Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02561464 2006-09-28 PUMPKIN DECOR KIT Background Of Invention The present invention relates generally to craft kits for making decorative statuettes and displays using pumpkins, squash, melons, various fruits and vegetables, and other like-shaped articles composed of various materials. It is known that people often carve pumpkins into jack- o-lanterns, and/or decorate pumpkins in various fashions for exhibition as seasonal decor, particularly around Halloween. People also regularly display faux pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns made from assorted materials as seasonal decorations. Thus, it is desired to have novel methods of decorating and accessorizing pumpkins, squash, melons, various fruits and vegetables, and other artificial like-shaped items for use as seasonal decor. CA 02561464 2006-09-28 Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a decor kit for decorating and accessorizing pumpkins, squash, various fruits and vegetables, and other artificial like-shaped items composed of various materials. Therefore, the present invention provides a support base to sustain a real or simulated fruit or vegetable in an elevated position, where the support base is composed of substantially planar interlocking support members and shaped to provide a statuette appearance with the elevated real or simulated fruit or vegetable as part of the statuette. In addition, the present invention provides a support base to sustain a real or simulated fruit or vegetable in an elevated position where the support base is composed of substantially planar interlocking support members, and a covering to surround the support base where the support base and covering are shaped to provide a statuette appearance with the elevated real or simulated fiuit or vegetable as part of the statuette. In addition, the present invention provides a support base to sustain a real or simulated fruit or vegetable in an elevated position, a covering to surround the support base, and a carving template for use in carving the real or simulated fruit or vegetable, where the support base and covering are shaped to provide a statuette appearance with the elevated real or simulated fruit or vegetable as part of the statuette. In addition, the present invention provides a themed statuette comprising a support base, a real or simulated fruit or vegetable resting atop the support base, and a covering surrounding the support base where the support base and covering are shaped to provide a statuette appearance with the elevated real or simulated fruit or vegetable as part of the statuette. In addition, the present invention provides a process for assembling a statuette comprising the steps of interlocking the planar support members to form a support base, placing CA 02561464 2006-09-28 a real or simulated fruit or vegetable atop the support base, and wrapping the support base in a covering. Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 shows a completed statuette made with a decor kit according to one embodiment the invention. Fig. 2 shows the support structure of the embodiment of the decor kit illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows a completed statuette made with the inventive decor kit according to another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 shows the support structure with covering and accessory of the embodiment of the decor kit illustrated in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 shows a completed statuette made with the inventive decor kit according to another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 shows the support structure with covering and accessory of the embodiment of the decor kit illustrated in Fig. 5. Detailed Descriution of the Invention The present invention will now be described with occasional reference to specific embodiments of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure wilt fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Except as otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. 'The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing 3 CA 02561464 2006-09-28 particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, properties, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the following specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the present invention. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values to the extent that such are set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements. A complete understanding of the invention will be obtained from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference characters identify like parts throughout. For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "front", "back" and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. 4 CA 02561464 2006-09-28 The present invention is directed to a pumpkin decor kit for general use in decorating and accessorizing pumpkins for enjoyment and display. However, the present invention is not limited for use with pumpkins, as the device may be employed to decorate a wide assortment of fruits, vegetables, and other various like-shaped articles. Non-limiting examples of pumpkin- alternative possibilities include squash, melons, faux pumpkins and other artificial like-shaped items composed of materials such as plastic, StyrofoamTM, ceramic, and plaster. Specific examples utilizing pumpkins, various fruits and vegetables, and/or artificial fruits and vegetables provided herein are not intended to be limiting. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the pumpkin decor kit 100 of the present invention generally includes, among other things, a support base 102 comprising at least one support member. The support base 102 is desirably fashioned so that when a completed statuette is made with pumpkin decor kit 100 and a real or simulated pumpkin or other fruit or vegetable, the statuette assumes a humanoid appearance with the pumpkin or other natural or simulated fruit or vegetable simulating the "head" of the humanoid. As representative of one embodiment, Fig. 1 illustrates an assembled pumpkin decor kit 100 with pumpkin in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the associated pumpkin decor kit of the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 1 includes a support base 102 comprising a first support member 104 and a second support member 105 that frictionally interlock. While the decor kit depicted in Fig. 2 has a support base 102 comprised of interlocking first support member 104 and second support member 105, alternate embodiments of the present invention may have support bases comprised of a single support member or may be comprised of more than two attached support members. S CA 02561464 2006-09-28 The support base may comprise a single support member, or may be composed of more than one attached support members. In some embodiments with more than one support member, the support members may be attached to one another by engaging the support members through the use of interlocking slots or slits, clips, or other fasteners. The illustrated embodiments of Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 show the support base 102 of the pumpkin decor kit being comprised of a first support member 104 and a second support member 105 that interlock perpendicular to one another through the use of slits 106 to form a friction fit joint 108. However, the first support member 104 and second support member 105 need not interlock perpendicular to one another, and further, need not interlock with one another at all. In alternate embodiments, support members may be attached to one another through the use of adhesive, tape, staples, welds, or combinations of such. The support base 102 of the present invention may be constructed by the consumer after purchase of the pumpkin decor kit. The support members 104,105 may be fashioned from essentially planar materials, and marketed in a substantially flat packaging arrangement. Once the substantially planar support members 104,105 are removed from the packaging, a three dimensional support base 102 may be constructed by the consumer for utilization in the pumpkin decor kit. This may be done by the consumer interlocking the essentially planar support members 104,1 OS in a perpendicular fashion once removed from the packaging. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the support members 104,105 need not be essentially planar. Further, it should also be apparent to one skilled in the art that support base 102 need not be sold to the consumer with assembly required, and thus may be sold already constructed in a three dimensional form. 6 CA 02561464 2006-09-28 The support base 102 may be formed from materials that have sufficient rigidity to support an object such as a pumpkin, a large vegetable or fruit, or other similar object. In certain embodiments, the support base may be formed from heavy cardboard or plastic corrugate. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the support base 102 of the present invention is not limited to the construction of cardboard and plastic corrugate, but may be formed from various materials. Non-limiting possible examples include sheet metal, metal wire, solid plastic, baffled plastic, plastic corrugate, plastic wire, wood, rigid-paper- board, or combinations of one or more of such materials. In alternate embodiments, the pumpkin d6cor kit support base may only require support of a lighter-weight faux pumpkin, and thus the support base could also be formed of material that is less rigid, such as paperboard or light weight metal or plastic wire. In the Fig. 1 embodiment of the present invention, the combination of support base 102 and covering 116 gives a simulated humanoid appearance when used in conjunction with a pumpkin. In other embodiments of the invention, the support base itself may give the desired humanoid appearance when used in conjunction with a pumpkin or other natural or simulated fruit or vegetable. For example, the support structure 102 as illustrated in Fig. 2 bears some resemblance to a humanoid torso and can be used without covering 116 to generate a humanoid appearance when used in combination with a pumpkin or other natural or simulated fruit or vegetable. In the ddcor kit 100 depicted in Fig. 1, the support base I02 and covering 116 give a humanoid statuette appearance by portraying the appearance of a torso 112 and arm-like appendages 110. In the same way, the support base and associated covering of the inventive decor kit can be fashioned to portray other humanoid characteristics. This is illustrated, for example, in Figs. 3 and 5. In Fig. 3, the support base 102 and covering 216 portray legs 111 of a 7 CA 02561464 2006-09-28 scarecrow humanoid, while in Fig. 5, a support base 202 and the covering 316 give an appearance of a vehicle containing the body of a humanoid driver. In the embodiments of Fig. 1, Fig. 3, and Fig. 5, the pumpkin sitting atop the support base represents the head of the figure. However, alternate embodiments of the present invention need not give the statuette appearance of a humanoid figure, but may give a statuette appearance of many different forms. Non-limiting possible examples include animals, fictional characters and creatures, vehicles, and assorted shapes. In some embodiments of the present invention, the support base's measurements may be in the range of about four inches to six feet in height, about four inches to six feet in width, and about four inches to six feet in length. These ranges in measurements allow the present invention to be employed with fruits, vegetables, and other various like- shaped articles of various sizes and shapes. The illustrated embodiments of the present invention depict a support base with a height of about one foot, a width of about one foot, and a length of about on foot for application with a five to fifteen pound pumpkin . However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the measurements for the support base's height, width, and length are not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and may vary depending on the application of the decor kit. In some embodiments of the present invention, the support base may be flat along the bottom to sit substantially flush on a flat surface for stability. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the pumpkin decor kit need not have a support base with a substantially flat bottom. Further, the present invention may also include one or more spikes, barbs, points, or other implements protruding from the bottom of the support base for sticking into the ground for additional stability. These optional spikes or barbs protruding from the bottom of the support base may be formed from various materials. They may be composed from extensions of the 8 CA 02561464 2006-09-28 material used to form the support base, or may be made from the non-limiting examples of metal or plastic. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the pumpkin decor kit need not include spikes, barbs, points, or other implements protruding from the bottom of the support base. In some embodiments of the present invention, the top of the support base 102 may include a recess 114 to support an object selected by the user, such as a pumpkin. See Fig. 2. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the optional recess 114 may be formed in a variety of sizes depending on what type of object is to be supported in the application of the decor kit. In other embodiments, the pumpkin decor kit may further include one or more spikes, barbs, points, or other implements protruding from the top of the support base capable of impaling, piercing, or otherwise attaching an object selected by the user, such as a pumpkin. In yet other embodiments, the support base may include the combination of both a recess and spikes or other implements to secure an object that is rested on the support base. These implements that may protrude from the top of the support base should provide additional prevention of the supported pumpkin from being dislocated from the support base. The spikes or barbs that may protrude from the top of the support base may be formed from various materials. They may be composed from extensions of the material used to form the support base, or may be formed from the non-limiting examples of metal or plastic. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the pumpkin decor kit need not include spikes, barbs, points, or other implements protruding from the bottom of the support base. In some embodiments of the present invention not shown, the pumpkin decor kit may include drawings and writings directly on the support base. The support base may include these designs to give the appearance of clothes on the statuette, give the appearance of a certain 9 CA 02561464 2006-09-28 identity that the statuette is to resemble, and/or display messages. The designs on the support base may also be included to further give the appearance of a humanoid form, an animal, a vehicle, or a fictional character or creature. Generally, the possible designs for the support base of the present invention may deal with Halloween and Autumn themes. Non- limiting specific examples of possible designs may include designs associated with ghosts, witches, skeletons, scarecrows, monsters, goblins, and the like. However, the designs on the support base may also be associated with themes such as fictional characters, sports, racing, holidays, birthdays, or special events. Further, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the support base of the pumpkin decor kit need not include a Halloween, Autumn, or other special event theme. Additionally, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the support base of the pumpkin decor kit need not include any drawings, writings, or designs. In other embodiments of the present invention not shown, the pumpkin decor kit may include an unadorned support base, allowing the user to design the appearance their own personalized statuette. Additionally, the pumpkin decor kit may additionally include pens, markers, paint, stickers, and decals to provide the user with the tools to decorate their statuette. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the pumpkin decor kit need not include tools for designing the figurine. In yet other embodiments, as depicted in Fig. 1, the pumpkin decor kit 100 of the present invention may also include items such as coverings 116 to wrap the support base 102, and accessories 118 to further ornament the statuette. The coverings may be in the form of clothing on the statuette, in the form of giving an appearance of clothing on the statuette, in the form giving an appearance of a certain identity that the statuette is to resemble, in the form of a vehicle appearance, and/or in the form of decor for a special event or occasion. The illustrated CA 02561464 2006-09-28 embodiments of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 show fabric coverings 116, 216 to wrap the support base 102. The illustrated embodiment of Fig. 5 shows a plastic and plastic corrugate covering 316 to surround and enclose the support base 202. It should apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to fabric coverings or plastic coverings as shown in the illustrated embodiments, but the coverings may consist of various materials. Non-limiting possible examples of materials that may compose the coverings of the pumpkin decor kit include fabric, plastic, plastic corrugate, cardboard, foil, metal, and paper. Further, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the pumpkin decor kit need not include a covering. The coverings may be included to further give the appearance of a humanoid form, an animal, a vehicle, a fictional character or creature, and/or decor for a special occasion. Generally, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the coverings 116, 216 may deal with Halloween and Autumn themes. Non-limiting specific examples of possible coverings include coverings associated with the themes of ghosts, witches, skeletons, scarecrows, monsters, goblins, and the like. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the coverings may also be associated with other assorted themes such as fictional characters, sports, racing, holidays, birthdays, or special events. For example, as depicted in Fig. 5, the covering 316 deals with a racing theme. Further, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the coverings need not incorporate any particular set theme, but may generally represent a human figure, an animal, or a vehicle appearance. In embodiments of the present invention, the pumpkin decor kit may include a carving template for assistance in the carving of a pumpkin face associated with the theme of the particular decor kit. The inclusion of a particular face template associated with the particular theme of the decor kit would allow a user to carve a pumpkin keeping with, and preferably the 11 CA 02561464 2006-09-28 same as, the theme of the pumpkin decor kit. For example, the pumpkin decor kit 100 of Fig. 1 could include a template facilitating the carving of a ghost face on the pumpkin. Similarly, the pumpkin decor kit 200 of Fig. 3 could include a template facilitating the carving of a scarecrow, and the pumpkin decor kit 300 depicted in Fig. 5 could include a template facilitating the carving of a race car driver face on the pumpkin. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the pumpkin decor kit of the present invention need not include a template to carve a particular type of face on a pumpkin that keeps with the decor kit's particular theme. In embodiments not shown, the pumpkin decor kit may include a unadorned covering, allowing the user to design their own personalized statuette. The pumpkin decor kit may include pens, markers, paint, stickers, and decals to provide the user with the tools to decorate their statuette. In one embodiment as depicted in Fig. 5, an unadorned covering 316, in conjunction with the support base 202, could give the appearance of a race car without giving the appearance of a particular driver's racecar. This embodiment would allow the user to design the look of the vehicle statuette to that of their favorite race car, with the supported pumpkin symbolizing the head of their favorite race car driver. This embodiment may further include decals 120 to embody the parts of a racecar, such as wheels, headlights, a windshield, and driver numbers. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the pumpkin decor kit need not include tools for designing the figurine. Further, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that this same user decorating process could be embodied in any of the various embodiments of the pumpkin decor kit. As depicted in Fig. l, Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 the pumpkin decor kit of the present invention may include accessories to further adorn the pumpkin. Non-limiting examples include hats, chains, brooms, shoes, and other such objects to progress the applicable theme of the decor kit. 12 CA 02561464 2006-09-28 For example, the pumpkin decor kit 100 of Fig. 1 includes a chain accessory 118 to further the theme of a ghost. Likewise, the pumpkin decor kit 200 of Fig. 3 includes a bird to sit atop the pumpkin to further the scarecrow theme, and the pumpkin decor kit 300 of Fig. 5 includes a hat 318 to sit atop the pumpkin to further the race car theme. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that many other accessories could be also be included with the pumpkin decor kit of the present invention. In some embodiments, the pumpkin decor kit may include items for rendering patterns or decorations on the surface of, or through all or a portion of, the mounted object, i.e. the pumpkin. According to such embodiments, stencils or patterns for forming faces or other renderings on the pumpkin are provided. According to some embodiments, the decor kits may also include one or more tools for rendering patterns or decorations, such as manual or powered blades, pokers, scoops, scrapers and the like for carving and designing a pumpkin or other fruit or vegetable. According to yet other embodiments, the kits may contain marking pens, decor items such as faux gems, ribbons and the like, or straw or yarn for forming hair. Decor kits may also comprise items for providing internal lighting, such as battery or electrical powered lighting fixtures, candles and the like. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that decor kits of the present invention may also include artificial pumpkins or like objects that are ready for mounting to the support base and may be pre-designed or ready for design by a user. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while the foregoing description sets forth in detail preferred embodiments of the present invention, modifications, additions, and changes might be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 13
