US20030077406A1

US20030077406A1 - Ornament decor

Info

Publication number: US20030077406A1
Application number: US09/982,866
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard Walls; Lindbergh Lin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-10-22
Filing date: 2001-10-22
Publication date: 2003-04-24

Abstract

An ornament decor is designed for setting on a top of a decorative article having a small upper part and an expanded lower part. The ornament decor mainly includes a frame having a portion smaller than a maximum outer diameter of the decorative article measured at a horizontal position thereof, so that the frame is set on the decorative article without falling off the decorative article. The frame may be provided with decorative shapes or patterned accessories, and has linking members extended therefrom for detachably holding small hanging ornaments, such as tassels, beads, various icons, and so on. A user may change the frame or the hanging ornaments depending on personal preference at any time to create changeful appearances for the decorative article.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an ornament decor, and more particularly to an ornament decor for setting on an article having a small upper part and an expanded lower part, so that other hanging ornaments may be detachably connected to the article via the ornament decor to create changeful appearances for the article.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A lot of hanging and fixed ornaments are widely used in various festivals. These ornaments include, for example, ball-shaped hanging ornaments and treetop accessories for a Christmas tree at Christmas. Most of the conventional ball-shaped hanging ornaments are made of glass. For example, on the Bronner's on-line shopping site at http://www.bronners.net/ornaments.html, we may find many differently designed glass balls. And, we may also find on the sites at http://www.christopherradko.com/html/2000 collection.html and http://www.heico-coburg.de/html/glas-christbaumschmuck.html many differently shaped glass balls and related products.

The ornaments, made with conventional techniques, are typically plastic or glass balls. To increase their decorating effects, they are usually coated with color paints, provided with colored patterns, or have attachments permanently fixed to them. These ornaments are actually approximate to one another, except for their color, patterns, shapes or fixed attachments. These ornaments have never been provided with more decorations that may extend in a three-dimensional space in different directions, unless permanently affixed, and without giving the owner the ability to change the decoration.

U.S. Pat. No. D.355,389 entitled “WATER DROP SHAPED GLASS BALL” discloses a glass ball having a doll provided therein. Due to the internal doll, it is not suitable to paint an outer surface of the glass ball. Thus, the glass ball with internal doll is not necessarily superior to other glass balls in terms of its decorating effect.

Moreover, ornaments made with conventional techniques are not changeable in their appearances once they have been produced. Thus, these conventional decorative ornaments, such as glass balls are only monotonous hanging ornaments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide an ornament decor that mainly includes a frame, which may also serve as an independent ornament, for setting on an article having a small upper part and an expanded lower part, such as a glass ball, a plastic ball, or any other similar shapes made of tin, Styrofoam, feather, wood and other material, natural or man made, so that other three-dimensional ornaments may be connected to the article via the frame to extend in different directions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ornament decor having a frame, to which small hanging ornaments, such as tassels, beads, various kinds of icons, etc., may be detachably connected to dangle from the frame, so as to provide enhanced decorating effect.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an ornament decor having a frame provided with linking members, on which small hanging ornaments are detachably hung, so that a user may replace the hanging ornaments depending on personal preference at any time to create changeful appearances for the ornament decor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The structure and the technical means adopted by the present invention to achieve the above and other objects can be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein [0009]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an ornament decor according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [0010]
FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the ornament decor of FIG. 1; [0011]
FIG. 3 shows an ornament decor according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ornament decor includes a frame made of twisted wires, and three small hanging ornaments; [0012]
FIG. 4 shows an ornament decor according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ornament decor includes a frame having star-shaped accessories, and hanging ornaments, each of which includes a bead and a chain tassel; [0013]
FIG. 5 shows an ornament decor according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ornament decor includes a frame having leaf-shaped accessories, and hanging ornaments, each of which is formed from many leaf-shaped accessories; [0014]
FIG. 6 shows an ornament decor according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ornament decor includes a frame having bendable wires and Christmas-tree-shaped accessories, and hanging ornaments, each of which includes a star-shaped acrylic accessory; [0015]
FIG. 7 shows an ornament decor according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ornament decor includes a frame having snowflake-shaped and round accessories, and hanging ornaments, each of which includes a cloisonné accessory; [0016]
FIG. 8 shows an ornament decor according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ornament decor includes a frame having diamond-shaped accessories and wire-wound patterns, and hanging ornaments, each of which includes a resin accessory; [0017]
FIG. 9 shows an ornament decor according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ornament decor includes a frame having Poinsettia-shaped accessories, and hanging ornaments, each of which includes a resin petal; [0018]
FIG. 10 shows an ornament decor according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ornament decor includes a frame having star-shaped accessories and helical patterns, and hanging ornaments, each of which includes an embossed accessory; [0019]
FIG. 11 shows an ornament decor according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ornament decor includes a frame decorated with stones, and hanging ornaments, each of which includes a cloisonné accessory and some beads; [0020]
FIG. 12 shows an ornament decor according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ornament decor includes a frame having inverted teardrop-shaped accessories, and linking members, each of which includes two hook-shaped ends for holding two small hanging ornaments; [0021]
FIG. 13 shows an ornament decor according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ornament decor includes a frame made of a spring wire and having star-shaped accessories, and hanging ornaments, each of which includes a gold bead, a spiral accessory, and a painted gathered bead; [0022]
FIG. 14 shows an ornament decor according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ornament decor includes a wavy frame having wire-bent candy-shaped accessories and colored cane-shaped candy accessories, and hanging ornaments, each of which includes a gingerbread man made of a resin material; [0023]
FIG. 15 shows an ornament decor according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ornament decor includes a frame formed from a string of beads and having a plurality of dangling beads, and hanging ornaments, each of which includes a twirl beaded wire having an acrylic bead connected to a lower end thereof; [0024]
FIG. 16 shows an ornament decor according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ornament decor includes a frame consisting of two rings connected together by decorative lines between them, and hanging ornaments, each of which includes many differently shaped beads; [0025]
FIG. 17 shows an ornament decor according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ornament decor includes a frame formed from beaded wires and spiral wires, and hanging ornaments, each of which includes beaded spiral accessories and dangling beads; and [0026]
FIG. 18 shows an ornament decor according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ornament decor includes a frame made of a wire having beads and artificial flowers attached thereto, and hanging ornaments, each of which includes a butterfly-shaped accessory and some beads.[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2 that are exploded and assembled perspective views, respectively, of a decoration including a [0028] ball 10 and an ornament decor of the present invention attached to the ball 10. The ball 10 may be a glass ball or a plastic ball having a painted and/or color-patterned outer surface. Alternately, the ball 10 may be replaced with any other shaped body having a gradually narrowed upper part and a gradually widened lower part, such as a teardrop-shaped body. For the purpose of simplicity, the ball 10 will be shown in all illustrated embodiments of the present invention. The ball 10 is provided at a top with a hang loop 20, so that the entire decoration formed from the ball 10 and the ornament decor of the present invention could be conveniently hung on, for example, a Christmas tree or other articles or places to be decorated.
The ornament decor of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, mainly includes a [0029] frame 30, a smallest inner diameter of which is smaller than a largest outer diameter of the ball 10 measured at a horizontal position on the ball 10, so that the frame 30 could be set on a top of the ball 10 without the risk of falling therefrom.
The [0030] frame 30 may be simply a close ring or a C-shaped ring, or be differently decorated. In the ornament decor shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which is a first embodiment of the present invention, the frame 30 is made of a metal wire and includes a ring 31. The ring 31 has a smallest inner diameter smaller than the largest outer diameter of the ball 10 measured at a horizontal position on the ball 10, so that the whole frame 30 may be set on the ball 10 from a top thereof, as shown in FIG. 2. Since the frame 30 has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the ball 10, the frame 30 set on the ball 10 would not easily fall off the ball 10.
The [0031] frame 30 may be provided with a plurality of decorative patterns 32, and a plurality of linking members 33 downward extended from some of the plurality of decorative patterns 32 for holding a small-size hanging ornament 40 each. Each of the hanging ornaments 40 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes an upper S-shaped connecting member 41 for hooking onto the linking member 33 on the frame 30, so that the hanging ornament 40 may freely dangling from the frame 30. Both the linking members 33 and the connecting members 41 may be loops or shackles, so long as the two members could be conveniently detachable connected to one another. The small-size hanging ornaments 40 may be tassels 42, beads 43, various patterns, designs or icons, or other accessories suitable for hanging, or a combination thereof.
The [0032] frame 30 may be provided with one or more linking members 33, depending on a user's preference. Different hanging ornaments 40 may be replaceably connected to the linking members 33.
The [0033] frame 30 is not necessarily limited to a simple ring but could be made of different materials and differently shaped. Similarly, the hanging ornaments 40 may also have different designs. FIG. 3 to FIG. 18 illustrate some examples of designs for the ornament decor of the present invention. Generally speaking, the ornament decor of the present invention is preferably designed according to patterns on the ball 10 on which the ornament decor is to be mounted. Although there is only one hanging ornament shown in each drawing from FIG. 3 to FIG. 18, other number of hanging ornaments, for example, three or four or more, may be connected to the frame 30 according to actual need or personal preference.
FIG. 3 shows an ornament decor according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ornament decor includes a [0034] frame 30 made of twisted wires and having accessories 32 in the form of Chinese Knots, three linking members 33 extended from three of the accessories 32, and three hanging ornaments 40 dangling from the linking members 33 and in the form of tassels.
FIG. 4 shows an ornament decor according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ornament decor includes a frame having star-shaped [0035] accessories 32, a plurality of S-shaped linking members 33 extended from some of the accessories 32, and a plurality of hanging ornaments 40, each of which includes a bead and a chain tassel and is connected to the linking member 33 via a ring-shaped connecting member 41.
FIG. 5 shows an ornament decor according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ornament decor includes a [0036] frame 30 that is formed from bent metal wires and has leaf-shaped accessories 32, and a plurality of hanging ornaments 40, each of which includes many leaf-shaped accessories.
FIG. 6 shows an ornament decor according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ornament decor includes a [0037] frame 30 having bendable wires and Christmas-tree-shaped accessories 32, and a plurality of hanging ornaments 40, each of which includes a star-shaped acrylic accessory.
FIG. 7 shows an ornament decor according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ornament decor includes a [0038] frame 30 having snowflake-shaped and round accessories 32, and a plurality of hanging ornaments 40, each of which includes a cloisonné accessory.
FIG. 8 shows an ornament decor according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ornament decor includes a [0039] frame 30 having diamond-shaped accessories 32 and wire-wound patterns 32′, a plurality of S-shaped linking members 33 providing two curved hooks, and a plurality of hanging ornaments 40, each of which includes a diamond-shaped accessory made of a resin material.
FIG. 9 shows an ornament decor according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ornament decor includes a [0040] frame 30 that is made of bent and curved wires and has Poinsettia-shaped accessories 32, and a plurality of hanging ornaments 40, each of which includes a petal-shaped accessory made of a resin material.
FIG. 10 shows an ornament decor according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ornament decor includes a [0041] frame 30 having solid star-shaped accessories 32 and helical patterns 32′ formed from wound wires, a plurality of linking members 33 extended from the solid star-shaped accessories 32, and a plurality of hanging ornaments 40, each of which includes an embossed accessory.
FIG. 11 shows an ornament decor according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ornament decor includes a [0042] frame 30 having a plurality of accessories 32, both the frame 30 and the accessories 32 are decorated with stones, and a plurality of hanging ornaments 40, each of which includes a cloisonné accessory and some beads.
FIG. 12 shows an ornament decor according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ornament decor includes a [0043] frame 30 that has inverted teardrop-shaped accessories 32 and patterns 32′ showing curved lines, and a plurality of S-shaped linking members 33, each of which is formed at two ends with two curved hooks for holding two small hanging ornaments 40, 40′.
FIG. 13 shows an ornament decor according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ornament decor includes a [0044] frame 30 made of a spring wire and having star-shaped accessories 32, and a plurality of hanging ornaments 40, each of which includes a gold bead, a spiral accessory, and a painted gathered bead.
FIG. 14 shows an ornament decor according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ornament decor includes a [0045] wavy frame 30 decorated with wire-bent candy-shaped accessories 32′ and colored cane-shaped candy accessories 32, and a plurality of hanging ornaments 40, each of which includes a gingerbread man made of a resin material. The whole ornament decor shows an interesting theme.
FIG. 15 shows an ornament decor according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ornament decor includes a [0046] frame 30 formed from a string of beads and having a plurality of dangling beads 32, a plurality of linking members 33 extended from lower ends of some of the dangling beads 32 and in the form of rings, and a plurality of hanging ornaments 40, each of which includes a twirl beaded wire and an acrylic bead and a hook-like connecting member 41 connected to a lower and an upper end, respectively, of the twirl beaded wire.
FIG. 16 shows an ornament decor according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ornament decor includes a frame consisting of two [0047] rings 31, 31′ connected together by decorative lines 32 between them, and a plurality of hanging ornaments 40, each of which includes many differently shaped beads.
FIG. 17 shows an ornament decor according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ornament decor includes a frame formed from beaded [0048] wires 32 and spiral wires 31, and a plurality of hanging ornaments 40, each of which includes beaded spiral accessories and dangling beads.
FIG. 18 shows an ornament decor according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ornament decor includes a [0049] frame 30 made of a wire having beads and artificial flowers attached thereto, and a plurality of hanging ornaments 40, each of which includes a butterfly-shaped accessory and some beads. The whole ornament decor shows an interesting theme.
From the above-illustrated embodiments, it is noted both the [0050] frame 30 and the hanging ornaments 40 of the ornament decor of the present invention may be differently designed and freely replaced depending on a user's preference, and therefore make the ball 10 a changeful ornament much superior to the conventional monotonous hanging ornament formed from only a simple glass ball.
Meanwhile, the ornament decor of the present invention may be stably set on not only a ball, but also other decorative articles having a small upper part and an expanded lower part, such as a treetop decoration for a Christmas tree, so long as the decorative articles have a maximum horizontal diameter larger than the smallest inner diameter of the [0051] frame 30.
The present invention has been described with some preferred embodiments thereof and it is understood that many changes and modifications in the described embodiments, such as the shape and the material selected for the frame, or changes in the linking members, or changes in the designs of the hanging ornaments, can be carried out without departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention that is intended to be limited only by the appended claims. [0052]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An ornament decor for setting on a top of a decorative article having a small upper part and an expanded lower part, comprising:

a frame having a portion smaller than a maximum outer diameter of said decorative article measured at a horizontal position thereof, so that said frame is set on the top of said decorative article without falling off said decorative article, and said frame having at least one linking member extended therefrom; and

at least one hanging ornament provided at an upper end with a connecting member for connecting to said at least one linking member on said frame, and including decorative accessories.

2. The ornament decor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metal wires, twisted wires, beads, and wires having artificial flowers attached thereto.

3. The ornament decor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one linking member of said frame and said connecting member of said at least one hanging ornament are detachably connected to one another.

4. The ornament decor as claimed in claim 3, wherein said at least one linking member of said frame and said connecting member of said at least one hanging ornament are rings or hooks adapted to detachably connect to one another.

5. The ornament decor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame is provided with decorative accessories, and said at least one linking member is extended from at least one of said decorative accessories.

6. The ornament decor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said decorative accessories on said at least one hanging ornament are selected from the group consisting of tassels, flat accessories with patterns, accessories made of cloisonné, accessories made of resin materials, beads, and other similar accessories suitable for hanging.

7. An ornament decor for setting on a top of a decorative article having a small upper part and an expanded lower part, comprising a frame having a portion smaller than a maximum outer diameter of said decorative article measured at a horizontal position thereof, so that said frame is set on the top of said decorative article without falling off said decorative article, and said frame being provided with accessories.