Patent Application
20220039424
Not Applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
The present invention is directed to the field of party ware, and in particular, to a sticker kit for making customized party ware, including tableware on which food may be served.
“Party ware” broadly encompasses a variety of products used for parties and other gatherings including stationery items (e.g. invitations, gift bags, name tags, thank you notes, etc.), tableware (e.g. plates, cups, platters, etc.) and decorations (e.g. banners, balloons, party hats, table tents, table cloths, etc.). Party ware collections, particularly those used for children's parties, are typically decorated in a common theme (e.g. birthday, princess, monster, cars, cartoon characters, etc.) and include disposable tableware. The specific color combinations and themes of party ware collections available for purchase are generally limited to a select number of offerings that have been manufactured for the season/year.
The present invention is directed to a sticker kit configured for use in custom decorating party ware items, including tableware items on which food can be served. Related embodiments include a method for producing such a sticker kit and a method for producing custom decorated party ware using such a sticker kit.
In one embodiment, the sticker kit includes at least one food grade safe decorative sticker that is formatted or configured (in size and shape) to be secured over the surface of a corresponding plate, bowl, platter or other tableware item for contact with food being served thereon. The decorative sticker may include one or more decorative elements selected from the group consisting of color, artwork, designs, graphics, photographic images, wording, numbers and combinations of those elements. A do-it-yourself (“DIY”) user can apply the decorative stickers to stock party ware items of any color or style selected by the DIY user to create custom decorated party ware. In one embodiment, the food grade safe decorative sticker is printed with food grade safe inks or dyes. In another embodiment, the food grade safe decorative sticker is coated with a food grade safe surface coating.
In one embodiment, the sticker kit includes at least one decorative sticker configured to be secured over a portion of the top surface of a plate in order to cover a portion of the upper surface of the plate for contact with food being served thereon. For purposes of this application, the terms “configured” and “configuration” should be understood to mean the combined shape and size of the sticker. Preferably, the decorative sticker is configured to cover at least about 50% of the top surface of the plate, more preferably at least about 70% of the top surface of the plate. In one embodiment, the sticker kit includes a decorative sticker configured to cover an area of at least 5 inches squared, preferably to cover an area ranging from about 5 to about 9 inches squared. In one embodiment, the sticker kit includes a round sticker having a diameter ranging from about 5 inches to 8.5 inches. In one embodiment, the sticker kit includes at least two stickers of different size and/or shape, each configured to be secured over a portion of the top surface of a plate in order to cover the majority of the upper surface of the plate. In one embodiment, the sticker kit includes two stickers of different size and/or shape, each sized to cover an area of at least 5 inches squared, preferably to cover an area ranging from about 5 to about 9 inches squared. In one embodiment, the sticker kit includes two round stickers, each having a diameter ranging from about 5 inches to about 8.5 inches.
In one embodiment, the sticker kit includes a set of decorative stickers that are formatted or configured in size and shape to be applied to a corresponding set of party ware items. For example, the set of stickers may include a large round sticker configured to be secured to a dinner size plate, a small round sticker configured to be secured to a cake or appetizer size plate, a large rectangular sticker configured to be secured to the front of a stationery invitation or thank you card, and a small rectangular or round sticker configured to be secured to a sidewall of a drinking cup.
In one embodiment, each set of decorative stickers within the kit may include one or more decorative elements unique to that set of stickers, such as the individual name of a party attendee, to make a personalized cup and/or other party ware items for each attendee. Alternatively, a blank space may be provided on one or more stickers within the set for a user or guest to write his or her name or add other custom indicia. In addition, the decorative elements used on the decorative stickers may have a common decorative theme (using the same or similar decorative elements in various presentations that fit the specific format or configuration of each sticker) for each set and/or for all of the sets within the kit.
In one embodiment, each set of decorative stickers is provided on a sticker sheet. The sticker sheet includes a sticker layer releaseably secured to a release or backing layer. The sticker layer has a top print surface adapted for printing decorative elements thereon and a bottom adhesive surface with a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon. The release or backing layer has a non-stick surface in contact with and covering the bottom adhesive surface of the sticker layer to protect the adhesive until the sticker is removed from the release or backing layer for use. Lines of weakness such as score lines, perforations or solid cut lines may be included in the sticker layer to define the outer perimeter of each sticker and assist in removing each sticker from the remainder of the sticker sheet. In this manner, the decorative stickers on the sticker sheet may be individually removed from the sticker sheet and applied to a corresponding party ware item.
In one embodiment, the sticker kit includes a plurality of sticker sheets wherein each sticker sheet includes at least one decorative sticker configured to be secured over a portion of the top surface of a tableware item, preferably a plate, in order to cover a portion of the upper surface of the tableware for contact with food being served thereon. Preferably, the decorative sticker is configured to cover at least about 50% of the top surface of a plate, more preferably at least about 70% of the top surface of a plate. In one embodiment, each sticker sheet includes at least one decorative sticker configured to cover an area of at least 5 inches squared, preferably to cover an area ranging from about 5 to about 9 inches squared. In one embodiment, each sticker sheet includes a round sticker having a diameter ranging from about 5 inches to about 8.5 inches. In one embodiment, each sticker sheet includes at least two stickers of different size and/or shape, each configured to be secured over a portion of the top surface of a plate in order to cover the majority of the upper surface of the plate. In one embodiment, each sticker sheet includes two stickers of different size and/or shape, each sized to cover an area of at least 5 inches squared, preferably to cover an area ranging from about 5 to about 9 inches squared. In one embodiment, each sticker sheet includes two round stickers, each having a diameter ranging from about 5 inches to about 8.5 inches.
In one embodiment, each sticker sheet includes a set of decorative stickers that are formatted or configured in size and shape to be applied to a corresponding set of party ware items. The configuration of the set of decorative stickers is the same for each sticker sheet, and the decorative elements applied to the decorative stickers is the same for each sticker sheet, except that optionally each sticker sheet within the kit may include one or more unique decorative elements (such as the name of a guest) that is different from another sticker sheet in the kit. In one embodiment, each set of decorative stickers on each sticker sheet within the kit includes at least three decorative stickers of different size and shape. In one embodiment, each set of stickers on each sticker sheet within the kit includes at least four decorative stickers of different size and shape. In one embodiment, each set of stickers on each sticker sheet within the kit includes at least two food grade safe decorative stickers of a different size and shape configured to cover a portion of the top surface of a plate, preferably configured to cover an area of at least 5 inches squared, preferably to cover an area ranging from about 5 to about 9 inches squared. In one embodiment, each set of decorative stickers on each sticker sheet within the kit includes two round stickers, each having a different diameter ranging from about 5 inches to about 8.5 inches.
A related embodiment is directed to a method for producing a sticker kit for use in making custom decorated party ware. The method includes applying one or more decorative elements to at least one sticker sheet to form at least one food grade safe decorative sticker. The sticker sheet may include a sticker layer having an upper surface adapted for printing the decorative elements thereon and a bottom surface with a pressure sensitive adhesive adhered to a backing layer. Lines of weakness extending through the sticker layer such as score lines, perforations or solid cut lines may be formed in the sticker sheet to define stickers that correspond to pre-defined sticker configurations. In one embodiment, the sticker sheet is made by printing the decorative elements on the stickers in the print side of the sticker layer. In one embodiment, the sticker sheet is printed with food grade safe inks or dyes. In another embodiment, the print side of the sticker layer may be coated or laminated with a food grade safe coating after it is printed with the decorative elements.
In one embodiment, the decorative elements are selected by the user and the sticker sheets are “made to order” by printing the selected decorative elements on the sticker sheets and supplying the printed sticker sheets together as a kit to the user. In this embodiment, the user may also select one or more unique decorative elements to include on the individual sticker sheets within the set. For example, the user may select the name of a guest “JOHN” to be printed on one or more stickers within one sticker sheet that is different from the name “BECKY” printed on the corresponding stickers of another sticker sheet within the kit. In this manner, the individual names of the guests may be included on the custom decorated party ware items.
A related embodiment is directed to a method for making custom decorated party ware items. In this embodiment, the user removes the decorative stickers from the sticker sheets provided in the sticker kit and applies the decorative stickers to corresponding party ware items. The user can apply the decorative stickers to stock party ware items of various colors and designs selected by the user to make the items more unique and customized to fit the user's style preferences and needs. The invention is also directed to custom decorated party ware item made in accordance with this method.
Additional aspects of the invention, together with the advantages and novel features appurtenant thereto, will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned from the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
A sticker kit in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is designated by the numeral 2 in
In one embodiment, sticker sheet 4 is made from conventional laser label paper stock, preferably label paper stock ranging from 30 to 60 pound weight paper stock, suitable for printing with laser color printers. As discussed hereinafter, the laser label paper is then die cut to form lines of weakness 16 that define the outer perimeters of stickers 12.
Looking to
In the exemplary embodiment, sticker 12a is configured to be secured over a portion of the top surface of a dinner-size plate 14a (
Sticker 12b is configured to be secured over a portion of the front of a stationery note card for use as an invitation or thank you note, or alternatively for attaching to the surface of another party ware item such as a gift bag 14b (
Sticker 12c is configured to be secured to a portion of the top surface of a smaller dessert or appetizer plate 14c (
Sticker 12d is configured to be secured to the sidewall of a drinking cup 14d (
As shown in
Stickers 12 are food grade safe so that they may be applied to a tableware item such as the dinner plate 14a or dessert plate 14c in contact with food being served thereon. The stickers may be made food grade safe using various methods as is known in the art. For example, the inks or dyes used to make the decorative elements printed on the stickers may be food grade safe. Any food grade safe inks or dyes suitable for applying the decorative elements on the sticker sheet may be used for this purpose. For example, off-the-shelf food grade safe inks commercially available from Kao Collins, Inc. may be used in printing the decorative elements on the sticker sheets via Ricoh branded color printers. Alternatively, a food grade safe coating may be applied over the inks and dyes used to make the decorative elements. Food grade safe coatings are well known in the art. In one embodiment, the coating is a water-based coating applied by a laminator over decorative elements that have been printed on the sticker sheet with conventional laser printer inks. An acceptable coating for purposes of the invention is an off-the-shelf coating for Ricoh brand laminators commercially available as 2044DE Heat Resistant Food Grade Waterbased Coating from Coatings & Adhesive Corporation.
Stickers 12 and the corresponding party ware items 14 custom decorated with stickers 12 may be biodegradable by using biodegradable sticker blanks, inks and/or dyes, coatings and party ware items. Similarly, stickers 12 and the corresponding party ware items 14 custom decorated with stickers 12 may be recyclable by using sticker blanks, inks and/or dyes, coatings and party ware items that are suitable for recycling.
Each sticker sheet 4 may include a set of stickers (a “sticker set”) comprised of a plurality of stickers, each having a configuration corresponding to a set of party ware items (a “party ware” set) to be decorated. As shown in
Kits 8 may additionally include party ware items 14 on which the stickers 12 will be applied. These party ware items may include a variety of different party ware items desired to be decorated. For example, these party ware items may include one or more plates, cups, bowls, serving dishes and other types of tableware on which food is served, as well as table place markers, gift bags, stationery note cards for invitations or thank you notes, and party hats. It is also anticipated that one of the stickers within each set may be used as a name tag.
In one embodiment, the sticker kits are customized and/or “made to order” for a DIY user. With reference to
In an optional embodiment, the user may provide the names of anticipated guests or attendees to be included on the individual sticker sheets 4 within kit 2. In this embodiment, it is anticipated that each sticker sheet 4 would be printed for each guest such that each sticker sheet would have the name of one of the anticipated guests or attendees. Alternatively, the decorative elements may include a blank space on one or more stickers 12 on each sticker sheet 4 within kit 2, wherein the name of a guest can be written by the user when decorating the party ware or by the guests themselves when they arrive at the party or other event. The user would also order the number of sticker sheets 4 to be included within the kit or kits sufficient to make the decorated party ware items needed for the event.
In addition, the user may be given the option to also order the party ware items (e.g. plates, cups, invitations, etc.) on which the stickers will be secured. Alternatively, the DIY user may otherwise purchase the party ware items through local or on-line sources. Upon placing his or her order, the customized sticker kits may be produced as described hereinafter and shipped or otherwise delivered to the user. The user can then apply the stickers 12 to the corresponding party ware items 14 that the user selected to make the custom decorated party ware.
Looking to
As discussed earlier, individual sticker sheets 4 within a kit may differ in that certain unique decorative elements, such as the name of a guest, on one sheet 4 may be different from the unique decorative element on another sheet 4. The various names or other unique decorative elements to be included on the individual sheets would also be programmed into the printers as is known in the art such that each sheet will be printed with the selected unique element.
Sticker sheets 4 may be printed using food grade safe inks or dyes as is known in the art and may be printed using various printing techniques including using multiple printers in series with different colors. In the embodiment shown in
The printed sticker sheets 4 may then be collected into groups to make one or more kits per order and shipped or otherwise delivered to the user. Upon receipt, the user may remove the decorated stickers 12 from the sticker sheets 4 and apply the decorated stickers to corresponding party ware items 14. Given that the user selects the various party ware items on which the stickers will be applied (including the color and style of those items), selects the decorative theme of the stickers (i.e. the decorative elements applied to the stickers), and optionally provides individual names or other unique decorative elements to differentiate the stickers on each sheet, the user is able to make custom decorated party ware with unique combinations of different colors, designs, and styles and to further personalize the individual party ware items for guests.
From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all ends and objectives herein-above set forth, together with the other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the invention.
Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. For example, while specific configurations of stickers are shown in the FIGURES, it is understood that a wide variety of different configurations of stickers may be used that fall within the scope of the invention. For instance, it is anticipated that stickers configured to be secured to a plate or cup to decorate the same could be shaped other than round (e.g. squared, rectangular, triangular, star-shaped, etc.) without departing from the invention. Similarly, the invention is not limited to the specific party ware items that are described and shown in the specification.
While specific embodiments have been shown and discussed, various modifications may of course be made, and the invention is not limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts and steps described herein, except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims. Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
