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A customizable decorative party apparatus. One of several possible insert photographs, name tags, decals, or logos inserts in place on a generally planer surface of a base. A substantially transparent cover removably locks onto the base, defining a substantially water-tight protective cover over the

A customizable decorative party apparatus. One of several possible insert photographs, name tags, decals, or logos inserts in place on a generally planer surface of a base. A substantially transparent cover removably locks onto the base, defining a substantially water-tight protective cover over the insert. The apparatus includes an attaching structure on the opposite surface, configured to temporarily, removably connect the apparatus to one of a plurality of party items, e.g., cups, plates, straws, hats, ornaments, a string of holiday lights, or the like. The apparatus can be removed from the decoration, the cover can be removed from the base by hand-manipulating the lock, and the same insert, or a different insert, can be inserted for use at the same party or a different party.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A customizable decorative party apparatus comprising: a base portion having a generally planar first surface, a first locking element provided on the first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a preselected shape;a removable interchangeable insert having the preselected shape

1. A customizable decorative party apparatus comprising: a base portion having a generally planar first surface, a first locking element provided on the first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a preselected shape;a removable interchangeable insert having the preselected shape, configured to be inserted on the first surface;a substantially transparent cover portion having a bottom surface, and a second locking element on the bottom surface; anda connecting structure affixed to the second surface, temporarily, removably connecting the base portion to a selected party item;wherein the first surface of the base portion and the bottom surface of the cover portion are configured to removably attach to one another, with a substantially watertight seal being defined therebetween, by locking together the first locking element on the base portion with the second locking element on the cover portion, with the removable interchangeable insert held on the first surface; andwherein the substantially watertight connection is configured to disconnect via hand-manipulation of the base portion and the cover portion, to remove and exchange the insert with the same or another removable interchangeable insert. 2. The customizable decorative party apparatus of claim 1, wherein the preselected shape is generally circular. 3. The customizable decorative party apparatus of claim 1, wherein the preselected shape is generally bell shaped. 4. The customizable decorative party apparatus of claim 1, wherein the party item is one selected from the group consisting of holiday lights, cups, plates, hats, ornaments, and straws. 5. The customizable decorative party apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connecting structure comprises a temporary adhesive. 6. The customizable decorative party apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first locking element on the base portion comprises a lock tab extending from the first surface, and the second locking element on the cover portion comprises a locking structure in the bottom surface of the cover portion. 7. A customizable decorative party apparatus comprising: a base portion having a generally planar first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a preselected shape;a removable interchangeable insert having the preselected shape, configured to be inserted on the first surface;a substantially transparent cover portion having a bottom surface; anda connecting structure affixed to the second surface, temporarily, removably connecting the base portion to a selected party item;wherein the first surface of the base portion and the bottom surface of the cover portion are configured to removably attach to one another, with the removable interchangeable insert held therebetween with a substantially watertight connection;wherein the substantially watertight connection is configured to disconnect via hand-manipulation of the base portion and the cover portion, to remove and exchange the insert with the same or another removable interchangeable insert;wherein the base portion comprises a lock tab extending from the first surface, and the cover portion comprises a locking structure in the lower surface of the cover portion; andwherein the locking structure in the lower surface of the cover portion comprises a locking slot, and the lock tab is configured and positioned to removably snap-lock into place in the locking slot. 8. The customizable decorative party apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second locking structure in the bottom surface of the cover portion comprises a thread, engageable by the lock tab on the base portion. 9. The customizable decorative party apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second locking element in the bottom surface of the cover portion comprises a full thread, engageable by the first locking element on the base portion, which comprises a lock tab. 10. A customizable decorative party apparatus, comprising: a base portion having a generally planar first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a preselected shape;a removable interchangeable insert having the preselected shape, configured to be inserted on the first surface;a substantially transparent cover portion having a bottom surface; anda connecting structure affixed to the second surface, temporarily, removably connecting the base portion to a selected party item;wherein the first surface of the base portion and the bottom surface of the cover portion are configured to removably attach to one another, with the removable interchangeable insert held therebetween with a substantially watertight connection; andwherein the substantially watertight connection is configured to disconnect via hand-manipulation of the base portion and the cover portion, to remove and exchange the insert with the same or another removable interchangeable insert;wherein the first surface of the base portion comprises projecting lock tabs with threads provided on vertical surfaces thereof, engageable with corresponding threads provided on opposing vertical surfaces within the cover portion. 11. The customizable decorative party apparatus of claim 1, wherein the party item is a cup, and the connecting structure is an adhesive pad on the surface of the base portion opposite to the surface supporting the insert, the adhesive pad temporarily adhering the base portion to the cup. 12. The customizable decorative party apparatus of claim 11, wherein an outer surface of the cup has a peripheral surface defining a convex arc, and the adhesive pad defines a concave arc which is an inverse of the convex arc defined by the outer surface of the cup. 13. The customizable decorative party apparatus of claim 1, wherein the party item is a straw having a first diameter, and the connecting structure is a generally circular split-ring, having an open position and a closed position, and a second diameter in the dosed position smaller than the first diameter. 14. The customizable decorative party apparatus of claim 1, wherein the party item is a plate having a central opening, the party apparatus is configured to be preassembled and inserted into the central opening of the plate, and to be temporarily threadably connected to the central opening, with the insert, protected by the cover portion, visible through the central opening. 15. The customizable decorative party apparatus of claim 1, wherein the party item is a plate having a central opening, the transparent cover portion is configured to be inserted into the central opening, and to be threadably connected to the central opening, and the base portion is configured to be inserted, into the central opening, into removable locking engagement with the cover portion, with the insert, protected by the cover portion, visible though the central opening. 16. The customizable decorative party apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interchangeable, replaceable insert is one selected from the group consisting of photographs, slogans, phrases, brand names, logos, and symbols. 17. The customizable decorative party apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the removable, interchangeable insert comprises a base with slots defining an inner periphery, and a photograph, decal, logo, symbol, or sticker removably attached within the inner periphery. 18. The customizable decorative party apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base portion is configured to attach to an ornament, and the apparatus further comprises a slot in the base portion for insertion of an insert-illuminating light therein. 19. The customizable decorative party apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an aperture in the base portion configured to receive a light therethrough, into the base portion, to illuminate the insert. 20. The customizable decorative party apparatus of claim 19, herein the insert is translucent. 21. A string of customizable decorative holiday lights comprising: an electric cord connected to a power source;a plurality of lights electrically connected to the cord;a plurality of customizable decorative ornaments, each said ornament comprising:a base portion having a surface, a first locking element provided on the surface, a preselected configuration, and an aperture;a removable, interchangeable insert having a configuration generally corresponding to the preselected configuration, and configured to be inserted on the surface of the base portion; anda generally transparent cover portion, having a second locking element, removably attachable to the base portion by locking the first locking element on the base portion with the second locking element on the cover portion, the locking of the first and second locking elements defining a substantially watertight seal therebetween, with the removable interchangeable insert held on the surface of the base portion;wherein the aperture is configured for insertion therethrough of one of the plurality of lights, into the base portion, to illuminate the insert. 22. The string of customizable holiday lights of claim 21, wherein the insert is translucent. 23. A method of assembling a customizable decorative party apparatus comprising: providing a base portion having an upper surface, a first locking element provided on the upper surface, a lower surface, a temporary connecting device attached to the lower surface, and a preselected shape;providing a plurality of removable interchangeable inserts having the preselected shape;providing a generally transparent cover portion having a second locking element, and the preselected shape, removably attachable to the upper surface of the base portion;applying the removable interchangeable insert onto the upper surface of the base portion;removably attaching the base portion and the cover portion together, defining a watertight seal therebetween by locking the first locking element on the base portion with the second locking element on the cover portion, with the removable interchangeable insert held on the upper surface of the base portion; andtemporarily connecting the base portion to one of a plurality of party items with the connecting device. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the cover portion and the base portion are attached to one another via threadable engagement between the first locking element, comprising threads on the base portion, and the second locking element, comprising corresponding threads in the cover portion. 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the cover portion and the base portion are attached to one another via the first locking element, comprising threads on projecting portions on the upper surface of the base portion engaging the second locking element, comprising corresponding threads within the cover portion. 26. The method of claim 23, wherein at least one of the first and second locking elements comprises a partial thread. 27. The method of claim 23, wherein at least one of the first and second locking elements comprises a full thread. 28. The method of claim 23, wherein the removable interchangeable insert is selected from the group consisting of photographs, slogans, phrases, logos, and symbols. 29. The method of claim 23, wherein providing the base portion comprises providing a base portion with a connecting device configured to temporarily connect the base to one of the group consisting of holiday light strings, cups, plates, straws, and hats. 30. The method of clam 23, further comprising inserting a light into the base portion to illuminate the insert. 31. A customizable decorative holiday ornament, comprising: a first portion having a preselected shape, a first annular surface, and an aperture adapted to receive therethrough, a light on a string of lights;a substantially transparent second portion, having a second annular surface, removably connectable with the first portion; anda removable, interchangeable generally translucent insert having the preselected shape, adapted to be inserted and removably mounted on the first portion, and held in place thereon by the removable connection of the first portion and the second portion, and to be visible through the substantially transparent second portion when backlit by the light;wherein one of the first portion and the second portion has a generally hemispherical configuration, and the other of the first portion and the second portion has a generally planar configuration. 32. The customizable decorative holiday ornament of claim 31, wherein the first portion and the second portion are adapted to be twisted into removable connection. 33. A customizable decorative holiday apparatus comprising: a first portion having a preselected shape and an aperture adapted to receive therethrough a light on a string of lights;a substantially transparent second portion, removably connectable with the first portion; anda removable, interchangeable generally translucent insert having the preselected shape, adapted to be inserted and removably mounted between the first portion and the second portion, and to be visible through the substantially transparent second portion when backlit by the light;wherein one of the first portion and the second portion has a generally hemispherical configuration, and the other of the first portion and the second portion has a generally planar configuration; andwherein locking tabs provided on one of the first portion and the second portion and slots on the other of the first portion and the second portion are configured such that the first portion and the second portion to be twisted into removable connection. 34. The customizable decorative holiday apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a thread provided on at least one of the first portion and the second portion configured such that the first portion and the second portion can be twisted into removable connection. 35. The customizable decorative holiday ornament of claim 31, wherein the first portion and the second portion are adapted to be snapped into removable connection. 36. A customizable decorative holiday apparatus comprising: a first portion having a preselected shape and an aperture adapted to receive therethrough a light on a string of lights;a substantially transparent second portion, removably connectable with the first portion; anda removable, interchangeable generally translucent insert having the preselected shape, adapted to be inserted and removably mounted between the first portion and the second portion, and to be visible through the substantially transparent second portion when backlit by the light;wherein one of the first portion and the second portion has a generally hemispherical configuration, and the other of the first portion and the second portion has a generally planar configuration; andwherein locking tabs provided on one of the first portion and the second portion and slots on the other of the first portion and the second portion are configured such that the first portion and the second portion to be snapped into removable connection. 37. A method of assembling a customized decorative holiday apparatus, comprising: utilizing a first portion having a preselected shape and an aperture adapted to receive therethrough a light on a string of lights;utilizing a first removable, interchangeable generally translucent insert having the preselected shape;utilizing a substantially transparent second portion adapted to be connected with the first portion;wherein one of the first portion and the second portion has a generally hemispherical configuration and an annular surface, and the other of the first portion and the second portion has a generally planar configuration and a planar surface;removably connecting the second portion and the first portion with the first insert mounted on the annular surface, and held in place thereon by the connection of the first portion with the second portion; andinserting the light though the aperture to backlight the generally translucent insert, thereby making the insert visible through the generally transparent second portion. 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising: disconnecting the first portion from the second portion;removing the first removable, interchangeable generally translucent insert;inserting a second removable, generally translucent interchangeable insert; andreconnecting the first portion and the second portion, with the second removable, generally translucent interchangeable insert mounted therebetween. 39. The method of claim 37, wherein removably connecting the first portion and the second portion includes twisting the first portion and the second portion together. 40. A method of assembling a customized decorative holiday apparatus, comprising: utilizing a first portion having a preselected shape and an aperture adapted to receive therethrough a light on a string of lights;utilizing a first removable, interchangeable generally translucent insert having the preselected shape;utilizing a substantially transparent second portion adapted to be connected with the first portion;wherein one of the first portion and the second portion has a generally hemispherical configuration, and the other of the first portion and the second portion has a generally planar configuration;removably connecting the second portion and the first portion with the first insert mounted therebetween;inserting the light through the aperture to backlight the generally translucent insert, thereby making the insert visible through the generally transparent second portion;whereby removably connecting the first portion and the second portion includes twisting the first portion and the second portion together; andwherein twisting the first and second portions together includes inserting locking tabs provided on one of the first and second portions into slots defined in the other of the first and second portions and twisting at least one of the first and second portions. 41. A method of assembling a customized decorative holiday apparatus, comprising: utilizing a first portion having a preselected shape and an aperture adapted to receive therethrough a light on a string of lights;utilizing a first removable, interchangeable generally translucent insert having the preselected shape;utilizing a substantially transparent second portion adapted to be connected with the first portion;wherein one of the first portion and the second portion has a generally hemispherical configuration, and the other of the first portion and the second portion has a generally planar configuration;removably twisting the first portion and the second portion together with the first insert therebetween; andinserting light through the aperture to backlight the generally translucent insert, thereby making the insert visible through the generally transparent second portion,wherein one of the first portion and the second portion has a generally hemispherical configuration, and the other of the first portion and the second portion has a generally planar configuration;removably twisting the first portion and the second portion together with the first insert therebetween; andinserting the light through the aperture to backlight the generally translucent insert, thereby making the insert visible through the generally transparent second portion; andwherein removably twisting the first and second portions together includes inserting locking tabs provided on one of the first and second portions into a thread defined in the other of the first and second portions and twisting at least one of the first and second portions. 42. The method of claim 39, wherein twisting the first and second portions together includes inserting a thread provided on one of the first and second portions into a thread defined on the other of the first and second portions and twisting at least one of the first and second portions. 43. The method of claim 37, wherein removably connecting the first portion and the second portion includes snapping the first portion and the second portion together. 44. A method of assembling a customized decorative holiday apparatus, comprising: utilizing a first portion having a preselected shape and an aperture adapted to receive therethrough a light on a string of lights;utilizing a first removable, interchangeable generally translucent insert having the preselected shape;utilizing a substantially transparent second portion adapted to be connected with the first portion;wherein one of the first portion and the second portion has a generally hemispherical configuration, and the other of the first portion and the second portion has a generally planar configuration;removably connecting the second portion and the first portion with the first insert mounted therebetween; andinserting the light through the aperture to backlight the generally translucent insert, thereby making the insert visible through the generally transparent second portion;wherein removably connecting the first portion and the second portion includes snapping the first portion and the second portion together; andwherein snapping the first and second portions together includes inserting locking tabs provided on one of the first and second portions into slots defined in the other of the first and second portions.