U.S. patent application number 10/223982 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-26 for decorative bows and ribbon assemblies with die-cut pieces.
Invention is credited to Blinderman, David E., Lavelle, Jenny, Price, Michelle.
Application Number | 20040037974 10/223982 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31886724 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040037974 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Price, Michelle ; et
al. |
February 26, 2004 |
Decorative bows and ribbon assemblies with die-cut pieces
Abstract
A decorative bow with die cut pieces has a plurality of ribbon
strands in combination with die cut pieces which have a spine and
one or more design artifacts which extend from the spine. The die
cut pieces are commonly attached with the ribbon strands to form an
integrated bow with a distinctive appearance of the ribbon strands
in combination with the die cut pieces. In one embodiment, the
ribbon strands are generally elongate and helical form ribbons of
generally common lengths, combined with die cut pieces having a
generally elongate spine of common length with the ribbon strands,
and wherein the design artifacts of the die cut pieces are
positioned relative to the ribbon strands. The ribbon strands and
die cut pieces may be commonly secured to a backing structure by a
fastener, the backing structure providing a mount for the
decorative bow for application to a package.
Inventors: |
Price, Michelle; (Cleveland
Hgts, OH) ; Blinderman, David E.; (Bratenahl, OH)
; Lavelle, Jenny; (Rocky River, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James C. Scott, Esq.
Roetzel & Andress
1375 E. 9th Street
One Cleveland Center, 10th floor
Cleveland
OH
44114
US
|
Family ID: |
31886724 |
Appl. No.: |
10/223982 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D04D 7/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/4 |
International
Class: |
D04D 009/00 |
Claims
What is claimed as the invention is:
1. A decorative bow comprising: a plurality of ribbon strands in
combination with at least one die cut piece, the die cut piece
comprising a spine and at least one design artifact which extends
from the spine.
2. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein the ribbon strands are
generally helical.
3. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein the spine of the die cut
piece is curved.
4. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein the spine of the die cut
piece is generally straight.
5. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein the ribbon strands have a
length generally equal to a length of the die cut piece.
6. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein the design artifacts
extend from opposite sides of the spine of the die cut piece.
7. The decorative bow of claim 1 comprising at least one die cut
piece which has a generally straight spine and at least one die cut
piece which has a curved spine.
8. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein the die-cut piece has
design artificats of a common configuration.
9. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein the die-cut piece has
design artifacts of dissimilar configuration.
10. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein the ribbon strands and
die-cut piece are attached to a backing structure.
11. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein the die-cut piece is
intertwined with the ribbon strands.
12. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein the die-cut piece
overlies at least some of the ribbon strands.
13. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein design artifacts of the
die-cut piece are selected from a group consisting of flowers,
trees, stars, snowflakes, holly and hearts.
14. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein design artifacts of the
die-cut piece are commonly sized.
15. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein design artifacts of the
die-cut piece are differently sized.
16. The decorative bow of claim 1 further comprising a connecting
segment between the spine of the die cut piece and the at least one
design artifact.
17. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein the ribbon strands are
secured together by a fastener.
18. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein the ribbon strands are
then attached to a backing structure.
19. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein the backing structure has
a first section having printed indicia and a second section to
which the ribbon strands are secured.
20. The decorative bow of claim 19 wherein the backing structure
has a surface to which the strands are secured and an adhesive.
21. The decorative bow of claim 1 wherein the ribbon strands and
the spine of the die cut piece are secured together.
22. A decorative bow comprising a plurality of ribbon strands,
segments of each of the ribbon strands secured together with at
least one die cut piece, the die cut piece comprising a spine and a
design artifacts which extend from the spine.
23. The decorative bow of claim 22 wherein a segment of the spine
of the die cut piece is secured with the ribbon strands.
24. The decorative bow of claim 21 further comprising a connecting
segments between the artifacts and the spine of the die cut
piece.
25. The decorative bow of claim 22 wherein the design artifacts of
the die cut piece have a similar configuration.
26. The decorative bow of claim 22 wherein the design artifacts of
the die cut piece have a dissimilar configuration.
27. The decorative bow of claim 22 wherein the spine of the die cut
piece is generally straight.
28. The decorative bow of claim 22 wherein the spine of the die cut
piece has at least one curve.
29. The decorative bow of claim 22 in combination with multiple die
cut pieces.
30. The decorative bow of claim 22 further comprising a backing
structure to which the ribbon strand and die cut pieces are
attached.
31. A ribbon assembly comprising: a plurality of ribbon strands
secured together; at least one die cut piece secured together with
at least one of the ribbon strands, the die cut piece having a
spine and at least one design artifact which extends laterally from
the spine.
32. The ribbon assembly of claim 31 wherein a segment of the ribbon
strnads and the die cut piece is secured to a backing structure by
a fastener.
33. The ribbon assembly of claim 31 wherein the die cut piece
further comprises a connecting segment between the spine and the
design artifact.
34. The ribbon assembly of claim 31 wherein the ribbon strands and
die cut pieces are intertwined.
35. The ribbon assembly of claim 31 wherein the ribbon strands are
generally helical.
36. The ribbon assembly of claim 31 wherein the spine of the die
cut piece is generally straight.
37. The ribbon assembly of claim 31 wherein the spine of the die
cut piece is generally curved.
38. The ribbon assembly of claim 31 wherein a length of the spine
of the die cut piece is substantially equal to a length of the
ribbon strands.
39. A decorative bow assembly comprising a plurality of ribbon
strands secured together at a common segment, a die cut piece
having a spine and design artifacts which extend from the spine, a
segment of the spine secured together with the ribbon strands.
40. A ribbon assembly comprising multiple ribbon strands of
generally helical form secured together at co-located segments at
an approximate midpoint of each of the strands; at least one die
cut piece having a generally elongate spine and one or more design
artifacts attached to the spine, a segment of the spine of the die
cut piece being secured together with the ribbon strands.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention pertains generally to decorative bows
for use in decorating gift packages, gift bags and the like and,
more particularly, to decorative ribbons and curly bows with
die-cut shapes as accessories to gift-wrapped packages.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] One type of decorative bow of the prior art is seen in U.S.
Pat. No. 2,681,525. This is a common, conventional structure of a
decorative bow which looks more or less like a flower. The bow
structure consists of continuous strips of ribbon twisted to form a
succession of multiple loops radiating from the center of the bow.
Another decorative bow of the prior art is seen in U.S. Pat. No.
4,515,837, showing a bow formed by a folded piece of flat ribbon
forms itself into a bow by pulling on a drawstring connected to the
ribbon at points along its length and secured to the ribbon at one
end so that the user of the ribbon can draw the ribbon into a
number of arcuate loops by pulling on the drawstring. Another bow
design described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,819 includes a plurality of
curly ribbons folded in alternating directions and arranged to
create a cascading look. A common characteristic of these various
bow designs is that they are constructed from a common ribbon with
generally uniform dimensions and width, and finish characteristics
such as rippled or smooth. This fact inherently limits the range or
diversity of visual appearances bows made with such ribbon may
have.
[0003] Another type of decorative accessory which may be used on
gift wrapped packages is a type of helical form wire or line to
which is attached decorative elements. This is sometimes referred
to as decorative garland, and has been used as table and other
holiday domestic decoration. simulated garland containing die-cut
shapes protruding from it. The garland is formed from wire, wrapped
in ribbon, to allow it to be shaped/curled. Die-cut shapes are then
secured to the garland strand to complete the decoration.
[0004] As advantageous as these arrangements may be, there is still
a desire for a more unique decorative structure. More particularly,
there is a desire for a decorative structure which exhibits more
eye-catching appeal and possesses more visual interest.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a ribbon assembly which can
be used as a decorative ribbon or bow which enhances visual
interest and is highly distinctive. The decorative curly bows
contain eye-catching appeal and thus, stand out among other
decorative bows. These decorative bows are also occasion and/or
season-specific.
[0006] In accordance with one general aspect of the invention,
there is provided a decorative bow which has a plurality of curly
ribbon-like strands and a plurality of central ribbon-like strands
containing die-cut shapes, secured together. In one particular
embodiment, the central strands are curved strands which contain
multiple die-cut shapes secured along the length of the strands,
positioned on both sides of the strand. In another embodiment, the
central strands are straight strands which contain multiple die-cut
shapes secured along the length of the strands. The die-cut shapes
are typically flowers, Christmas trees, stars, snowflakes, holly or
hearts. Thus, the decorative bows are usually seasonal, correlating
with specific holidays and/or times of the year. However, other
shapes are available and multiple shapes can be secured to each
decorative bow, the bows are not limited to only one die-cut
shape.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
strands are secured to a base member by stacking the center
sections of the strands and stapling the sections to the base
member. The base member is generally flat and has a front surface
to which the strands are secured and a back surface having an
adhesive layer. There is also an opening on the base member which
allows the decorative bow to be hung for display.
[0008] These and other aspects of the present invention are herein
described in further detail, with reference to the accompanying
Figures, the illustrated embodiments being representative of only
some of they ways in which the principles and concepts of the
invention can be executed and employed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] In the accompanying Figures:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
decorative bow of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a profile view of a die cut piece of the
decorative bow of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a profile view of a die cut piece of the
decorative bow of the present invention, and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a decorative bow of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS
[0014] With reference to the Figures, there is shown a decorative
bow, alternatively referred to as a "ribbon assembly", generally
indicated at 10, which includes in part a plurality of ribbon
strands 12 secured together. The ribbon strands 12 may be made out
of any particular material, such as cut from a sheet of
polypropylene material or from a spool of pre-formed ribbon, the
primary physical characteristic being strips of pliable material of
variable widths and lengths, with different decorative surface
texture and color finishes. The ribbon strands 12 of the bow 10 are
generally commonly attached at one point to a backing structure 14,
such as a card or bow chip which may be provided with an adhesive
coating on one side, and depend therefrom in a cascading manner.
The attachment of the ribbon strands 12 to the backing structure 14
may be at any intermediate point along the length of the ribbon
strands 12, or at the midpoint of the length of the ribbon strands
12. The attachment of the ribbon strands 12 to the backing
structure may be by adhesive or by mechanical fastener or fasteners
such as staples or rivets. In this particular embodiment, the
curved helical form of each of the ribbon strands 10 further
augments the multidimensional characteristics of the bow 10.
[0015] In one embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 1, at
least one die-cut piece 16 is combined with the ribbon strands 12
to form a decorative bow 10 (alternatively referred to as a "ribbon
assembly"). FIG. 2 depicts one form of a die cut piece 16 in
isolation. The die cut piece 16 is formed with a central
longitudinal spine 18 from which design artifacts 20 extend
generally laterally. In one form, a connecting segment 22 extends
between the spine 18 and each design artifact 20. Die cut piece 16
may be manufactured in the known manner of a die of the described
shapes which cuts the piece or pieces from any suitable material,
as one efficient manner of manufacture. The design artifacts may be
separately manufactured and subsequently attached to the spine. The
invention is not limited to pieces which are in fact produced by a
die, as any method of manufacture which produces the described
shapes is applicable. Although shown in a form wherein each of the
design artifacts are generally similarly configured, such as
multi-point stars of differing size, it is within the scope of the
invention to provide a die cut piece 16 in which the laterally
extending design artifacts are of any configuration, and may vary
in form in a single die cut piece, as shown for example in the
related application, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to
any particular size or sizing of the design artifacts. Furthermore,
the number of die cut pieces 16 combined with the ribbon strands 12
may vary in any particular construction of the invention. The die
cut pieces 16 are also preferably attached to the backing structure
14 by adhesive or mechanical fastener in a manner similar to the
ribbon strands 12 by securement of a segment of the longitudinal
spine 18 which is generally axially aligned with segments of the
ribbon strands 12. Preferably the same fastener engages the ribbon
strands 12 and die cut piece or pieces 16 for attachment to the
backing structure 14. In an embodiment wherein a length of the die
cut piece or pieces 16 is substantially equal to a length of the
ribbon strands, the die cut piece 16 may also be secured by the
fastener at a mid-point of its length. This combination of elements
of the decorative bow 10 of the invention creates a striking visual
appearance of the die cut pieces 16 juxtaposed or intertwined
relative to the ribbon strands 12 in a random fashion. With the
longitudinal spine 18 in serpentine or curved form as shown in FIG.
2, the die cut piece 16 complements the curvature of the helical
ribbon strands 12. With the longitudinal spine 18 in a straight
linear form as shown in FIG. 3, the die cut pieces 16 create a
greater visual contrast relative to the ribbon strands 12.
[0016] The design artifacts 20 of the die-cut shapes 16 may be in
the form of, for example, flowers, Christmas trees, stars,
snowflakes, holly or hearts, however, the bows are not limited to
any particular shape, and can include a wide variety of shapes. In
one embodiment, the design artifacts 20 are of a particular design
shape or artifact 20, allowing the decorative bows to be seasonal,
correlating with specific holidays and/or times of the year. In
another embodiment, two or more different design artifacts 20
extend from the spine 18, for example, hearts and flowers, or
Christmas trees and holly, to appear together on a single
decorative bow 10. The decorative bows 10 are not limited to such
combinations, and multiple combinations of various die-cut shapes
16 can be combined as well, on a single decorative bow 10. The
die-cut pieces 16 and design artifacts 20 are randomly positioned
and intertwined with the ribbon strands 12. The die-cut pieces 16
are shown positioned on opposing sides of the spine 18 of the die
cut piece 16 at generally uniform spacing, but alternate or random,
variable spacing can also be used.
[0017] With the ribbon strands 12 and die cut pieces 16 arranged
and generally aligned, they are attached to the backing structure
14 as described. The backing structure 14 may be made of paper
stock or other suitable material. In one embodiment, the backing
structure is generally rectangular in shape and includes at least
two sections. A first section provides a surface area on which
various indicia may be printed, such as text or graphics
identifying the product, sales price, and/or manufacturer of the
product. Generally, the first section also includes an opening,
allowing the decorative bow to be hung for display. The opening
allows the decorative bow 10 to be hung on display racks or other
types of display devices for optimal display of the unique visual
characteristics of the die cut pieces in combination with the
ribbon strands.
[0018] Another section of the backing structure provides an area
for attachment of the ribbon strands 12. Additionally, the first
and second sections are connected by a perforation line, as a user
of the decorative bow may not want to include the first section
when the bow is attached to a gift. The perforation allows easy
removal of the first section from the second section. Thus, a user
of the decorative bow 10 may detach the sections by tearing along
the perforation line and attaching the bow to the gift.
[0019] Typically, the decorative bow 10 is attached to a gift or
other desired object by an adhesive layer positioned on the back of
the second section of the base member. The adhesive layer is
preferably covered with a protective backing, which can be removed.
Thus, to attach the decorative bow to an object, the user tears off
the first section, peals off the protective backing of the adhesive
layer and presses the adhesive layer against the object at a
selected location. Additionally, there are many different ways to
secure all of the strands to the second section of the base member,
such as gluing, heat fusing, sewing, and stapling, etc. In one
embodiment, the strands of the decorative bow are stapled to the
base member. A staple is driven through the center sections of the
plurality of ribbon-like strands to secure them to the base
member.
[0020] In another embodiment of the present invention, the strands
may be made of various synthetic and natural materials. For
instance, the surface of one or both sides of the strand may be a
layer of metalized polypropylene film to provide a shiny or
reflective surface. Alternatively, various surface treatments, such
as painting or attachment of shiny sprinkles, can be applied to the
strand to alter its appearance. The strands may also be of
different colors, with a decorative bow encompassing multiple
colors of strands within a single bow. Strands could also be of
different lengths and widths.
[0021] The decorative bows 10 are assembled by stacking the
multiple strands together, one on top of the other. First, the
plain strands are stacked and then the strands 12 and 18 with the
die-cut shapes are stacked over the plain strands. The stacked
strands are secured to a base member by a staple at the flat center
sections just under the center point. Each of the plain strands are
then curled, creating spiral-shaped strands. After all the plain
strands are curled, the strands are fanned out, and the decorative
bow 10 is completed. This process for forming the decorative bow 10
may be performed manually, but may also be performed by properly
implemented machinery.
[0022] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the
invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing
from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The
present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Other features and
aspects of this invention will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art of designing and manufacturing decorative bows upon reading
and comprehending this disclosure. Such features, aspects, and
expected variations and modifications of the reported results and
examples are clearly within the scope of the invention where the
invention is limited solely by the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *