Abstract: A sports ball holder holds a ball (e. g., soccer ball, football, volleyball, basketball, etc.) securely therein to preclude ball movement within a vehicle interior while the vehicle is in motion. The holder has a generally square platform, with a support foot extending from each corner. The support feet preferably include a high grip texture or material thereon, to provide a non-slip grip upon the underlying surface. The upper surface of the holder has a receptacle therein, configured and dimensioned to closely fit a relatively large diameter sports ball e. g., basketball). The receptacle bottom may include an additional gripping surface. A secondary tray conforming to the exterior contours of the base, may be placed atop the base to hold a smaller diameter ball (e. g., volleyball, softball, etc.). A net or pouch may be removably secured to the base to hold personal articles for sports players during play.

Abstract: A method for preheating golf ball covers prior to painting. The process comprises forming a golf ball with a cover, then heating the cover from about 90° F. to about 150° F. for 1 to 3 hours in a heated enclosure prior to applying a coat of primer or paint to the ball. This is done to accelerate the evaporation of paint solvents, immediately after the paint is applied. The painted balls are subsequently dried in a heated enclosure at about 105° F. to 108° F. All additional coats of primer or paint are applied in a similar fashion, wherein the balls are painted while still in the heated state and not cooled down.

Abstract: A packaging for golf balls that acts as a moisture barrier inhibiting moisture absorption by a golf ball during storage. In one embodiment, the packaging comprises a housing defining an interior cavity sized to receive at least one golf ball. A lip on the housing surrounds an aperture that communicates with the interior cavity and a flexible lid is removably mounted on the lip. The lid is configured to be peelingly dismounted from the lip and a golf ball is disposed within the interior cavity. The housing and the lid each comprise a moisture barrier. In another embodiment, a packaging assembly comprises at least one golf ball and a package separable from the golf ball defining a cavity within which the golf ball is positioned. The package includes a sealing member at least a portion of which comprises a moisture barrier. The cavity is sealed under pressure such that gas audibly escapes from said cavity when the seal is broken.

Abstract: A multi-functional golf accessory for storing a variety of golf related tools and items. The accessory includes a base component that is adapted to receive a detachable caddy device and that provides external and internal storage space. The caddy mounts in the base and further includes a body adapted to receive a divot repair device that holds a ball marker, a detachable belt clip, at least one golf tee, and a golf ball or a stroke counting device. The stroke counting device is adapted to be mountable in the caddy device, is substantially spherical in shape, and has substantially the same dimensions as a golf ball. The base includes a front portion having additional storage space for golf balls and tees, and a rear portion having a smooth exterior writing surface, a clip means for holding a score card and a golf pencil, and internal storage compartments.

Abstract: A sports ball carry bag having the shape of a sports ball and having a handle and an opening dimensioned to receive objects. The sports ball carry bag can be used to carry objects while at the same time convey a person's enthusiasm for a particular sport.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preheating golf balls prior to painting. The process includes forming golf balls with covers, heating, coating, and further heating the golf balls in a heated enclosure. The apparatus includes a ventilated holding tray that in addition to supporting the golf balls with a minimum of contact between balls and tray will allow for a thorough flow of heat about the balls for quick and uniform heating. This also will aid in reducing blemishes to the golf balls, by suspending freshly painted golf balls on conical pins set at right angles to the balls, thereby reducing the physical contact between the tray and freshly painted golf balls. The tray comprises replaceable ball support inserts. The inserts will generally be made from injection molded plastic and will be friction-fitted to the tray, and if damaged can be easily and inexpensively replaced.

Abstract: A packaging box, for a golf ball, is formed by folding a packaging sheet comprising a decomposable laminate material consisting of a polylactic acid-containing polymer film and a sheet of paper laminated with the polylactic acid-containing polymer film. A portion corresponding to a window is cut out from the paper, and the window is covered with the polylactic acid-containing polymer film laminated on the paper. The window is formed straddlingly on two or three planes such that the polylactic acid-containing polymer film covering the window is bent perpendicularly at a boundary between the planes adjacent to each other. A raised portion is formed on the packaging sheet.

Abstract: A baseball equipment bag having an elongated bag portion of flexible material and a substantially planar interior shelf within the elongated bag portion. The interior shelf is permanently secured to the elongated bag portion. A removable panel is capable of being removed to substantially fully expose the interior shelf. The removable panel can be removed from the bag to facilitate the application of commercial printing thereon. The equipment bag includes a bat compartment which allows a bat to be accessed from either of two openings. The equipment bag is capable of collapsing to a substantially flat configuration when not in use.

Abstract: A bag body for bowling bags. The bag body includes an elongated body member that is provided with a cavity and side open ends. Two lids are hinged to the body member at the side open ends of the body member to selectively open and close the side open ends, and provided with an exterior pouch. A partition is formed in the center portion of the cavity of the body member to divide the cavity into two sub-cavities. The partition may be pectinate and integrated with the body member into a single structure. The bag body may further comprise a cover made of synthetic resin of leather, the cover being provided with an auxiliary pouch and secured to the front portion of the body member by means of bars and bolts.

Abstract: A golf ball and package assembly, comprising: at least one golf ball; a package separable from said golf ball defining a cavity within which said golf ball is positioned, said package comprising: (a) a moisture proof, resealable container and an integrally attached cap, wherein the package has a base, an internal cavity, an outer surface, an upper portion and lower portion, a rim at the upper portion, the cap has a base and a skirt extending perpendicularly around the outer periphery of the base, the cap is provided with a thumb tab for facilitating the opening and closing of the container, and is attached to the package by a hinge; (b) the cap and container are non-circular in shape having curved sides and flat sides, joined by rounded corners; (c) an outer wall of the ridge and wall surfaces of the cap rim define a gap into which rim is fitted to form a moisture proof seal when the cap is in the closed position; and (d) a desiccant insert.

Abstract: A tray for stacking and dispensing golf balls, comprising (a) a base frame having a substantially rectangular central region bounded by a peripheral region, (b) a plurality of rails in the central region, and (c) a plurality of resting surfaces also in the central region. The peripheral region including two pairs of opposing and elongated sides forming a substantially rectangular boundary of the central region and that are perpendicular to each other. The rails and resting surfaces are arranged relative to each other such that neighboring rails are separated from each other by a resting surface and neighboring resting surfaces are separated from each other by a rail. Each of the rails has a convex curvature as viewed from the top side of the tray. In addition, each of the rails has an associated apex, the apexes of the plurality of the rails being in a common tangential plane with each other.

Abstract: A carton is provided for displaying balls. The has top, bottom, front, back, and side walls. The top and bottom walls have openings therein sized and shaped to engage the ball substantially along the full circumference of the holes. Additionally, the carton includes interior braces, preferably at the four corners of the box. The ends of the braces have curved edges, the curvature of which correspond to the curvature of the ball, such that the ends of the braces contact the ball substantially along the full length of the braces. The braces preferably urge the ball upwardly (or downwardly) to urge the ball against the edge of the hole in the top (or bottom) wall. The size and shape of the braces and of the holes allow for a frictional engagement of the ball by the carton to reduce the possibility of unassisted movement of the ball relative to the carton.

Abstract: A pressure wide-mouth container made of synthetic resin and having a cylindrical body portion, a flange portion projecting from the periphery of a wide mouth formed at one end of the body portion; and a bottom portion closing the other end of the body portion. The flange portion and a peripheral portion of the wide mouth are formed by injection molding and not drawn after the injection molding is carried out. The body portion except the peripheral portion of the wide mouth and the bottom portion are formed by the injection molding and drawn by a blow molding to be performed after the injection molding is carried out and the bottom portion is drawn at a lower drawing ratio than the body portion.

Abstract: A pressure wide-mouth container made of synthetic resin and having a cylindrical body portion, a flange portion projecting from the periphery of a wide mouth formed at one end of the body portion; and a bottom portion closing the other end of the body portion. The flange portion and a peripheral portion of the wide mouth are formed by injection molding and not drawn after the injection molding is carried out. The body portion except the peripheral portion of the wide mouth and the bottom portion are formed by the injection molding and drawn by a blow molding to be performed after the injection molding is carried out and the bottom portion is drawn at a lower drawing ratio than the body portion.

Abstract: A sports ball holder holds a ball (e.g., soccer ball, football, volleyball, basketball, etc.) securely therein to preclude ball movement within a vehicle interior while the vehicle is in motion. The holder has a generally square planform, with a support foot extending from each corner. The support feet preferably include a high grip texture or material thereon, to provide a non-slip grip upon the underlying surface.

Abstract: The ball holder is an effective device that has an elongate coil having a first end and a second end. The coil has an inside chamber defined therein for releasably holding a spherical object therein. The second end has an upper coil segment connected to a lower coil segment by a resilient coil segment. The upper coil segment and the lower coil segment have an opening defined therebetween. The ball holder may be modified so that it holds a pen and a key.

Abstract: A package and related technique is disclosed for wrapping and enclosing a collection of golf ball sleeves that avoids the use of costly retaining boxes or cartons. The package comprises an opaque, partially opaque, or partially transparent multi-layer overwrap. The resulting package inhibits light transmission, exhibits high strength and is economical.

Abstract: A game ball anti-theft device including a spherical web dimensioned for completely enclosing the game ball therein. The spherical web is comprised of a plurality of cables.

Abstract: A racket cover with elastic loops to insert a container of balls makes the effort of going to play a racket sport much easier and is a useful, much-needed addition to the function of the standard racket cover of carrying their belongings to the court. Another embodiment of this invention is a device that could be attached to any covers such that the cover would then be able to hold a container of balls or drink. Thus, the invention could be applied to new covers being produced, and covers that have already been made, enabling all players to utilize the benefits of this invention.

Abstract: A baseball equipment bag having an elongated bag portion of flexible material and a substantially planar interior shelf within the elongated bag portion. The interior shelf is permanently secured to the elongated bag portion. A removable panel is capable of being removed to substantially fully expose the interior shelf. The removable panel can be removed from the bag to facilitate the application of commercial printing thereon. The equipment bag includes a bat compartment which allows a bat to be accessed from either of two openings. The equipment bag is capable of collapsing to a substantially flat configuration when not in use.

Abstract: A pull-top lid for a pressurized tennis ball container having a rubber safety shield for protecting against injury from the sharp pressing seam edge of the removed lid. The rubber gasket-like safety shield being bonded to the upper surface of the top enclosure panel and reaching beyond the pressing seam of the lid such that protection against injury is provided by the shield being extended beyond the sharp edge of the sheet metal. An alternative embodiment having an outer perimeter comprised of an arch shaped extension arm extending across the pressing seam and resting upon the circular lip of the raised rim. The lid upon being pulled off the the top panel synchonously causes the extension arm to wrap about and encapsulate the sharp edge of the pressing seam thereby preventing injury of any body parts.

Abstract: The present invention involves a retaining device to retain an object having indicia for display. The retaining device includes first and second side walls spaced opposite each other, wherein each side wall has opposite ends. The retaining device further includes first and second retaining walls connecting the side walls together. Each retaining wall is connected to one end of each side wall to space apart the retaining walls opposite each other forming an inner space. Each retaining wall has outer and inner surfaces, wherein the inner surface of the first retaining wall has an aperture therethrough and a first lip extending from the inner surface toward the inner space to contact the object when retained within the inner space.

Abstract: A display container for displaying a spherical article includes a left side panel, a right side panel, and a connector coupled to the left side panel and the right side panel. Each of the left and right side panels includes a curved edge adapted to engage the spherical article. The curved edges cooperate to define a C-shaped opening to receive the spherical article therein. The connector is configured so that much of the surface area of the spherical article is exposed outside of the display container.

Abstract: A golf ball cleaning device having a bag for cleaning golf balls, a club clasp for attaching and detaching the bag to and from the putter, an extension cable to connect the club clasp and cleaning bag and a detachable towel to wipe or dry the ball after cleaning it.

Abstract: A carton is provided for displaying balls. The has top, bottom, front, back, and side walls. The top and bottom walls have openings therein sized and shaped to engage the ball substantially along the full circumference of the holes. Additionally, the carton includes interior braces, preferably at the four corners of the box. The ends of the braces have curved edges, the curvature of which correspond to the curvature of the ball, such that the ends of the braces contact the ball substantially along the full length of the braces. The braces preferably urge the ball upwardly (or downwardly) to urge the ball against the edge of the hole in the top (or bottom) wall. The size and shape of the braces and of the holes allow for a frictional engagement of the ball by the carton to reduce the possibility of unassisted movement of the ball relative to the carton.

Abstract: Baseball bat and accessory bag with a hollow, open topped, semi-rigid rectangular case having a lower level that can retain a plurality of baseball bats and an upper level that can retain items such as baseball gloves and the like, the case having longitudinal partitions in the lower level to separate one bat from another, the case having a pair of wheels, each the wheel located at the bottom corner, the open topped case having a semi-rigid lid that is hinged at one end, said lid having a semi-rigid reinforcing lip about three sides of the perimeter, a locking mechanism that penetrates through said reinforcing lip and through the wall of said rectangular case thereby capable of locking the two together when said lock is in place, a heating device comprised of a series of resistive elements fastened to an aluminum heat dissipating plate, said plate positioned at the barrel end of one of said bat retaining sections, said heating element powered by a removably replaceable rechargeable battery, said battery provi

Abstract: A case for a golf ball includes a body for accommodating and protecting a single golf ball, the body having an inlet formed at one side thereof so that the golf ball can easily pass. A cover is attached to the inlet of the body forming a seal to prevent the golf ball accommodated in the body from exposure to external air. The cover is separated from the inlet by a force applied over a predetermined degree.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving tennis balls from a playing surface of a tennis court and for storing the tennis balls either for preventing the same from being removed by non authorized persons or for subsequent removal for playing purposes, either by taking the balls directly from the apparatus of by transferring the balls to another receptacle, the apparatus including a closed container having an open front wall, a ramp at the open wall for receiving the balls and directing the same into the container through the open wall, and a handle and wheels for carrying the container on the playing surface.

Abstract: A bag for holding golf outfits includes a main holding body, an upper covering part, a lateral pocket, a lateral holding part and a connecting part. The upper covering part is connected to a rear portion of the main body for covering an upper opening of same, and is detachably attached to a front portion of the main body from the front part. The main body is provided for holding golf balls. The lateral pocket is sewn on the main body for holding divot restoring tools. The lateral holding part has several rooms for tees thin portions of tees to pass through to be held in position. Magnetic ball position markers are detachably attached to divot restoring tools which are made of iron, and to an iron element on the upper covering part. The connecting part can pass through a space between a waist and a belt of a golf player for securing the bag to the belt.

Abstract: Ball-carrying structure comprising a support member having at least one orifice. The support member is adapted to removably retain a ball.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a box for storing golf balls and practicing putting, which can be used to store golf balls and related accessories such as tees, and the box is composed of an upper casing and a lower casing each having a handle on it. In the lower casing, it has an appropriate accommodation space, and a supporting member being disposed at an appropriate location on the edge of the lower casing and extending towards the accommodation space. Further, the upper casing has a concave surface being disposed at the corresponsive side of the lower casing, and a groove hole being disposed in the concave surface and extended outwards. A passage is disposed at the edge of the concave surface extending outwards and is corresponsive to the supporting member. When such box is in use, golf balls and accessories can be stored in the accommodation space, which is very convenient for the user to carry and access.

Abstract: A pressure wide-mouth container made of synthetic resin and having a cylindrical body portion, a flange portion projecting from the periphery of a wide mouth formed at one end of the body portion; and a bottom portion closing the other end of the body portion. The flange portion and a peripheral portion of the wide mouth are formed by injection molding and not drawn after the injection molding is carried out. The body portion except the peripheral portion of the wide mouth and the bottom portion are formed by the injection molding and drawn by a blow molding to be performed after the injection molding is carried out and the bottom portion is drawn at a lower drawing ratio than the body portion.

Abstract: The present soft article dispenser is comprised of a tube with an open loading end and a constricted dispensing end. The tube is comprised of a rolled up sheet of flexible and collapsible material, such as fabric, with opposite edges which are sewn together. A loading end reinforcing band and a dispensing end reinforcing band are provided at the corresponding ends of the tube. Each reinforcing band is comprised of a rolled up sheet of stronger material, such as leather or vinyl-coated fabric, with opposite edges which are sewn together. The constricted dispensing end is comprised of a disc sewn to the end of the dispensing end reinforcing band. A hole is provided in the disc. A loop is attached to the tube at the open loading end for hanging. Soft articles, such as small items of clothing, plastic bags, disposable gloves, etc., are stuffed snugly into the dispenser from the loading end. The soft articles are removable one-at-a-time through the hole at the dispensing end.

Abstract: A game apparatus has a mechanism allowing to drop spherical objects one by one on the desired positions on the ground. The spherical object drop mechanism includes a housing for storing a plurality of spherical objects to allow vertical movements of the spherical objects therein by their own weight, a first stopper provided in the housing for stopping the vertical movement of the spherical objects, a second stopper provided in the housing located at a location lower than the first stopper by the distance corresponding to the diameter of the spherical object for stopping the vertical movement or releasing the stop operation of the spherical objects, a stopper drive mechanism to operate the first stopper and the second stopper opposite to each other, and a knob to operate the stopper drive mechanism from outside.

Abstract: A pull-top lid for a pressurized tennis ball container having a rubber safety shield for protecting against injury from the sharp pressing seam edge of the removed lid.

Abstract: A pressure wide-mouth container made of synthetic resin and having a cylindrical body portion, a flange portion projecting from the periphery of a wide mouth formed at one end of the body portion; and a bottom portion closing the other end of the body portion. The flange portion and a peripheral portion of the wide mouth are formed by injection molding and not drawn after the injection molding is carried out. The body portion except the peripheral portion of the wide mouth and the bottom portion are formed by the injection molding and drawn by a blow molding to be performed after the injection molding is carried out and the bottom portion is drawn at a lower drawing ratio than the body portion.

Abstract: A display container for displaying a spherical article includes a left side panel, a right side panel, and a connector coupled to the left side panel and the right side panel. Each of the left and right side panels includes a curved edge adapted to engage the spherical article. The curved edges cooperate to define a C-shaped opening to receive the spherical article therein. The connector is configured so that much of the surface area of the spherical article is exposed outside of the display container.

Abstract: A golf ball holder is disclosed that holds a plurality of golf balls, each golf ball being independently removable from the holder without the need to remove one of the other balls first. The holder can be attached to a golf bag either permanently or temporarily. The holder is made from a flexible fabric with openings at a first end and a second end. Golf balls are slipped into the holder from either end. The golf balls are fitted within a location where an opening is made in the holder. The opening allows the user to see whether a ball is available as well as the type of ball. The opening can stretch to allow the user to remove the golf ball through the opening rather than through one of the end openings. The openings where the golf balls are held can also be large enough to insert a golf ball into the holder. The holder can be sewn to an outside portion of the golf bag, typically near the top for easy access.

Abstract: A paper base having a thin metallization on at least a portion of its surface is folded into a box for accommodating golf balls. The box has an elegant appearance, can be disposed of without problems, and can be effectively manufactured.

Abstract: A golf ball holder is disclosed that holds a plurality of golf balls, each golf ball being independently removable from the holder without the need to remove one of the other balls first. The holder can be attached to a golf bag either permanently or temporarily. The holder is made from a flexible fabric with openings at a first end and a second end. Golf balls are slipped into the holder from either end. The golf balls are fitted within a location where an opening is made in the holder. The opening allows the user to see whether a ball is available as well as the type of ball. The opening can stretch to allow the user to remove the golf ball through the opening rather than through one of the end openings. The openings where the golf balls are held can also be large enough to insert a golf ball into the holder. The holder can be sewn to an outside portion of the golf bag, typically near the top for easy access.

Abstract: A paper base having a thin metallization on at least a portion of its surface is folded into a box for accommodating golf balls. The box has an elegant appearance, can be disposed of without problems, and can be effectively manufactured.

Abstract: A packaging box, for a golf ball, is formed by folding a packaging sheet comprising a decomposable laminate material consisting of a polylactic acid-containing polymer film and a sheet of paper laminated with the polylactic acid-containing polymer film. A portion corresponding to a window is cut out from the paper, and the window is covered with the polylactic acid-containing polymer film laminated on the paper. The window is formed straddlingly on two or three planes such that the polylactic acid-containing polymer film covering the window is bent perpendicularly at a boundary between the planes adjacent to each other. A raised portion is formed on the packaging sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparati of automatic sexing of a one-day-old chick which includes inducing the chick to lose its equilibrium and voluntarily spread its wings. An example of an apparatus which causes chick disequilibrium includes a cup with a rim, a funnel removably seated on the rim, and a free-rolling ball inside the cup. A second example of such an apparatus includes a conveyer belt, a mechanical vibrator attached to the surface of the conveyer belt, and two poles for supporting the spread wings. A third example of such an apparatus includes a passageway enclosed on both sides whose bottom is attached to an oscillator. The wings are caused to be spread so that chick sexing can be performed by photographing the chick, applying appropriate image processing to the photograph, identifying the sex of the chick from the processed photograph, weighing the chick, and processing chicks based on sex and weight. Preferably, the chick is photographed in blue light, using a digital camera.

Abstract: A sports ball retrieval and storage device includes a receptacle, a pair of support members and a lid. The receptacle is in the form of a molded one-piece body made of substantially rigid material and having a plurality of side walls and a bottom grate integrally connected together so as to define an open top and an interior chamber of the receptacle. The side walls and bottom grate are formed of respective upper and lower annular perimeter members and laterally spaced apart elongated members extending between and integrally connected at opposite ends with opposite portions of the upper and lower annular perimeter members. The side walls converge toward one another from the open top to the bottom grate of the receptacle and thereby provide the molded one-piece body of the receptacle with a tapered configuration permitting receptacles of multiple devices to nest with one another.

Abstract: A ball-receiving member is attached to an object. The ball-receiving member includes an open side to allow insertion of balls and defines a receiving space therein for receiving a plurality of balls. The ball-receiving member is made of elastomeric material and includes a plurality of side holes in a side thereof. Each side hole retains an associated ball in place yet allowing passage of the ball upon manual squeezing at both sides of the ball-receiving member.

Abstract: Packaging for sports equipment has an enclosure and a hologram formed on at least a portion thereof for diffusely reflecting incident light. A marking layer is formed on the hologram and of an organic ink, an inorganic ink, or an ink containing a dye or pigment having the color attributes of lightness, saturation and hue, at least one of which varies due to interference with diffusely reflected light from the hologram. Alternatively, the marking layer is formed on the first hologram by laminating one or more second hologram layers thereon. This construction gives the packaging a highly decorative and elegant appearance.

Abstract: The present carrying bag is comprised of a primary container with a primary opening which is closed with a primary zipper for receiving personal items, such as books. Primary straps are attached to the front of the primary container. A ball container is detachably connected to the back of the primary container with a connecting zipper along the periphery of the ball container and on the back of the primary container. The ball container is comprised of a basketball basket for clearly indicating that it is a place to put in a basketball. The ball container is maintained in its shape by a first rib in a rim of the basket, and second ribs in a conical panel of the basket. A lid attached to the top of the ball container is detachably connected to the rim of the basket by a rim zipper. Divided compartments are thus provided for the ball and personal items to provide enough room for them and to prevent them from mixing. The ball container may be detached from the primary container by unzipping the connecting zipper.

Abstract: A detachable basketball hanger (10) functioning to hold at least one basketball (22). The detachable basketball hanger (10) having a holder (12). A top strap (14T) is securely attached at a left distal end to the holder right (12R). A bottom strap (14B) is securely attached at a left distal end to the holder right (12R). A first connector (16A) securely affixed to the holder front (12F). A cinch (20) is looped through a top of a ball holder bag (18A) of a ball holder (18) forming a ball holder bag opening (18AA). A second connector (16B) is securely connected to a top end of the cinch (20).

Abstract: The present invention provides a caddy for holding and washing golf balls. The caddy includes a plurality of enclosure walls defining a cavity. At least one of the walls has openings allowing fluid to enter the cavity to clean the golf balls. Top and bottom openings are also provided to allow balls to be placed into and removed from the cavity, respectively. In one embodiment, the bottom opening is closed by a door to prevent balls from leaving the cavity. In a second embodiment, a deformable elongated opening retains the balls in the cavity. The opening can be deformed by the application of a force to allow balls to selectively be removed from the cavity. A connector is also provided to secure the caddy with a support structure.

Abstract: Packaging for sports equipment has an enclosure and a hologram formed on at least a portion thereof for diffusely reflecting incident light. A marking layer is formed on the hologram and of an organic ink, an inorganic ink, or an ink containing a dye or pigment having the color attributes of lightness, saturation and hue, at least one of which varies due to interference with diffusely reflected light from the hologram. Alternatively, the marking layer is formed on the first hologram by laminating one or more second hologram layers thereon. This construction gives the packaging a highly decorative and elegant appearance.