Patent Abstract:
A figure ornament and method of making same which utilizes a thin, sheet material body having a longitudinally oriented solid center section which extends through the body dividing the body into a right side lobe and a left side lobe. Both the right side lobe and the left side lobe include a mass of thin slits. The center section is then folded upon itself forming a compact stack with the right side lobe and the left side lobe flaring outwardly from the compact stack defining an ornamental figure shape. There is then to be used an adhesive or clip for securing the compact stack so as to maintain the compact stack in its established position.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The field of this invention relates to decorative q ornaments and more particularly to a figure ornament that is to be used as a bow in gift wrapping of packages, holiday ornaments, artificial flowers, decorative displays and other similar types of sages.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    Decorative ornaments for use in gift wrapping packages are well known. Reference is to be had to the present inventor&#39;s own U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,609,928 and 6,042,903. Also, reference is to be had to the inventor&#39;s own prior patent application Ser. No. 09/544,056 filed Apr. 6, 2000. The subject matter of the present invention is directed to a figure ornament and method of making same which is distinctly different from the aforementioned patents and patent application.  
           [0005]    In the field of decorative bows, holiday ornaments, and so forth, there is always a need to construct a new and different configuration of such. Consumers are always looking for “the unusual”. Therefore, it is the intent of the subject patent application to describe a figure ornament and method of making same which is different from all known prior art.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    A first embodiment of figure ornament which utilizes a sheet material body which has a longitudinally oriented solid center section located between a right side lobe and a left side lobe. The right side lobe includes a plurality of first slits, and the left side lobe includes a plurality of second slits with both of the first slits and the second slits located transverse to the center section. The center section is then folded upon itself forming a compact stack which locates the right side lobe and the left side lobe flaring outwardly therefrom defining an ornamental figure shape. There is then utilized some type of device for securing the compact stack so as to maintain the position of the compact stack.  
           [0007]    A further embodiment of this invention which is in addition to the first embodiment where the center section is formed as a thin strip.  
           [0008]    A still further embodiment of this invention is in addition to the first embodiment which locates the center section which divides the body in half to also make the left side lobe approximately the same size as the right side lobe.  
           [0009]    In yet a still further embodiment of this invention, the first embodiment in modified no that the right side lobe is identical but reversed from the left side lobe.  
           [0010]    In yet a further embodiment of this invention, the first embodiment is modified so that the first slits are located parallel to each other and the second slits are located parallel to each other.  
           [0011]    In still a further embodiment of this invention, the first embodiment is modified so that the first slits are located in a skewed relationship to the second slits.  
           [0012]    In yet a still further embodiment of this invention, the first embodiment is modified so that the folding of the center section is accomplished in an accordion fold.  
           [0013]    In a still further embodiment of this invention, the first embodiment is modified so that the means for securing comprises an adhesive.  
           [0014]    In yet a still further embodiment of this invention, the first embodiment is modified so that the means for securing comprises a clip.  
           [0015]    In yet a further embodiment of this invention, the first embodiment is modified so that each first slit is of the same length as the second slit which are in direct transverse alignment.  
           [0016]    A still further embodiment of this invention, the first embodiment is modified by each first slit being at a first acute angle relative to the center section and each second slit is at a second acute angle relative to the center section with the first acute angle being equal to the second acute angle.  
           [0017]    A second embodiment of this invention is directed to the method of making a figure ornament by forming of a thin, sheet material of a preselected shape and then cutting of this body into a mass of thin slits while permitting the body to maintain a solid center section essentially dividing the body into two parts. This center section is then folded upon itself to form a compact stack. A securement is then utilized to maintain the compact stack in its established position. The two parts are then flared outwardly from the compact stack forming a specific ornamental figure configuration.  
           [0018]    A further embodiment of this invention modifies the second embodiment with the thin slit of one part being located parallel to each other and the thin slits of the other part also being located parallel to each other.  
           [0019]    In still a further embodiment of this invention, the second embodiment is modified to where the two parts are located of equal size.  
           [0020]    In a still further embodiment of this invention, the second embodiment is modified by the folding of the center section being accomplished in an accordion manner.  
           [0021]    In a still further embodiment of this invention, the second embodiment is modified by the securing being accomplished by means of an adhesive.  
           [0022]    In a still further embodiment of this invention, the second embodiment is modified by the securing being accomplished by means of a clip.  
           [0023]    In a still further embodiment of this invention, the second embodiment is modified by the step of cutting including a series of first slits within one part and a series of second slits within the other part with the first slits being skewed relative to the second slits.  
           [0024]    In a further embodiment of this invention, the directly previously described embodiment is modified so that each first slit is of the same length as the second slit with which it is in direct transverse alignment.  
           [0025]    In a still further embodiment of this invention, the just described embodiment is modified so that each first slit is located at an acute angle relative to the center section with each second slit being located at an acute angle relative to the center section with these acute angles being equal. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]    For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangement shown in the drawings.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1 is a top plan view showing the body of the figure ornament of the present invention in its expanded state with this figure ornament to eventually resemble a butterfly;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the addition of adhesive on the solid center section of the body and s the addition of a release liner over the adhesive;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through the center section of the butterfly configuration figure ornament of this invention showing more clearly the covering of the adhesive on the center section and the fact that there is a cover section to be located on both sides of the center section;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view depicting the accordion folding of the center section of the butterfly configuration ornament of FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 but where the center section is now completely folded into a compact stack and showing the possible inclusion of a clip to be connected to the compact stack to maintain the compact stack in its established position;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the resultingly formed butterfly figure ornament;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 7 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 2 but of a modified form of figure with that figure being defined as a heart;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the heart shaped figure ornament in the completely constructed state;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but of a different configuration of body which is to be utilized to produce an angel shaped figure ornament;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the completely constructed angel shaped figure ornament;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view through line  11 - 11  of FIG. 10; and  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view through the compact stack that is formed in conjunction with the angel shaped figure ornament taken along line  12 - 12  of FIG. 10. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0039]    Referring particularly to FIGS.  1 - 6  of the drawings, there is shown the first embodiment  20  of figure ornament of this invention. The first embodiment  20 , noting particularly FIG. 6, is in the shape of a butterfly. In order to produce the finished ornament shown in FIG. 6, there is utilized a body  22  composed of a thin, sheet material. Typical material for the body  22  will be a flexible plastic, polyester, polypropylene, including blown polypropylene material, vinyl, paper or laminates thereof such as combining polyester and paper. The material can be tinted, printed, metalized, embossed, holographic and may include other similar processes. The thickness of the body  22  would normally be between one-half mil to ten mil.  
         [0040]    Body  22  has a longitudinal solid center section  24 . The center section  24  extends the entire length of the body  22 . The body  22  is divided on opposite sides of the center section  22  between a right side lobe  26  and a left side lobe  28 . It is to be noted that the size of the right side lobe  26  is approximately equal in size to the left side lobe  28 . However, it is considered to be within the scope of this invention that it is not necessary that the lobes  26  and  28  be precisely the same size. The right side lobe  26  is then deemed to be the lobe of the body  22  that is located on one side of the longitudinal center axis  30  which extends centrally through the center section  24 . On the opposite side of the longitudinal center section  30  is located the left side lobe  28 . The center axis  30  need not be through the center of the body  22 .  
         [0041]    The right side lobe  26  is defined by an upper lobe  32  and a lower lobe  34 . In a similar manner, the left side lobe  28  is defined by an upper lobe  36  and a lower lobe  38 . It is to be noted that the right side lobe  26  is identical but reversed to the left side lobe  28 . If the right side lobe  26  was folded and placed in juxtaposition with the left side lobe  28 , the right side lobe  26  would precisely cover the left side lobe  28 . However, again, this precise size relationship need not be followed. Actually, the lobes  26  and  28  could be entirely different shapes.  
         [0042]    Formed within the right side lobe  26  are a plurality of parallel, evenly spaced apart, straight slits  40  although the slits  40  do not have to be evenly spaced apart nor parallel. In a similar manner, the left side lobe  28  has a plurality of parallel, evenly spaces apart, straight slits  42  again which do not have to be evenly spaced apart nor parallel. Also, it is not mandatory that the slits  40  and  42  be straight lines. It is to be noted that the slits  40  are in the same pattern and the same length arrangement as the slits  42  only in the reverse direction. It is to be noted that the slits  40  are oblique and are located at an acute angle B relative to the longitudinal center axis  30 . It is also to be noted that the slits  42  are oblique and are located in an acute angle A relative to the longitudinal center axis  30 . In the embodiment shown, angle A is equal to angle B. The slits  40  and  42  are actually so thin that for all practical purposes when the body  22  is laid flat, as in FIG. 1, it would appear that the body  22  is solid. The figures of the drawings show the slits  40  and  42  to be exaggerated. However, openings between directly adjacent slits  40  and  42  could be provided if desired Located between each directly adjacent pair of slits  40  and between each directly adjacent pair of slits  42  is a thin strip  44  of material. The thin strips  44  are solid but readily deflectable. The strips  44  are each about one-eighth of an inch wide but can be narrower or wider without departing from the scope of this invention.  
         [0043]    It is to be noted that the slits  40  and  42  are located essentially transversely relative to the center section  24 . The slits  40  and  42  could be cuts or slices or could actually comprise narrow areas of removed material.  
         [0044]    On each side of the center section  24  throughout the entire longitudinal length, there is applied a coating of adhesive  46 . This adhesive  46  need not be utilized. In order to protect the adhesive  46  prior to usage, it is desirable that both sides of the center section  24  be covered by a release liner  48 . It is to be understood that there are two in number of such release liners  48 . Referring to the drawing, it is readily apparent the view in FIG. 1 shows the body  22  prior to the application of the adhesive  46  and the release liners  48 . The view in FIG. 2 shows the body  22  with the adhesive  46  applied and the release liners  48  covering the adhesive  46 .  
         [0045]    The upper lobe  32  resembles a triangle shape except the upper lobe  32  is actually a four sided figure with the fourth side being side edge  50  which abuts against lower lobe  34 . The same is true for upper lobe  36  which has a side edge  52  which abuts against lower lobe  38 . The upper lobe  32  also has a scalloped outer edge  54 . Upper lobe  36  also has a similar scalloped outer edge  56 . Scalloping of the edges  54  and  56  is only for design purposes. The lower lobe  34  has an outer semi-circular edge  58  with the lower lobe  38  having a similar semi-circular edge  60 . The upper lobes  32  and  36  are designed to essentially replicate the fore wings of a butterfly. The lower lobes  34  and  29  are designed to replicate the lobed hind wings of a butterfly. Note particularly FIG. 6 for this replication.  
         [0046]    Referring particularly to FIGS. 4 and 5, it needs to be seen that the center section  24  is folded over upon itself into an accordion fold. This accordion folding of the center section  24  is to occur until the center section  24  now assumes a compact stack  62 . The adhesive  46  will function to hold the compact stack  62  together. However, a U-shaped clip  64  (C-shaped or any other operable configuration) can also be inserted about the compact stack  62  to hold such in the stacked relationship. Instead of adhesive or a clip, there could be used other forms of securement such as a sonic weld, a metal staple or a tie. When the center section  24  is in the stacked relationship forming the compact stack  62 , the upper lobes  32  and  36  and the lower lobes  34  and  38  automatically assume a three dimensional butterfly resembling position, as shown in FIG. 6.  
         [0047]    It is to be noted that the scalloped outer edges  54  and  56  and the semi-circular edges  58  and  60  are located at a border of about one eighth to one-half inch in width. This means that the slits  40  and  42  terminate short of the outer edges  54 ,  56 ,  58  and  60 . The use of these borders is required in order to have the body  22  to assume a fixed shape when constructed in the shape of a butterfly as shown in FIG. 6. It is to be understood that the borders are not necessarily of a constant width and could be wider or narrower without departing from the scope of this invention. The combination of accordion folding forming compact stack  62 , slits  40  and  42  and the use of the borders is what makes the manufactured flat pattern shown in FIG. 1 to be movable into a three-dimensional article. Referring particularly to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is shown a second embodiment which is a heart configuration  66  of figure ornament of this invention. The heart configuration  66  is formed of a thin, sheet material body  68  which is constructed of the same material as body  22 . The body  68  includes a longitudinal center section  70  which is essentially similar to center section  24 . The center section  70  includes on each side thereof an adhesive strip  72 . Normally covering adhesive strips  72  prior to assemblage is a release liner  74  with it being understood there are two in number of the release liners  74  located on opposite sides of the body  68 . On one side of the center section  70 , there is a right side lobe  76 . On the opposite side of the center section  70  is a left side lobe  78 . Included within the right side lobe  76  are a plurality of first slits  80 . Included within the left side lobe  78  are a plurality of second slits  82 . The slits  80  and  82  are essentially similar to previously described slits  40  and  42 .  
         [0048]    It is to be noted that the slits  80  and  82  are not located parallel but resemble a sun ray type of pattern. When the center section  70  is folded in a manner that was previously described in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5, and a clip  84  installed on the compact stack that is thus formed, the heart configuration  66  is thus achieved. It is noted that the right side lobe  76  will overlap a small part of the left side lobe  78  at the tip  86 . It will normally be desired to attach the tips  86  of both the right side lobe  76  and the left side lobe  78  in some manner. Typically, this is done by a spot of adhesive, which is not shown.  
         [0049]    Referring particularly to FIGS.  9 - 12  of the drawings, there is shown a third embodiment which is an angel configuration  88  of figure ornament of this invention, The angel configuration  88  includes a body  90 . The body  90  is constructed of thin, sheet material which was used in the construction of the body  22 . The body  90  includes a right side lobe  92  and a left side lobe  94 . The right side lobe  92  includes an upper lobe  96  and a lower lobe  98 . Similarly, the left side lobe  94  includes an upper lobe  100  and a lower lobe  102 , The upper lobe  96  extends to side edge  104  which is the start of the lower lobe  98 . In a similar manner, the upper lobe  100  extends to side edge  106  which is the start of the lower lobe  102 .  
         [0050]    The upper lobe  96  includes a scalloped outer edge  108  with the upper lobe  100  including a scalloped outer edge  110 . The lower lobe  98  includes a straight outer edge  112  and the lower lobe  102  includes a similar straight outer edge  114 . It is to be understood that edges  108 ,  110 ,  112  and  114  could be any configuration and need not be scalloped or straight. It is to be understood that the outer edges  108 ,  110 ,  112  and  114  are all located at solid borders so as to provide rigidity to the angel configuration  88  that is resultingly formed.  
         [0051]    The body  90  includes a center section  116  each side of which is covered with an adhesive strip  118 . Each adhesive strip  118  is to be covered with a release liner  120 .  
         [0052]    The center section  116  is to be accordion folded in a manner similar to previously described in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5 producing a compact stack  122 . This compact stack may have mounted thereabout a U-shaped clip  124 . This clip  124  can be covered by a thin disc  126  which could be of solid material and may be of the same material as the body  90 . However, the disc  126  will not include the slits  128  and  130  which are formed respectively in the right side lobe  92  and left side lobe  94 . When the compact stack  122  is formed, the angel configuration  88  results with the lower lobe  98  overlapping the lower lobe  102 . It will normally be desired to include an adhesive  134  between the lower lobes  98  and  102  in order to secure together the lower lobes  98  and  102  so that such will function as a single unit when in the angel configuration of FIGS.  10 - 12 . The disc  126  is to be secured by an adhesive  134  to the outer surface of the clip  124 . The disc  126  and clip  124  could be manufactured as a single unit.  
         [0053]    Although there are three different configurations of the figure ornament of this invention being shown, it is considered to be within the scope of this invention that numerous other configurations could be utilized. For example, the inventors intend to manufacture snowflake and star configurations which will be constructed in essentially the same manner. The snowflake and star configurations will have a series of different sizes and location of slits plus a series of cut-outs which permit the forming of three dimensional shapes.  
         [0054]    Each of embodiments  20 ,  66  and  88 , as well as any similar embodiment which falls within the scope this invention, could be manufactured as a “pull-bow”. A pull-bow includes a manually pullable member which when pulled will cause the embodiment to take shape from a flat configuration. The use of pull-bows is well known and is most desirable because of the minimum space that the flat configuration occupies which minimizes shipping space and display space prior to usage.  
         [0055]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and accordingly, reference should be made to the appending claims rather than the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3