Abstract: An improved method of treating wood comprising treating a sheet of wood veneer with a conventional stress relieving process, saturating the treated veneer with oil and sealing the saturated veneer to retain the entrained oil. It is found that this treatment renders the veneers significantly more flexible, with radii of approximately {fraction (1/16)} inch, and allows wood veneers to be used informing hinges, wallets, purses, draperies, shoes, clothing and other products which could not previously be made from wood, together with a plurality of products made with this process.

Abstract: A construction diagram affixed to a construction paper, for constructing a three-dimensional figure out of paper, or out of any other printable foldable surface, according to the principles of origami and papercraft. The construction diagram includes an image matrix and fold lines. The image matrix indicates what areas of the paper will be visible when the three-dimensional figure is constructed according to the construction diagram and the principles of origami, and the fold lines indicate how to fold the paper. Some of the fold lines may be truncated, depending on the shape of the paper used, compared to how long the fold lines would be if the paper were of a standard shape for the particular three-dimensional figure to be constructed. The result is a three-dimensional figure that is as large as could be constructed from the paper used.

Abstract: A thin glaze layer 2 is formed on a relief surface 1R to a thickness which leaves recesses on the relief surface 1R. A glaze-repellent layer 4 capable of repelling the glaze slurry is then formed on the surface of the thin glaze layer 2 to form a coated substrate. The glaze slurry is affixed to the coated substrate for forming a glaze slurry layer 5 for completing the glazing.

Abstract: Compound webs with improved absorption and pliancy are described. The compound web includes: (a) protrusions in each ply at a frequency greater than 10 protrusions/cm2 and with the surface of the peaks of the protrusions of each ply being greater than 5% of the surface of the ply, and (b) at least one of the plies being embossed in the form of an artistic pattern wherein the distances and the directions of an arbitrary protrusion relative to adjacent protrusions are varied. The pattern is selected in such a manner that at least 25% of the protrusions of the ply take part in effective bonding with the coinciding protrusions of the other ply and the total bonded surface of the protrusion peaks of the ply that take part in bonding is at least 15% of the total surface of the peaks of the protrusion of the ply regardless of the relative positions of the patterns of the two plies.

Abstract: An ornamental device for attachment to a surface comprises at least one sheet of ornamental material having an aperture therethrough and an attachment device. The attachment device includes a post having a width, a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the post extends through the aperture of the at least one sheet of ornamental material. The attachment device also includes a base member connected to the proximal end of the post. The attachment device further includes a securement device positioned on the distal end of the post to grippingly engage the post and to resist removal of the securement device from the post. The invention further includes a method for making an ornamental device for attachment to a surface.

Abstract: A composite thermoplastic continuous laminate for cladding flat or shaped panels of wooden material, said laminate having a through-colored lower layer, an intermediate layer of transparent material, and a through-colored upper layer of different color from that of said lower layer.

Abstract: A partially printed substrate with a print pattern comprising a first color deposited on the substrate and a second color deposited on the fist color, the second color being darker than the first color, whereby the first and second colors are perceived as a combined, substantially single color in the area defined by the first color.

Abstract: A decorative roll-patterned metal strip or sheet, preferably aluminium strip or sheet, having: a thickness of about 0.05-1.0 mm, preferably about 0.1-0.8 mm, with a surface having a plurality of indentations of a depth of about 0.001-0.05 mm, preferably about 0.02-0.035 mm, and optionally having a layer of a paint of a thickness of about 3-30 microns, preferably about 10-15 microns, on the surface and within its indentations, the ratio of the depth of the indentations to the thickness of the strip or sheet being in the range of about 1:5 to about 1:100. A process is provided for making the decorative roll-patterned metal strip.

Abstract: A foil-covered automotive interior plastic part including a decorative preform is provided including a hot stamping foil having a foil top layer disposed on a plastic bottom layer which, in turn, is bonded to a outer surface of a plastic structural substrate at foil-receiving portions of the outer surface. A hot stamping machine is operated for a time sufficient to generate a pressure and temperature sufficient to melt and combine the top surface of the foil-receiving portions and the plastic bottom layer of the hot stamping foil to form the foil-covered plastic part. The at least one foil-receiving portion includes a plurality of raised design portions having top and side surfaces. The foil layer completely covers the top surfaces but only the side surfaces of the raised design portions which extend above a front surface of the preform. Preferably, the raised design portions represent screw heads.

Abstract: Molded articles having contoured, decorative outer surfaces are disclosed. The articles comprise a molded polymer substrate and a decorative surfacing film adhered to one side of the substrate. The decorative surfacing film comprises a substantially molecularly unoriented cast polymer film formed from a weatherable polymer. The articles are particularly suited for use as automobile body panels and the like. Also disclosed is a method for making such articles, and a method for making sets of such articles for assembly into automobile bodies and the like.

Abstract: A thin glaze layer (2) is formed on a relief surface (1R) to a thickness which leaves recess on the relief surface (1R). A glaze-repellent layer (4) capable of repelling the glaze slurry is then formed on the surface of the thin glaze layer (2) to form a coated substrate. The glaze slurry is affixed to the coated substrate for forming a glaze slurry layer (5) for completing the glazing.

Abstract: Decorative patterns for use on Venetian blind and wall paper, including a paper substrate layer, a stripe sandwiched layer and a paper face layer. A paper pulp is first laid into the paper substrate layer with a certain thickness. Then dry flowers or decorative papers are evenly sprayed over the paper substrate layer to form the stripe sandwiched layer which has high and low levels. Then a thinner paper pulp is laid over the stripe sandwiched layer to form the paper face layer. The paper face layer only covers the lower portions of the dry flowers or decorative papers of the stripe sandwiched layer so as to clamp the dry flowers or decorative papers. After dried, planed and pressed, a flexible cover article with solid structure and natural versatile solid pictures on one face is achieved.

Abstract: A multicolor fused decorative sheet in which a colored first synthetic resin layer with translucence and a colored second synthetic resin layer with translucence are laminated, the first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer differ in colors, and concavity and convexity are formed to form the specified patterns, and its manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus.

Abstract: A product including parts which can be recycled is disclosed. A front door, for example, included in the product is formed of thermoplastic resin. Decals are respectively adhered to the front and the rear of the front door, and each is made of thermoplastic resin soluble to the resin constituting the door. A mark showing that the front door can be recycled without peeling off the decals is provided on each decal. A sheet-like member showing the meaning of the mark is adhered to the rear of the front door.

Abstract: A ceiling tile system for providing a light-weight and easy-to-form interlocking plastic ceiling tile system for covering a ceiling. The ceiling tile system includes at least on ceiling tile comprising a panel with front and back faces, and an outer perimeter comprising a plurality of alternating side edges and corners. Each of the corners of the panel has a corner tab. Each of the side edges of the outer perimeter of the panel has an associated side ridge extending thereadjacent between adjacent corners tabs between which the respective side edge is interposed. The side ridges outwardly extend from the front face of the panel and the side ridges form a plurality of corresponding side grooves in the back face of the panel. Each of the side ridges of the panel is designed for insertion into a side groove of an adjacent side edge of a second panel placed over the side ridge such that the adjacent corner tabs of the second panel are placed over the adjacent corner tabs of the panel.

Abstract: A preparation consisting of a sheet-like, film-like or wafer-like administration form with a coding in the form of characters and/or graphic symbols or patterns for identifying the substances affecting flavor or odor and/or the therapeutic or curative substances which can be released therefrom during use is characterized in that the coding is formed by surface areas of differing thickness.

Abstract: In a V-ribbed belt used in a manner of bringing the back face as well as the bottom face into contact with pulleys, a hiding layer for hiding the texture of the belt is formed on a part of the side faces of the belt body, and a mark indicating the history of belt manufacturing is provided on the hiding layer. This prevents the occurrence of inconveniences resulting from the formation of the mark on the belt back face and keeps the mark recognizable for a long time.

Abstract: A decorative sheet formed by a transparent sheet body having a certain thickness and having front and rear surfaces, the transparent sheet being simply provided on its front surface and rear surfaces with parallel striped patterns with predetermined pitches, to thereby produce a decorative sheet excellent in decorativeness with color tone or colors changeable with the angle of observation.

Abstract: A three-dimensional relief plastic sheet for use on articles such as binders comprises a decorative overlay sheet made of a plastics material and at least one three-dimensional relief representation integrally formed on the overlay sheet, for instance, by vacuum forming. The overlay sheet is adapted to be mounted to various articles, preferably made of plastics materials, by way of adhesives, heat-sealing, high-frequency welding, etc. The overlay is preferably made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene or styrene (e.g. polystyrene) and thus can be secured, for example along the periphery thereof, to the vinyl covering of loose-leaf binders and other document carrying folders respectively using high-frequency welding and glues. The three-dimensional representation and the overlay sheet typically include colored sections and possibly transparent sections. A mirror-like backing sheet is provided behind the overlay sheet when there are such transparent sections.

Abstract: A blank of foldable sheet material for assembling a hollow figure having inwardly directed conical depressions comprises a sheet of foldable material having the shape of a square or rectangle, without interior cuts or exterior tabs scored or marked for scoring in four areas along circular lines tangential to each other and having a radius of one fourth the diagonal of the sheet if a square and one half the narrower side if a rectangle. The blanks have each of the circularly scored areas formed by rolling into a conical shape comprising from about four-ninths to two-thirds of a cone. Six of the blanks assemble into a self-supporting interlocking hollow figure having eight inward-facing cones. If desired, the visible surfaces of the hollow object may have a decorative or informative imprint or coating thereon.

Abstract: An impressed emblem is disclosed which includes a cover sheet which is used together with heat and pressure to impress a desired pattern on an emblem. The emblem can also be impressed with a pattern and simultaneously heat-sealed onto a desired substrate.

Abstract: The invention is a method for making a reverse intaglio decorative or jewelry item and the product made by the method. Any suitable graphical image is scanned into digital memory. The image is changed from two-dimensional to three-dimensional by adding contour to the original image using appropriate graphics software. The contour is scaled for the production of first and second slightly different sizes. Both sized images are converted to a computer numeric control dataset for controlling a milling machine, which cuts the first contour into the underside of a cabochon of stone or crystal and the second contour into a die stamp tool. An insert is die-stamped into metal, said insert having a convex surface that matches the contour of the first contour milled into the cabochon. The insert is painted and mounted into the cabochon to form the reverse intaglio. Suitable inserts may also be produced by molding and casting rather than machining methods.

Abstract: A floor mat is provided which has a message assembly comprising a plurality of triangular shaped members with each member having one substantially inclined side and an opposite side formed at a substantially right angle. An exit message is formed on a series of adjacently located inclined sides of a series of elements making the message readable from about three feet from the mat to the mat itself when facing these inclined elements. An entrance message is formed on a plurality of adjacent right angle sides making the entrance message visible from about ten feet to within three feet of the mat when facing the right angle side of the mat. When either the entrance or exit message is being viewed, the other message is hidden from view.

Abstract: A method of forming a camouflage pattern, a method of manufacturing a camouflage material in accordance with the pattern, and a camouflage material so manufactured. The method is performed by the taking of a series of photographs in a setting in the environment in which the camouflage configuration is intended to be used. One typical environment might include oak, poplar and birch trees. The individual images of the photographs are then entered graphically into a computer. The computer images are then overlain, one upon another, to form a composite print. Using the computer, the colors in the composite print are separated into a plurality of color prints portraying the predominant colors in the composite print. The colors are identified, and a corresponding plurality of layer screens based upon the individual color prints are made. The layer screens are then employed to screen the identified colors onto a sheet of material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a selectively-activatible sheet material for dispensing and dispersing a substance onto a target surface. The sheet material comprises a three-dimensional sheet of material having a first side and a second side. The said first side has a plurality of hollow protrusions extending outwardly therefrom and separated from one another by valleys, while the second side has a plurality of depressions corresponding with the hollow protrusions. A substance adheres to and partially fills a location protected from external contact comprising the valleys and/or the depressions. The sheet material may be selectively activated by deforming the hollow protrusions to deliver the substance to a target surface, the substance having an effective viscosity upon activation which permits the substance to be liberated from its protected location and dispensed onto the target surface.

Abstract: A hollow transparent decorated object and a method of decorating a hollow transparent object wherein an elongated cylindrical side wall is simultaneously imprinted with an inner design and an outer design separated by a background substrate. The inner and outer design and the background substrate form a single decal, the background substrate and outer design having aligned openings which in the outer design forms an integral part of the outer design through which a viewer may see the inner design opposite the opening. The method involves applying an inner design and an outer design having an opening between which is positioned a background substrate having an opening aligned with the outer design opening and all forming a single decal.

Abstract: A plastic article and method of molding same is provided where the plastic article includes a plastic member having a first ridge and a second ridge. The plastic member is partially absorbed into and is in bonded engagement with at least a portion of a first laminate and the first laminate has an edge imbedded in the first ridge of the plastic member. Also, the plastic member is partially absorbed into and is in bonded engagement with at least a portion of a second laminate and the second laminate has a first edge imbedded in the first ridge of the plastic member and a second edge imbedded in the second ridge of the plastic member. The plastic member is also partially absorbed into and is in bonded engagement with at least a portion of a third laminate and the third laminate has an edge imbedded in the second ridge of the plastic member.

Abstract: There is provided a cavity included decorative sheet having tremendously excellent design and decorative features by the cavities formed in the plane region in which colorless or colored light transmissible uneven pattern formed as the light refracts and reflects in complicated manner, by which the cavities appear to be brilliant water bubbles.

Abstract: Improved plastic cladding and body molding parts are provided. These improved parts incorporate at least one and preferably a plurality of large gas channels within the plastic part having corresponding attachment surfaces to allow easy and efficient attachment of the improved parts to a substrate surface. The large gas channels are designed to provide sufficient attachment surfaces so that the monolithic, one-piece plastic part can be attached directly to the desired substrate surface using an adhesive system. Preferably, the adhesive system is an adhesive tape applied directly to the attachment surfaces. More preferably, the adhesive is an acrylic plastic tape applied directly to the attachment surfaces. The improved plastic cladding and body molding parts are especially adapted and suitable for use in automotive applications. A method of attaching the improved plastic cladding and body molding parts to the substrate surface is also described.

Abstract: A plastic laminated structural board is provided for use in a variety of applications such as furniture fabrication. The plastic laminated structural board utilizes a composite structure which includes a polymer layer adhered to an underlying paperboard core. The polymer layer masks surface imperfections in the underlying paperboard core, and the polymer layer is substantially free from imperfections and provides a strong and smooth surface for receiving a decorative paper layer. A polymer layer may by adhered to both sides of the paperboard core. Both sides of the composite structure may be finished with a decorative paper layer. The polymer layer may be impregnated with filler material to provide bonding sites and moisture permeability sites in the polymer layer.

Abstract: A microscope slide having a glass plate, a marking surface coating on an area of the glass plate, and indicia formed by etching away portions of the marking surface coating. The marking surface coating may comprise an epoxy resin material, a ceramic material, or any other substance capable of being affixed as a layer onto a glass surface. The indicia may include machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both machine-readable and human-readable indicia. In order to produce accurate, high-quality indicia, a laser directed by a computer controller may be used to etch away the portions of the marking surface coating.

Abstract: An article of wearing apparel for the head and a method making the same. The article includes a helmet having an upper outer surface, a three-dimensional, simulated animal figure cut out of resiliently flexible sheet material with the figure having a simulated animal head and simulated opposite animal body portions extended rearwardly from the head in transversely spaced relation to each other. The head and the body portions are fastened to the outer surface of the helmet so that the figure is in upstanding position on the helmet and appears as a simulated animal on top of the helmet but can be resiliently pressed downwardly against the helmet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible, waterproof shower pan liner comprised of a water-insoluble thermoplastic sheet. The shower pan liner includes on at least one surface selected indicia such as product information or plumbing codes at regular intervals. The indicia are embossed into the shower pan liner thereby eliminating the need for a protective top coat. In a process for making the invention, the thermoplastic is heated, calendered, and thereafter embossed with the selected indicia while in a heated condition.

Abstract: A multi-purpose hook for a message board having an edge along its front surface, the hook including a substantially flat extension member having first and second ends, a retaining grip extending from the first end, and a curved hook extending from the second end. The hook generally curves in a plane oriented substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the extension member, thereby preferably defining a portion of a cylinder, preferably defining a substantially half-cylindrical cross-sectional shape. The retaining grip includes a substantially flat portion extending between front and rear portions of the retaining grip, and preferably extends substantially perpendicularly from the first end of the extension member. The retaining grip is attachable to an edge of a fixed member, such as a frame of a message board, the retaining grip including a tip extension and a lip on the front and rear portions, respectively, for engaging similarly shaped front and rear channels in the edge of the fixed member.

Abstract: Orange azo fluorescent pigments and a process for a preparing same. Orange azo fluorescent pigments as a component of printing ink, coating, plastic compositions and articles of manufacture and used for controlling manufacturing operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retroreflective sheeting including: optical elements arranged in substantially a monolayer; a spacing layer in which the optical elements are at least partially embedded; a specularly reflecting layer underlying the spacing layer; and a bead bond layer in which the optical elements are at least partially embedded. The bead bond layer includes an aminoplast-crosslinked polymer comprising urethane groups, wherein prior to crosslinking the polymer has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of less than about 0.degree. C.

Abstract: The perceived softness of embossed tissue can be increased greatly while avoiding nesting when a particular pattern is embossed into the tissue. This pattern combines relatively shallow stitchlike bosses with deeper more sharply defined signature bosses. The stitchlike bosses can be rounded and arranged in wavy flowing intersecting lines. The signature bosses can be arranged in regions framed by the intersecting wavy flowing lines.

Abstract: A computerized apparatus and method for creating and databasing vehicular window template information in memory storage with such template information being used by a window tinting system to generate window tinting film sections for use on corresponding target windows. The database would be continually increased by feeding new digitized window template images into the computer for appropriate scaling, classification, and storage. When tinting a known vehicle, the previously entered template information can be accessed and this will greatly enhance the speed and accuracy of the window tinting process.

Abstract: Yellow azo fluorescent pigments and a process for a preparing same. Yellow azo fluorescent pigments as a component of printing ink, coating, plastic compositions and articles of manufacture and used for controlling manufacturing operations.

Abstract: A method of creating table top displays (10) for decorating or displaying advertisements on table tops (12) is disclosed. The method prints an image or design (16) on a single piece of substrate (14) that is nearly as large as the table top to be covered. The substrate is then covered with one or more laminate layers (24,26) and adhered to the upper surface of a table top. The laminated substrate is then coated with one or more layers of clear sealant (18). The sealant layer is applied in a manner to resist cracking and chipping.

Abstract: A decorative glass sheet and a method and apparatus for forming the same. The decorative glass sheet includes a glass panel having opposed surfaces with at least one decorative band formed in at least one of the surfaces. The decorative band includes a roughed band which provides a frosted appearance. A remaining portion of the surface is not covered by the decorative band. The decorative band contrasts with the remaining portion of the surface to provide a unique visual effect including the simulation of a muntin on the glass panel. In preferred embodiments, one or more straight walled grooves are formed in the surface parallel to and immediately adjacent the roughed band.

Abstract: A simplified assembly for a multi-colored emblem that includes a non-woven base layer which outlines the emblem. The non-woven base layer extends beyond the embroidered fabric layer and provides an emblem with a non-fraying border.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plastic shell by providing a printed applique having a central portion with a peripheral skirt portion having an edge, then inserting the applique into the recess on a first side of a mold. The skirt of the applique has a length greater than the depth of the recess, so that the edge of the skirt extends beyond the parting line. The second side of the mold is closed to enclose the recess, and has a second recess that receives the edge of the skirt on the second side of the parting line. Plastic material is injected into the closed mold pressing the applique against the first side, and providing a bezel with an applique that covers the exterior of the front portion, and which extends to cover the skirts beyond the parting line.

Abstract: An improved display product and method of making a display wherein a perforated panel is provided with layers of paint which are kept on the panel. Thus, a sign painter can have a wide latitude of designs which can be applied to see-through graphics. The resulting product can be opaque to an observer looking from one side of a display product yet the observer is able to see through the product from the other side of the product. A window to be provided with a display product is masked with masking paper and masking tape to cover the exposed parts. A perforated panel is cut to fit the window and attached over the masking paper and the masking tape. The perforated panel is painted with an image that is desired.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ornamental glass which can be used as decorative windows, doors, curtain walls, or the like in houses, buildings, automobiles, boats, or any living environments where division between the interior and the exterior is required. In particular, the ornamental glass features an embedded pattern designed for decorative purpose and a oneway light-transmitting quality that allows a viewer standing on the exterior side to see only the designed pattern but not the scene behind while a viewer standing on the interior side can see a translucent view of the exterior scene. The ornamental glass comprises a first sheet of transparent glass; a decorative pattern layer coated upon the first transparent glass sheet, and a second sheet of transparent glass placed upon the layer of decorative pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing in a single in-line process a printed image suitable for creating an illusion of depth in the perception of a viewer of the image, comprising the steps of:(1) providing an opaque web to an in-line printing process,(2) providing a transparent web to the in-line printing process, the transparent web having a lenticular surface on one side and a flat surface on an opposing side,(3) transporting either the opaque web or the transparent web to a first printer unit of the in-line printing process at a preselected speed and printing a line-formed image on the opaque web or the flat surface of the transparent web, the line-formed image being compatible for viewing when viewed through the lenticular surface of the transparent web, and(4) setting the image on either the opaque web or flat surface of the transparent web in a heat setting unit of the in-line printing process.

Abstract: A process of making replicas of old, time-worn majolica tiles which look and feel like the replicated works. The process includes the steps of: (a) photographing the original work; (b) printing the photograph to obtain a trial print; (c) comparing the original work with the trial print; (d) making chromatic corrections to the trial print to enhance the faithfulness of replication (d') optionally reprinting the corrected print to obtain a second final print; (3) adhesively applying the final print onto a suitable packed support; and (f) finishing the edges of the packed support with a dye composition distressing the surface of the final print, both for enhancing the faithfulness of replication of the original work in the copy thus provided.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a costume having semi-rigid costume components, and the costume itself. The semi-rigid costume components are capable of being sewn to fabric to form an integrated costume. An embodiment is shown in which the costume includes a semi-rigid muscular torso suitable for a superhero chestpiece. The sewn rigid component is formed from fusing a layer of fabric to a layer of foam and the resulting laminate is vacuum molded into a three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A panel which comprises a substrate of transparent or translucent material having applied to one or both sides a design superimposed on, or forming part of, an opaque pattern so that the design on one side of the panel cannot be seen from the other side. This is a Reissue of a Patent which was the subject of a Reexamination Certificate No. B1 4,673,609, dated Jul. 25, 1995, Request No. 90/003,201, Sep. 21, 1993.

Abstract: Molded articles having contoured, decorative outer surfaces are disclosed. The articles comprise a molded polymer substrate and a decorative surfacing film adhered to one side of the substrate. The decorative surfacing film comprises a substantially molecularly unoriented cast polymer film formed from a weatherable polymer. The articles are particularly suited for use as automobile body panels and the like. Also disclosed is a method for making such articles, and a method for making sets of such articles for assembly into automobile bodies and the like.