Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6530491
-
Patent Number
6,530,491
-
Date Filed
Friday, March 9, 200123 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, March 11, 200321 years ago
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Inventors
-
-
Examiners
- Stodola; Daniel P.
- Harris; Erica B
Agents
- Thomte, Mazour & Niebergall
- Niebergall; Shane M.
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 211 205
- 248 149
- 248 156
- 248 175
- D06 411
- D06 449
- D06 450
- D06 454
- D06 412
- D06 410
- D06 464
- D06 467
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A method and apparatus for supporting and displaying agricultural produce and sporting equipment are provided for forming decorative seasonal and sport related characters. An elongated rod serves as the vertical support for the produce and equipment. For outdoor use the rod can be secured directly into the ground or secured to a stand that is placed on the ground. The stand further allows the apparatus to be used indoors. In use, produce or equipment is either threaded onto the rod, after opposing holes are cut into the produce or equipment, or adjustable ring platforms can be positioned on the rod so that the platforms extend generally perpendicularly from the rod to support the produce or equipment in a vertical manner. An arm platform is provided that can be adjustably secured to the rod and positioned to form the character's arms. The platform is adapted to hold additional produce or equipment as desired. The several component parts to the apparatus can be adapted to be collapsible for storage and provide for a variation of display positions for the character.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to decorative seasonal and sports displays and more particularly to a method and apparatus for creating and displaying seasonal and sports related characters.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Carved and painted pumpkins are common decorations found in and outside of homes and certain businesses in the fall and during Halloween. Similarly, snowmen and Santa Claus figures adorn many snow-covered lawns throughout the winter. The types of characters formed and displayed year round are usually limited only by the imaginations of the decorators.
However, decorators do occasionally encounter structural limitations when designing decorative seasonal and sports characters. For example, a “pumpkin man” having a segmented body similar to a snowman is a good and versatile idea but for the fact that pumpkins do not naturally adhere to one another when stacked vertically like large snowballs. The same is true when using sport balls and other equipment having round or irregular shapes. Accordingly, an apparatus is needed to facilitate the stacking of various objects having irregular shapes. It is also desirable to be able to use such an apparatus for either indoor or outdoor displays. Finally, the apparatus should be adaptable so that it does not damage the items of agricultural produce or sports equipment used to form the body of the character, making the produce and equipment usable in other applications in the future.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved method and apparatus for displaying decorative seasonal and sports related characters.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A method and apparatus are provided for easily creating and displaying decorative seasonal and sports related characters. An elongated rod serves as the central frame or “spine” of the character to be formed. For outdoor use, the rod can be secured directly into the ground for improved stability and support. For indoor and alternative outdoor use, a generally rectangular stand is attached to the bottom of the rod such that the rod extends generally perpendicularly from the stand. Alternatively, the rod can be removably secured to the stand for complete disassembly and storage.
The agricultural produce or sporting equipment can be displayed on the rod in two preferred ways. First, the produce or equipment can have opposing holes, the diameter of which approximating the diameter of the rod, formed into the sides of the produce or equipment so that the rod can be inserted through the opposing holes. A second embodiment uses ring platforms to support the produce or equipment. The ring platforms are adjustably secured to the rod, thus creating a series of shelves disposed in a vertical manner, one over the next.
Additional equipment that can be used includes an arm platform that is removably and adjustably secured to the rod, regardless of the method used for supporting the produce or equipment. The arm extends radially from the rod at a selected vertical distance from the ground and has upper surfaces to “hold” additional items of produce or equipment.
Therefore, a principal object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for displaying decorative seasonal and sports related characters.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for creating decorative seasonal and sports related characters for either indoor or outdoor display.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for creating decorative seasonal and sports related characters that is fully collapsible for storage purposes.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for creating decorative characters using agricultural produce or sports equipment of various sizes and shapes.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for creating decorative characters using agricultural produce or sports equipment that is adaptable for different character themes and poses.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for creating decorative characters using agricultural produce or sports equipment that does not damage the items of agricultural produce or sporting equipment used.
These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of the invention in use, displaying a pumpkin man character;
FIG. 2
is a side view of the invention in use, displaying a pumpkin man character, further depicting the rod structure disposed within the pumpkins being used;
FIG. 3
is a rear perspective view of the rod wherein the angular bracket attached thereto is adapted to receive the arm platform;
FIG. 4
is a perspective view of the invention in use, displaying a “sportball man” character; and
FIG. 5
is a rear perspective view of the invention in use with a stand and adjustable ring platforms and angular bracket.
FIG. 6
is a rear perspective view of the invention in use with the rod inserted directly into the ground and adjustable ring platforms and an angular bracket.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The numerals
10
and
10
′, shown in
FIGS. 1-5
, refer generally to the method and apparatus for supporting and displaying at least one item of agricultural produce or sporting equipment as a selected theme character.
FIGS. 1 and 2
depict the apparatus as it could be used to form a pumpkin man character.
FIG. 4
depicts the apparatus as it could be used to form a sportball man. As shown in
FIGS. 2
,
3
, and
5
, the apparatus
10
and
10
′ generally include an elongated bar
12
, having a first end
14
and second end
16
. The bar
12
can be composed of nearly any material. However, the bar
12
should be sturdy and adapted to be rust prohibitive, since it may have to endure the elements when displayed out of doors. Materials such as rigid plastic, treated wood, or a metal, such as iron, steel, or aluminum that was coated with a rust prohibitive material would suffice to fashion the bar
12
. Similarly, each of the remaining structural components could be made from any number of materials, although it is preferred that the same material be used for each of the components.
In a basic preferred embodiment for displaying the character outside of a home or business, the second end
16
of rod
12
is inserted directly into the ground so that the rod
12
extends generally perpendicularly from the ground. If an agricultural theme is preferred, at least one item of agricultural produce
18
, such as a pumpkin, is adapted to have opposing holes in the sides thereof. The first end
14
of rod
12
is then inserted into the opposing holes in the produce
18
, threading the produce
18
into place. This process is repeated until the character's desired height, or number of produce
18
, is reached. The produce
18
can be further adapted with carvings or markings to create details, such as a face. This can be done using any traditional method of carving or marking material, including paint, markers, or the like. Moreover, the agricultural produce
18
can be adorned with craft items, clothing, or the like. The process described for securing the produce
18
to rod
12
would be carried out in similar fashion when a sport theme is desired. However, when a sport theme is desired, nearly any type of sporting equipment
28
, such as sport balls (basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, etc.), helmets, pads, jerseys, etc., would be used in place of produce
18
.
When it is not desirable to put holes into the produce
18
or equipment
28
to pass the rod
12
therethrough, a series of ring platforms
30
can be used to support the produce
18
or equipment
28
in a shelf-like manner. It is preferred that ring platform
30
be generally ring-shaped to allow the produce
18
or equipment
28
to set securely on the upper surface, and at times be partially disposed through the center opening, of the ring platform
30
. However, it is contemplated that other structures including flat, solid plates or curved bowls could be used.
Ring platform
30
is provided with an arm member
32
that is attached to the outer edge of ring platform
30
and extends outwardly therefrom in a generally perpendicular manner. Collar
34
, having opposite open ends that form an opening extending the length of collar
34
and having a diameter that is generally equal to that of rod
12
, is preferably disposed at the opposite end of arm member
32
. Rod
12
is inserted into the opening extending between the open ends of collar
34
, allowing collar
34
and arm member
32
to be positioned at any point along the length of rod
12
between the first end
14
and the second end
16
. Collar
34
is disposed onto the opposite end of arm member
32
so that, when collar
34
is placed onto rod
12
, the arm
32
extends outwardly from rod
12
in a generally perpendicular manner positioning ring platform
30
generally horizontal to the display surface. Once the collar
34
and arm member
32
are located at the desired location along the length of rod
12
, the location can be secured with a set screw
36
that is screwed perpendicularly through collar
34
and tightened against the rod
12
. It is contemplated that other structures and methods generally known in the art, such as a spring force or a notch and pin assembly, could be used to secure the location of arm member
32
along the length of rod
12
.
When it is not desirable to insert rod
12
directly into the ground, such as when the character is to be displayed on a surface such as concrete or inside a home or business, a stand
20
is secured to the second end
16
of rod
12
. Stand
20
generally has an upper and lower surface. It is preferred that the topography of the lower surface of stand
20
be commensurate with the shape of the displaying surface, which will typically be flat. It is contemplated that pads of various materials could be placed on the lower surface to contact the displaying surface. While the stand
20
in
FIG. 5
is depicted as being generally rectangular, it is contemplated that the stand
20
could be formed into any conceivable shape including that of feet for the character.
It is preferred that the stand
20
be secured to the second end
16
of rod
12
so that the rod
12
extends generally perpendicularly from the stand
20
, thus promoting the stability of the apparatus
10
′. The stand
20
can be secured to the second end
16
of rod
20
in a fixed or “permanent” manner. However, for ease of disassembly and storage, it is preferred that the second end
16
of rod
12
and the upper surface of stand
20
be adapted to be removably coupled together. This can be accomplished by adapting both components with mating threads to screw the two components together, adapting the stand with a collar
34
(of varying length) and an optional set screw
36
, or other generally known methods.
It may be desired to provide the character with a set of arms. An elongated arm platform
24
, having an upper surface
38
and a lower surface (not pictured), can be easily secured to the rod
12
in a number of ways. It is contemplated that arm platform
24
could be formed using two or more separate platforms that join into one or more sets of arms, as desired. It is preferred that an angular bracket
22
, having first and second ends, be provided to secure arm platform
24
to rod
12
. Although other known methods and structure could be used, it is preferred that arm platform
24
either be provided with receiving tabs, as shown in
FIG. 3
, through which the first end of angular bracket
22
can be inserted to support arm platform
24
, or hook tabs, as shown in
FIG. 5
, which can be received by openings disposed within the angular bracket
22
′, adjacent the first end thereof.
The second end of angular bracket
22
′ can be attached to rod
12
in a fixed position. However, it is preferred that the second end of angular bracket
22
′ be secured to rod
12
in an adjustable and removable manner. Collar
34
, as described previously, is preferably disposed at the second end of angular bracket
22
. The rod
12
is inserted into the opening extending between the open ends of collar
34
, allowing collar
34
and angular bracket
22
′ to be positioned at any point along the length of rod
12
between first end
14
and second end
16
. Collar
34
is disposed onto angular bracket
22
′ so that, when collar
34
is placed onto rod
12
, the angular bracket
22
′ extends first outwardly from rod
12
in a generally perpendicular manner and then upwardly in a generally parallel manner with respect to rod
12
. Once the collar
34
and angular bracket
22
′ are located at the desired location along the length of rod
12
, the location can be secured with a set screw
36
in the manner described previously.
Arm platforms
24
and
24
′ are preferably shaped so that they have two hands, one disposed at each end of the arm platforms
24
and
24
′. When the hands are positioned so that the palms of the hands form an upper surface
38
, the arm platforms
24
and
24
′ can be used to display a character with its arms outstretched, holding any number of items, including additional produce
18
or equipment
28
.
In the drawings and in the specification, there has been set forth preferred embodiments of the invention and although specific items are employed, these are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Changes in the form and proportion of parts, as well as a substitution of equivalents, are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as further defined in the following claims.
Thus it can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.
Claims
- 1. An apparatus for supporting and displaying a plurality of objects as a selected theme character, comprising:an elongated rod having first and second ends; and an elongated arm platform, having opposite hand-shaped ends, operatively connected to said rod so that the hand-shaped ends extend outwardly from said rod to selectively support at least one of the objects; said first end of said rod being adapted to be inserted through at least one of the objects such that a character is formed having a theme related to the plurality of objects.
- 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second end of said elongated rod is adapted to be secured into the ground.
- 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a stand having a generally flat lower surface and an upper surface; said lower surface being adapted to be placed on a display surface; said upper surface being adapted to be removably secured to the second end of said rod so that said rod extends generally perpendicularly from said upper surface.
- 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a stand having a generally flat lower surface and an upper surface; said lower surface being adapted to be placed on a display surface; said upper surface being connected in a fixed position on the second end of said rod such that the rod extends generally perpendicularly from said upper surface.
- 5. An apparatus for supporting and displaying objects as a selected theme character, comprising:an elongated rod having first and second ends; an elongated arm platform, having opposite hand-shaped ends, operatively connected to said rod so that the hand-shaped ends extend outwardly from said rod to selectively support at least one of the objects; and at least one supporting platform having upper and lower surfaces: said at least one supporting platform being adapted to be operatively secured to the rod between the first and second ends thereof; said at least one supporting platform being further adapted to support at least one of the objects on the upper surface of said at least one supporting platform; said at least one supporting platform being arranged with respect to said rod such that a character is formed having a theme related to the objects.
- 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said at least one supporting platform is comprised of a generally ring-shaped body having outer and inner edges.
- 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said at least one supporting platform is further comprised of an arm, having first and second ends; said first end of said arm being attached to the outer edge of the generally ring-shaped body so that the arm extends radially therefrom in general planar harmony with the generally ring-shaped body; said second end of said arm having a first elongated collar, having first and second open ends, attached thereto; said first elongated collar being adapted to receive said rod through said first and second open ends and be selectively and adjustably secured to the rod between the first and second ends thereof.
- 8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the second end of said rod is adapted to be secured into the ground.
- 9. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a stand having a generally flat lower surface and an upper surface; said lower surface being adapted to be placed on a display surface; said upper surface being adapted to be removably secured to the second end of said rod so that said rod extends generally perpendicularly from said upper surface.
- 10. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a stand having a generally flat lower surface and an upper surface; said lower surface being adapted to be placed on a display surface; said second end of said rod being connected in a fixed position to the upper surface of on the stand such that the rod extends generally perpendicularly from said upper surface.
- 11. A method for providing an amusing character having an elongated rod, with first and second ends, an elongated arm platform having opposite end portions, and a plurality of objects, comprising the steps of:coupling the rod to the arm platform so that the opposite end portions of the arm platform extend outwardly from the rod; shaping and positioning the opposite end portions of the arm platform to resemble hands capable of supporting at least one of the objects; inserting the first or second end of the rod through at least one of the objects; and arranging the rod, the elongated arm platform, and at least one of the objects with respect to one another such that a character is formed, having a theme related to that of the objects.
- 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of securing the second end of said rod into the ground to provide further structural support and stability to the character.
- 13. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of removably securing a stand to the second end of said rod, such that the rod extends generally perpendicularly from the stand, to display the character on a selected display surface.
- 14. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of securing the second end of said rod to a stand in fixed relationship therewith, such that the rod extends generally perpendicularly from the stand to display the character on a selected display surface.
- 15. A method for providing an amusing character having an elongated rod with first and second ends, an elongated arm platform having opposite end portions, at least one supporting platform having upper and lower surfaces, and a plurality of objects, comprising the steps of:coupling the rod to the arm platform so that the opposite end portions of the arm platform extend outward from the rod; shaping and positioning the opposite end portions of the arm platform to resemble hands capable of supporting at least one of the objects; operatively and adjustably securing the at least one supporting platform to the rod between the first and second ends thereof, so that the at least one supporting platform extends generally perpendicularly from the rod; supporting at least one of the objects on the upper surface of the at least one supporting platform; and arranging the rod, at least one supporting platform, arm platform, and objects with respect to one another such that a character is formed having a theme related to that of the objects.
- 16. The method of claims 15 further comprising the step of securing the second end of said rod into the ground.
- 17. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of securing the second end of said rod to a stand in fixed relationship therewith, such that the rod extends generally perpendicularly from the stand, to display the character on a selected display surface.
US Referenced Citations (17)