Abstract:
A reusable gift bow comprising a bow having a bottom surface, and a clip having an upper clamp member, the upper clamp member having an upper clamp member upper surface, wherein the bottom surface of the bow is fixedly mounted to the upper clamp member upper surface of the upper clamp member, whereby the reusable gift bow can be attached and released from a gift package or wrapping repeatedly without degradation or destruction of the bow.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    Disclosure Document No. 462033, filed Sep. 13, 1999, and Provisional Patent Application No. 60/173,838, filed Dec. 30, 1999. 
     
    
     
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
         [0002]    Not Applicable  
         REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX  
         [0003]    Not Applicable  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The described invention relates to the attachment of gift bows to packages by means of a clip and the method of using same. Conventionally, individuals must use tape or one-time-use adhesive backed strips to hold the gift bow on a present or package. This usually results in the bow being dislodged and possibly lost where tape is employed or thrown away with the wrapping paper where the adhesive backed strip is employed. The present invention overcomes these problems by providing a reusable securement clip for bows.  
           [0005]    This invention eliminates the high cost of throwing away expensive bows. The reusable method is cost efficient. The combination of clips and bows can be mixed and matched, and a fun way of wrapping. These bows are so convenient and versatile for use on bags, toys, etc. as decoration.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The described invention provides an improved securement means for gift bows to presents and packages. As such, the general purpose of the described invention is to provide a new and improved reusable securement means for bows that has economic and functional advantages over the existing means.  
           [0007]    The present invention provides a reusable clip securement that facilitates the efficient application of bows to wrapped packages and presents, without the manipulation of tape, twist ties and adhesive strips. The invention allows for the selection of large or small bows, different colors, and placement of the gift bow anywhere on the package and present. Not only is the present invention easy to attach, but also easy to deattach from the package for reuse, thereby eliminating waste and the cost of replacing bows.  
           [0008]    One of the novel design features of the described invention is that spare clips and bows can be purchased to extend the life of the reusable gift bow, thereby, reducing the gift bow cost to the consumer. Spare multi-color, sized clips and bows can be packaged in lightweight, durable, and recyclable plastic containers. No more throwing away money with the old method of using bows.  
           [0009]    Representative embodiments of the concepts of the described invention are illustrated in the drawings. Clips can be made of plastic or metal materials, and color coded with bow and ribbon colors. The clips should be sized in proportion with the bow, and approximately the length and width dimensions of the current adhesive-backed strip.  
           [0010]    Important features of the clip include a thin coating of rubber or equivalent frictional substance for the purpose of gripping the contact surfaces, a pointed tip to pierce all types of gift wrapping paper (regular, foil, plastic or coated), and flat surfaces for the securement of the bow bottom surface to the clip top surface. Where the ribbon is interposed between the top and bottom clip, the coated clip surfaces can assist in securing the ribbon so it will not shift or move from its desired position. The fixedly attachable means to secure the bow to the clip can be a glue substance (Super Glue™), hook &amp; eye devices (Velcro™), or double-sided reusable/replaceable adhesive strips. When the glued bow detaches from the clip, the bow can be re-adhered to the clip with the application a glue substance or equivalent. There are equivalent repair procedures for the hook &amp; eye devices and reusable/replaceable adhesive strips. It is favorable to select a means that allows for maximum flexibility for future repairs or replacements of the bow or clip.  
           [0011]    It is an object of the described invention to provide a new and improved reusable securement means for bows to presents and packages that have all the advantages of the prior art adhesive securement strips and none of the disadvantages.  
           [0012]    It is another object of the described invention to provide a new and improved reusable securement means for bows to presents and packages that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.  
           [0013]    It is a further object of the described invention to provide a new and improved reusable securement means for bows to presents and packages which are of a durable and reliable construction designed for repeated use with replacement clips and bows available to maximize the use of the gift bow.  
           [0014]    An even further object of the described invention is to provide a new and improved reusable securement means for bows to presents and packages which are susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such gift bow economically available to the buying public.  
           [0015]    Still another object of the described invention is to provide a new and improved reusable securement means for bows to presents and packages for efficiently and neatly securing a bow and ribbon on a wrapped present or package.  
           [0016]    These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objectives attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth herein will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention  10   
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is a side view in detail of the clip  14   
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 is a top view of the Upper Clamp member  16   
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is a view of the bow bottom surface  38   
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the Lower Stationary member  18   
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 6 is an illustration of the operation of the reusable gift bow  10   
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0024]    With reference to the drawings, a new reusable gift bow embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference number  10  will be described.  
         [0025]    The main embodiment of the reusable gift bow  10  includes a bow  12  and a clip  14 , as illustrated in FIG. 1. The clip  14  is typical of many clips that are found in commerce and available to the general public. The preferred embodiment illustrates a clip  14  that snaps together to firmly hold gift-wrapping paper. However, any clip that performs the same clamping function is adequate.  
         [0026]    The preferred embodiment clip  14  is illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 provides a side view of the clip  14  with an upper clamp member  16  and a lower stationary member  18 . The members are generally elongated and made of suitable thin plastic or sheet metal, and are hard coated with a polymer (or equivalent substance) with color pigmentation. The upper clamp member lower surface  20  and stationary member lower stationary upper surface  22  are coated with an additional hard substance of high friction coefficient for improved clamping and adhesion. The structure of the upper clamp member  16  has a longitudinally convex curve  24  extending away from the lower stationary member  18 . The length and width of the upper clamp member  16  and lower stationary member  18  are predetermined for optimized clamping of the gift-wrap disposed between the two members. When the reusable gift bow  10  is in the open position, there is a gap  26  between the upper clamp member  16  and the lower stationary member  18 . The preferred embodiment of the clip  14  can be made out of one-piece of material. However, an alternative embodiment includes the two members fixedly attached at the clip back end  28 .  
         [0027]    As illustrated in FIG. 3, Upper clamp member  16  comprises an upper clamp member aft end  30  and an upper clamp member front end  32 , which tapers inwardly into an upper clamp member curved tip  34 . Upper clamp member upper surface  36  is sized to mount bow  12 . Bow bottom surface  38 , as illustrated in FIG. 4, is fixedly attached to upper clamp member upper surface  36  by glue, adhesive, hook-and-eye device, or equivalent. These attachment applications make for easy repair of dislodged bows from the clip  14 .  
         [0028]    The structure of the lower stationary member  18  is such that it defines a generally planar projection  40  with a lower stationary member rear portion  42 , lower stationary member front portion  44 , lower stationary upper surface  22 , and lower stationary lower surface  48 . The front portion of the planar projection  40  tapers inwardly into a lower stationary member rounded tip  46 .  
         [0029]    An alternative clip embodiment (not shown) includes a biasing mechanism, to act like a spring, connected to the upper clamp member aft end  30  to the lower stationary member rear portion  42  to impose a normal force acting upon the upper clamp member lower surface  20  and the lower stationary upper surface  22 . As discussed above, the clip  14  can be one of many clips that are found in commerce and available to the generally public. Any clip that performs the same function of clamping the gift-wrapping disposed between the upper clamp member lower surface  20  and the lower stationary upper surface  22  is adequate.  
         [0030]    Another utility for the reusable gift bow  10  is the securement of a ribbon (not shown) interposed between the upper clamp member  16  and the wrapping paper. Though, the ribbon is primarily secured by other means such as tape or being tied, the clamping action of the reusable gift bow  10  will hold the ribbon in place at a fixed position thereby avoiding ribbon slippage and maintaining the desired ornamental effect. Clips with color coating can be used separately to hold ribbon in place.  
         [0031]    Other variations and modifications are of course contemplated to be within the range of protection defined by this patent. Variations in size, shape, form, function, materials or color and manner of operation, assembly and use are deemed obvious to one skilled in the art.  
         [0032]    Operation and use of the attachment mechanism of the invention is simple and straightforward. To open the reusable gift bow  10 , hold the lower stationary member  18  firmly with the thumb and forefinger, as illustrated in FIG. 6. With the other hand push up on the upper clamp member tip with the forefinger until gap  26  is created.  
         [0033]    With the reusable gift bow  10  in the open position, hold the lower stationary member  18  firmly with the thumb and forefinger, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Pierce the gift-wrap of many different materials (regular paper, foil, plastic, and coated) with lower stationary member rounded tip  46  at the desired location. Gap  26  will be sufficient to insert stationary member  16  into the slit made in the gift-wrap by lower stationary member rounded tip  46 . Once stationary member  16  is fully inserted into the slit, firmed hold the clip back end  28  with the thumb and forefinger of one hand. With the other hand push down the upper clamp member curved tip  34  with the forefinger to close the gap  26  between the lower stationary member  18  and upper clamp member  16 , whereby, the gift bow  10  is secured to the gift-wrap.  
         [0034]    To release the reusable gift bow  10  from the paper or package, firmed hold clip back end  28  with the thumb and forefinger of one hand as was done during the closing operation. With the other hand, push up on the upper clamp member curved tip  34  with sufficient force until the upper clamp member  16  lifts up creating gap  26  to remove the reusable gift bow  10  from the paper or packaging slit. Then unwrap present, retrieve the gift bow and ribbon, and store both for future wrapping.  
         [0035]    Where a ribbon is attached to the package or present, place the reusable gift bow  10  in proximity of the ribbon such that the ribbon can be interposed between upper clamp member  16  and wrapping paper.  
         [0036]    With respect to the above description, it is realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.  
         [0037]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.  
         [0038]    Accordingly, it can be seen that the reusable gift bow is a versatile, cost efficient invention that overcomes the limitations of previously taught gift bows.  
         [0039]    Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Various other embodiments and ramifications are possible within it&#39;s scope. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the claims in the regular application and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.