Abstract: An applique for garments is provided having multiple layers, and a decoratively shaped perimeter and relief pattern having a relatively high profile and side wall being substantially perpendicular to the plain in which the raised and lowered portions lie. Methods for manufacturing are also provided.

Abstract: A self-wrapping decorative article and method for manufacturing is provided. Self-wrapping decorative article includes an elongate generally flat wrapping member having ends capable of coming together and capable of remaining extended is disposed between a first retroreflective decoratively shaped layer and a second layer.

Abstract: An applique is provided for applying to garments, and the like and other substrates for decorative effect comprising a decoratively shaped perimeter and relief pattern, a plush layer having a pre-cut periphery, and a vinyl overlay encapsulating the periphery of the pre-cut plush layer. A method for making an applique having the above characteristics is also provided utilizing a differential height die.

Abstract: A slipcover with inflatable pillow is provided for furniture comprising a first sheet having an outer layer of fabric attached to an inner layer of thermoplastic, a second, smaller sheet attached to the inner layer of the first sheet so as to form an inflatable pillow, a valve located in at least one of the sheets so as to enable the pillow to be inflated, and a backing layer attached to the first sheet along an edge so as to create a pocket-shaped slipcover with the inflatable pillow in the interior of the slipcover whereby the slipcover can receive a portion of the furniture.

Abstract: An applique and method for making it are described wherein inner and outer vinyl sheets are welded together to form a decorative applique and wherein a pair of fastener are employed each having a flat segment that is embedded between the inner and outer vinyl sheets and has a stem that extends through the inner sheet, its outer located adhesive layer and overlying release liner. Caps are used to enable the applique to be affixed to a carrier card for shipment to an end user, who can then remove the caps and use the fasteners to affix the applique to apparel using the adhesive and re-use the fasteners. The combination of the adhesive and the fasteners enable a firm and sustaining attachment of the applique to surfaces having a low affinity to the adhesive employed on the inner layer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional applique is provided having a preformed, flexible layer with a decoratively shaped perimeter and a molded relief pattern with raised and lowered portions, the raised portions extending a substantial distance from the plane in which lowered portions and/or raised portions lie, a substantially flat backing layer, and a peripheral seal forming an airtight pocket between the preformed layer and the backing layer. Appliques, stickers, magnets, and tags are also provided having encapsulated materials, such as sound, music or light-up modules. Methods for manufacturing three-dimensional appliques, and articles of clothing, stickers and magnets having three-dimensional appliques are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for making various packages that are easily assembled into arrays for use in small runs of articles that are to be stuffed in the packages. One type of package is particularly suitable for attachment to a header card another package is designed to facilitate the insertion of debit cards. An array of receptacles are formed and placed on a sheet and a pattern of adhesive formed on another sheet. The receptacles are registered with the pattern in such manner that top edges of the receptacles are in contact with and can pull of the adhesive so that the receptacles are conveniently placed on a header card. Several embodiments are shown and described.

Abstract: An inflatable applique for a fabric article which may be attached to an article of clothing after it is fully manufactured comprising a top and a backing layer of vinyl which are sealing affixed to one another creating a substantially airtight enclosure, a heat-fusible layer disposed on the outside of the backing layer, and an anti-sealing treatment disposed between some or all portions the top and backing layers to prevent fusing of those portions during attachment of the applique to an article of clothing. In the method of manufacture, the top and backing layers are welded together before attachment of the enclosure to a clothing article.

Abstract: A self-attachable wheel spoke reflector is provided. The self-attachable wheel spoke reflector includes removable from sheet of reflectors. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the material be thermoplastic and most preferably vinyl. Another embodiment is that the self-attachable wheel spoke reflector be adhesive-backed.

Abstract: A slipcover with inflatable pillow is provided for furniture comprising a first sheet having an outer layer of fabric attached to an inner layer of thermoplastic, a second, smaller sheet attached to the inner layer of the first sheet so as to form an inflatable pillow, a valve located in at least one of the sheets so as to enable the pillow to be inflated, and a backing layer attached to the first sheet along an edge so as to create a pocket-shaped slipcover with the inflatable pillow in the interior of the slipcover whereby the slipcover can receive a portion of the furniture.

Abstract: An inflatable applique for a fabric article which may be attached to an article of clothing after it is fully manufactured comprising a top and a backing layer of vinyl which are sealing affixed to one another creating a substantially airtight enclosure, a heat-fusible layer disposed on the outside of the backing layer, and an anti-sealing treatment disposed between some or all portions the top and backing layers to prevent fusing of those portions during attachment of the applique to an article of clothing. In the method of manufacture, the top and backing layers are welded together before attachment of the enclosure to a clothing article.

Abstract: A safety vest having a transparent, waterproof pouch preferably formed from thermoplastic material in which a plurality of distress or other messages may be displayed; and which has a side opening through which the messages may be inserted and removed. The pouch is preferably formed from two independent, transparent, and waterproof layers of thermoplastic material, thereby creating a transparent, waterproof pouch to both display and store the message boards which are preferably formed of heavy paper. The layers of the pouch are contiguously sealed along a top, side and bottom edge, and partially up a second side edge, forming a pouch with a side opening and a stop to prevent the boards from sliding out.

Abstract: A reflective lace, such as a shoelace, used for night visibility, and a method of manufacture, is provided by affixing a flexible reflective attachment near the end portion thereof. Preferably, the reflective attachment comprises a thermoplastic tube with a reflective outer coating which is drawn over the end portion of the lace and heat-fused to the outside surface of the lace near the end portion. The article and method of manufacture provides a reflective lace which includes the desirable characteristics of a standard lace and which eliminates unused reflective material present in past designs.

Abstract: An inflatable applique for an fabric article comprises a valved, substantially airtight enclosure having a top layer and a backing layer with complementary peripheral outlines. In the method of manufacture, the top and backing layers are welded together preferably simultaneously with the attachment of the enclosure to a clothing article. Various decorative elements may be given to the top layer, such as printing and embossing. The top layer may also be welded to the backing layer within the peripheral outlines to create inflatable subenclosures to give the applique a sculpted appearance.

Abstract: An inflatable applique for an article of clothing comprises a valved, substantially airtight enclosure having a top layer and a backing layer with complementary peripheral outlines. In the method of manufacture, the top and backing layers are welded together preferably simultaneously with the attachment of the enclosure to a clothing article. Various decorative elements may be given to the top layer, such as printing and embossing. The top layer may also be welded to the backing layer within the peripheral outlines to create inflatable subenclosures to give the applique a sculpted appearance.

Abstract: A shaped index card has edges shaped to conform with and visually enchances an image on the index card. The index card may have an upper segment that extends visibly above the upper edges of conventional index cards. The image is located at least in part on the upper segment and the upper segment has a peripheral upper edge which is shaped to conform with the image. The shaped index card may also have a side edge shaped to conform with the image. The image identifies the goods or services of a supplier, and may include a logo, or an object associated with the supplier's business.

Abstract: A planar erectable picture frame is described formed of vinyl materials that are bonded together. A front transparent vinyl sheet bearing an opaque printing to define a window surrounded by an opaque border is placed over an inner layer of cardboard parts. One part is sized to fit under the opaque border while the other parts are so spaced as to define a support stand when folded. A vinyl backing layer is bonded to the front sheet around peripheral borders of the inner layer parts and along borders of the window. In another embodiment, the front sheet is opaque and a transparent vinyl sheet bonded to it at the window. The backing layer is provided with a slit to insert a photo inside the window. The backing layer is formed of a pair of sheets, an outer one of which being provided with slits to retain tabs used to hold the folded out support stand.

Abstract: A book jacket is described that can fit around a book independent of its thickness while enabling the placement of a display at a desired location with respect to the book such as its spine or front cover. In one book jacket a pocket and a sleeve are used for attachment to the front and back covers of a book and separated by a floating spine region. In another book jacket a pair of sleeves are used separated by a floating spine region. In another embodiment a flat sleeve book shield is provided that is convenient to apply to books of different thicknesses. The spine regions are uninterrupted and flexible so as to conform to the shape of many spine thicknesses. The book jacket is particularly suitable to fit around conventional directory books such as telephone books, catalogs, and airline schedules.