US20030096066A1

US20030096066A1 - Reusable ornament and reusable ornament coupling apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: US20030096066A1
Application number: US09/989,007
Authority: US
Inventors: Judith Clark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-11-21
Filing date: 2001-11-21
Publication date: 2003-05-22

Abstract

An attachment mechanism for a first object to be releasably attached to a second object includes a backer/stabilizer that has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The backer/stabilizer is semi-rigid, and may be formed out of plastic, poster board, card stock, or the like. The attachment mechanism includes a first Velcro® pad that has a front side with a Velcro® surface and a back side that is adhered to a second surface of the backer/stabilizer. The attachment mechanism also includes a second Velcro® pad that has a front side with a Velcro® surface and which is configured to be releasably attached to the front side of the first Velcro® pad. The attachment mechanism further includes a second adhesive strip that has a first adhering surface for adhering to a back side of the second Velcro® pad, and a second adhering surface for adhering to a surface of the second object. The backer/stabilizer is attached to the first object by either gluing, stapling, using adhesive tape, or sewing it onto the first object.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a coupling apparatus and method for attaching and deattaching reusable ornaments, as well as to reusable ornaments and/or other ornamentation. In particular, the invention relates to a coupling apparatus and method for detachably coupling ornaments, such as ribbons, bows, crayon boxes, and other types of ornamental decorations, to gift wrapping that has been or is to be wrapped around a gift. The coupling apparatus can also be used to attach to gift packages, bags, boxes, pre-wrapped boxes or items, baskets, or floral arrangements, by way of example but not by way of limitation.

B. Description of the Related Art

There currently are various products available for decorating gift packages, bags, boxes and other items. One such decorating object is the traditional gift bow. The gift bow is designed for single use, but many people reuse them. Gift bows often dislodge from packages because the self-adhesive or “sticky” backing that adheres the gift bows to gift wrapping on a gift package is not adequate to attach it strongly to the gift wrap on the gift package. This is especially the case when the gift bow has been removed at least once from a gift package, so as to be reused at a later date. After being detached from a gift package, the stickiness of the adhesive remaining on the backing of the gift bow is compromised. The backing collects debris (e.g., dust and/or hairs) during its exposure to the environment. The backing also loses some of the stickiness properties since the adhesive strip is only designed for a single use and some adhesive is lost to the original object to which the bow was attached. These factors make it difficult to reattach the gift bow to another gift package.

It is also difficult to reattach gift bows to gift packages in an attractive manner. Usually, tape is used to adhere the gift bow to a gift package, to ensure a strong attachment of the bow to the gift wrap. However, tape (even transparent tape) can be easily seen around the bow, thereby detracting from the attractiveness of the gift package, and drawing attention to the fact that the gift bow is one that has been reused.

Furthermore, traditional bows do not facilitate creativity. Most bows are made out of paper or metallic ribbon. They are usually limited in design and are not used in combination with other items. They can be crushed accidentally and are easily damaged. Their uses are typically limited to decorating paper wrapped boxes. They are neither durable enough nor sufficiently creative for other uses.

Reusable gift wrapping has been developed. One type has multiple fabric pieces that must be cut, hemmed and sewn together. U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,144 to Betty J. Selga, describes a reusable gift wrapping with releasable Velcro® fasteners secured to its periphery. The Selga reference describes a bow that can be releasably attached to reusable gift wrapping, by way of flexible hook and loop fasteners, also known as Velcro® fasteners. The male Velcro® portion (with hooks) is sewn onto the bow, to allow the bow to be releasably attached to a female Velcro® portion (with loops or mesh-like material) that is attached to the reusable gift wrapping. That way, both the reusable gift wrapping and the bow can be reused for another gift. For convenience, throughout this application, male hook fasteners, as well as mating female meshlike or loop fasteners, are referred to as Velcro® fasteners. Those of ordinary skill will recognize that Velcro® is a brand name and that other brands of hook and loop fasteners and/or other types of attachable and detachable fasteners may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described below. Unless otherwise specified herein, the male and female portions of a mating pair of such Velcro® fasteners can be interchanged with each other.

While the bow described in the Selga reference is capable of reuse, the mechanism for releasably attaching the reusable bow to gift wrapping has problems, and may cause damage to the bow when the bow is removed from the gift wrapping. In addition, the mechanism for releasably attaching the bow to gift wrapping, as described in the Selga reference, is not conducive to attaching other ornaments to gift wrapping.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,289 to Laura Hagan describes reusable gift wrap including a fabric bow and ribbon that are removably attached to an outer surface of a fabric sheet. Though not described, the bow appears to be removably attached and deattached by one having to manually tie and untie the ribbon from the reusable gift wrap, respectively.

Various types of bows, some of them being reusable, are also known conventionally. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,893 to Robert Barthe, U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,822 to Peter Cheng, U.S. Des. Pat. No. 298,306 to Francis Hunstiger, U.S. Pat. No. 4,724,175 to Paul LaBrosse et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,689 to Olaf Raiskums, U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,712 to James Ramirez, U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,445 to Peter Cheng, U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,540 to James Linsenbigler, U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,712 to Mark Theno, U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,509 to Kenneth Fonas, U.S. Pat. No. 2,806,313 to B. Y. James, U.S. Des. Pat. No. 374,618 to Sean Moore, U.S. Des. Pat. No. 342,693 to Leslie Kozma, U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,003 to Ivan Baghdassarian, U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,759 to James Gannon et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,274 to Charles Huss, U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,548 to Cynthia Kenyon, U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,395 to Judith French, U.S. Pat. No. 5,835,508 to Tommy Savage, U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,876 to Barbara Fleming, U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,983 to Patricia Clarke-Bolling et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,669 to Carlo Fascio, U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,415 to Donald Weder, U.S. Des. Pat. No. 343,143 to Peter Chang, U.S. Des. Pat. No. 333,639 to Adelheid Matan, U.S. Des. Pat. No. 332,763 to Eiji Asano et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,648 to Peter Cheng, U.S. Pat. No. 4,812,338 to Kosuke Masui, U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,837 to Peter Cheng, U.S. Pat. No. 4,476,168 to Ryuji Aoyama, U.S. Pat. No. 4,329,382 to Bernard Truskolaski et al., U.S. Des. Pat. No. 258,946 to Elaine Del Grosso, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,283 to Ruth White, describe various types of reusable and non-reusable decorations for gift wrap and other things.

There is also a need for a bow construction that is inexpensive to produce and provides a bow that is not easily damaged.

There is also a need for a reusable bow or reusable ornamental object storage device, to prevent damage to the bow or reusable object between uses.

There is further a need to develop an attachment mechanism that can be adapted to releasably attach different types of items, such as flowers, stuffed animals, flower tubes, or other types of ornamental items, to an object such as gift wrapping, a box, a bag, a floral arrangement, a basket, etc. This allows for the ornamental items to be reused, without causing damage to these items.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment mechanism for a first object to be releasably attached to a second object. The attachment mechanism includes a first adhesive strip that has a first adhering surface for adhering to the first object. The attachment mechanism also includes a backer/stabilizer that has a first surface that is adhered to a second adhering surface of the first adhesive strip. The attachment mechanism further includes a first Velcro® pad that has a back side that is adhered to a second surface of the backer/stabilizer. The attachment mechanism still further includes a second Velcro® pad that is configured to be releasably attached to the first Velcro® pad. The attachment mechanism also includes a second adhesive strip that has a first adhering surface for adhering to a back side of the second Velcro® pad. The second adhesive strip also includes a second adhering surface for adhering to a surface of the second object.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment mechanism for a first object to be releasably attached to a second object. The attachment mechanism includes a backer/stabilizer that has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The attachment mechanism also includes a first Velcro® pad that has a front side with a Velcro® surface and a back side that is adhered to a second surface of the backer/stabilizer. The attachment mechanism further includes a second Velcro® pad that has a front side with a Velcro® surface and which is configured to be releasably attached to the front side of the first Velcro® pad. The attachment mechanism also includes a second adhesive strip that has a first adhering surface for adhering to a back side of the second Velcro® pad, and a second adhering surface for adhering to a surface of the second object. The attachment mechanism still further includes means for attaching the backer/stabilizer to the first object.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment mechanism for a first object to be releasably attached to a second object, the first object including a tying element having first and second ends. The tying element may be made of covered wire, wire, nylon, plastic, ribbon, or any other suitable material that suggests itself. The preferred embodiment utilizes a covered wire tie, but a zip lock tie, wire, plastic tie, ribbon, clamp, adjustable ring, string, thread, or any other style of a tying element that suggests itself to one skilled in the art may be used instead. It may also be sewn on. Alternatively, if the backer/stabilizer is made out of plastic, it can be heated, and a wire or other attachment device can be inserted into the heated plastic, to thereby rigidly couple the backer/stabilizer to the wire or other attachment device.

The attachment mechanism includes a backer/stabilizer that has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, whereby the backer/stabilizer includes at least a first hole and a second hole. The attachment mechanism also includes a first Velcro® pad that has a front side with a Velcro® surface and a back side that is adhered to a second surface of the backer/stabilizer. The attachment mechanism further includes a second Velcro® pad that has a front side with a Velcro® surface which is configured to be releasably attached to the front side of the first Velcro® pad. The attachment mechanism further includes a second adhesive strip that has a first adhering surface for adhering to a back side of the second Velcro® pad, and a second adhering surface for adhering to a surface of the second object. The first and second ends of the tying element are fitted through the first and second holes of the backer/stabilizer, and the first and second ends of the wire are twisted together after being fitted through the first and second holes of the backer/stabilizer, to provide a coupling of the first object to the backer/stabilizer. The backer/stabilizer may attach to the first object by any of a variety of ways, such as by a braid, a spike, stapled thereto, or by any other method of attachment that would lend itself to one skilled in the art

According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment device for releasably attaching a first object to a second object. The attachment device includes an elastic band. Alternatively, other means of attachment may be used instead of an elastic band, such as a ribbon. The attachment device also includes a backer/stabilizer having at least two regions for receiving respective ends of the elastic band. The attachment device further includes a first Velcro® pad that is adhesively coupled to one surface of the backer/stabilizer, whereby a portion of the elastic band is disposed between the first Velcro® pad and the one surface of the backer/stabilizer. The attachment device also includes a second Velcro® pad that has a first Velcro® surface that is configured to be releasably coupled to the first Velcro® pad. The attachment device still further includes an adhesive material provided on a second, non-Velcro® surface of the second Velcro® pad. The adhesive material is adapted to be adhered to the second object (by first removing a protective peel off covering from the second surface), and the elastic band is adapted to be fitted around a portion of the first object.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a reusable ornament for attachment to gift wrap wrapped around an item to be decorated. The reusable ornament includes an ornamental portion. The reusable ornament also includes a coupling portion for coupling the ornamental portion to the gift wrap. The coupling portion includes a ribbon for wrapping around a package covered by the gift wrap. The ribbon may be used alone, or it may have a piece of Velcro provided on a first surface for ornamentation, or ornamentation such as a bow may already be attached to the ribbon.

The ribbon includes a first Velcro® pad provided adjacent a first end of the ribbon on a first surface of the ribbon. The ribbon also includes a second Velcro® pad provided adjacent a second end of the ribbon on a second surface of the ribbon opposite the first surface. The ribbon further includes (an optional) a third Velcro® pad provided on the first surface of the ribbon. The third Velcro® pad is adapted to be coupled to a Velcro® pad disposed on the ornamental portion of the reusable ornament. The first and second Velcro® pads are adapted to be coupled to each other when the ribbon is wrapped around the item it is decorating, such as being wrapped around a gift package, to decorate a lamp post, a chandelier, a banister, etc.

According to still yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a storage element for storing reusable ornaments. The storage element includes a plurality of rows and columns of Velcro® pads, disposed on the storage element, each of said Velcro® pads configured to hold one reusable ornament in place between uses of the reusable ornament. Each reusable ornament includes an attachment device having a Velcro® portion for coupling to one of the Velcro® pads of the storage element.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a reusable object. The reusable object includes a container portion for holding an element to be stored therewithin. The reusable object also includes a lid portion for coupling to the container portion to encompass the element within the container portion and the lid portion. The reusable object further includes an attachment device coupled to the container portion. The attachment device includes a first Velcro® pad that has an adhesive surface for attachment to an outer surface of the container portion. The attachment device also includes a second Velcro® pad that has an adhesive surface for attachment to another object, wherein the first and second Velcro® pads each has a Velcro® surface for releasably coupling the first and second Velcro® pads to each other, to thereby releasably couple the reusable object to the another object. Magnets may also be used in an alternative construction.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for constructing an attachment device for releasably attaching a first object to a second object. The method includes a step of attaching a backer/stabilizer to the first object. The method also includes a step of attaching a non-Velcro® surface of a first Velcro® pad to the backer/stabilizer. The method further includes a step of attaching a nonVelcro® surface of a second Velcro® pad to the second object. The method still further includes a step of coupling respective Velcro® surfaces of the first and second Velcro® pads to each other. In an alternative configuration, the Velcro is attached directly to an object to be decorated, by way of an adhesive surface on the non-Velcro side of one of the Velcro pads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing advantages and features of the invention will become apparent upon reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, of which: [0024]
FIG. 1 shows a front view of a bow that can be attached to gift wrapping by way of an attachment according to a first embodiment of the invention; [0025]
FIG. 2 shows a back view of a bow that can be attached to gift wrapping by way of an attachment mechanism according to the first embodiment of the invention; [0026]
FIG. 3 shows the elements making up an attachment mechanism according to the first embodiment of the invention; [0027]
FIG. 4 shows one configuration of a back side of a bow that may be utilized with a different configuration of an attachment device according to the first embodiment of the invention; [0028]
FIG. 5 shows another configuration of a back side of the bow, whereby an attachment mechanism according to first embodiment of the invention is configured to be attached to a central part of the bow; [0029]
FIG. 6 shows a different configuration of an attachment mechanism according to the first embodiment of the invention; [0030]
FIG. 7 shows a different configuration of an attachment mechanism according to the first embodiment of the invention; [0031]
FIG. 8 shows one configuration of a backer/stabilizer of an attachment mechanism according to a first embodiment of the invention; [0032]
FIG. 9 shows a barrette slidably coupled to the FIG. 8 configuration of an attachment mechanism according to the first embodiment of the invention; [0033]
FIG. 10 shows a front side of an object that has an attachment device according to a second embodiment of the invention provided thereon; [0034]
FIG. 11 shows a back side of an object that has an attachment device according to the second embodiment of the invention provided thereon; [0035]
FIG. 12 shows one side of an attachment mechanism according to a third embodiment of the invention; [0036]
FIG. 13 shows an opposite side of the attachment mechanism according to the third embodiment of the invention; [0037]
FIG. 14 shows various elements of an attachment device according to several embodiments of the invention separated from each other in an exploded view; [0038]
FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of an attachment device according to different configurations of the third embodiment of the invention; [0039]
FIG. 16 shows a back perspective view of the backer/stabilizer according to the FIG. 15 configuration of the third embodiment of the invention; [0040]
FIG. 17 shows yet another configuration of a backer/stabilizer according to the first or second embodiments of the invention; [0041]
FIG. 18 shows yet another configuration of a backer/stabilizer according to the first or second embodiments of the invention; [0042]
FIG. 19 shows yet another configuration of a backer/stabilizer according to the first or second embodiments of the invention; [0043]
FIG. 20 shows yet another configuration of a backer/stabilizer according to the first or second embodiments of the invention; [0044]
FIG. 21 shows an attachment device having a backer/stabilizer of any of FIGS. [0045] 17-20 according to the first or second embodiments of the invention, with an elastic band fitted thereon to provide a coupling to an object by way of the elastic band;
FIG. 22 shows yet another configuration of a backer/stabilizer according to the first or second embodiments of the invention; [0046]
FIG. 23 shows yet another configuration of a backer/stabilizer according to the first or second embodiments of the invention; [0047]
FIG. 24 shows yet another configuration of a backer/stabilizer according to the first or second embodiments of the invention; [0048]
FIG. 25 shows yet another configuration of a backer/stabilizer according to the first or second embodiments of the invention; [0049]
FIG. 26 shows a top view of a floral attachment that may be attached to a backer/stabilizer according to any of the embodiments of the invention; [0050]
FIG. 27 shows a bottom view of a floral attachment that may be attached to a backer/stabilizer according to any of the embodiments of the invention; [0051]
FIG. 28 shows a top view of a ribbon according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; [0052]
FIG. 29 shows a bottom view of the ribbon according to the fourth embodiment of the invention; [0053]
FIG. 30 shows a bow with a ribbon according to the fourth embodiment of the invention attached thereto; [0054]
FIG. 31 shows a floral card holder that may be coupled to an attachment mechanism according to the first or second embodiments of the invention; [0055]
FIG. 32 shows a storage board that is configured to hold attachment mechanisms according to any of the embodiments of the invention; [0056]
FIG. 33 shows a front view of a floral water tube holder that is coupled to an attachment mechanism according to the first or second embodiments of the invention; [0057]
FIG. 34 shows a top view of the floral water tube holder that is coupled to an attachment mechanism according to the first or second embodiments of the invention; [0058]
FIG. 35 shows a side view of a floral water tube holder that is coupled to an attachment mechanism according to the first or second embodiments of the invention; [0059]
FIG. 36 shows a perspective view of the floral water tube holder that is coupled to an attachment mechanism according to the first or second embodiments of the invention; [0060]
FIG. 37 shows a front view of a container that is coupled to an attachment mechanism according to the first or second embodiments of the invention; [0061]
FIG. 38 shows a back view of a container that is coupled to an attachment mechanism according to the first or second embodiments of the invention; and [0062]
FIG. 39 shows a top down view of a container that is coupled to an attachment mechanism according to the first or second embodiments of the invention. [0063]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [0064]
The present invention provides an attachment mechanism for attaching items, such as bows, crayon boxes, stuffed animals, flowers, flower tubes, etc., to gift wrapping. The present invention is simple to use, convenient, affordable, reusable, interchangeable, versatile and multi-purpose, and may be used in combination with other decorations on gift wrapping. [0065]
FIG. 1 shows a front view of a [0066] bow 100, and FIG. 2 shows a back view of the bow 100, which can be attached to an object, such as gift wrapping that is wrapped around a gift box, by usage of an attachment mechanism 110 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Any shaped bow, any item (e.g., stuffed toy, crayon box, ornamental magnet, etc.), or combination thereof, may be used with this attachment mechanism 110.
The [0067] bow 100 includes ribbon 12, which is formed in the shape of a bow and may be gathered in the center using any appropriate material. The bow 100 may be of a fabrication including but not limited to: fabric, tulle, paper, mylar, foil, film material, plastic, metal, a combination thereof, or any other material that suggests itself to one skilled in the art. A middle portion of the bow 100 is wrapped with ribbon 16, any suitable material, or combination thereof, to form a central part of the bow 100. The central part of the bow 100 is where the attachment mechanism 110 according to the first embodiment of the invention is attached.
FIG. 3 shows the elements making up the [0068] attachment mechanism 110 according to the first embodiment, which may be used to removably attach any type of item to another item. The attachment mechanism includes a first adhesive strip 300 that has a first adhering surface for adhering to the bow. The attachment mechanism also includes a backer/stabilizer 310 that has a first surface that is adhered to a second adhering surface of the first adhesive strip 300. The backer/stabilizer 310 is preferably a semi-rigid or rigid element, such as plastic, with a preferable thickness of between {fraction (1/32)}″ to {fraction (1/16)}″, e.g., slightly less than the thickness of a credit card. Of course, other thicknesses may be utilized while remaining within the scope of the invention as described herein. The backer/stabilizer 310 may alternatively be made out of card stock, poster board, or heavy paper, or any other suitable material, so that it has a semi-rigid composition to provide a stabilizing property to the object that it is attached to. The backer/stabilizer may also be made of styrofoam or spongy-type material (in addition to the other types of materials described above), with an adhesive surface provided (e.g., peel-and-stick adhesive tape) to adhere the backer/stabilizer to an object, such as to a small toy truck.
Also, the backer/[0069] stabilizer 310 is sized so as not to be too thick or too rigid. That way, staples can be punched through the backer/stabilizer 310 (by way of a stapler). This allows the backer/stabilizer 310 to be attached to a bow or the like if an adhesive strip (such as the first adhesive strip 300) is not utilized for that same purpose.
The attachment mechanism further includes a first [0070] Velcro® pad 320 that has a back side that is adhered to a second surface of the backer/stabilizer 310. The attachment mechanism 110 still further includes a second Velcro® pad 330 that is configured to be releasably attached to the first Velcro® pad 320. The attachment mechanism 110 also includes a second adhesive strip 340 that has a first adhering surface for adhering to a back side of the second Velcro® pad 330. The second adhesive strip 340 also includes a second adhering surface for adhering to a surface of the second object. By way of example but not by way of limitation, the second object may be an outer surface of gift wrapping that has been wrapped around a gift or present.
The backer/[0071] stabilizer 310 provides a stabilizing surface to allow the bow 100 to be attached to the gift wrapping, without causing any damage to the bow 100 as it is attached to, and also is removed from, the gift wrapping.
In the first embodiment, the first [0072] Velcro® pad 320 is a female Velcro® pad (e.g., with loop fasteners), and the second Velcro® pad 330 is a male Velero® pad (e.g., with hook fasteners). This is done so that debris (e.g., dust particles, hair, etc.) will not collect on the first Velcro® pad 320 attached to, and thereby stored with, the bow 100 between usages of the bow. A male Velcro® pad tends to collect more debris than a female Velcro® pad, which would hinder the adhering effectiveness of the Velcro® pad. Of course, the present invention would work with the Velcro® pads switched, but that might cause problems if there is sufficient debris to hinder the effectiveness of the Velcro® couplings for future usages of the bow 100.
As shown in FIG. 2, the [0073] bow 100 with the attachment mechanism 110 attached to the central part thereof, is ready to be used for attachment to an object, such as gift wrapping. The second adhesive strip 340 (see FIG. 3) preferably has a protective cover or strip on its second surface, whereby when the bow 100 is ready to be attached to gift wrapping, the protective cover or strip is peeled off of the second surface of the second adhesive strip 340, to allow the second adhesive strip 340 to be adhered to a surface of the gift wrapping.
While a first adhesive strip is described with respect to the attachment device according to the first embodiment, it can be replaced by coupling the backer/stabilizer to the object by other means, such as by sewing it on, by stapling it on, or by gluing it on the object, or by any other suitable means of attachment to the object. [0074]
To remove the [0075] bow 100 from the gift wrapping, the first Velcro® pad 320 is pulled off from the second Velcro® pad 330. This effectively separates the bow 100 from the gift wrapping. The second Velcro® pad 330 and the second adhesive strip 340 remain on the gift wrapping, to be thrown away with the gift wrapping.
When someone desires to reuse the [0076] bow 100, that person attaches a second Velcro® pad/second adhesive strip combination, whereby the second surface of the second adhesive strip has the protective cover provided thereon. The second Velcro® pad/second adhesive strip combination is coupled to the bow 100 by way of the second Velcro® pad of the second Velcro® pad/second adhesive strip combination being releasably coupled to the first Velcro® pad 320 that is still attached to the bow 100 (by way of the first adhesive strip 300 and the backer/stabilizer 310).
In this regard, when someone purchases a reusable bow in accordance with the present invention, that person would typically also purchase (or is provided along with the reusable bow) several Velcro® pad/adhesive strip combinations. Someone who receives a reusable bow may also purchase several Velcro pad/adhesive strip combinations. That way, each time the bow is to be reused, all one has to do is to attach a Velcro® pad/adhesive strip combination to the Velcro® pad already attached to the bow, to thereby configure a bow that is ready for reuse. [0077]
FIG. 4 shows one configuration of a back side of a [0078] bow 400 that may be utilized with a different configuration of an attachment mechanism according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 shows another configuration of a back side of the bow 400, whereby an attachment mechanism is configured to be attached to a central part 510 of the bow 400, or a central part of the bow 400 may cover the wire wrapped around the center of the bow 400.
The [0079] bow 400 is constructed similarly to the bow 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, whereby the bow 400 is also provided with an attachment piece or tying device, such as a thin wire 420, that is coupled to the central part 510 of the bow 400. For example, the thin wire 420 may be wrapped several times around the central part of the bow 400, as shown in FIG. 4, to provide a strong coupling of the thin wire 420 to the bow 400. The wire may have a decorative attachment attached to it in the front of the bow 400, providing a decorative center. Alternatively, the wire 420 can be fitted through a ribbon on the central part of the bow 400, in the manner as shown in FIG. 5.
An attachment device having a different configuration according to the first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 6, which is configured to be attached to the [0080] bow 400 of FIGS. 4 and 5. The only differences between the attachment device of the configuration shown in FIG. 6 and the attachment device of the previously-described configurations of the first embodiment is that the backer/stabilizer 610 shown in FIG. 6 includes a plurality of openings 620A, 620B, and the attachment device 410 of the configuration using the backer/stabilizer 610 of FIG. 6 does not have a first adhesive strip for adhering the attachment device to the bow 400. Although two openings in the backer/stabilizer 610 are shown in FIG. 6, one opening or more than two holes may be utilized, while remaining within the scope of the invention as described herein. Also, any item that suggests itself to those skilled in the art may be attached to the base.
The bow/[0081] item 400 is attached to the backer/stabilizer 610 using any method including but not limited to wire, covered wire, elastic band, twist tie, ribbon, zip lock, zip tie, plastic locking device, braid, interlocking pieces or pieces that fit together, clamp, decorative center, adjustable ring, a cone-shaped spike with a shaft and a base, any other mechanical device, adhesive process, bonding, or combinations thereof.
Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5 and [0082] 6, the backer/stabilizer 610 is attached to the bow 400 by fitting the two ends of the wire 420 respectively through the holes 620A, 620B of the backer/stabilizer 610. Once the two ends of the wire 420 have been fitted through the holes 620A, 620B, the two ends are tied, twisted or fastened together, to thereby provide a firm coupling of the backer/stabilizer 610 to the bow 410. The back surface of the first Velcro® pad 320 is adhered to the backer/stabilizer 610. For example, the back surface of the first Velcro® pad 320 may be glued or otherwise adhered onto the backer/stabilizer 610, it may be stapled to the backer/stabilizer 610, or it may be provided with an adhesive surface with a protective cover, whereby the protective cover is peeled off before the first Velcro® pad 320 is attached to the backer/stabilizer 610. The second Velcro® pad 330 and the second adhesive strip 340 are similar to the ones described with respect to the first embodiment. These steps are preferably performed during manufacturing of the attachment device/reusable bow structure. Alternatively, these steps can be done during construction of the bow by a consumer, with appropriate instructions provided to assist the consumer. The backer/stabilizer may be used with any shaped bow, other item, or combination thereof. One or more items may be attached to the backer/stabilizer (acting as a base).
An attachment device having yet a different configuration according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 7. The [0083] attachment device 700 according to the configuration shown in FIG. 7 can be utilized to releasably attach solid objects, such as a crayon box or a stuffed, non-flexible toy penguin, to a gift package or the like. Unlike the previously-described configurations of the first embodiment, no backer/stabilizer is used in the configuration shown in FIG. 7, since the object to be attached to the gift wrap is solid enough such that a backer/stabilizer is not necessary to provide a solid base for the attachment device 700. The attachment device 700 includes a first Velcro® pad 320 with a back surface that is adhered to the object to be attached to the gift wrap. The back surface may have an adhesive compound, or it may be coupled to a double-sided adhesive tape 710, or it may be glued, stapled, sewn or otherwise affixed to the object. For example, the back surface may be affixed to a bottom surface of a toy penguin or toy car that is to be attached to gift wrap or to some other object.
The [0084] attachment device 700 also includes a second Velcro® pad 330 with a back surface that has an adhesive material, as well as a protective cover or protective film 720 on the back surface. The front surfaces of the first and second Velcro® pads 320, 330 are releasably attached to each other, by way of the adhering elements (hooks and loop fasteners, Velcro) on those front surfaces.
When a person desires to attach the object to gift wrap or to some other object, the [0085] protective film 720 is peeled off from the back surface of the second Velcro® pad 330, and then the attachment device 700 is adhered to the object. To remove the object from the gift wrap, the first and second Velcro® pads 320, 330 are pulled apart from each other, thereby leaving the second Velcro® pad 330 on the gift wrap. The object is left with the first Velcro® pad 320 affixed thereto, which can be readily removed from the object, such as by peeling off the first Velcro® pad 320 from the object. This should preferably be done with care, to ensure that the object is not harmed during this process. In that way, the object can be reused at a later date, or used as a gift separate from the gift that is wrapped within the gift wrap.
An attachment device according to yet another configuration of an attachment mechanism according to the first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The attachment device according to the configuration shown in FIG. 8 is similar to the attachment device according to the configuration shown in FIG. 6, with the only difference being instead of having holes, a backer/[0086] stabilizer 810 of the attachment device of FIG. 8 has several arrow-shaped slits 820 extending through an entire thickness of the backer/stabilizer 810. Alternatively, the slits may be straight lines (e.g., disposed along a widthwise direction of the backer/stabilizer 810). By way of the slits 820, an object, such as a barrette or a hair pin, can be fitted through the backer/stabilizer 810, to thereby releasably attach the object to the attachment device.
In more detail, referring now to FIG. 9, a leg of a [0087] barrette 830 or other type of object is placed on a top surface of the backer/stabilizer 810. Then, the leg of the barrette 830 is fitted down through a first slit 820 of the backer/stabilizer 810, so that it now faces a bottom surface of the backer/stabilizer 810. The leg of the barrette 830 is then pushed through a second slit 820 of the backer/stabilizer 810, so that this leg of the barrette 830 now faces the top surface of the backer/stabilizer 810. The two legs of the barrette 830 can then be clasped together, to thereby provide an easy way to releasably attach the barrette 830 to the backer/stabilizer 810 (and thereby to the other elements of the attachment device), without having to glue or otherwise affix the barrette 830 to the attachment device (of which the backer/stabilizer 810 is an element thereof).
An attachment device according to a second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 shows a front side of an [0088] object 1000, and FIG. 11 shows a back side of the object 1000, whereby magnets 1010 are provided on the back side. The object 1000 is preferably a decorative object, and may be attached to a refrigerator door or the like. The object 1000 may contain a photograph or ornamental design 1020 on its front side, for example, and/or the object 1000 may have a distinctive shape, such as a shape like a bug, a butterfly, a spoon, or some other decorative shape.
In the second embodiment, the [0089] object 1000 is used as a decoration in gift wrapping, and then it can be removed from the gift wrapping and used later as a magnet (e.g., for attachment to a refrigerator). Referring now to FIG. 11, a female Velcro® strip 1120 is attached to the back side of the object 1000. The female Velcro® strip 1120 is preferably attached to the object 1000 by way of adhesive material on the back side of the female Velcro® strip 1120. The adhesive material may be a self-adhesive material, glue or some other type of sticky composition. The female Velcro® strip 1120 is positioned apart from the magnets 1010 on the back side of the object 1000, so that it does not interfere with the magnetic properties of the magnets 1010. In an alternative configuration, the entire object is formed out of a magnetic material.
In a preferred construction, a male Velcro® strip (not shown) is coupled to the female Velcro® strip [0090] 1120 by way of a releasable coupling of the female and male Velcro® strips. The male Velcro® strip preferably has a back side with an adhesive material disposed thereon, with a protective covering on the back side to allow the back side of the male Velcro® strip to be rested an object without sticking to the object 1000.
When a person desires to affix the object to a gift wrapping, for example, that person peels off the protective covering from the back side of the male Velcro® strip (which is coupled to the [0091] object 1000 by way of its attachment to the female Velcro® strip 1120). With the protective covering peeled off, the person can then position the object 1000 to a desired location on gift wrapping. This affixes the object 1000 onto the gift wrapping, and also allows someone to remove the object 1000 from the gift wrapping at a later time with little effort on their part.
Once the [0092] object 1000 has been removed from the gift wrapping, which is done by separating the female Velcro® strip 1120 from the male Velcro® strip, the male Velcro® strip remain on the gift wrapping, and typically cannot be reused. However, like the first embodiment, all one has to do is to obtain an extra male Velcro® strip with adhesive backing on its other side, and then affix a male Velcro® strip to the female Velcro® strip 1120 still attached to the object 1000. That way, the object 1000 can be attached to another gift to be wrapped by gift wrapping at a later time, if desired.
Alternatively, once the [0093] object 1000 has been removed from the gift wrapping, the female Velcro® strip 1120 can be peeled off of the back side of the object 1000 (by peeling off the adhesive material on the back side of the female Velcro® strip 1120 from the back side of the object 1000), to allow the object to function for its intended purpose as a magnet to be affixed to a metal object, such as being magnetically coupled to a metal refrigerator door.
While the second embodiment has been described as having the female Velcro® strip [0094] 1120 attached directly to the object 1000, in an alternative configuration, a male Velcro® strip may be attached directly to the object 1000, thereby trading places with the female Velcro® strip 1120. However, it is desirable to have the female Velcro® strip 1120 directly attached to the object 1000, since they typically collect less dust and debris than do male Velcro® strips, thereby making them better for future reattachments of the object 1000 to gift wrapping by way of the attachment device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 12 shows one side of a two-part stabilizer with a hanger/[0095] display card 1210 according to a third embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 13 shows the opposite side of the backer/stabilizer with a hanger/display card 1210. The backer/stabilizer with a hanger/display card 1210 is preferably formed out of a sturdy, durable material. Such durable material may be plastic, metal, cardboard, poster board, rigid paper card stock, heavy paper board, a combination of any two or more of these, or any other suitable material. The backer/stabilizer may have any base shape to accommodate the object being attached to it, including but not limited to: flat, openings, molded, die cut, or bases with the method of attachment part of it. All means of attachment may be utilized, as described above with respect to the previous embodiments.
The backer/stabilizer with a hanger/[0096] display card 1210 includes a hanger/display card portion 1250 for attaching the backer/stabilizer 1260 to a hanger or display of a retail store or other establishment that may want to sell these types of devices. The backer/stabilizer with a hanger/display card 1210 also the backer/stabilizer 1260 to attach an object, such as a bow or ribbon, or other type of object, to another object (such as a gift package, a box, a bag, etc.). The object being attached to the backer/stabilizer 1260 may be attached by any of the ways with respect to the previous embodiments described earlier, such as by an adhesive strip, being glued on, being sewn on, being stapled on, etc.
The backer/[0097] stabilizer 1260 is severally attachable to the hanger/display card portion 1250, by way of a line of tear perforations (perforated line 1270). That way, the hanger/display card portion 1250 can be easily separated from the backer/stabilizer 1260.
In one possible construction, the hanger/[0098] display card portion 1250 is of a construction and size to allow a small to medium-sized note to be written thereon (such as by way of a felt-tip pen), to thereby serve as a gift tag when an object is attached to gift wrapping using a device according to the third embodiment.
In an alternative configuration, text and other product information may be printed on the face of the hanger/[0099] display card portion 1250. This information may include product information, logo, suggested uses of the product, etc. Further, text and other product information may be printed on the back of the hanger/display card portion 1250. This information may include UPC codes, pricing, product information, company information, etc.
FIG. 13 shows an [0100] attachment device 1300 according to any of the embodiments of the invention attached to the backer/stabilizer 1260 of the backer/stabilizer with a hanger/display card 1210, and FIG. 14 shows various elements of the attachment device 1300 separated from each other in an exploded view. One element of the attachment device 1300 is a female Velcro® part 320, with an adhesive material on its other side. Another element of the attachment device 1300 is a male Velcro® pad 330, with a peel-off protective covering 340 (for covering an adhesive material) attached to its other side. An object, such as a bow, may be attached to the backer/stabilizer 1260 by using staples 1350 as shown in FIG. 12. Any other suitable method of attaching an object to the backer/stabilizer 1260 may be utilized.
FIG. 15 shows a front perspective view of a backer/stabilizer with card and with hanger/[0101] display card 1510 according to a different configuration of the third embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 16 shows a back perspective view of the backer/stabilizer with card and with hanger/display card 1510. The backer/stabilizer with card and hanger/display card 1510 includes three separable portions. A first, or head, separable portion 1520 is a display/hanger portion. A second, or middle, separable portion 1530 is a writable decorated card portion. A third, or end, separable portion 1540 is an backer/stabilizer 1540. This configuration of the third embodiment is different from the configuration of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 in that the hanger/display portion of this configuration embodiment is broken up into two separable portions. Also shown in FIG. 15 in exploded view is a first attachment device coupled to the third separable portion 1540 and a second attachment device coupled to the second separable portion 1530.
In an alternative configuration, text and other product information may be printed on the face of the hanger/[0102] display card portion 1520. This information may include product information, logo, suggested uses of the product, etc. Further, text and other product information may be printed on the back of the hanger/display card portion 1520. This information may include UPC codes, pricing, product information, company information, etc.
As seen in FIG. 16, an [0103] attachment device 1610 according to any of the previously-described embodiments may be attached to the backer/stabilizer 1540. Also, the middle portion 1530, which serves as a portion for someone to write a note to be included with an object to be releasably attached to gift wrapping, includes an attachment device 1570 (self-adhesive female Velcro, self-adhesive male Velcro, peel-off protective covering) to allow the note to be attached to the gift wrapping if the note is to be saved (e.g., as a memento), preferably nearby to where the object is to be attached to the gift wrapping. Alternatively, just an adhesive strip with a protective cover may be used instead.
FIGS. 17, 18, [0104] 19 and 20 show several possible different configurations of backer/stabilizers of attachment mechanisms according to the first or second embodiments of the invention. In these configurations of the first or second embodiments, the attachment mechanism (an object fastens or secures itself onto the backer/stabilizer) hangs on an object, as opposed to being directly adhered to the object. The backer/stabilizer may be produced in any manner including but not limited to: using any shape, configuration, size, coloration, fabrication, to accommodate an object. The object may be attached to the backer/stabilizer using any method of attachment as described previously with respect to the previous embodiments. Any special shape of a backer/stabilizer may be designed and used to accommodate a product with respect to a backer/stabilizer, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention as provided herein.
One surface of the backer/stabilizers according to the configurations shown in FIGS. [0105] 17-20 is adhered to a (preferably female) Velcro® pad, as in the other-described configurations (whereby a male Velcro pad is releasably attached to the female Velcro pad and with a protective covering provided on an opposite adhesive surface of the male Velcro pad). The other surface of the backer/stabilizers of FIGS. 17-20 is coupled to an object to be placed on gift wrapping, by way of the particular structural configuration of the backer/stabilizers. An object may be connected to the backer/stabilizer using any means of attachment as described previously, as well as other known to those skilled in the art.
In particular, FIG. 17 shows a backer/[0106] stabilizer 1710 with circular-shaped cutouts 1720A, 1720B at respective ends of the backer/stabilizer 1710. With such a construction, an object, such as a barrette, clothespin, or hair clip, can be attached to the backer/stabilizer 1710 by clipping the object at the cutout locations. In that regard, no adhesive or gluing needs to be done in order to attach the object to the backer/stabilizer 1710.
FIG. 18 shows a backer/[0107] stabilizer 1810 with square-shaped cutouts 18020A, 1820B provided at end portions of the backer/stabilizer 1810. With such a construction, one object can be attached (or clipped) to cutout 1820A, and another object can be attached (or clipped) to cutout 1820B. One object may attach itself using both cutout 1820A and cutout 1820B.
For the backer/stabilizer, any shape, cut out shape, color, size, and fabrication may be used in accordance with this embodiment. Any method of attachment may be used to accommodate an object to affix it to the backer/stabilizer. [0108]
FIG. 19 shows a backer/[0109] stabilizer 1910 with groove-shaped cutouts 1920A, 1920B. FIG. 20 shows a back view of the backer/stabilizer 1910 with a channel groove 1930 extending along a central portion thereof.
FIG. 19 shows the front view of the backer/[0110] stabilizer 1910 with channel-shaped cutouts or slits in the sides of the backer/stabilizer 1910 with circular endpoints 1920A, 1920B. The backer/stabilizer 1910 may have a plane (flat) back. FIG. 20 shows one alternative of the back view of the same backer/stabilizer 1910 with a channel groove 1930 extending along a central portion thereof between the openings 1920A and 1920B. The channel groove 1930 may be a groove that extends downwards into one-half to two-thirds of the thickness of the backer/stabilizer 1910, for example.
In an alternate configuration, FIG. 20 may correspond to a front view of a backer/stabilizer, whereby an object, such as a pencil or pen, can releasably attached to the backer/[0111] stabilizer 1910 by a person fitting the pencil or pen into the channel groove 1930. The channel groove 2020 can be sized based on the object to be held within the channel groove 1930. For example, to use with a pencil, the sides of the backer/stabilizer 1910 would be sized to accommodate the pencil.
For each of the backer/stabilizers shown in FIGS. [0112] 17-20, the object to be attached to gift wrapping is attached to the backer/stabilizers by non-adhesive means (adhesive may be used if deemed necessary or a combination of methods of attachment may be used). For example, referring to FIG. 21, for example, an elastic band 2110 may be fitted around the backer/stabilizer 1710, and through the respective cutouts 1720A, 1720B (see FIG. 17). The elastic band 2110 is situated such that a part of it is disposed and held between one surface of the backer/stabilizer 1710 and an adhesive (top) surface of a female Velcro® pad 320, thereby holding a part of the elastic band in place with respect to the backer/stabilizer 1710. The end points of the elastic band are preferably disposed between the backer/stabilizer 1710 and the adhesive (top) surface of the female Velcro pad 320. If a channel back is used, such as with the backer/stabilizer of FIG. 20, the elastic band 2110 would fit in the channel 1930 of the backer/stabilizer 1910, so that the Velcro pad 320 would lie flat against the backer/stabilizer 1910. Another part of elastic band is situated above an opposite surface (top surface as shown in FIG. 21) of the backer/stabilizer 1710.
For example, for about a 2″ length elastic band that is fitted around a 1″ square-shaped backer/stabilizer, a loop is formed by the elastic band above one surface of the backer/stabilizer. The loop can be stretched to twice or three times its normal size due to the elastic property of the elastic band, whereby it reverts back to its normal size when the elastic band is released. With such a configuration, a toy, such as a stuffed bear or stuffed gorilla, can be releasably attached to the backer/stabilizer, and thereby to an attachment device, by stretching the elastic band (already attached to the backer/stabilizer in a manner as described above) around a neck portion or other suitable holding portion of the toy animal, to thereby hold the toy animal in place with respect to the attachment device. Then, the attachment device is attached to gift wrapping, with the toy animal also attached to the gift wrapping due to it being releasably attached to the attachment device by way of the elastic band. [0113]
Referring back to FIG. 6, another possible construction of a “hanging type” backer/stabilizer according to the first or second embodiments has two [0114] holes 620A, 620B near opposing ends of the backer/stabilizer, whereby an elastic wire (or other type of elastic element) can be fitted therethrough, and then coupled together to form a band. When a Velcro® pad is adhered to one surface of the backer/stabilizer, the elastic band would be situated between the one surface of the backer/stabilizer and the Velcro® pad, thereby firmly affixing the elastic band in place against the backer/stabilizer.
FIG. 22 shows yet another configuration of a backer/[0115] stabilizer 2210 of an attachment device according the first or second embodiments of the invention. The backer/stabilizer 2210 has a dome-shaped construction, with an opening 2220 extending almost all the way through a central portion of the backer/stabilizer 2210. An object, such as a flag pole 2230 and flag 2240 combination, can be fitted into the opening 2220 of the backer/stabilizer 2210, thereby holding the object in place as the backer/stabilizer (and the attachment device that the backer/stabilizer 2210 is a part thereof) is releasably coupled to gift wrap. The flag pole 2230 can be readily removed after it serves its purpose as an ornament for the gift wrap, by pulling the flag out of the hole of the backer/stabilizer 2210. The other elements of the attachment device of this configuration include female and male Velcro® pads, and adhering surfaces for those pads, and a protective covering as described with respect to previously-described configurations. The backer/stabilizer 2210 is shown as having a dome-shaped construction, but any shape or configuration may be used in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Any object may be supported by the backer/stabilizer 2210, and attached in any manner, such as in the manners as described with respect to the previous embodiments.
Other objects, such as wired or plastic ornaments or the like, can be fitted into the hole of the backer/[0116] stabilizer 2210, which acts as a base for the object attached to it. Alternatively the backer/stabilizer may be formed out of any material including but not limited to plastic or a Styrofoam® material, whereby an ornament can be held onto the backer/stabilizer by fitting one end of the ornament into the backer/stabilizer.
FIG. 23 shows yet another configuration of a backer/[0117] stabilizer 2310 of an attachment device according to the first or second embodiments of the invention. The backer/stabilizer 2310 includes a spike or nub 2320, to which an object can be coupled thereto. The spike or nub 2320 may be integral to the backer/stabilizer 2310 (e.g., formed from the same material in a single fabrication process), or it may be affixed to the backer/stabilizer 2310 (e.g., glued to a surface of the backer/stabilizer 2310). For example, artificial or silk flowers typically have hollow bases, and the spike or nub 2320 can be sized to accept a hollow base 2330 of an artificial or silk flower that is fitted thereto. Once fitted on the backer/stabilizer 2310 (which is attached to a female Velcro® pad of an attachment device), the artificial or silk flower can be releasably attached to gift wrap, in a manner as described previously with respect to other configurations described previously. The spike or nub 2320 may be somewhat flexible, such as being a rubber or flexible plastic material, or it may be configured so that it is non-flexible (e.g., plastic part). Any suitable material may be used for the spike or nub 2320. Leaves, other flowers, or other decorations may be added or adhered to the base, thereby enhancing the decoration. Glue or other adhesive may be used to strengthen the connection between the spike/nub and the part coupling to it.
FIG. 24 shows yet another configuration of a backer/[0118] stabilizer 2410 of an attachment device according to the first or second embodiments of the invention. The backer/stabilizer 2410 includes a cup-shaped element 2420, to which a stub end 2430 of an object can be coupled thereinto. Once fitted on the backer/stabilizer 2410 (which is attached to a female Velcro pad of an attachment device), the object can be releasably attached to gift wrap, in a manner as described previously with respect to other configurations previously described. The cup-shaped element 2420 may be integral with the backer/stabilizer 2410, or it may be rigidly affixed to it (such as by gluing it onto the backer/stabilizer 2410).
FIG. 25 shows yet another configuration of a backer/[0119] stabilizer 2510 of an attachment device according to the first or second embodiments of the invention. The backer/stabilizer 2510 has a cone-shaped element 2520 extending out from the surface that is not coupled to the Velcro pad. An object having a snap-on type of fitting 2530 can be snap-fitted onto the cone-shaped element 2520, to thereby hold the object onto the backer/stabilizer 2510. In that manner, when an attachment device that includes the backer/stabilizer 2510 is releasably attached to gift wrap, the object also is attached (releasably) to the gift wrap.
The backer/stabilizers shown in FIGS. [0120] 17-25 are constructed such that the backer/stabilizers can accommodate a particular product or object that is to be attached to them. Several examples have been provided above, and other shapes may be contemplated by one skilled in the art, while remaining within the scope of the invention. Other male/female coupling devices beyond those shown in FIGS. 23-25 can be utilized with a backer/stabilizer according to the embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 26 shows a top view and FIG. 27 shows a bottom view of a [0121] floral attachment 2700 that may be coupled to an attachment device 2710 with a backer/stabilizer according to any of the previously-described embodiments. For example, a backer/stabilizer as shown in any of FIGS. 3, 6-9, or 12-25 may be used. The attachment device 2710 may be attached to the floral attachment 2700 by self-adhesive (e.g., peel-n-stick), glued, bonded, or adhered in any reasonable manner. Furthermore, the floral attachment 2700 may be adhered to the attachment device 2710 by mechanical means, such as by stapling, elastic band, twist tie, wire, ribbon, string, nylon, zip lock, sewn on, double-sided tape, or any other suitable material or mechanical device. Any floral design may be used with the attachment device 2710 shown in FIG. 26.
FIG. 28 shows a top view and FIG. 29 shows a bottom view of a [0122] ribbon 2900 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The ribbon 2900 includes Velcro® strips 2910A, 2910B, 2910C (strip 2910C is an optional strip). The Velcro® strips 2910A, 2910B, 2910C may be sewn onto the ribbon 2900, or adhered to the ribbon by self-adhesive, glue, double-stick tape, or in any other suitable manner.
The [0123] ribbon 2900 may be precut to a particular length, and it may be cut to match the size of the object that it is be wrapped around.
One end of the [0124] ribbon 2900 may be cut or folded (wrong sides together approximately ½″) in a shape (e.g. straight, angle, arrow, and finished), pattern, or design (pinked, scalloped). A female Velcro® strip 2910A is adhered to one surface of the ribbon 2900 near one end of the ribbon 2900, at approximately ¼″ from the end. Of course, other distances may be contemplated while remaining within the scope of the invention. If the female Velcro® strip 2910A has a protective covering that protects an adhesive surface, the protective covering is first removed, and then the female Velcro® strip 2910A is adhered to the ribbon 2900.
The ends of the [0125] ribbon 2900 may be gathered or remain flat, according to the appearance wanting to be created and according to where the ribbon is to be fastened to gift wrap. The gathering may be by any suitable means, such as by sewing, use of wire, etc.
The length of the Velcro® strips [0126] 2910A, 2910B, 2910C may vary according to the width of the ribbon 2900 that they are to be affixed to. ½″ to 1″ width Velcro® is the typical size for most ribbons. The Velcro® strips 2910A, 2910B, 2910C should be the same length or a little shorter than the width of the ribbon end. If the end is gathered, the Velcro® should be shorter than if the end is not gathered. The color of the Velcro® should be co-ordinate with the color of the ribbon 2900.
The [0127] Velcro® strip 2910B is adhered to the opposite surface and the opposite end of the ribbon 2900, with respect to the Velcro® strip 2910A. The Velcro® strip 2910B may be adhered to the ribbon 2900 by any suitable means, such as the ones described with respect to the Velcro® strip 2910A. The Velcro® strip 2910B is preferably a male Velcro® strip, and the Velcro® strip 2910A is preferably a female Velcro® strip.
If the length of the ribbon has not been predetermined, the following steps may be performed. First, the self-adhesive male Velcro with a protective cover is mated to the female Velcro. Then, one determines the length of the ribbon needed by placing it where it will be used. One then peels off the protective covering and adheres the male Velcro to the front right side of the ribbon, fitting it snugly. If necessary, the Velcro ribbon is removed, and excess ribbon that is past the male Velcro on the bottom is cut off. Then, the ribbon is replaced around the object. [0128]
The center Velcro® strip [0129] 2910C is preferably a male Velcro® strip, and adheres to a female Velcro® strip on a bow that has an attachment device according to any of the embodiments of the present invention attached thereto (see attachment device 2710 in FIG. 27, for example).
Thus, there has been described a Velcro ribbon for attachment to an object, a Velcro ribbon with an extra Velcro pad on the back for attachment to an object. Also, there may be utilized a Velcro ribbon with an object already attached to it by using any attachment means other than Velcro. [0130]
FIG. 30 shows a [0131] bow 3000 with a ribbon 2900 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention attached thereto. The Velcro® strip 2910C on the ribbon 2900 (see FIG. 29) is coupled to a Velcro® strip (not shown) on a central part 3020 of the bow 3000. Alternatively, the Velcro strip 2910C may be placed anywhere (e.g., a non-central portion) on the ribbon 2900. The bow 3000 may be attached to the ribbon 2900 in any direction. With the ribbon 2900 coupled to the bow 3000 in such a manner, the ends of the ribbon 2900 can be coupled to each other to form a loop, by way of Velcro® strips 2910A and 2910B at the ends of the ribbon 2900. For example, the ribbon 2900 may be looped around a gift package, and whereby the ends of the ribbon 2900 are coupled together by way of their respective Velcro® strips 2910A, 2910B, in order to releasably attach the bow 3000 to the gift package or some other object (box, bag, basket, floral arrangement, etc.). Any conceivable item may be attached to the ribbon 2900 using any method of attachment described previously, permanent or temporary. Also, any item, such as a bow, floral, etc., may be permanently attached to the ribbon 2900 in any direction.
FIG. 31 shows a [0132] floral card holder 3100 that may be coupled to an attachment mechanism according to the first or second embodiments of the invention. The floral card holder 3100, which can be any type of commercially available floral card holder, includes a Velcro® pad 3110 adhered thereto in accordance with the present invention. With such an arrangement, a ribbon, bow, or other ornamental object having an attachment device according to the first or second embodiments of the present invention, can be releasably attached to the floral card holder 3100, by coupling the Velcro® pad of the attachment device to the Velcro® pad 3110 of the floral card holder 3100.
Since the ornaments to be coupled to attachment devices according to the present invention are to be reused, it is important that they be stored such that they do not collect dust and debris between uses. [0133]
FIG. 32 shows a storage element [0134] 3200 that is configured to hold attachment mechanisms according to any of the embodiments of the invention. The storage element 3200 is used to store reusable ornaments between uses of the ornaments. The storage element 3200 is constructed of a material sufficiently strong (e.g., wood, cardboard, plastic, fabric, etc.) to hold ornaments in place. The storage element 3200 has a plurality of rows and columns of Velcro® pads 3210. Other dispositions of the Velcro pads 3210 may be contemplated while remaining within the scope of the invention (e.g., circularly placed on the storage element 3200, for example, or randomly placed on the storage element 3200). For example, the storage element 3200 may be a fabric board of 36″ wide by 38″ long. Of course, other materials and sizes of the storage element 3200 may be contemplated while remaining within the scope of the invention.
The [0135] Velcro® pads 3210 are preferably spaced 6″ apart from each other, to allow for fairly large sized ornaments to be placed on the storage board 3200 without interfering with each other. When an ornament with an attachment device according to any of the embodiments of the present invention is removed from gift wrapping, the male Velcro® pad is left on the gift wrapping, thereby leaving the female Velcro® pad as the most-exterior portion of the attachment device on the ornament. The female Velcro® pad on the attachment device is coupled to any of the male Velcro® pads 3210 on the storage board 3200, to hold the ornament in place for storage between uses.
FIG. 32 also shows a [0136] hanger cord 3220 that is used to hang the storage board 3200 onto a wall. For example, a hanger cord 3220 of 50″ in length may be utilized. The hanger cord 3220 is tied in a knot around the ends of a dowel rod 3230 or may fit in slits made in the ends of the dowel rod 3230 and knotted, and then the storage element 3200 can be hung on a wall by nailing the hanger cord 3220 in place. Of course, other ways of hanging the storage element 3200 may be contemplated. Also, the storage element 3200 may be configured just to hold ornaments (whereby the storage element 3200 would be stored under a bed or in a closet, for example), and not for hanging on a wall.
Furthermore, the storage board [0137] 3200 may include a dust screen (not shown) on its front face, in order to keep debris off the ornaments affixed to the Velcro® pads 3210 of the storage board 3200 while they are being stored between uses.
FIG. 33 shows a front view of a floral water tube (capped floral vase) [0138] 3340, holder 3300 and back plate 3320 that is coupled to an attachment mechanism according to the first or second embodiments of the invention, and FIG. 34 shows a top view of the floral water tube (capped floral vase) holder 3300. The holder 3300 is coupled to an object for which a floral arrangement is to be attached. For example, a side surface of a gift wrap may be a place where a floral arrangement is to be attached. The circular ringlet 3310 is attached to a back plate 3320 or may be molded in one piece. Also shown in FIG. 34 is a female Velcro pad 3420, a male Velcro pad 3430, and an adhesive strip 3440, in an exploded view. In an alternative configuration, the circular ringlet 3210 may also have an extension out from the back plate 3320. The circular ringlet 3210 may be of a material that is sufficient to hold the floral arrangement, such as, by way of example but not by way of limitation: plastic, metal, wood, etc. The back plate 3320 is coupled to an attachment device 3330 according to any of the previous embodiments of the invention, in order to releasably attach the floral water tube holder 3300 to the gift wrap or any other object to which the floral arrangement is to be attached.
A capped [0139] floral water tube 3340 can then be fitted into the circular ringlet 3310, with flowers and water provided in the floral water tube 3340, as shown in the front view of FIG. 33. Cap 3620 is shown in FIG. 33 and FIG. 35.
FIG. 35 shows a side view of a floral [0140] water tube holder 3500, whereby the floral water tube holder 3500 has a Velcro® pad adhered to an outer surface of the floral water tube holder 3500. The Velcro® pad 3600 attached to the floral water tube holder 3500 can be seen in the perspective view shown in FIG. 36. The Velcro® pad 3600 of the floral water tube holder 3500 is releasably coupled to a Velcro® pad that is adhered to an object such as gift wrap. A cap 3620 for the floral water tube holder 3500 is also shown in FIG. 36, and operates to hold the flower/flowers and water within the floral water tube holder 3500. Alternative methods of attachment include but are not limited to: magnets, double stick tape, and sticky backing. A cap may have one or more openings for flowers, and still can be used with in accordance with this embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 36, a floral vase constructed in accordance with the present invention is designated generally by [0141] reference numeral 3500. The floral vase 3500 is generally of a tubular construction (not necessarily cylindrical in shape). The material of construction is not critical. If it is being used for live flowers or plants, it needs to be waterproof and not rust. It may be made of a relatively rigid synthetic polymeric material, molded plastic, molded polystyrene product, glass, crystal, metal, pottery, or any other suitable material. It may be any color, shape, size, texture, pattern, design, or combination thereof. It may be decorated in any manner using any items applicable. It may be used to convey a message and may have the ability to be personalized. It is filled with water in a water reservoir, if live flowers or plants are placed therein. An additive may be combined with the water to nourish the live flower or plants. The floral vase also includes an open top end whose opening is surrounded by a ridge and a closed bottom end.
A [0142] cap 3620 is fitted over the open top end of the floral vase 3500 and has an aperture (opening) through which the stem of a flower or plant is inserted endwise, extending the stem into the water retained in the water reservoir.
FIG. 37 shows a [0143] container 3700 that is coupled to an attachment mechanism according to the first or second embodiments of the invention. The container 3700 is configured to be releasably attached to an object, such as gift wrap, by way of an attachment device according to any of the embodiments of the invention. The container 3700 may have any shape, and is shown with a lid 3710 for holding a toy of other present within the container 3700. The lid 3710 is optional and may attach in any manner known to those skilled in the art. The material of construction of the container 3700 and lid 3710 is not critical, and it may be of a relatively rigid synthetic polymeric material, molded plastic, molded polystyrene product, glass, crystal, metal, pottery, paper products, or any other suitable material. It may be of any color, shape, size, texture, pattern, design, or combination thereof. It may be decorated in any manner using any items applicable. It may be used to convey a message 3720, such as “You've Been Kissed” or “Lauren”, as shown in FIG. 37. Different messages may be provided on transparent adhesive strips, whereby one or more messages can be readily adhered to the container 3700 and readily removed from the container 3700, as desired. A special marking pen may be used to personalize the item.
FIG. 38 shows a back side of the [0144] container 3700 with an adhesive strip 3810 provided thereon. The adhesive strip 3810 is adhered to the back side of the container 3700, whereby the protective covering (shown by diagonal lines) of the adhesive strip 3810 is shown in FIG. 38. The protective covering can be removed by peeling it off, to thereby attach the container 3700 to another object, such as a refrigerator or to a gift.
As shown in the top-down view of FIG. 39, a female [0145] Velcro® strip 3910 is adhered to the adhesive strip 3740, to thereby adhere the female Velcro® strip 3910 to the container 3700. A male Velcro® strip 3920 is engaged with the female Velcro® strip 3910, whereby the adhesive side of the male Velcro® strip 3920 opposite its Velcro side is covered with a protective covering 3930. To attach the container 3700 to something, such as to gift wrap, the protective covering 3930 is removed, and then the container 3700 can then be easily attached, in a releasable manner, to the gift wrap or other object. Alternatively, the Velcro may be applied to the bottom surface of the container 3700 rather than the back of the container 3700.
Alternative methods of attachment include but are not limited to: magnets, double stick tape, pressure-sensitive adhesive, and sticky backing. [0146]
Thus, several embodiments of the present invention. Many modifications and variations may be made to the techniques and structures described and illustrated herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. While only certain embodiments have been set forth, alternative embodiments and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These and other alternatives are considered equivalent and within the sprit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that the methods and apparatus described herein are illustrative only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention. [0147]
For example, backer/stabilizers according to the present invention may include any shape, sizes, color, fabrication, texture, decorative, as it may suggest itself to those skilled in the art. The fastening means, described with respect to Velcro hereinabove, may be any color, strength, shape, size, and include other types of reattachable fastening devices other than hook and loop. [0148]
Also, one or more items may be attached to a backer/stabilizer according to any of the embodiments of the invention described above. One or more different methods of attachment may be used to attach the one or more objects to a backer/stabilizer according to any of the embodiments of the invention described previously. For example, a flower attached to a backer/stabilizer may use a spike and glue combination, and additional flowers or leaves may be glued to the backer/stabilizer, and also a ribbon may be attached to the same backer/stabilizer. [0149]
Also, multi-floral arrangements may be attached to other objects by using an attachment device in accordance with any of the embodiments of the present invention. [0150]
Also, for floral arrangements, the Velcro may be placed on the stem or part of the stem of the flowers in the floral arrangements. [0151]
Further, as explained above, the attachment devices according to the different embodiments of the present invention may be used to attach any type of object to any type of object, and not just for attaching bows to gift wrap. [0152]
In an alternative method and structure of attaching an object and backer/stabilizer to another object, a Command Strip™ made by 3M® Corporation may be used instead of releasable attaching devices such as Velcro. The Command Strip™ has a first region with adhesive on both sides, with protective covering on both sides. The Command Strip™ has a spongy-like second region which is non-adhesive and which serves as a tab for removing the Command Strip™ from an object that it is adhered to. In the alternative method and structure according to the invention, the protective strip on one side of the first region is removed, and adhered to a backer/stabilizer according to any of the embodiments of the invention. Then, the protective strip on the other side is removed, and is adhered to another object (e.g., gift wrap). When one desires to remove the object (e.g., a bow) from the other object (e.g., gift wrap), one just pulls on the tab on the second region of the Command Strip™, to thereby peel the Command Strip™ (with backer/stabilizer and object adhered thereto) from the other object. To reuse the object, all one has to do is to peel off the “used” Command Strip™” from the backer/stabilizer, using the tab on the second region of the Command Strip™ to assist in this removal. With the Command Strip™ removed, one then places a unused Command Strip™ on the backer/stabilizer, in the manner as discussed above. Of course, other devices instead of 3M's Command Stripe™ for attaching a backer/stabilizer to an object, whereby the device attached to a backer/stabilizer can be replaced or removed and replaced by a new device, can be utilized in this alternative method and structure of the present invention. [0153]
In an alternative method and structure of attaching an object to another object, any method of attachment may be used, beyond the ones described above. [0154]
In an alternative method and structure of attaching an object to another object, for objects being reused with another purpose (e.g., barrette/bow/ornament or truck/ornament) other than ornamentation, a method of adhesion for single use may be utilized. [0155]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An attachment mechanism for a first object to be releasably attached to a second object, comprising:

a first adhesive strip that has a first adhering surface for adhering to the first object, and a second adhering surface;

a backer/stabilizer that has a first surface that is adhered to the second adhering surface of the first adhesive strip;

a first releasably attachable pad that has a front side with a releasably attachable surface and a back side that is adhered to a second surface of the backer/stabilizer;

a second releasably attachable pad that has a front side with a releasably attachable surface and which is configured to be releasably attached to the front side of the first releasably attachable pad; and

a second adhesive strip that has a first adhering surface for adhering to a back side of the second releasably attachable pad, and a second adhering surface for adhering to a surface of the second object.

2. The attachment device according to claim 1, wherein the backer/stabilizer is one of styrofoam, wood, plastic, cardboard, spongy material, and card stock.

3. An attachment device for a first object to be releasably attached to a second object, comprising:

a backer/stabilizer that has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface;

a second releasably attachable pad that has a front side with a releasably attachable surface and which is configured to be releasably attached to the front side of the first releasably attachable pad;

a second adhesive strip that has a first adhering surface for adhering to a back side of the second releasably attachable pad, and a second adhering surface for adhering to a surface of the second object; and

means for attaching the backer/stabilizer to the first object.

4. The attachment device according to claim 3, wherein the means for attaching includes at least one of stapling, gluing, sewing, tying and taping the backer/stabilizer to the first object.

5. The attachment device according to claim 3, wherein the backer/stabilizer comprises:

a connecting element for connecting to a portion of the first object, the connecting element disposed above a remaining portion of the backer/stabilizer.

6. The attachment device according to claim 5, wherein the connecting element is one of: a first protruding element for coupling to a cavity portion of the first object, and a second protruding element for coupling to a solid, spike-shaped portion of the first object.

7. The attachment device according to claim 3, wherein the backer/stabilizer is one of plastic, cardboard, and card stock.

8. An attachment device for a first object to be releasably attached to a second object, the first object including an affixing element having first and second ends, the attachment mechanism comprising:

a backer/stabilizer that has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the backer/stabilizer including at least a first hole;

a second releasably attachable pad that has a front side with a Velcro surface which is configured to be releasably attached to the front side of the first releasably attachable pad; and

a second adhesive strip that has a first adhering surface for adhering to a back side of the second releasably attachable pad, and a second adhering surface for adhering to a surface of the second object,

wherein at least one of the first and second ends of the affixing element are fitted through the first hole of the backer/stabilizer, and

wherein the first and second ends of the affixing element are coupled together on an opposite side of the backer/stabilizer, to provide a coupling of the first object to the backer/stabilizer.

9. The attachment device according to claim 8, wherein the backer/stabilizer is one of plastic, cardboard, and card stock.

10. An attachment device for releasably attaching a first object to a second object, comprising:

an elastic band;

a backer/stabilizer having at least two regions for receiving respective ends of the elastic band;

a first releasably attachable pad that is adhesively coupled to one surface of the backer/stabilizer,

wherein a portion of the elastic band is disposed between the first releasably attachable pad and the one surface of the backer/stabilizer;

a second releasably attachable pad that has a first releasably attachable surface that is configured to be releasably coupled to the first releasably attachable pad; and

an adhesive material provided on a second, non- releasably attachable surface of the second releasably attachable pad,

wherein the adhesive material is adapted to be adhered to the second object, and

wherein the elastic band is adapted to be fitted around a portion of the first object.

11. The attachment device according to claim 10, wherein the at least two regions of the backer/stabilizer are one of: at least two holes passing from the top surface to the bottom surface of the backer/stabilizer, and at least two openings formed at respective ends of the backer/stabilizer, and a channel portion formed on the bottom surface of the backer/stabilizer, for holding portions of the elastic band in place against the backer/stabilizer.

12. The attachment device according to claim 9, wherein the backer/stabilizer includes a channel portion formed on the bottom surface of the backer/stabilizer, for holding one of an object and/or the elastic band in place.

13. The attachment device according to claim 11, wherein the backer/stabilizer is one of plastic, cardboard, and card stock.

14. A reusable ornament for attachment to an object, comprising:

an ornamental portion; and

a coupling portion for coupling the ornamental portion to the object,

wherein the coupling portion includes:

a ribbon for wrapping around the object, the ribbon including:

a first releasably attachable pad provided adjacent a first end of the ribbon on a first surface of the ribbon;

a second releasably attachable pad provided adjacent a second end of the ribbon on a second surface of the ribbon opposite the first surface; and

a third releasably attachable pad provided on the first surface of the ribbon,

wherein the third releasably attachable pad is adapted to be coupled to a releasably attachable pad disposed on the ornamental portion of the reusable ornament, and

wherein the first and second releasably attachable pads are adapted to be coupled to each other when the ribbon is wrapped around the object.

15. A storage device for storing objects, comprising:

a holding portion having a substantially flat surface;

a plurality of rows and columns of releasably attachable pads disposed on the substantially flat surface of the holding portion, each of said releasably attachable pads configured to hold one object in place between uses of the object,

wherein each object includes an attachment device having a releasably attachable portion for coupling to one of the releasably attachable pads provided on the holding portion.

16. The storage device according to claim 15, further comprising:

a hanger cord coupled to the holding portion, for hanging the storage board on an object.

17. The storage device according to claim 15, further comprising:

a plurality of double-sided adhesive strips disposed between the fabric board and the plurality of releasably attachable pads, respectively, for adhering the plurality of releasably attachable pads onto the holding portion.

18. A reusable object, comprising:

a container portion for holding an element to be stored therewithin; and

an attachment device coupled to the container portion,

wherein the attachment device includes:

a first releasably attachable pad that has an adhesive surface for attachment to an outer surface of the container portion;

a second releasably attachable pad that has an adhesive surface for attachment to another object, wherein the first and second releasably attachable pads each has a releasably attachable surface for releasably coupling the first and second releasably attachable pads to each other, to thereby releasably couple the reusable object to the another object.

19. The reusable object according to claim 18, further comprising:

a lid portion for coupling to the container portion to encompass the element within the container portion and the lid portion.

20. The reusable object according to claim 18, further comprising:

a label provided on an outer surface of the container portion,

wherein the label is capable of being removed from the container portion without damage to the container portion.

21. A method for constructing an attachment device for releasably attaching a first object to a second object, comprising:

attaching a backer/stabilizer to the first object;

attaching a non- releasably attachable surface of a first releasably attachable pad to the backer/stabilizer;

attaching a non- releasably attachable surface of a second releasably attachable pad to the second object; and

coupling respective releasably attachable surfaces of the first and second releasably attachable pads to each other.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the backer-stabilizer is attached to the first object by one of an adhesive material, glue, staple and sewing thread.

23. The method according to claim 21, further comprising:

removing a peel-off protective cover on one surface of the backer/stabilizer prior to attaching the backer/stabilizer to the first object.

24. A reusable ribbon for attachment to an object, comprising:

a first male releasable attaching means disposed adjacent to a first end of the ribbon on a first surface of the ribbon; and

a second female releasable attaching means disposed adjacent to a second end of the ribbon on a second surface of the ribbon,

wherein the first male releasable attaching means and the second female releasable attaching means are adapted to be releasably attached to each other to thereby wrap the ribbon around the object.

25. The reusable ribbon according to claim 24, further comprising:

a third releasable attaching means provided on the first surface of the ribbon,

wherein the third releasable attaching means is adapted to be coupled to a second object, to thereby releasably attach the second object to the object when the ribbon is wrapped around the object.

26. The reusable ribbon according to claim 24, further comprising:

a third releasable attaching means provided on the second surface of the ribbon,

wherein the third releasable attaching means is adapted to be coupled to a second object, to thereby releasably attach the second object to the object when the ribbon is wrapped around the object

27. The reusable ribbon according to claim 26, further comprising:

a bow having a fourth releasable attaching means for coupling to the third releasable attaching means of the ribbon.

28. An attachment device for a first object to be releasably attached to a second object, comprising:

a backer/stabilizer that is provided on a first portion of the attachment device, the backer/stabilizer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface;

means for attaching the backer/stabilizer to the first object; and

a card portion that is provided on a second portion of the attachment device, the card portion being separable from the first portion by tearing along a perforated line that separates the first portion from the second portion.

29. The attachment device according to claim 28, further comprising:

a hanger portion that is provided on a third portion of the attachment device with the second portion being disposed between the first portion and the third portion, the hanger portion being separable from the second portion by tearing along a perforated line that separates the third portion from the second portion,

the hanger portion being used to hang the attachment device onto a display rack.

30. An object having a magnetic portion, comprising:

a first releasable attaching means disposed on one surface of the object;

wherein the magnetic portion is disposed on the one surface of the object, and

wherein the first releasable attaching means is adapted to be coupled to a second releasable attaching means that is attached to another object, to thereby releasably couple the object to the another object.

31. A floral card holder, comprising:

a first releasable attaching pad having a first surface for releasable attachment to another device, and having a second surface with an adhesive material for adhering to the floral card holder; and

a second releasable attaching pad having a first surface adapted to be releasably attached to the first surface of the first releasable attaching pad,

wherein the second releasable attaching pad includes an adhesive material on a second surface thereof with a protective cover provided thereon, for adhering the second releasable attaching pad to an object to which the floral card holder is to be releasably attached to.

32. A floral vase holder, comprising:

a ringlet for holding the floral vase holder therein; and

an attachment device coupled to the ringlet for attaching the ringlet to an object, wherein the attachment device includes:

a first releasable attaching means adhesively attached to the ringlet; and

a second releasable attaching means adhesively attached to the object.

33. The floral vase holder according to claim 32, wherein the first and second releasable attaching means are adapted to be relesably attached to each other, to releasably attach the floral vase holder to the object.

34. An attachment mechanism for a first object to be releasably attached to a second object and later to a third object, comprising:

a backer/stabilizer;

means for adhering the backer/stabilizer to the first object;

an adhesive unit having first and second adhesive surfaces that is configured to adhere to the backer/stabilizer by way of the first adhesive surface, and that is configured to adhere to the second object by way of the second adhesive surface,

wherein, after the backer/stabilizer and the first object has been deattached from the first object and prior to reuse of the backer/stabilizer and the first object for attachment to the third object, the adhesive unit is removed from the backer/stabilizer to allow another adhesive unit to be adhered thereto.