STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of lawn and residence decorations, and more specifically to decorative plastic streamers for use in shrubbery, trees, or on the exterior of a dwelling.
2. Background of the Invention
The use of paper products to decorate the landscape or exterior of a dwelling has been a traditional and commonplace recreational activity for many years. However, the use of such products can have disadvantages. Removal of paper products from elevated positions may be difficult or even dangerous, as the paper tears easily when the ends are pulled necessitating the need to physically reach the uppermost portions of the paper either by hand or through the use of a tool. Alternatively, using a hose to remove the paper can create a mess as the paper may simply tear into smaller fragments that, due to their smaller size, are even more difficult to remove from elevated areas. Paper left behind in the tops of trees or homes creates an eyesore and public embarrassment. Additionally, the time and cost involved in removal can frustrate the occupier of the area.
Consequently, there is a need for improved lawn and residence decorations.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
These and other needs in the art are addressed in one embodiment by a roll of decorative plastic. The roll of decorative plastic comprises a thin sheet of decorative rolled into a lightweight cylindrical shape. The roll may be of varying lengths and thickness. It is characterized by the ability to be unfurled quickly and to come unfurled easily so as to engage and adhere to structures present in elevated positions. Once attachment to the structures is made, the decorative roll may unroll until contact is made with the ground or another structure.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other embodiments for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent embodiments do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the decorative roll in a semi-unrolled configuration;
FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the decorative roll in a rolled configuration;
FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the decorative roll in an semi-unrolled configuration with messaging; and
FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the end of a decorative roll with attachment means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a decorative roll 5 in a semi-unrolled configuration. Decorative roll 5 is rolled tightly around a central opening 10. Rolled tightly may comprise the successive winding of decorative roll 5 material around central opening 10. Material of decorative roll 5 may be attached to a support insert 25 in central opening 10 by any suitable means. Suitable means may include, but is not limited to, the use of tape, glue, staples, or any combination thereof. The material of decorative roll 5 may form multiple layers, layer placed upon layer, which may increase the diameter of decorative roll 5 as each layer is added. Decorative roll 5 may have perforations 15. In this embodiment, an end 20 of decorative roll 5 has no attachment means.
FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of decorative roll 5 in a rolled configuration. A rolled configuration may comprise material of decorative roll 5 stacked layer upon layer. The stacking of material upon each layer may increase the diameter of decorative roll 5. After a sufficient amount of material has been wound around central opening 10, end 20 of the material may be attached to the adjacent bottom layer by any suitable means. Suitable means may include, but is not limited to, the use of tape, glue, staples, or any combination thereof. Attaching end 20 of the material to the adjacent bottom layer may hold the material secure and prevent the material from shifting laterally. A central opening 10 of the decorative roll may comprise a support insert 25. Support insert 25 may be used to provide additional support to decorative roll 5 when decorative roll 5 is unfurled or thrown. This may prevent the material in a rolled configuration from collapsing on itself.
FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of decorative roll 5 wherein decorative roll 5 comprises a decorative message 30.
FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the decorative roll 5, wherein end 20 of decorative roll 5 comprises attachment means 35. Attachment means 35 are used to attach end 20 of decorative roll 5 to structures so that decorative roll 5 may be unfurled from the point of structural attachment. Further illustrated, a plurality of punch-outs 30 which may be located at or about the center of decorative roll 5.
In embodiments, decorative roll 5 may have any suitable length for recreational decoration. Decorative roll 5 may comprise a rectangular plastic sheet of about fifty feet to about five hundred feet in length. Without limitation, for instance, decorative roll 5 may have a length of about five feet to about one hundred feet, about one hundred feet to about two hundred feet, about three hundred feet to about four hundred feet, or about four hundred feet to about five hundred feet. Further, alternative lengths may include about fifty feet, about one hundred feet, about two hundred feet, about three hundred feet, about four hundred feet, or about five hundred feet. Decorative roll 5 may have any suitable width for recreational decorations. Decorative roll 5 may have a width of about five centimeters to about twelve inches. Further alternative lengths may include about eighteen inches, about twenty-four inches, about thirty inches, about thirty-six inches, or about 42 inches. Decorative roll 5 may have any suitable depth for a recreational decoration. Decorative roll 5 may have a depth of about one-tenth of a millimeter to about three millimeters, about three millimeters to about six millimeters, or about six millimeters to about ten millimeters. Without limitation, for instance, decorative roll 5 may have a depth of about one-tenth of a millimeter, about two-tenths of a millimeter, about one millimeter, about two millimeters, about three millimeters, about four millimeters, about five millimeters, about six millimeters, about seven millimeters, about eight millimeters, about nine millimeters, or about ten millimeters. Decorative roll 5 may have any suitable weight for a recreational decoration. Decorative roll 5 may have a weight of about fifty grams to about one hundred grams, one hundred grams to about two hundred grams, two hundred grams to about three hundred grams, three hundred grams to about four hundred grams, or about four hundred grams to about five hundred grams. Without limitation, for instance, decorative roll 5 may have a weight of about fifty grams, about one hundred grams, about one hundred and fifty grams, about two hundred grams, about two hundred and fifty grams, about three hundred grams, about three hundred and fifty grams, about four hundred grams, about four hundred and fifty grams, or about five hundred grams. The density of decorative roll 5 may vary as needed for an individual application. In some applications, it may be desirable to utilize a decorative roll with a density in which a sheet of unrolled plastic from decorative roll 5 may be easily punctured by impact with a structure. In alternative applications, it may be desirable to utilize a decorative roll 5 with a density and material thickness in which a sheet of unrolled plastic from decorative roll 5 resists puncturing by impact with a structure. With the benefit of this disclosure, one having ordinary skill in the art will be able to choose a size and density to utilize decorative roll 5 for a specific application.
In embodiments, decorative roll 5 may comprise any plastic, without limitation, the plastic may be fabric, cloth, paper-based material, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, decorative roll 5 comprises plastic that is cost-effective, lightweight, non-toxic, water-resistant, and sufficiently durable. Examples of such plastics include polyethylene of any grade, polypropylene of any grade, polyvinyl chloride of any grade, and the like. Additionally, some embodiments may comprise biodegradable plastics. Any type of biodegradable plastic may be used including thermal biodegradable plastic, oxo-biodegradable plastic, hydro-biodegradable plastic, microbial-biodegradable plastic. In embodiments, microbial-biodegradable plastic comprises polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polycaprolactone, polyanhydrides, polyvinyl alcohol, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the plastic comprises recyclable materials. Optional embodiments comprise a plastic that does not comprise polyisobutylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, or any similar substance with adhesive properties so as, without limitation, to reduce the ability of the plastic in decorative roll 5 to cling to itself, which may make the process of unfurling decorative roll 5 easier. Once used, decorative roll 5 may be discarded or recycled. The plastic of decorative roll 5 may comprise any suitable color plastic, including clear plastic. With the benefit of this disclosure, one having ordinary skill in the art will be able to choose a type of plastic to utilize decorative roll 5 for a specific application. In further embodiments decorative roll 5 may comprise of fabric, cloth, or a paper based material.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, decorative roll 5 may be perforated. Perforations 15 may extend about partially or substantially through decorative roll 5. In embodiments, decorative roll 5 may have non-perforated sections 17, dispersed between each perforation 15. Non-perforated sections 17 may be about one centimeter to about 10 centimeters. Alternatively, non-perforated sections 17 may be about one centimeter, about two centimeters, about three centimeters, about four centimeters, about five centimeters, about six centimeters, about seven centimeters, about eight centimeters, about nine centimeters, or about ten centimeters. Perforations 15 allow decorative roll 5 to tear into smaller sections. Perforations 15, as illustrated in FIG. 1, may form a straight line 16 that runs parallel to end 20 of decorative roll 5. In embodiments, perforations 15 extend across the width of decorative roll 5 to form line 16 that extends at about a one hundred and eighty degree angle across the width of decorative roll 5, alternatively about one hundred degrees to about two hundred degree angle, and alternatively about one hundred and seventy degree to about one hundred and ninety degree angle, or alternatively about on hundred and seventy five degree to about one hundred and eighty five degree angle. In an embodiment, line 16 extends about perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of decorative roll 5. In embodiments comprising perforations 15, perforations 15 need not be a straight line. Perforations 15 may comprise any shape, for example a curve, and also may be disposed across decorative roll 5 at any angle and not just parallel, (i.e., to end 20 of decorative roll 5). Perforations 15 may be present at one or more points on decorative roll 5. Perforated areas may be separated by about five inches to about one foot, alternatively about one foot to about five feet, alternatively about five feet to about ten feet, alternatively about ten feet to about fifteen feet, or alternatively from about fifteen feet to about twenty feet. In still further embodiments, perforations 15 may be placed at or about the center of decorative roll 5, which may comprise a plurality of punch-outs 30. As illustrated in FIG. 4, punch-outs 30 may allow for the user to remove sections within decorative roll 5, allowing for decorations or other objects to be strung through the areas vacated by punch-outs 30. Punch-outs 30 may be of any suitable shape, which may include, but is not limited to circular, triangular, rectangular, or any combination thereof. Punch-outs 30 may be any suitable length, which may be about half an inch to about ten inches. Alternatively, punch-outs 30 may me about one inch in length, about two inches, about three inches, about four inches, about five inches, about six inches, about seven inches, about eight inches, about nine inches, or about ten inches. Punch-outs 30 may be any suitable height, which may be about a quarter of an inch to about six inches. Alternatively, the height of punch-out 30 may be about half an inch, about one inch, about two inches, about three inches, about four inches, about five inches, or about six inches. With the benefit of this disclosure, one having ordinary skill in the art will be able to choose whether to perforate and the type of perforation to utilize decorative roll 5 for a specific application.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, central opening 10 of decorative roll 5 may comprise a support insert 25. Support insert 25 may provide additional support to decorative roll 5 to mitigate damage to the structure of decorative roll 5 in conditions of typical use. Support insert 25 may extend through the entirety of central opening 10. Support insert 25 may be hollow or solid. Support insert 25 may comprise any material that provides adequate support yet is still lightweight so as to not interfere with the ability to throw decorative roll 5 over a sufficient distance. Such materials may include metal, plastic, cardboard, ceramic, wood, glass, or any combination thereof. Preferred embodiments of support insert 25 comprise biodegradable or recyclable materials. In embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, support insert 25 may have flanges 18 that may extend along both edges of decorative roll 5, which may prevent decorative roll 5 from shifting laterally and collapsing. In further embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, handle attachment 19, may attach to support insert 25. Support insert 25 may rotate about handle attachment 19. Handle attachment 19 may allow the user to grip the handle and unwind decorative roll 5 without physically holding decorative roll 5. Handle attachment 19 may allow for quicker, safer, and easier unwinding of decorative roll 5. With the benefit of this disclosure, one having ordinary skill in the art will be able to choose whether to provide a support insert 25 for decorative roll 5 and the type of material support insert 25 should comprise in order to utilize decorative roll 5 for a specific application.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, decorative roll 5 may contain a decorative message 30. Decorative message 30 may comprise any message or advertisement for any purpose. Decorative message 30 may comprise any color including clear. Decorative message 30 may disposed on one side of the decorative roll 5. Alternatively, decorative message 30 may be customizable and may be disposed on any portion or any side of decorative roll 5, including disposed upon multiple or combinations of portions or sides of decorative roll 5. Decorative message 30 may be disposed on decorative roll 5 by any suitable means. In embodiments, decorative message 30 is disposed on decorative roll 5 by printing, etching, adhesive, or any combination thereof. In embodiment, decorative message 30 may be printed on decorative roll 5 using any sufficient process, method, technique, or ink. In further embodiment, decorative roll 5 may be different colors and have different wording or signage. For example, decorative roll 5 may include declarative language, such as for warning or identifying dangers. Specific messages and colors may correlate with the profession in which decorative roll 5 may be used, which may include, but is not limited to police, firefighters, military, security, or construction fields. With the benefit of this disclosure, one having ordinary skill in the art will be able to choose a process for printing messages on decorative roll 5 for a specific application.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, in optional embodiments, decorative roll 5 may comprise attachment means 35. Attachment means 35 may be any means sufficient for attaching an end 20 or portion of decorative roll 5 to a support structure. In some embodiments, attachment means 35 may be located at every line 16 of perforations 15. In further embodiments, attachment means 35 may be separable from decorative roll 5. In such further embodiments, this may allow the user to place attachment means 35 along any area of decorative roll 5. Attachment means 35 may comprise attachment means that may be manually attached by hand to a support structure or alternatively may comprise attachment means that may attach solely through brief contact with a support structure, for example a loop that attaches to a tree branch when thrown to the location of the branch. Attachment means 35 may be of any suitable size, shape, or configuration. Examples of suitable attachment means 35 include hooks, loops, holes, hook and loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro®), adhesives, and the like. Velcro® is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries B. V. Attachment means 35 may comprise any suitable material including metal, plastic, cloth, leather, glue, and the like. With the benefit of this disclosure, one having ordinary skill in the art will be able to choose an attachment means 35 suitable for use with decorative roll 5 for a specific application.
In alternative embodiments, end 20 of decorative roll 5 may be tapered or thickened. Tapered refers to a decrease in thickness, density, and/or size. Thickened refers to an increase in thickness, density, and/or size. Additionally, in alternative embodiments, end 20 of decorative roll 5 may comprise any shape, such as pointed, curved, straight, and the like. With the benefit of this disclosure, one having ordinary skill in the art will be able to choose the shape of and whether to taper or thicken end 20 of decorative roll 5 for a specific application.
Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. Although individual embodiments are discussed, the invention covers all combinations of all those embodiments. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention. While compositions and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee.
Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Patent Application
20140363604
