Decoration means for collapsible tube and bag retainers

Abstract

A decoration means ( 22 ) for retainers of collapsible tubes and bags. A user of a toothpaste or similar tube will normally progressively coil, lap or fold the bottom end of the tube as the contents of the tube is used. The user of a plastic or other collapsible bag will normally progressive coil, lap or fold the open end of the bag as the contents is used. The retainer device is attached to the coils, laps or folds of the tube or bag, holding them firmly in place, thereby preventing any uncoiling, un-lapping, or unfolding. The current invention provides a means ( 22 ) to add decoration ( 100 ) to the retaining device and, in some cases, change the decoration ( 135 ) and ( 137 ).

1 . A decoration means comprising 
 a. a means of retaining collapsible tubes and bags in their lapped, folded, or rolled state,    b. a means for decoration, and    c. said means of decoration made part of said means of retaining.    
   
   
       2 . A decoration means comprising 
 a. a retainer for collapsible tubes and bags,    b. a member for decoration, and    c. said member is attached to said retainer,    whereby decoration can be added to said member.    
   
   
       3 . The decoration means of  claim 2  where in said member is a ridged surface extending beyond the surfaces of said retainer.  
   
   
       4 . The decoration means of  claim 3  wherein said surface is flexible.  
   
   
       5 . The decoration means of  claim 3  wherein said surface is of different shape.  
   
   
       6 . The decoration means of  claim 3  wherein a plurality of said surfaces are attached to different parts of said retainer.  
   
   
       7 . The decoration means of  claim 2  wherein said member is an integral part of said retainer.  
   
   
       8 . The decoration means of  claim 2  wherein said member is made of a different material.  
   
   
       9 . The decoration means of  claim 2  wherein said member is a clear laminated material already containing the decoration.  
   
   
       10 . The decoration means of  claim 2  wherein said member is a clip by which decoration can be added.  
   
   
       11 . The clip of  claim 10  wherein said clip is a clear spring sleeve into which decoration can be added.  
   
   
       12 . The decoration means of  claim 2  wherein said member is a clear flexible pouch with an opening through which decoration can be added.  
   
   
       13 . The decoration means of  claim 12  wherein said opening is a zip lock.  
   
   
       14 . A decoration means comprising 
 a. a jawed end clip retainer for collapsible tubes and bags comprising 
 i. first and second clip members, each having a jaw, handle extending from the jaw, and fulcrum between the jaw and handle,  
 ii. a spring,  
 iii. the spring in pivotal engagement about the fulcrums of the opposing clip members so that, as the handles are squeezed toward each other, the jaws open,  
   b. a ridged surface for decoration,    c. said surface attached to the handle of the first member of said jawed end clip retainer, and    d. said surface extending beyond said handle,    whereby decoration can be added to said surface.    
   
   
       15 . The decoration means of  claim 14  wherein said surface is an integral part of said jawed end clip first member handle.  
   
   
       16 . The decoration means of  claim 14  wherein a second said surface is made part of said jawed end clip second member handle.  
   
   
       17 . The decoration means of  claim 14  wherein said surface is made of a clear laminated material already containing the decoration.  
   
   
       18 . The decoration means of  claim 14  wherein said surface is made of a thin clear spring sleeve into which decoration can be added.