U.S. patent application number 15/170779 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-08 for methods and apparatus for creating and applying pom poms to objects and surfaces.
The applicant listed for this patent is THE MAYA GROUP, INC.. Invention is credited to STEVEN DELACY, GREG LEONG, JAMES McCAFFERTY.
Application Number | 20160355957 15/170779 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57442337 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160355957 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCAFFERTY; JAMES ; et
al. |
December 8, 2016 |
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CREATING AND APPLYING POM POMS TO OBJECTS
AND SURFACES
Abstract
A method of play and kits and systems for creating play patterns
related to making and decorating objects with pom poms are
provided. The methods and kits may include a pellet that includes a
plurality of threads of fiber of substantially the same length
arranged in parallel along their transverse lengths, wherein the
threads of fiber are arranged such that at least one end of each
fiber lies in a plane to form a plane of fiber ends and wherein the
pellet further comprises a container that surrounds the transverse
lengths of the plurality of fibers and is open at one end exposing
the plane of fiber ends. The pellet is coupled to an adhesive
segment at the plane of fiber ends. The adhesive segment including
the pellet is then coupled to an object. Finally, the container is
removed from the pellet to form a pom pom.
Inventors: |
McCAFFERTY; JAMES; (SAN
CLEMENTE, CA) ; DELACY; STEVEN; (SANTA ANA, CA)
; LEONG; GREG; (IRVINE, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
THE MAYA GROUP, INC. |
CYPRESS |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57442337 |
Appl. No.: |
15/170779 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62171774 |
Jun 5, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D04D 7/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D04D 7/06 20060101
D04D007/06 |
Claims
1. A method of play comprising: providing a pellet comprising a
plurality of fiber strands of substantially the same length
arranged in parallel along their transverse lengths, wherein the
fiber strands are arranged such that at least one end of each fiber
strand lies in a plane to form a plane of fiber strand ends and
wherein the pellet further comprises a retainer that surrounds the
transverse lengths of the fiber strands and is open at one end
exposing the plane of fiber stand ends; coupling the pellet to an
adhesive segment by coupling the plane of fiber strand ends to the
adhesive segment; coupling the adhesive segment including the
pellet to a substrate; and removing the retainer from the pellet to
form a pom pom.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the retainer is a plastic
tube.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the retainers open at both
ends.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of picking
the pellet from a pallet of pellets using an applicator wherein the
applicator includes a handle portion and a cavity designed to have
an interference fit with an outside surface of the retainer.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein both the coupling steps are
performed using the applicator.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the pellet is cylindrical.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the fiber strands are yarn.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the pellet has at least one end
of each fiber strand in the plane of fiber strand ends coupled
together with an adhesive.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the plane of fiber strand ends
further comprises u visual indicator coupled thereto.
10. A kit for creating pom poms comprising: a plurality of pellets
wherein each pellet comprises a plurality of fiber strands of
substantially the sat length arranged in parallel along their
transverse lengths, herein the fiber strands are arranged such that
at least one end of each fiber strand lies in a plane to form a
plane of fiber strand ends and wherein the at least one end of each
fiber strand are coupled together with an adhesive; and, a
plurality of adhesive segments arranged on a releasable surface
wherein the adhesive segments have a profile that is about the same
as a pellet cross section.
11. The kit of claim 10 wherein each pellet further comprises a
retainer that surrounds the transverse lengths of the fiber strands
and is open at one end exposing the plane of fiber strand ends.
12. The kit of claim 10, further comprising an applicator, wherein
the applicator includes a handle and a cavity and wherein the
cavity is sized to form an interference fit with an outside surface
of the container of a pellet.
13. The kit of claim 10, wherein each pellet in the plurality of
pellets is cylindrical.
14. The kit of claim 12, wherein the adhesive segments are round
thermoplastic hot melt dots.
15. The kit of claim 10, wherein the fiber strands are yarn.
16. The kit of claim 10, wherein the retainer is a plastic
tube.
17. The kit of claim 10, wherein the retainer is open at both
ends.
18. The kit of claim 10, wherein each pellet in the plurality of
pellets has a visual indicator that allows the plane of fiber
strands to be oriented in the same direction.
19. A kit for creating pom poms comprising: a plurality of pellets
wherein each pellet comprises a plurality of fiber strands of
substantially the sat length arranged in parallel along their
transverse lengths, wherein the fiber strands are arranged such
that at least one end of each fiber strand lies in a plane to form
a plane of fiber strand ends and wherein the fiber strands are
contained within a plastic tube along their transverse lengths to
form a cylindrical pellet; and, a plurality of round adhesive dots
arranged on a releasable surface wherein the dots have about the
same radius as a pellet of the plurality of pellets.
20. The kit of claim 19, further comprising an applicator, wherein
the applicator includes a handle and a cavity and wherein the
cavity is sized to form an interference fit with an outside surface
of the plastic sheath of a pellet.
21. The kit of claim 19, wherein the adhesive dots are
thermoplastic hot melt dots.
22. The kit of claim 19, wherein the fiber strands are yarn.
23. The kit of claim 19, further comprising a template with
indicators that indicate a color and location to adhere a pellet.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application clan s the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/171,774 filed on Jun. 5, 2015, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present patent document relates to methods and apparatus
for creating and/or applying pom poms. More particularly, the
present patent document relates to methods of play and apparatus
for applying tufts of yarn or thread, a.k.a. "pom pom," to objects
and/or surfaces.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the field of toys and arts and crafts, there is a need
for a variety of different play patterns to allow decoration of
objects. Recently, the art of "bedazzling" objects has become very
popular. When an object is "bedazzled" sequins, beads, rhinestones
(fake or real) are glued to the outside surface of an object to
give the object greater appeal. Often, the sequins are very shiny
resulting in an object that sparkles or has "bling." Although
bedazzling is popular, it has drawbacks, The sequins are small and
easily lost. The object surface becomes very rough and
uncomfortable. To this end, it would beneficial to create methods
and systems for decorating objects that overcomes or at least
alleviates some of the drawbacks of bedazzling.
SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0004] A kit for applying fibers to a surface is provided. In one
embodiment the kit comprises a plurality of pellets. Each pellet
includes a plurality of colored fibers and/or single colored fibers
and/or material strands aligned in parallel with their first ends
defining a first plane and their second ends defining a second
plane parallel to the first plane. In preferred embodiments, each
pellet includes a plurality of fibers with their longitudinal axes
running parallel to each other. Each pellet further includes an
outer container that secures and holds the fibers and/or material
strands in position. To this end, pellets are preferably
cylindrical constructs of parallel fibers and/or material strands
with an outer container. The pellets may include fibers of the same
color and the kit may include pellets of different color fibers. In
preferred embodiments, the pellets comprise fiber of the same color
and/or material strands. However, in other embodiments, pellets may
contain different colored fibers and/or fibers of different
materials within a single pellet.
[0005] In some embodiments, the kit includes pellets with adhesive
already applied to one end of the pellets, either on the ends of
the fibers defining the first plane or second plane. In other
embodiments, the kit includes adhesive provided in small portions
on a sheet n yet coupled to the pellets. The adhesive may be any
type of adhesive including but not limited to, thermoplastic hot
melt dots, double sided tape or other types of adhesives.
[0006] In some embodiments, each pellet in the plurality of pellets
has a visual indicator that allows the plane of fiber strands of
each pellet to be oriented in the same direction.
[0007] In one aspect of the present patent document, a method of
play is provided. In preferred embodiments, the method of play
comprises: providing a pellet that includes a plurality of fiber
strands of substantially the same length arranged in parallel along
their transverse lengths, wherein the fiber strands are arranged
such that at least one end of each fiber strand lies in a plane to
form a plane of fiber strand ends and wherein the pellet further
comprises a retainer that surrounds the transverse lengths of the
fiber strands and is open at one end exposing the plane of fiber
strand ends; coupling the pellet to an adhesive segment by coupling
the plane of fiber strand ends to the adhesive segment; coupling
the adhesive segment including the pellet to a substrate; and,
removing the retainer from the pellet to form a pom pom.
[0008] In some embodiments, the retainer of the pellet is a plastic
tube. Preferably, the retainer is open at both ends. However, in
some embodiments it may only be open at one end.
[0009] In some embodiments, the method of play further comprises
the step of picking the pellet from a pallet of pellets using an
applicator wherein the applicator includes a handle portion and a
cavity designed to have an interference fit with the outside
surface of the retainer. In embodiments, that use an applicator,
preferably both the coupling steps are performed using an
applicator. The applicator makes it much easier for a human to
manipulate the smaller pellets.
[0010] Although the pellets may be any shape, they are cylindrical
in the preferred embodiments. In addition, although the fiber
strands may be made from any material, they are preferably made
from yarn.
[0011] In some embodiments, the pellet has at least one end of each
fiber strand in the plane of fiber strand ends coupled together
with an adhesive. The adhesive constrains one end of the fibers
while the other end of each fiber remains free. In certain
embodiments, the plane of fiber strand ends further comprises a
visual indicator coupled thereto.
[0012] In another aspect of the present patent document, a kit for
creating pom poms is provided. In preferred embodiments, the kit
comprises: a plurality of pellets wherein each pellet comprises a
plurality of fiber strands of substantially the same length
arranged in parallel along their transverse lengths, wherein the
fiber strands are arranged such that at least one end of each fiber
strand lies in a plane to form a plane of fiber strand ends and
wherein each pellet further comprises a retainer that surrounds the
transverse lengths of the fiber strands and is open at one end
exposing the plane of fiber strand ends; and, a plurality of
adhesive segments arranged on a releasable surface wherein the
adhesive segments have a profile that is the same as a pellet cross
section.
[0013] In some embodiments the kit may also include an applicator
wherein the applicator includes a handle and a cavity and wherein
the cavity is sized to form an interference fit with an outside
surface of the container of a pellet. The applicator is preferably
designed to allow the pellets to be more easily handled and applied
to objects. The applicator allows the outer container to be more
easily removed from the pellets once the pellets are coupled to an
object or surface.
[0014] The kit may include any type of adhesive segments.
Preferably the adhesive segments are provided on a flat sheet or
rolled tape. In some embodiments, the adhesive segments are round
thermoplastic hot melt dots.
[0015] In some embodiments of the kit for creating pom poms, the
kit comprises: a plurality of pellets wherein each pellet comprises
a plurality of fiber strands of substantially the same length
arranged in parallel along their transverse lengths, wherein the
fiber strands are arranged such that at least one end of each fiber
strand lies in a plane to form a plane of fiber strand ends and
wherein the fiber strands are contained within a plastic tube along
their transverse lengths to form a cylindrical pellet; and, a
plurality of round adhesive dots arranged on a releasable surface
wherein the dots have a radius equal or less than the radius of the
pellets in the plurality of pellets.
[0016] In most embodiments, the kit ay also include one or more
objects to apply the pom poms to. The objects may be figurines,
mobiles, templates, cups, glasses, or just about any other object.
The objects may have indicators that indicate a color and location
to adhere a pellet. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises
a template with indicators that indicate a color and location to
adhere a pellet
[0017] Further aspects, objects, desirable features, and advantages
of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein will be better
understood from the detailed description and drawings that follow
in which various embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It
is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for
the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as a
definition of the limits of the embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a kit for allowing kids
to play with pom pours.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a pellet for use in
making a pom pom.
[0020] FIG. 2A illustrates an end view of the constrained ends of
one embodiment of a pellet for use in making a pom pom.
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a play pattern for applying pellets to
form pom pores on a mobile.
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates another play pattern in which pom poms
are applied to a speaker.
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates another play pattern in which a template
is provided to allow the creation of images using pom poms.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0024] The present patent document relates to methods and apparatus
for adding pom poms to objects. The present patent document further
relates to a number of play patterns involving the use of the
methods and apparatus for adding pom poms to objects.
[0025] As used herein a "pom pom" may be any tuft, puff, or
grouping of string, yarn, strands of fabric, fur or synthetic
fiber. In a preferred embodiment, a pom pom consists of 1 or more
individual pieces of fabric closely bunched together. In a
preferred embodiment of a pom pom, the individual strands are
constrained in close proximity on one end while being free on their
opposite end. While a pom pom preferably has 5 or more individual
strands, a pom pom may have any number of strands. As used herein,
a pom pom may have 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 50 or more individual strands
constrained in close proximity at one end while free at their
opposite ends. Preferably, a pom pom has between 1 and 48 strands
of fiber. Even more preferably, a pom pom is comprised of 24
strands of fiber.
[0026] In preferred embodiments, the strands of fabric that form a
pom pom are constrained in close proximity on one end. However, in
other embodiments the strands of fabric may be constrained in close
proximity in other locations. For example, in some embodiments, a
plurality of strands of fabric may all be constrained in dose
proximity about their midpoints allowing both ends to be free. In
other embodiments, the strands may be constrained in another
location between their ends allowing both ends to be free.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a kit 20 for allowing
kids to create and apply pom poms to objects. As will be understood
by reading this patent document, not all the items in the kit 20
shown in FIG. 1 are required to perform the methods described
herein. The kit 20 of FIG. 1 includes, open 23, an applicator 24,
three mini yarn spools 25, three fabric strips 26, two adhesive
sheets 27, and thirty pom pom refills shown on three pallets 28. As
may be seen in FIG. 1, a pom pom 22 adorns the end of pen 23. This
is not required and is simply used to demonstrate the use of the
pom pom 22.
[0028] Before becoming a pom pom, the fibers that will eventually
become a pom pom may be provided in the form of a pellet. A
plurality of pellets may be held, stored or placed on a pallet 28.
Pellets may be organized by color such that each pallet 28 includes
only a single color pellet. In FIG. 1, three pallets 28 of pellets
are shown. Once the pellets are applied to a surface and
transformed into a pom pom, they may appear similar to the pom pom
22 shown in FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a pellet 10. The pellet
10 includes an outer retainer/container 12 that surrounds a
plurality of fiber strands 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
the outer retainer 12 is a circular tube but in other embodiments,
other forms may be used, For example, outer retainer 12 may be
square, hexagon or any other shape. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
1, outer retainer 12 is open at both ends. However, in other
embodiments, outer retainer 12 may be closed at one end. As may be
seen in FIG. 1, the fibers 14 are all aligned with the outer
retainer 12 such that they are parallel and their ends are arranged
in approximately the same planes such that the assembly forms a
cylinder. In preferred embodiments, the reads of fiber 14 are
arranged such that at least one end of each fiber 14 lies in a
plane to form a plane of fiber ends. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, outer retainer 12 is approximately the same length as the
fibers 14. However, in other embodiments, outer retainer 12 may be
shorter than the length of the fibers 14.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the outer retainer 12 of pellet
10 is composed of paper or plastic. However, in other embodiments,
other materials may be used including rubber, fabric or any other
type of material. In some embodiments, the retainer 12 is very
thin. For example, the retainer may have the thickness of a piece
of paper or similar thickness piece of plastic.
[0031] In preferred embodiments of pellets 10, fiber(s) strand(s)
14 are tightly packed inside the outer container 12 in such a way
that the fiber(s) strands(s) 14 will retain their position within
the outer container 12 until they are adhered to a substrate and
the outer container 12 is pulled away from the fiber(s) s rand(s)
14. In preferred embodiments, the fiber strands 14 are of
substantially the same length and arranged in parallel along their
transverse lengths. In the context of this patent document,
"substantially the same length" means that no fiber strand 14 in
the same pellet 10 is more than 3 times the length of another fiber
strand 14 in the same pellet. In preferred embodiments, all the
fiber stands are the same length. In other embodiments, all the
fiber stands 14 are within 90% of the length of all the other fiber
strands 14 in the same pellet 10. Even if the fiber strands 14 in
the same pellet 10 are of different lengths, each fiber 14 should
have at least one end that lies substantially in a plane of fiber
ends such that all the fiber strands 14 may be easily coupled to
objects. The different length fibers 14 will allow pom poms to be
created that are "shaggy" or "bushy." Such pom poms may be
advantageous for providing play patterns where the pom poms are
later trimmed by scissors or other cutting apparatus.
[0032] In different embodiments, the pellet 10 may have different
diameters depending on the number of fibers 14 contained within a
pellet 10. In some embodiments, the pellets have a diameter less
than 1 inch. In preferred embodiments, the pellets have a diameter
between 0.2 inches and 2 inches and more preferably about 0.4
inches (10.5 mm). In other embodiments, the pellets have a diameter
less than 3 inches although larger diameters may be possible.
[0033] In one embodiment, a method of applying one or more strands
of fabric, fur or synthetic fiber(s) to a substrate using an
adhesive to secure the fiber to the substrate is provided. In such
embodiments, a pellet 10 may be used and an adhesive applied to one
end of the pellet 10 such that the adhesive is coupled to the
exposed ends of the fibers 14 on one end of the pellet 10. The
pellet 10 with applied adhesive may be pressed onto any substrate
or object by applying a force in the direction of the adhesive,
perpendicular to the surface of the adhesive and the substrate. The
outer retainer 12 is then pulled in a direction away from the
substrate. The adhesive with fibers 14 is left attached to the
substrate and the outer retainer 12 is pulled away and emptied. The
end of the fibers 14 opposite the ends attached to the adhesive
expand outward in a radial direction forming a pom pom.
[0034] In some embodiments, the pellets 10 may be manufactured with
all the ends of the fibers 14 on one side of the pellet 10 already
constrained. In other embodiments, the pellets 10 may be
manufactured with both ends free such that the ends of the fibers
on one side of the pellet 10 are not constrained until the pellet
10 is adhered to a surface to form a pom pom 22. In embodiments
where all the ends of the fibers 14 on one side of the pellet 10
are constrained prior to being attached to a surface, the ends may
be bonded together during manufacture of the pellets 10 using an
adhesive. The adhesive may be any type of adhesive including glue,
hot glue, hot melt, or any other type of adhesive. In embodiments
where the pellets 10 are manufactured with all the ends of the
fibers 14 on one side of the pellet constrained, the adhesive used
to constrain the fiber ends is allowed to cure or dry such that a
second adhesive needed to attach the pellet 10 to a substrate to
form a pom pom 22.
[0035] In some embodiments, the second adhesive, which preferably
has a low profile, is also applied to one end of the fibers during
the manufacturing process of a pellet 10. The adhesive may be
comprised of a plastic or paper backing which protects the side of
the adhesive not secured to the fibers. The paper backing is
manually removed by peeling back the edge of the paper backing. The
paper is then removed, exposing the adhesive. In some embodiments,
the adhesive that constrains the ends of the fibers 14 in the
pellet and the adhesive used to adhere the pellet to a substrate
may be applied to the pellet during manufacture at the same time.
In some embodiments, they may be one in the same adhesive.
[0036] In different embodiments, the adhesive used to affix the
pellets 10 to a substrate may be applied in different ways. In one
embodiment, the pellets 10 may come with adhesive already applied
to one end of the fiber 14 during manufacturing. In preferred
embodiments, the adhesive is applied to one and only one end of the
fibers 14. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be liquid.
However, in other embodiments the adhesive may be a gel or
solid.
[0037] In some embodiments, the adhesive may be provided as a
number of preformed adhesive segments 29 on a sheet 27, as shown in
FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the profile of the adhesive segment 29
may be formed in order to match the profile of the pellets 10. For
example, in some embodiments, the adhesive may be an adhesive
segment 29 designed to couple to the fibers 14 when packed into a
pellet 10. In embodiments where the pellets 10 are cylinders, the
adhesive segments 29 may be adhesive dots as shown in FIG. 1. In
such embodiments, the further step of applying the adhesive
segments 29 to the pellets 10 may be performed by an end user. To
this end, in one play pattern, one end of a pellet 10 is pressed
onto an adhesive segment 29 such that the adhesive segment 29 is
coupled to the ends of the fiber 14 and then the assembly of the
pellet 10 and adhesive segment 29 is applied to a substrate or
object. Preferably, the pellet 10 is coupled to an adhesive segment
29 by coupling the plane of fiber ends to the adhesive segment 29.
Then the adhesive segment 29 including the pellet 10 is coupled to
a substrate or object. Once the assembly is coupled to an object,
the retainer 12 may be removed from the pellet 10 to form a pom
pom.
[0038] The adhesive sheet 27 may include one or more backings that
protect the adhesive segments 29. In embodiments where the adhesive
s not coupled to the pellets during manufacture, the adhesive sheet
27 may consist of a layer of adhesive between two layers of plastic
or paper backing which protects the sides of the adhesive. In
embodiments adhesive is already coupled to the pellets 10, the
adhesive may include a single backing on the side of the adhesive
not secured to the fibers 14. The backing may be made of paper, wax
paper, plastic or any other material. The backing may be manually
removed by peeling back the edge. Once the backing is removed, the
adhesive is exposed. In preferred embodiments, the adhesive has a
low profile.
[0039] Returning to FIG. 1, it may be seen that adhesive segments
29 may be provided on sheets 27. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
each sheet 27 includes a plurality of round adhesive portions,
a.k.a. adhesive dots 29. In other embodiments, shapes other than
round may be used for the adhesive portions. Preferably, the
adhesive portions match the shape and size of the cross section of
the pellets 10. In some embodiments, the outside dimensions of the
adhesive portions may be larger than the outside dimensions of the
pellets 10. However, preferably, the outside dimensions of the
adhesive portions are either the same size or smaller than the
outside dimensions of the pellets 10. For example, in embodiments
with round pellets 10 with about a 10.5 mm diameter, the diameter
of the adhesive dot preferably has a range of about 8-9 mm.
Generally, it is preferable that the outside diameter of the
adhesive dot is at least a millimeter or more less than the
diameter of the pellet; a range of 1-5 millimeters less is
preferably and a range of 1-3 millimeters less is more preferable.
As used herein "about the same radius" means that the first radius
is within 25% of the second radius either larger or smaller. Such
that a 10.5 mm pellet and 8-9 mm adhesive dots have "about the same
radius."
[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the pellets 10 are round and the
fibers 14 are secured by a tubular outer retainer 12. The adhesive
is supplied as a plurality of adhesive dots on a sheet 27. In some
embodiments, the adhesive dots may be supplied on a rolled up tape
or sheet. In such embodiments, the adhesive dots preferably have a
similar diameter to the diameter of the pellets 10. In operation,
the adhesive on one side of the dots is exposed and one end of a
pellet 10 is pressed against an adhesive dot. The center line of
the outer retainer 12 should be aligned with the center line of the
pre-cut circular adhesive segments 29. This causes the adhesive
segment 29 to couple to one end of the pellet 10. Next, the
adhesive on the other side of the adhesive segment 29 is exposed by
further removing a backing. The pellet 10 with the adhesive segment
29 coupled to the fibers 14 may then be pressed on to a substrate
or object. The pressing is performed such that one end of the
fibers 14 is coupled to the substrate or object via the adhesive.
This is typically in direction perpendicular to the surface of the
object nr substrate and along the longitudinal axis of the pellet
10. Finally, the outer retainer 12 is removed such that the
uncoupled ends of the fibers 14, the ends not attached to the
adhesive segment 29, can spread out radially to form a pom pom.
This is typically accomplished by pulling the outer retainer 12 in
a direction away from the adhesive segment 29 along the
longitudinal axis of the pellet 10.
[0041] Depending on the embodiment, the pellets 10 may be any shape
or size. In some embodiments, the pellets 10 are around 1 to 2
inches in length. In other embodiments, longer or short pellets 10
may be used. Preferably, the pellets 10 are 1 inch in length and no
less than 0.25 inches in length. In some embodiments, much longer
pellets on the order of 5 to 10 inches or longer may be used.
[0042] Pellets 10 may contain any color fibers 14. Preferably, each
pellet 10 only includes a single color fiber 14. However, in some
embodiments, pellets with a plurality of fiber colors are possible.
While typically a single pellet 10 may only have a single fiber
color, kits for various different play patterns may be provided
with a plurality of pellets of varying colors. However, there is no
restriction to the type of colors that may be included in a pellet
10 and pellets may include fiber of the same color and/or material
strands or a single pellet may contain different colored fibers
and/or fibers of different materials. For example, in some
embodiments, the pellets may be made up of half regular strands of
fiber or yarn and half sparkly strands of fiber or yarn. The
sparkly strands may be created using glitter or some other type of
reflective material.
[0043] FIG. 2A illustrates an end view of the constrained ends of
one embodiment of a pellet 10 for use in making a pom pom. As may
be seen in FIG. 2A, a visual indicator 15 may be added to one end
of the pellet 10. The visual indicator 15 may be any type of
indicator including any shaped dot or mark. The visual indicator is
used to indicate an orientation for the pellet 10. Because the
pellet may be manufactured with all the fiber ends pre-constrained
on one end of the pellet 10, orientation of the pellet 10 can be
important. Users will always want to orient the pre-constrained end
towards the substrate they are attaching the pellet 10 to. To this
end, a plurality of pellets limy be provided all with a visual
indicator on the end of the same side, either the constrained side
or the unconstrained side. In preferred embodiments, the visual
indicator is on the constrained side indicating that side should be
placed against the substrate. In other embodiments, the visual
indicator may be placed on the side of the container 12 and may
indicate an orientation of the pellet 10 such as with an arrow or
other indicator. In other embodiments, the container 12 may have a
visual indicator on the side but towards one end to indicate an
orientation. The key is that the visual if indicators 15
consistently distinguishes between a constrained end and an
unconstrained end of the fibers 14 in a pellet 10.
[0044] Returning to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, an
applicator 24 is used to apply the pellets 10 to a substrate or
object. The applicant 24 may have various designs. As may be seen
in FIG. 1, the applicator 24 includes a handle portion 31 and a
cavity 33. The cavity is designed to have an interference fit with
an outside surface of the retainer 12. Accordingly, the applicator
24 may couple to the outer retainer 12 of the pellets 10 such that
when the applicator 24 is pulled away, the outer retainer 12 is
pulled away with it. In preferred embodiment, the applicator 24 is
coupled to the outer retainer 12 using an interference fit.
[0045] In preferred embodiments, an applicator 24 is used to
mechanically transfer or couple the pellets 10 to other objects. In
a preferred embodiment, the applicator 24 is designed to pick a
single pellet 10 from a pallet 28. However, in other embodiments,
the applicator 24 may be used to select multiple pellets 10 at a
time.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the applicator 24 includes a
passageway or cavity 33 with a diameter that is designed to create
an interference fit with the outside of the outer retainer 12 of a
pellet 10. To this end, the applicator 24 may be pressed onto the
pellets 10 and when pulled away, will only remove the outer
retainer 12. Preferably, the resistance between the passageway or
cavity 33 of the applicator 24 and the outer surface of retainer 12
is more than the resistance between the insider surface of the
retainer 12 and the fibers 14. In a preferred embodiment, the
passageway or cavity 33 is at the end of a handle portion 31
allowing the pellets to be more easily maneuvered and applied.
[0047] Although the pellets 10 are typically applied to substrates
by adding an adhesive to one end, the pellets 10 may be adhered and
form pom poms in other ways. In some embodiments, the fibers 14 may
be retained by a slot or opening. In such an embodiment, a pellet
10 is placed within a slot or opening and the outer retainer 12 is
removed, the expansion of the compressed fibers 14 previously
trapped by the outer retainer 12 secures the fibers in the opening.
The remainder of the fibers length continues to expand forming a
pom pom without the use of adhesive.
[0048] Using slots or openings allows pellets 10 to form into pom
poms without the use of adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, one
end of the pellet 10 is pressed into an opening with a smaller
cross-section than the cross section of the pellet 10. While a
smaller cross-section may be advantageous to pinch the fibers 14
and securely anchor the pom pom 22, it is not required and other
embodiments may use a less restrictive opening. In various
different embodiments, openings or slots that may be used as
anchors points for pom poms 22 may be formed in sheets, figurines,
lamps or any other type of accessory.
[0049] Although embodiments of pellets 10 have, up to this point,
included an outer container 12, some embodiments of a pellet 10 do
not have an outer container 12. In some embodiments, the outer
container 12 may be omitted and the pellet 10 comprises simply a
plurality of fibers 14 constrained on one end. As discussed above,
pellets 10 can have fibers 14 constrained at one end during
manufacture. Embodiments without a container 12, have their fibers
constrained at one end by an adhesive to create a pellet 10 without
a container. As may be understood from the teachings herein, if the
pellets have the fibers constrained at one end using an adhesive
during manufacture, the container may take many different forms or
be omitted. For example, rather than a cylindrical container like
the one shown in FIG. 2, the container 12 could be a retaining
ring, such as an elastic hand or string. In yet other embodiments,
the container 12 could be any band or sheath that restricts the
spread of the ends of the fibers 14 opposite the constrained
ends.
[0050] Numerous play patterns may be developed using the methods
disclosed herein. For example, pom poms 22 may be applied to
numerous different objections including, figurines, glasses,
electronics such as phones, cups and numerous other objects. In
some embodiments, numerous pom poms 22 may be applied in close
proximity to create a larger pom pom.
[0051] FIG. 3 illustrates a play pattern for applying pellets to
form pom poms 22 on a mobile 30. The mobile 30 may be any shape or
size and the pom poms 22 may be applied in various different
locations. Various different color pom poms 22 may be used. In
preferred embodiments, the pom poms 22 are applied with n
applicator 24.
[0052] FIG. 4 illustrates another play pattern in which pom poms 22
are applied to a speaker/stereo 40. As may be seen in FIG. 4, any
color and any style of decoration may be used. A single pellet 10
may be applied in one spot to forma small puff or pom pom 22 or
multiple pellets 10 may be applied in close proximity to create a
larger puff or pom pom 22.
[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates another play pattern in which a template
is provided to allow the creation of images using pom poms. As may
be seen in FIG. 5, a kit or studio may be provided with a craft box
50 that includes one or more templates for creating images out of
pom poms. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a grid 54 may be
provided for holding a plurality of pom poms. The grid 54 may be
laid over a template of an image. The template may provide
indicators to indicate both the color and location that a pom pom
should be formed. For example, the template may have colored spots.
Each spot is located where a pom pom should be placed and each spot
is colored to the color of the pom pom that should be placed there.
The pom poms may be inserted in the grid 54 such that the color of
the pom poms is matched to the color shown below on the template or
image. Once the pom poms are placed in the grid 54, the grid 54 may
be rotated about an axis such the comes into contact with a sticky
canvas 52. The pom poms will be stuck to the canvas 52 and when the
grid 54 is pulled away, their outer retainers 12 may be
simultaneously removed revealing an image similar to the template
only constructed of pom poms.
[0054] In yet another embodiment, no studio or grid is needed and
pom poms may be applied directly to a template or image.
[0055] Pellets 10 may be manufactured in many different ways. In
one embodiment, a plurality of fiber strands 14 may be pulled
through a retainer 12. In preferred embodiments, the retainer 12
begins much longer than the final pellet length and is then cut
once the appropriate number of fiber strands 14 have been pulled
through. For example, twenty-four 18 inch fiber strands may be
pulled through a straw or other retainer 12. Once twenty-four
strands have been pulled through, the straw or retainer 12 may be
cut along its length in a plurality of locations to form a
plurality of pellets 10. In some embodiments, the ends of each
pellet 10 may have an adhesive applied to constrain the ends of the
fiber strands 14 on one side of the pellet during manufacture.
[0056] Although the embodiments have been described with reference
to preferred configurations and specific examples, it will readily
be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications
and adaptations to the methods and apparatus described herein are
possible.
* * * * *