure, an animal, or a vehicle appearance.  
      In embodiments of the present invention, the pumpkin décor kit may include a carving template for assistance in the carving of a pumpkin face associated with the theme of the particular décor kit. The inclusion of a particular face template associated with the particular theme of the décor kit would allow a user to carve a pumpkin keeping with, and preferably the same as, the theme of the pumpkin décor kit. For example, the pumpkin décor kit  100  of  FIG. 1  could include a template facilitating the carving of a ghost face on the pumpkin. Similarly, the pumpkin décor kit  200  of  FIG. 3  could include a template facilitating the carving of a scarecrow, and the pumpkin décor kit  300  depicted in  FIG. 5  could include a template facilitating the carving of a race car driver face on the pumpkin. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the pumpkin décor kit of the present invention need not include a template to carve a particular type of face on a pumpkin that keeps with the décor kit&#39;s particular theme.  
      In embodiments not shown, the pumpkin décor kit may include a unadorned covering, allowing the user to design their own personalized statuette. The pumpkin décor kit may include pens, markers, paint, stickers, and decals to provide the user with the tools to decorate their statuette. In one embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 5 , an unadorned covering  316 , in conjunction with the support base  202 , could give the appearance of a race car without giving the appearance of a particular driver&#39;s racecar. This embodiment would allow the user to design the look of the vehicle statuette to that of their favorite race car, with the supported pumpkin symbolizing the head of their favorite race car driver. This embodiment may further include decals  120  to embody the parts of a racecar, such as wheels, headlights, a windshield, and driver numbers. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the pumpkin décor kit need not include tools for designing the figurine. Further, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that this same user decorating process could be embodied in any of the various embodiments of the pumpkin décor kit.  
      As depicted in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 5  the pumpkin décor kit of the present invention may include accessories to further adorn the pumpkin. Non-limiting examples include hats, chains, brooms, shoes, and other such objects to progress the applicable theme of the décor kit. For example, the pumpkin décor kit  100  of  FIG. 1  includes a chain accessory  118  to further the theme of a ghost. Likewise, the pumpkin décor kit  200  of  FIG. 3  includes a bird to sit atop the pumpkin to further the scarecrow theme, and the pumpkin décor kit  300  of  FIG. 5  includes a hat  318  to sit atop the pumpkin to further the race car theme. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that many other accessories could be also be included with the pumpkin décor kit of the present invention.  
      In some embodiments, the pumpkin décor kit may include items for rendering patterns or decorations on the surface of, or through all or a portion of, the mounted object, i.e. the pumpkin. According to such embodiments, stencils or patterns for forming faces or other renderings on the pumpkin are provided. According to some embodiments, the décor kits may also include one or more tools for rendering patterns or decorations, such as manual or powered blades, pokers, scoops, scrapers and the like for carving and designing a pumpkin or other fruit or vegetable. According to yet other embodiments, the kits may contain marking pens, décor items such as faux gems, ribbons and the like, or straw or yarn for forming hair. Decor kits may also comprise items for providing internal lighting, such as battery or electrical powered lighting fixtures, candles and the like. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that décor kits of the present invention may also include artificial pumpkins or like objects that are ready for mounting to the support base and may be pre-designed or ready for design by a user.  
      It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while the foregoing description sets forth in detail preferred embodiments of the present invention, modifications, additions, and changes might be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.