Abstract: A composite article such as an automotive trim strip comprising a thermoplastic shell secured to the front of a supporting member. An icon is embedded in a recess in the front of the shell so that the front of the icon is substantially flush with the front of the shell. The icon is secured in the recess of the shell by an adhesive. The supporting member is made of a hot melt material and is bonded to the shell in an injection mold. The heat of the molding operation softens the thermoplastic shell sufficiently to cause the icon to form a recess in the shell and become embedded therein. The heat of the molding operation also cures the adhesive bonding the icon to the shell.

Abstract: A process for transferring a holographic image from a conventional polymeric support to a foil support is described in this invention. A host of images may be envisioned and since this image, on a foil support, may then be wound up in a roll, it can be used as a wrapping element for a host of applications such as in the candy and gum industry; wrapping foils; etc. This element and process permits the wide spread use of such holographic images, such use not being available until now.

Abstract: A synthetic resin layered lens for a vehicle lighting device in which an upper lens layer is disposed on a lower lens layer thereby forming a layered lens of integral construction. The lower lens layer is molded in a state that the surface of the lower lens layer where it contacts the upper lens layer, faces the injection gate. The gate scar of the lower layer is thus hidden by the upper layer.

Abstract: A security element for the authentication of a substrate has a pattern comprising optical diffraction elements which are embossed in a carrier material of plastic material and unembossed neutral areas. On the embossing side of the carrier material a reflecting layer covers only surfaces with relief structures of the diffraction elements while the neutral areas which lie between are free of the reflecting layer and are therefore non-reflecting. If the security element is stuck in the form of a stamp onto the substrate and the carrier material is transparent, image portions, which are covered by the stamp, of a feature on the substrate can be discerned through the neutral areas.

Abstract: A decorative emblem for a vehicle comprises an oval bezel and a transparent lens. A groove with an angled sidewall is formed in the top surface of the bezel. The sidewall forms an angle with the bottom wall of the groove between 88.degree.30' and 82.degree.30' around the oval bezel so that the sidewall overlies the bottom wall making the groove wider at its bottom than at its top to lock the lens in place. The lens covers the top surface and is formed thereon by pouring a liquid lens material on the top surface of the bezel filling the groove. The liquid lens material cures to a hardened condition and the angled sidewall locks the lens in position over the top surface. The lens is transparent so that colors and designs on the bezel are visible.

Abstract: A material for relief has a sheet obtained by heating and compressing a sponge made of a cellulose and a base attached to the back of the sheet. By forming a pattern on the sheet and supplying a water in such a manner as to correspond to the pattern, a raised-portion is formed.

Abstract: A markable sign is characterized by a laminated structure comprising a flexible layer of backing material having a front surface for receiving permanent printing and a rear surface for mounting on a support object. A flexible transparent layer has a rear surface for receiving permanent printing and a front surface. The transparent layer is connected with the backing layer with the rear surface of the transparent layer preferably being in contiguous relation with the front surface of the backing layer. The front surface of the transparent layer includes two coated areas, one for receiving a permanent marking and the other for receiving an erasable marking. When the sign is mounted on a motor vehicle, information regarding specifications for the vehicle are applied in the form of permanent markings to the first coating and information regarding maintenance performed at regular time intervals can be applied in the form of erasable markings to the second coating.

Abstract: A decorative ribbon is shown including a controllable adhesive on the backside thereof for select placement on package material and select removal, if necessary, therefrom without damage to the package. The decorative ribbon according to the present invention may include incomplete die cutting to provide portions of the ribbon which may be selectively moved out of the plane of the ribbon, but remain attached to the ribbon body. Furthermore, the incomplete die cuts may define ribbon portions which may be torn from the ribbon body whereby, by use of the controllable adhesive on the backside thereof, the ribbon elements may be selectively placed about a gift package according to user preference. A stretch ribbon includes alternating transverse die cuts directed inward from outside edges of the ribbon whereby upon application of longitudinal forces the ribbon stretches beyond its natural length and assumes a three dimensional character.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer coated article includes a fluoropolymer coating layer formed on a surface of a substrate. The fluoropolymer coated article has a concave formed on a fluoropolymer coating layer side surface of the fluoropolymer coated article. The concave is inlaid with a fluoropolymer composition containing a pigment.This fluoropolymer coated article can be used in for example an inner pan of a rice cooker, in order to indicate a scale, marks or letters which is very easy to see and which is excellent in durability and in corrosion resistance, while maintaining nonadhesiveness of the fluoropolymer coating.

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: The present invention relates to a process for producing a substrate for a thin film magnetic data storage disc, the process including the steps of: (a) providing a substrate; (b) printing a masking pattern of ink dots onto at//least a portion of the surface of the substrate by an offset printing process in which the ink to form the masking pattern is transferred from a printing plate to the substrate by an offset printing member and wherein on transfer from the printing plate to the offset member the ink fragments into the ink dots; and (c) etching the unmasked surface of the substrate thereby to texture the substrate surface. The present invention also relates to a substrate for a thin film magnetic data storage disc, the substrate having a roughened surface composed of peaks separated by valleys produced by preferential area etching, the peaks being grouped into a plurality of substantially circular sub-arrays with the sub-arrays forming a regular pattern.

Abstract: There is provided a thermal transfer type emblem made of thermoplastic synthetic resin comprising three-dimensional design elements made of a flexible thermoplastic synthetic resin sheet as well as a method of manufacturing the same. Design elements formed with a design printed in color on the surface are bonded to the underside of a carrier film and a hot-melt type film is bonded to the lower surface of each of said design elements. If necessary, a synthetic resin adhesive layer is provided therebetween and said hot-melt type film may be bonded to a sheet of releasing paper at the underside. By appropriately selecting materials for the hot-melt type film and the synthetic resin adhesive layer, the flexible and three-dimensional emblem can be so made as to firmly adhere to an object by simply pressing the emblem with an iron regardless of the material of the object.

Abstract: The present invention discloses surface covering products and methods and an apparatus for making surface covering products. In particular, the method of the present invention includes depositing color particles on a moving carrier to form a base layer. The base layer then comes in contact with a patterned embossing device such as a roll to create a depressed or displaced pattern image on the base layer. Afterwards, accent particles or pellets are sprinkled or applied over the embossed base layer. The embossed base layer is subjected to heat and/or pressure to consolidate the accent and color particles and form a preformed mass. The preformed mass is then pressed to form a fused, texture-created structure. The surface covering products made from the process of the present invention have unique geometric patterns with well-defined grout lines or irregular decorative designs.

Abstract: An informative card, such as a baseball trading card, has a rectangular shape and is made of sheet metal in such a way that it is free of pointed corners or exposed raw edges. The informative card comprises a single-layer metal blank which has a burr in the form of an upstanding pointed ridge along the periphery of the blank. A protective film, such as a layer of varnish, is applied on the card to cover the side with the burr so that the burr is shielded.

Abstract: A temporary identification card having smooth edges is formed from a carrier of continuous form stock having indicia printed on its upper and/or lower surfaces. A retainer patch adheres to the bottom surface of the carrier by means of an adhesive area. The retainer patch has first and second plastic layers chemically bonded to one another. The card is die cut all the way around its perimeter, the die cutting extending through the form stock, the adhesive and the first layer of the retainer patch but not the second layer. The bond between the first and second layers of the retainer patch allows the second layer to retain the card in the carrier until such time as a user chooses to remove the card from the carrier.

Abstract: Hiragana characters and Chinese characters, as well as a Braille pattern, are formed on a thermal expansile sheet by the use of a thermal transfer ribbon by a thermal transfer unit. When only the portions of the thermal expansile sheet corresponding to a Braille pattern is exposed to light, only portions of the thermal expansile sheet corresponding to the Braille pattern are raised, whereby a Braille pattern is produced and the characters remain flat. The characters represent the meaning of the Braille pattern and function to discriminate the orientation of the thermal expansile sheet. Thus, it becomes easier for those who have no knowledge of Braille to discriminate the orientation of the sheet where Braille is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to retroreflective transfer sheets and graphic images produced therefrom, i.e., appliques. The retroreflective applique includes: a layer of optical lens elements partially embedded in and protruding from the front surface of a binder resin layer and a transfer adhesive layer comprising a vinyl plastisol disposed on the rear surface of the binder resin layer. The binder resin layer is prepared from ingredients comprising an isocyanate-functional hardener and a resin selected from the group consisting of a polyester resin and a polyurethane resin.

Abstract: A precious metal foil composite comprising a precious metal foil encased, by lamination, in a transparent polymeric sheet material. The composite cards produced from this composite material are used for practical purposes by encasing the above composite together with another component having opaque decorative patterns, and finally encasing the entire assembly in a secondary hard protective covering to provide the outermost protection.

Abstract: An embossed tissue having improved bulk and puffiness while being non-nesting by having a lattice pattern and at least two signature bosses. More particularly, one of the signature bosses is defined by embossments having a lower portion which is continuous and an upper portion which is defined by crenels and merlons.

Abstract: An interactive wall covering system having at least one substrate sheet and at least one non-adhesive applique which is easily mounted on and easily removed from the substrate sheet. The applique is made of an electrostatic cling material. The substrate sheet has one face receptive to an adhesive for permanently mounting the substrate sheet to a wall. The substrate sheet also has a second face receptive to an electrostatic cling material.

Abstract: A laminated panel (60) made of a reinforced non-woven flexible mat (10) with a content of thermoplastic fibers which is provided on at least one side with a plastic-containing decorative layer (72) The mat (10) is connected with the decorative layer (72) by the use of pressure and heat via an intermediate scrim layer (74) having thermoplastic fibers. The process for forming a panel (60) includes preheating the mat (10) by passing a heated gaseous flow through the mat to evenly heat the mat throughout. A layer of unheated decorative vinyl (71) and the preattached scrim layer (74) are placed in a mold (30). The preheated mat (10) is then placed into the mold (30). The mold is promptly closed and pressed to bond the layers of mat, scrim, and decorative vinyl layer together to form the laminated panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ornament composed of a light transmissive material having a plurality of facets, with a plurality of fine grooves formed on these facets to increase brilliancy, dispersion and scintillation effects and thereby enhance the ornamental appearance.

Abstract: The invention comprises a thermoplastic coextruded material comprised at least partially of recycled polystyrene. The material has a blown cellular core and a thin, high-impact, cap. In a preferred embodiment the material is used as crown molding and is comprised of a core having about 15% high-impact polystyrene and a cap of high-impact polystyrene. In the preferred embodiment the core comprises 20-85% recycled polystyrene.

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: Optical security articles and methods of making same are described comprising a first layer substantially transparent to visible light and having a first refractive index, the first layer having a relief pattern on a first surface thereof and a substantially smooth second surface, and an adhesive layer coterminating with the first layer. The adhesive layer substantially completely fills and makes contact with a first portion of the plurality of geometric concavities, the adhesive layer having a second refractive index which is substantially similar to the first refractive index of the first layer. A second portion of the plurality of geometric concavities are precluded from contact with the adhesive layer by a corresponding plurality of separation layers, each separation layer having a separation layer refractive index which is different from the refractive index of the first layer.

Abstract: Flexible optically uniform sign face substrate comprising at least one layer of durable thermoplastic sheeting and an optically uniform dimensionally stable scrim film, and more particularly a sign face substrate comprising at least one layer of optically uniform dimensionally stable multilayer scrim film laminated between at least two layers of durable thermoplastic sheeting for use in areas such as awning, canopy, fascia or sign material construction.

Abstract: Coated polymeric sheet comprising polymer substrate a cross-linked polymer, wherein the coating is characterized by:A. As being smooth, having a surface roughness not greater than 0.05 nanometers R.sub.a, except that;B. in the otherwise smooth surface, a multiplicity of depressions having depth ranging from 1 to 90% of the thickness of the coating.Backside coatings (containing carbon black in the cross-linked polymer) for magnetic recording tapes benefit from this invention by improved winding characteristics. The concept described is a replacement for rough random surface texture, formerly used in backside coatings, with a controlled surface texture. The process disclosed can also be used to make alphanumeric symbols on the pigment binder coating.

Abstract: An embossed tissue having improved bulk and puffiness while being non-nesting by having a lattice pattern and at least two signature bosses. More particularly, one of the signature bosses is defined by embossments having a lower portion which is continuous and an upper portion which is defined by crenels and merlons.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wood covering, especially a wood floor covering with a wood layer (2) and a support (3). The wood layer (2) and the support (3) are permanently bonded to one another. The support (3) consists of pieces of thermoplastic synthetic foil material (5), compressed by the action of pressure and temperature and bonded together at least partially.

Abstract: A 3-D graphic sign construction is provided comprising: (a) a conformed laminate comprising a sign face layer, one or more visual characters, a background color layer, and (b) one or more 3-D characters positioned in register with the visual characters and a method of make the same.

Abstract: An identification card assembly, made from an intermediate, comprises a carrier sheet with at least one ID card mounted on, and having smaller dimensions than, the carrier sheet. The ID card is connected to repositional adhesive, which in turn is connected through a tie coat to paper label stock, in turn connected by permanent adhesive to the paper carrier sheet. The assembly is constructed from an intermediate which includes a roll of release material on which are provided a number of spaced ID cards and associated adhesive. The carrier sheet is fed through a non-impact printer for variably imaging indicia on the top face of the ID card. A carrier sheet can be made into a mailer.

Abstract: A method for making a plurality of colored sportscards comprising the steps of forming a master panel with a matrix of borders, each associated with a window area; cutting each window area into a window opening; pasting a photograph behind each window opening; making a colored photocopy of the master panel and the colored photographs; disposing a back panel on the rear of the photocopied panel having indicia related to each of the images within the photocopied window openings, laminating the two panels between a pair of adhesive clear plastic sheets; and then cutting the laminated panels into as many sub panels as there are window openings to form a plurality of sportscards.

Abstract: A process for preparing a part for a vehicle, the part having a weather sealed mirror finish decorative portion integral therewith is presented. The inventive process includes the steps of providing a sheet of relatively clear, weather resistant polymeric material having two surfaces, an external surface and an internal surface; providing a sheet of a formable substrate material having a internal surface and an external surface; metallizing a portion of at least one of the internal surfaces of the polymeric material and the substrate material, such that metallization is contained within the edge of the metallized material; adhering the internal surface of the substrate material to the internal surface of the polymeric material such that the metallization is disposed between the polymeric material and the substrate material to form a sandwich; and forming the sandwich into a vehicle part having a weather sealed mirror finish decorative portion.

Abstract: A shipping label is provided for use by a first party to prepare a shipping container for delivery to a second party, and thereafter by the second party to return the shipping container to the first party. The shipping label includes a return label, the back surface of which is attachable to the shipping container. The address of the first party is printed on the front surface of the return label. The shipping label also includes an initial address label, the back surface of which is releasably secured to the front surface of the return label, thereby at least partially covering the return label. The address of the second party is imprinted on the front surface of the initial address label. The shipping label is affixed to the shipping container by the first party to facilitate delivery of the shipping container to the address of the second party indicated on the initial address label.

Abstract: There is provided a thermal transfer type emblem made of thermoplastic synthetic resin comprising three-dimensional design elements made of a flexible thermoplastic synthetic resin sheet as well as a method of manufacturing the same. Design elements formed with a design printed in color on the surface are bonded to the underside of a carrier film and a hot-melt type film is bonded to the lower surface of each of said design elements. If necessary, a synthetic resin adhesive layer is provided therebetween and said hot-melt type film may be bonded to a sheet of releasing paper at the underside. By appropriately selecting materials for the hot-melt type film and the synthetic resin adhesive layer, the flexible and three-dimensional emblem can be so made as to firmly adhere to an object by simply pressing the emblem with an iron regardless of the material of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying labels onto small cylindrical articles such as dry cell batteries is disclosed. A label transport drum has a substantially smooth surface. Cut labels are applied to the surface and an adhesive applicator applies a preferred cold adhesive onto an area adjacent the leading edge of the label. A solvent applicator applies a predetermined amount of solvent on the area adjacent the trailing edge of the label. The solvent applicator includes a solvent transfer roll and a rotatably support rotary pad print head. The rotary pad print head includes at least one narrowly tapering, flexible wiper tip. In one embodiment the wiper tip has a V-notch on its end. The flexible tip engages the solvent transfer roll, transferring solvent from the solvent transfer roll into the V-notch. the rotary pad print head is timed to rotate so that the flexible tip is deflected against the area adjacent the trailing edge of the label.

Abstract: A rubber layered structure used for a weather strip or a glass run, which includes an EPDM rubber base and an ornamental surface layer or a functional surface layer for enhancing slidability of a door glass. An ornamental or functional surface layer is stuck to an EPDM rubber base with a laminated film. The laminated film includes a first layer of an olefin resin with polar functional groups and a second layer of a polar thermoplastic resin. The first layer, which includes a non-polar olefin resin and polar functional groups, adheres to both the EPDM rubber base and the second layer of a polar resin such as polyester. The second layer securely adheres to the surface layer.

Abstract: A business form is particularly useful to provide labels applied to appliances, as well as appliance registration information on a paper substrate associated with the labels. A common substrate mounts a repositional adhesive label and a permanent (piggyback) adhesive label while at the same time providing appliance registration information. The substrate and the labels may be variable imaged at the same time, as with a common appliance ID number. The removable adhesive label preferably has indicia indicating appliance energy costs, while the permanent adhesive label (of paper, plastic film or metal foil) takes the place of a typically metal appliance ID tag. A release material is preferably spot coated on the top surface of the substrate, and the repositional adhesive label is applied over the release material spot coat.

Abstract: A label for use as a price tag on products has a printable recording medium which can be attached by adhesive to a carrier foil. The adhesive attachment can be provided by means of a laminated material having an adhesive action. To create a label which, by means of its adhesive layer, properly adheres to the product to be labelled, and which, after removal from the product, leaves behind no adhesive residue, the laminated material can be made to have an intermediate layer coated on both sides with adhesive, and which intermediate layer is configured to exert a stronger adhesive force on adhesive than the products to be labelled will exert on the adhesive. Further, the adhesive deposited on the side of the intermediate layer facing the carrier foil preferably has a lower adhesive strength than the adhesive deposited on the side of the intermediate layer facing the recording medium.

Abstract: A label, and a label sheet and an ink used for the label are disclosed. The label comprises a label sheet comprising an ink-receiving layer comprising a polyolefin having a viscosity average molecular weight of from 5,000 to 6,000,000 as a film-forming component, and heat-transferred patterns comprising an ink comprising a polyolefin having a viscosity average molecular weight of from 5,000 to 300,000 and a coloring agent, formed on the ink-receiving layer.

Abstract: A decorative device comprises a golf ball including a recess; a plug with an exposed flat surface disposed within the recess such that the golf ball can be placed on flat surface without rolling off.

Abstract: An ornament, the blank from which it is formed and the method and device by which it is formed are included. The ornament includes at least two elements both connected to each other at face to face edges via straps which when twisted enable one of the elements to be vertically offset with respect to the other so as to achieve a three dimensional form.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic product such as a bumper having a label with information that preferably provides recycling information concerning the product. The product is formed by applying a mold release agent to a fiber reinforced plastic mold and then applying a gel coating over the release agent. A first resin impregnated fiber mat is place on the gel coating and a second resin impregnated fiber mat is placed over the first. The mats are pushed into contact with one another by a roller or brush or the like to adhere the two mats to one another. The label is placed in contact with one of the fiber mats while the mat is in an unhardened state. A transparent surface mat is positioned over the label so as to cover and protect the label and such that the label is easily viewed.

Abstract: An adhesive plate assembly for a sheet object, such as a photograph, advertisement, or the like, has an adhesive layer made of a hard polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene. The upper surface of the adhesive layer has an adhesive coating. A protection layer is removably adhered to the upper surface of the adhesive layer for protecting the adhesive coating from contamination. The sheet object is suitable to be adhered to the adhesive layer by the adhesive coating after the protection layer is removed. A soft layer is connected to the bottom surface of the adhesive layer, and is made of a soft polyvinyl chloride and adapted to be attached directly to and removed from a glazy surface repeatedly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for molding composite automotive trim members having a layer of a first material and a backing member made of a second thermoplastic material. The first material is introduced to the mold in the form of an elastic sheet having a show surface. This sheet is placed in the mold and the second thermoplastic material is subsequently injected into the mold cavity. This causes the second thermoplastic material to bond to one side of the sheet and forces the show surface on the opposite side of the sheet into abutting engagement with the mold surface, thereby creating the trim member. The second thermoplastic material forms a backing member that provides structural support for the sheet. The sheet forms an outer layer for the trim member. Note that the show surface on the sheet remains intact during and after injection and therefore provides a show surface for the trim member.

Abstract: An image-receiving labeling material for toner transfer recording which comprises an adhesive-backed label and a separator releasably pre-fixed thereto is disclosed, in which a substrate of the label and that of the separator both comprise a synthetic resin film, and at least the substrate of the label has an antistatic layer on the surface side thereof, the antistatic layer comprising a thermoplastic binder resin having dispersed therein fine powder of a doped metal oxide, such as P-doped SnO.sub.2. The image-receiving label has a stable surface resistivity irrespective of humidity and exhibits excellent printing properties in toner transfer printing, such as toner adhesion, transferred image density, and running properties in a printing machine.

Abstract: Vacuum insulation panels are provided with textured surfaces that localize thermal expansion thereof. Large thermal strains that could produce cracking and warping of the panels is thereby avoided.

Abstract: A label-equipped ply with readable liner and method, the ply having a label diecut therein which constitutes only a portion of the ply area, a release backer adhered to the ply back surface and which has an exposed face, the backer being adapted for carrying reverse orientation data imaging on its exposed face and composed of a material capable of being read through the backer.

Abstract: A floor mat for an overland vehicle which includes, in a first form, a pair of polymeric based sheets which are joined together and which have individually unique filler contents, as well as predetermined thickness dimensions; in a second form, the invention includes, the features of the first form, and further includes a carpet having a predetermined surface texture which is fixed on the top surface of the uppermost polymeric based sheet, and wherein the uppermost polymeric based sheet has an appearance which visually imitates the surface texture of the carpet such that the entire floor covering appears to be uniform; in a third form, the invention includes a floor mat having a polymeric based sheet having a moderate fill content and which has portions of its upper facing surface painted thereby visually imitating a fabricated colored polymeric based sheet.

Abstract: This invention relates to the discovery that the perceived softness of embossed tissue can be increased greatly while avoiding prior art nesting problems if a particular pattern is embossed into the tissue. This pattern combines relatively shallow stitchlike debossments with deeper more sharply defined signature debossments. The stitchlike debossments are rounded and arranged in wavy flowing intersecting lines. The signature debossments are arranged in regions framed by the intersecting wavy flowing lines.