Abstract: A shin guard includes a protective plate having a front face and a rear face. The rear face is contoured to fit around a shin of a wearer of the shin guard. Further, the shin guard includes a three dimensional image element carried on the front face. This image element projects an image outline through a sock worn over the shin guard. A sports pad is provided including an outer shell defining a pocket and a pad received and held in the pocket. A three dimensional image element is captured between said outer shell and the front face of the pad. That image element projects an image outline through the outer shell to enhance the uniform of the player wearing the sports pad.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for adjusting the relative stiffness of a synthetic turf system's synthetic ribbons. A stiffening agent is applied to the synthetic turf system such that its synthetic ribbons that are responsive to the stiffening agent will stiffen subsequent to the application of the stiffening agent.

Abstract: The sealing cover (1) comprises a planar support (3), on which a number of sealing elements (4) are arranged, each of which is provided for the sealing of a sample container (2). The planar support (3) and the sealing elements (4) are produced from different materials in the same injection molding tool (21) by means of two-component injection molding. The planar support (3) is detachably connected to the sealing elements (4) by means of adhesion. The planar support (3) and the sealing elements (4) are preferably made from related plastics.

Abstract: Per TITLE OF INVENTION, there is disclosed methods, apparatus and kits for attaching artificial flowers (particularly flowers formed with means such a passage to frictionally receive an artificial stem in assembly of an artificial flower plant) to a non-blooming live vegetation stem or branch that is not frictionally receivable in the flower passage, whereby a substitute stem that is frictionally receivable in the flower passage may be custom-formed from various commercially-available wire-like elements to provide (a) single or double free-end twist tie means for attachment of such single flowers to such live stems or branches or (b) means for attaching a plurality of such flowers to a non-blooming live bush in the manner of a string of Christmas tree lights.

Abstract: The specification and drawing disclose the steps and structure involved in making one of a wide variety of three-dimensional branching structures that can be individually formed into extremely complex spatial representations of natural or abstract shapes suitable for viewing from many perspectives. A branching structure in the form of a wall-mounted tree is comprehensively disclosed along with means for affixing leaves to the tree to further simulate the form of a tree and for the further (optional) purpose of physically memorializing persons or events. A second embodiment is also disclosed to suggest the wide range of variations possible through employment of the basic method steps and to illustrate a form of branching structure that can be viewed from any horizontal or vertical perspective.

Abstract: A packaging system or container for packaging one or more oxygen-sensitive products. The container includes a wall that defines an interior for receiving one or more oxygen-sensitive products. The space between the product or products and the wall defines a headspace. The headspace is filled with an inert gas and a scavenger gas. The wall has at least an inner layer and one or more outer layers. At least one of the outer layers includes an oxidation catalyst such that as oxygen diffuses from outside the container to the interior and scavenger gas diffuses from the interior to outside the container, the diffusing scavenger gas and oxygen react together with the oxidation catalyst in one or more of the outer layers substantially consuming the oxygen.

Abstract: A display apparatus with a scent disperse device includes a display, a stalk-shaped member, at least one leaf-shaped member, a vibrator and a sensor switch, in which the display is composed of a screen and at least one screen cover, the stalk-shaped member is disposed on the display to disperse scent outward, the leaf-shaped members are positioned around the stalk-shaped member and the vibrator is disposed in the stalk-shaped member and used for driving the leaf-shaped members to sway, and the sensor switch controls the opening and closing of the at least one screen cover and transmitting a starting signal. Whereby, a user is allowed to smell a flavor matching the appearance of the display or prefer scent.

Abstract: An artificial banana apparatus includes a plurality of artificial banana bodies, each artificial banana body being elongate and curved, each artificial banana body having a stem end and an opposed tip, and each stem end having a channel. The banana apparatus including a plurality of elongate stems, each stem having a first end telescopically received in a respective channel to allow a length of the stem outside said artificial banana body to be adjusted, each stem having a second end with a magnetic element. The apparatus includes a stem hub having at least one magnetic element complementary to the stem magnetic elements to removably couple the stems to the stem hub, the stem hub having at least two rows of sockets complementary to the stem second ends to receive the stem second ends in at least two rows.

Abstract: A method of treating surfaces of a steel plate by forming an inorganic film on the surfaces of the steel plate by cathodic electrolytic treatment in an aqueous solution containing Zr and F and not containing phosphoric acid ions. Also disclosed is a method of treating surfaces of a steel plate by cathodic electrolytic treatment in aqueous solution containing Zr, F and P, and having a phosphoric acid ion concentration in a range of larger than 0 to smaller than 0.003 mols/liter calculated as PO4.

Abstract: A packaging system or container for packaging one or more oxygen-sensitive products. The container includes a wall that defines an interior for receiving one or more oxygen-sensitive products. The space between the product or products and the wall defines a headspace. The headspace is filled with an inert gas and a scavenger gas. The wall has at least an inner layer and one or more outer layers. At least one of the outer layers includes an oxidation catalyst such that as oxygen diffuses from outside the container to the interior and scavenger gas diffuses from the interior to outside the container, the diffusing scavenger gas and oxygen react together with the oxidation catalyst in one or more of the outer layers substantially consuming the oxygen.

Abstract: A display apparatus with a scent disperse device comprises a display, a stalk-like member, at least one leaf-like member and a vibrator, in which the stalk-like member is disposed on the display, the leaf-like members are positioned around the stalk-like member and the vibrator is disposed in the stalk-like member and used for driving the leaf-like members to sway. Whereby, a user is allowed to smell a flavor matching the appearance of the display or prefer scent.

Abstract: A surface-treated metal material is obtained by forming an inorganic surface-treating layer containing at least Zr, O and F as chief components but without containing phosphoric acid ions on the surfaces of a metal by the cathodic electrolysis or by forming an inorganic surface-treating layer containing at least Zr, O and F as chief components and having an atomic ratio of P and Zr of 0?P/Zr<0.6 in the uppermost surface on the surfaces of the metal by the cathodic electrolysis at a low cost featuring high productivity, environmental friendliness, scar resistance, adhesion, workability and intimate fitting. By using a metal material obtained by coating the surface-treated metal material with an organic resin and, particularly, with a polyester resin, a metal can or a can lid exhibits excellent adhesion and corrosion resistance even at portions that are worked to a high degree. Further, the can lid exhibits excellent opening performance even after the sterilization by heating.

Abstract: A lifelike carving product and a method of producing the same is provided. The product may be utilized as an onlay or integral part of architectural elements to show designs of plant, fruit, and/or vegetable. The product includes at least one plant body, at least one stem, and a realistic fruit-stem/vegetable-stem interface. The plant body may include a flattened area, a stem receptacle whereat a plant end of the stem converges to the plant body, and an arcuate rim that at least partially surrounds the plant end in the stem receptacle. The realistic fruit-stem/vegetable-stem interface may be formed with the stem converging to the plant body perpendicularly with respect to a tangent line, or with a stem centerline of the stem aligning with a stem plane.

Abstract: A lifelike carving product and a method of producing the same is provided. The product may be utilized as an onlay or integral part of architectural elements to show designs of plant, fruit, and/or vegetable. The product includes at least one plant body, at least one stem, and a realistic fruit-stem/vegetable-stem interface. The plant body may include a flattened area, a stem receptacle whereat a plant end of the stem converges to the plant body, and an arcuate rim that at least partially surrounds the plant end in the stem receptacle. The realistic fruit-stem/vegetable-stem interface may be formed with the stem converging to the plant body perpendicularly with respect to a tangent line, or with a stem centerline of the stem aligning with a stem plane.

Abstract: An artificial banana apparatus includes a plurality of artificial banana bodies, each artificial banana body being elongate and curved, each artificial banana body having a stem end and an opposed tip, and each stem end having a channel. The banana apparatus including a plurality of elongate stems, each stem having a first end telescopically received in a respective channel to allow a length of the stem outside said artificial banana body to be adjusted, each stem having a second end with a magnetic element. The apparatus includes a stem hub having at least one magnetic element complementary to the stem magnetic elements to removably couple the stems to the stem hub, the stem hub having at least two rows of sockets complementary to the stem second ends to receive the stem second ends in at least two rows.

Abstract: A new and improved bulletin board comprises a rigid support or backing member, and a tablet comprising a stacked array of adhesive-coated sheets, mounted upon the rigid support or backing member, wherein each one of the adhesive-coated sheets is adapted to have various different objects, such as, for example, notices, memos, notes, bills, pens, pencils, coupons, or the like, adhered thereon. By forming the bulletin board so as to comprise the plurality of adhesive-coated sheets, an exposed adhesive-coated sheet, whose tack level has degraded with time, may simply be removed from the tablet or stacked array of adhesive-coated sheets so as to expose a new or fresh adhesive-coated sheet which can now be used to again securely adhere objects upon the bulletin board.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of three-dimensional hollow novelty items and their manufacture, particularly items such as artificial pumpkins that the consumer desires to carve or alter after purchase. A carvable novelty article, such as an artificial Halloween pumpkin, comprises a polyurethane shell substantially surrounding an interior volume and having a thin coating, such as an acrylic elastomer, on the exterior surface of the shell. The carvable article can be formed by an inventive process in which polyurethane foam material, such as material having a nominal density of about 2.5-3.0 pounds per cubic foot, is sprayed from a nozzle rotating with respect to the inside of a mold. After the polyurethane foam article and the mold are separated, the article is coated with an elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic material that is applied as a liquid.

Abstract: A fabric having plant material adhered between layers of silk or hand-made paper. The silk or paper layers are translucent to allow the fabric to have the appearance of plant material. The fabric is manufactured by soaking dry plant material in water, pressing and drying the plant material to flatten it, adhering bottom and top layers of silk or paper to the plant material, and applying a stiffening agent to the fabric. Articles of various shapes may be formed by shaping the fabric into a predetermined shape prior to the step of applying the stiffening material.

Abstract: Curled decorative grasses and methods for producing same are disclosed wherein the curled decorative grasses have improved bulk and simulate Spanish moss in color and appearance.

Abstract: A tethered fortune and charm assembly to permit easy retrieval from a cake, candle, package, game, balloon, pinata, table setting, Christmas decoration, party favor, card, flower arrangement, wedding garter or wedding bells and alert party guest or the receipient to the presents of an object at the end of the tether. An assembly consisting of a tether, to any of combination of a fortune and charm. The tether is attached to a combination of a fortune and charm or a fortune or charm with a fortune printed into or on plastic, metal, cardboard, paper, fibrous or non-fibrous tether, charm or any other medium, The charm can be plastic, metal, candy, or a printed engraved or embossed representation of a symbol or charm. The charm and fortune assembly can be sealed in a semi-hermetic or hermetically sealed package or lamination. With or without a self adhesive patch on the reverse side of the most exterior surface of the most significant portion.

Abstract: A structure and process for producing artificial fruits and vegetables (10). The structure consists of an inner assembly (12) that includes an upward extending stem (30) attached to a weighted core (14). The inner assembly is contained within a semi-rigid enclosure (48) that is subsequently covered with a resilient material (62) that is colored and textured to simulate a particular species of a fruit or vegetable. The process utilizes a mold (66) having a spherical cavity (96) into which is centrally placed the weighted core (14) with the stem (30) projecting through the mold's upward end (86). The mold (66) also has a fill port (92) into which is inserted a specified quantity of polystyrene beads. The beads expand when the mold is heated, to fill the cavity (96) and form the semi-rigid enclosure (48). The enclosure (48) is then covered with the resilient material (62) and the enclosure with the resilient material is placed in a hot-pressure mold that adds a texture.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of three-dimensional hollow novelty items and their manufacture, particularly items such as artificial pumpkins that the consumer desires to carve or alter after purchase. Disclosed is a carvable novelty article, such as an artificial Halloween pumpkin, comprising a polyurethane shell substantially surrounding an interior volume and having a thin coating, such as an acrylic elastomer, on the exterior surface of the shell. The carvable article can be formed by an inventive process in which polyurethane foam material, such as material having a nominal density of about 2.5-3.0 pounds per cubic foot, is sprayed from a nozzle rotating with respect to the inside of a mold. After the polyurethane foam article and the mold are separated, the article is coated with an elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic material that is applied as a liquid.

Abstract: A paper product has a base body with an upper surface and a bottom surface. A primer coating is applied in the form of a primer coating mixture to at least one of the upper and the bottom surfaces of the base body. A cover coating is applied to the primer coating. The primer coating mixture is selected from the group consisting of a first composition comprised of water, amorphous silicon dioxide, aluminum dioxide, polyvinyl alcohol, and a copolymer of butadiene/styrene and acrylonitrile, and a second composition comprised of water, a silicon compound selected from the group consisting of silicic acid and silica gel, polyvinyl alcohol, and a copolymer of butadiene-styrene and acrylonitrile.

Abstract: A camouflage pattern for use on clothing and other articles for concealing a hunter or outdoorsman in a forest undergrowth comprised primarily of fan-shaped palmetto palm plants. The pattern is comprised of a background of varying shades of gray overlaid by successive patterns of plants having extending, long, flat, fan-shaped, pointed, finger-like medium green foliage so as to depict fan-shaped palmetto palm plants intermittently interspersed with plants having downwardly bent, long, flat, fan-shaped, pointed, finger-like brown foliage. The plants of each successive pattern being smaller than those of the preceding pattern and having a slightly lighter shade of green foliage than that of the preceding pattern.

Abstract: A quilt design planner in the form of relatively thin but substantially rigid panels or strips having a grid marking on an upwardly exposed surface thereof positioned in overlying relation to the sashings and/or borders on the quilt top to enable a quilter to more effectively plan the design to be formed on the sashings and/or borders prior to making any marks on the quilt top. The panels or strips having the grid marking thereon have an easily erasable surface on which designs may be formed by using templates or stencils and a marking pencil or other marker. This enables a quilter to form, lay out and adjust the design on the panels or strips with the planned design overlying the sashing and/or borders around each block of the quilt top.

Abstract: A decorative ornament is provided in the shape of a chile pepper. The ornament has a pair of exterior shells each forming a longitudinal half of the chile pepper. Peripheral edges of the halves of the ornament are matable to selectively open and close the ornament. Within the interior of the closed ornament is foliage. The walls of the ornament are transparent such that the foliage is readily observable from the exterior of the ornament when enclosed therein.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of three-dimensional hollow novelty items and their manufacture, particularly items such as artificial pumpkins that the consumer desires to carve or alter after purchase. Disclosed is a carvable novelty article, such as an artificial Halloween pumpkin, comprising a polyurethane shell substantially surrounding an interior volume and having a thin, elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic, on the exterior surface of the shell. The carvable article can be formed by an inventive process in which polyurethane foam material, such as material having a nominal density of about 2.5-3.0 pounds per cubic foot, is sprayed from a nozzle rotating with respect to the inside of a mold. After the polyurethane foam article and the mold are separated, the article is coated with an elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic material that is applied as a liquid.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of three-dimensional hollow novelty items and their manufacture, particularly items such as artificial pumpkins that the consumer desires to carve or alter after purchase. Disclosed is a carvable novelty article, such as an artificial Hallo-ween pumpkin, comprising a polyurethane shell substantially surrounding an interior volume and having a thin, elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic, on the exterior surface of the shell. The carvable article can be formed by an inventive process in which polyurethane foam material, such as material having a nominal density of about 2.5-3.0 pounds per cubic foot, is sprayed from a nozzle rotating with respect to the inside of a mold. After the polyurethane foam article and the mold are separated, the article is coated with an elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic material that is applied as a liquid.

Abstract: An artificial tree suitable for interior or exterior use capable of being formed in a variety of possible configurations simulative of a natural palm tree. The artificial tree has a body consisting of a trunk with one or more branch segments joined thereto, a plurality of leaf assemblies joined to the upper end of each branch segment, and a base for retaining ballast material capable of supporting the tree in a generally upright orientation. To enhance the appearance and stability of the tree, triangularly shaped trunk support members may be attached to the lower end of the trunk. Similarly, simulative decaying fronds joined to the upper end of each branch segment enhance appearance. Leaf assemblies having nested leaves of metallic sheet material provide shade. The base, having attached seat members, permits users to sit comfortably beneath the shade provided by the instant tree.

Abstract: An artificial frond for use with artificial plants comprises an integral sheet of flexible polymeric material molded generally in the shape of a frond having a central elongate stem portion and a plurality of elongate leaves extending outwardly from the stem portion. Reinforcing means sufficient to maintain the structural integrity of the artificial frond, including structural supporting rods and elasticity-imparting fiber material, are embedded within the integral sheet. The integral sheet is preferably a laminate having a flexible polymeric foam intermediate body layer and outer surface layers pigmented to simulate the color of a natural frond.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which is designed to encase an electrical conductor to provide an aesthetic outer appearance. The device consists of an elongated tubular body having simulated leaves protruding outwardly from the outer surface of the body. A longitudinal split allows the body to be opened to receive the electrical conductor inside. Fastener structure is also provided to allow the body to be releasably fastened over the electrical conductor.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved camouflage system for visually concealing people and objects from animals wherein the selection of colors to be used depends on the extent of the animal's color vision and the reflectivity of the colors used in a neutral value scale. In one form of the invention, the system includes a base color carrier means of a base color hue having a first reflectivity and adapted for application to people or objects. The system further includes at least three contrast color carrier means of different contrast color hues adapted for application to people or objects, wherein the contrast color hues each have a reflectivity which is substantially different from the reflectivity of the base color hue and the other contrast color hues. In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the base color hue and the contrast color hues is other than brown, black and white.

Abstract: There is provided an artificial pine needle including a plurality of strands each of which may be made from an olefin material. The strands are adjacent and somewhat parallel to one another. The strands are attached to one another on one end. The strands have appearance and characteristics to emulate a natural pine needle. The artificial pine needles are used as a synthetic ground cover.

Abstract: An artificial vine, ornamental in appearance and form, arranged for carrying articles, where the latter, as a doll, for example, is selectively stored and removed from a pod which forms part of the artificial vine. The pods, which are also selectively removable from the stem of the vine, are each slitted so that, when open, a receiving cavity is presented. Opening may be accomplished by the use of a flexible material which resumes a closed position after release of flexing or, on the other hand, material which is readily movable from a closed to an opened condition, and conversely. In any event, whatever material is used should compliment the vine so as to present a total ornamental effect.

Abstract: An artificial leaf for camouflaging a hunter's clothing and equipment by providing a three dimensional effect to destroy his silhouette and making him less visible and suspicious to game. A piece of polyester fabric material is formed into the shape of a leaf and a stem of monofilament nylon is attached to the simulated leaf by seamtape. A plurality of the artificial leaves are permanently attached to a strip of separable fastening material. Another strip of separable fastening material is permanently attached to the hunter's clothing or equipment for removably attaching the other strip of fastening material thereto. The leaf stems have memory and are bent so that the leaves extend outwardly from the hunter or equipment to provide the three dimensional camouflage effect thereto.

Abstract: A novel wall hanging which is a three-dimensional facsimile of a fruit bowl and kit for its fabrication are described. The hanging itself contains a backing board having a face side and a back side. A background burlap cover is tightly stretched over the front side of the backing board and the leftover edges of the background burlap cover are securely attached to the back side of the backing board by either glue, tape or other suitable means. A pocket is situated on a portion of the background burlap cover. The face of the pocket is attached to the background burlap cover and is a woven embroidered Strawtex in the shape of a fruit bowl. The back of the pocket is the portion of the background burlap cover underlying the face of the pocket. The pocket itself represents the inside of a fruit bowl into which various types of pieces of artificial fruit are disposed. Each piece of artificial fruit is individually made to the approximate three-dimensional size of the corresponding real fruit.

Abstract: A plurality of comparatively lightweight, nonperishable, three-dimensional fabricated replicas of selected primal cuts of meat and sub-cuts thereof that are displayed and identified in a store to attract the purchaser and for use in informing the purchaser about the various cuts of meat and the desirability and savings relative to the purchasing of each cut of meat.