Abstract: An artificial representation of a plant is formed of plant organ simulating members, such as, stem-and leaf simulating members, respectively having rod-like and tubular connecting portions molded of thermoplastic resin and being axially interengaged to provide joints for assembling together the respective plant organ simulating members, whereupon, a heated needle-shaped element is pressed end-wise against the tubular connecting portion of each joint with such heated element extending substantially in a radial direction in respect to the axis of the respective rod-like connecting portion so as to fuse the thermoplastic resin and thereby penetrate through the tubular connecting portion and at least partly into the respective rod-like connecting portion.

Abstract: A method of producing a wide variety of ribbon flowers; wherein, a framework unit (10) is employed in conjunction with a length of ribbon (18) a stitching means (11) and a severing means (12), to produce the basic core elements of the various flower varieties; wherein, all of the essential core elements are produced by following the same basic method steps; and, the individual flower varieties are arrived at by selecting options among the broad basic method steps, and also electing to perform optional method steps intermediate the basic steps to produce the particular varieties.

Abstract: A method for making fabric roses is disclosed. The method involves inserting a fabric ribbon between two needle devices which are adapted to hold the fabric ribbon. The needle devices are then rotated by means of a variable speed motor, thus rotating the fabric ribbon. As the fabric ribbon portion rotates, a center portion for a rose is produced. The ribbon is then folded numerous times in a direction away from the two needle devices in order to form the petals of a fabric rose. Once the rose is completed, it is removed from the needle devices and finished by heat-sealing the portions of the ribbon that form the base of the rose. Additional decorative items, such as leaves, ribbon loops and lace may be attached to the fabric roses.

Abstract: A method for making fabric roses is disclosed. The method involves inserting a fabric ribbon between two needle devices which are adapted to hold the fabric ribbon. The needle devices are then rotated by means of a variable speed motor, thus rotating the fabric ribbon. As the fabric ribbon portion rotates, a center portion for a rose is produced. The ribbon is then folded numerous times in a direction away from the two needle devices in order to form the petals of a fabric rose. Once the rose is completed, it is removed from the needle devices and finished by heat-sealing the portions of the ribbon that form the base of the rose. Additional decorative items, such as leaves, ribbon loops and lace may be attached to the fabric roses.

Abstract: Ornamental artificial foliage for placement within an aquarium. The foliage formed of a material which is not harmful to the aquatic life within the aquarium. The ornamental foliage has a rough, granular surface texture over and above that normally required for the aesthetic appearance of the foliage. The rough, granular surface provides an increase in the surface area presented by the unmodified foliage to support increased growth and propagation of organisms which are active in causing biological filtration, thereby providing an effective source of biological filtration within the aquarium.

Abstract: A bow form which may be constructed from a machine onto a spool of a plurality of bow forms which may be converted to a full bow by an ultimate user by pulling a drawstring is disclosed. The bow form may be constructed from a high grade ribbon fabric such as woven acetate. The bow form is constructed from two ribbons, a drawstring which may be made of an elastic material and a plurality of bands which may be formed from strips of material which are fused into bands during production of the bow form. When desired, the ultimate bow may be supported by a bow support which serves to provide additional support to the pile of loops of ribbon material to thereby prolong a fuller look in the bow.

Abstract: An artificial representation or simulation of a plant having stalks or stems in a cluster radiating upwardly from a common point at the apex of a main stem, for example, as in an umbel, is composed of a plurality of stem-defining members each molded of plastic to have respective co-planar stem portions arising from a collar which is engageable on the apex portion of the main stem, and at least one of the stem-defining members has a configuration to position and maintain the respective stem portions in a plane angularly displaced from the plane of the stem portions of each other stem-defining member. Preferably, at least one of the stem-defining members has at least one bifurcated or tined projection extending outwardly from its collar to embrace a stem portion of another of the stem-defining members when the collars are arranged one above the other on the main stem.

Abstract: A method of making artificial flowers and flowers made by the method which includes rolling one end of a strip of fabric about itself to form the center of the flower and then repetitively extending part of the free end outwardly and then folding it at an angle to its axis so that it lies adjacent the center to form a petal, the petals being spaced about the center and completing the flower by tying the free end of the strip and the lower ends of the petals about the center of the flower.

Abstract: A base assembly is provided for support from a suitable support surface and the base assembly includes a raised central portion spaced inwardly of the outer peripheral portions of the base assembly and provided with horizontally spaced apart tufts of upstanding bristles supported therefrom. The upper ends of the tufts may be used to support a bar of soap therefrom and the base assembly includes three superposed panel members each including peripherally spaced petal defining marginal portions. The lower panel member of the base assembly includes a plurality of the upstanding locking lugs as well as a plurality of upstanding locator pins supported therefrom. The panel members disposed above the lower panel member each include upstanding locator pin receiving openings and locking lug receiving openings form therein upwardly through which the locator pins and the locking lugs are received.

Abstract: An artificial flower is formed of a plurality of individual petal-like members of fabric each including a medial stiffening wire secured thereto for simulating a vein and having an end portion projecting from the respective petal-like member, an assembling element having a peripheral surface with substantially parallel grooves extending therealong for receiving the projecting end portions of the stiffening wires, and a clamping ring encircling the peripheral surface of the assembling element for securing the projecting end portions of the stiffening wires in the respective grooves. The assembling element has an axial bore opening at one end to receive a central plug of stamen-and pistil-simulating member and at the other end to receive an end portion of an elongated, stalk-like element for mounting the petal-like members and the stamen-and pistil-simulating member on the stem or stalk-like element.

Abstract: An artificial flower assembly is made from a plastic stem unitarily molded around a reinforcing wire with integral side petioles (preferably wire reinforced) and an integral calyx and with a coupling member also integral therewith. The coupling member may be a stud having an enlarged terminal portion extending beyond the base of the calyx, or it may be a socket in the base of the calyx. Fabric leaves, in some species preferably with brown edging and impressed veining, are adhered to the petioles. A subassembly of fabric petals, preferably silk printed for veining where appropriate, is made by loosely mounting the petals on a plastic member, preferably tubular. The tubular member is then mounted on the coupling member. For example, it may be pushed on the stud until the enlarged terminal portion lies beyond the end of the tubular member, or it may be inserted in the socket, if that is used instead of the stud.

Abstract: A decorative patch for repairing screens and other thin materials. The decorative patch includes two interlocking portions that are also separable. Each of these portions has a flat surface on one side that is adapted to rest upon the surface of the material that is being repaired. The opposite side of each of these portions has a three-dimensional decorative surface. Each of the separable portions has spaced protrusions extending from the flat surface that are adapted to be insertable into apertures located in the flat surface of the other portion. Both of these portions are made from a plastic or similar material that is capable of transmitting at least a portion of light through it. These two portions are adapted to be located on the respective sides of the screen or the like that is to be repaired. The decorative patch provides an easy and economical way in which to either permanently or temporarily repair a screen or some other similar material.