Abstract: A three-dimensional ornament (1) comprising a plurality of folded elements (8), (9), (10), (11), (22) and (23) created from a plurality of nesting cuts (6), (7), (20) and (21) in a planar surface (1). The folded elements (8), (9), (10), (11), (22) and (23) are fastened in opposing planes (15), (16) and (28) so as to give a unique and distinctive appearance. A multitude of three-dimensional ornaments (1) may be fastened together to form a snowflake (19) which may be suspended from a ceiling, tree or the like. The planar surface (1) may have a decorative surface and be of various colors, sizes and textures.

Abstract: A curl bow machine manufactures curl bows. Ribbon unwinds from spools and a curling rod applies controlled tension onto the ribbon, thereby curling it. Several strands of ribbon may be curled simultaneously. The resulting curled ribbon stream passes on to a wire stitcher. The wire stitcher may take hang tags from a hang tag delivery and cutting system to attach individual hang tags to the curled ribbon stream. Alternatively, a backing material or wire tie is used instead of a hang tag. A venturi suction and discharge system may deliver the curled ribbon stream and attached hang tags to a cutter to separate individual curl bows from the ribbon stream. A second nip roller may also be used in place of the venturi suction and discharge system.

Abstract: A curl bow machine manufactures curl bows in accordance with a curl bow manufacturing process. Ribbon is controllably unwound from spools and prepared for stretching by a curling rod. The curling rod applies controlled tension onto the ribbon, thereby curling it. Several strands of ribbon may be curled simultaneously, with the ensuing curled ribbon stream passed on to a wire stitcher. In a specific embodiment, a wire stitcher takes hang tags from a hang tag delivery and cutting system so that individual hang tags may be attached as by staples to the curled ribbon stream. The wire stitcher forms and attaches such staples to the ribbon and hang tag. In other instances, a backing material or wire tie is used in lieu of a hang tag. In a preferred embodiment, a venturi suction and discharge system then delivers the curled ribbon stream with its attached hang tags to a cutter so that individual curl bows may be separated from the ribbon stream.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and associated apparatus in which decorative ribbons of varying thickness, width, and material can be automatically produced, curled, grouped, and combined in a decorative element which is packaged for distribution. The apparatus serves to impart a helical curl to at least one of a plurality of ribbon strands, meters the strands into preselected lengths, separates the lengths from the ribbon stock, and packages the resulting coiled ribbon arrangements for distribution to customers. The apparatus includes one or more roll stands for storing rolls of ribbon stock, a feed unit for advancing the ribbon through the apparatus and imparting a tendency to curl the strands, a tension regulator unit for accumulating metered lengths of the stands and regulating the advancement of the ribbon strands through the apparatus, and a packaging unit for attaching the ribbon on a placard, to form a decorative element having a cluster of curled ribbon strands.

Abstract: The present invention discloses folded corrugated material for producing segments or strips for use as Easter grass, packing material and the like or for use as flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials.

Abstract: Novelty items that are combinations of articles of manufacture with bioluminescence generating systems and/or fluorescent proteins are provided. These novelty items, which are articles of manufacture, are designed for entertainment, recreation and amusement, and include toys, paints, slimy play material, textiles, particularly clothing, bubbles in bubble making toys and other toys that produce bubbles, balloons, personal items, such as cosmetics, bath powders, body lotions, gels, powders and creams, toothpastes and other dentifrices, soaps, body paints, and bubble bath, foods, such as gelatins, icings and frostings, beverages such as beer, wine, champagne, soft drinks, and glowing ice, fountains, including liquid "fireworks" and other such jets or sprays or aerosols of compositions that are solutions, mixtures, suspensions, powders, pastes, particles or other suitable formulation.

Abstract: An innovative method of making pinatas utilizes pre-cut and scored cardstock designed with tab and slot closures. Once the shapes are folded and secured, the pinatas can be decorated using traditional or innovative methods. By designing the tab/slot closure of the body on the bottom of the pinata, the enclosed treats may be released in a non-destructive manner.

Abstract: A variety of sheet materials can be tessellation folded with an infinite variety of patterns in a one-step folding process by placing the sheet material against a pallet having flat rigid segments and flexible hinges, exerting forces against the pallet in accordance with information as to the pattern desired to initiate folding, and continuing folding to the degree of folding collapse wanted. A heat setable material can be heated prior to folding so the material will be set as folded. An uncured cementitious material can be folded, and held in a mold until the material is cured. Due to natural pantographic degradation, a continous belt can be folded in one area, with sheet material to be folded being placed against the belt before folding, and removed as the belt unfolds.

Abstract: A method of producing doilies includes coating sheets of paper stock with a lubricious release fluid, collecting the sheets into a multi-layered web, and cutting and embossing doilies from the web. The fluid is preferably a solution of mineral oil and silicone, and results in the doilies being more easily separable after being adhered by the cutting and embossing process. A solution of mineral oil and 15%-40% silicone is disclosed.

Abstract: A decoration is formed by feeding a flat sheet of material between a pair of rotating rollers having intermeshed teeth which produce a series of pleats in the sheet. The pleats are gathered together by placing the pleated sheet between a pair of parallel, spaced apart plates and then moving a compressor plate between the spaced apart plates to compact the pleats. A tie can be fastened around the compacted, pleated sheet to hold the pleats in a gathered state. The tied sheet is removed from between the plates and ends of the gathered pleats are fanned out on at least on side of the tie. Apparatus for pleating the sheet and compressing the pleats is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of folding a flat sheet of material into a decorative symmetrical object includes placing a sheet of flexible material such as paper between a male die member and a female die member and compressing the sheet. This will form crease lines in the sheet and partially fold the sheet. Completion of the folding to form the decorative symmetrical object is accomplished manually.

Abstract: Apparatus for making decorative bows from lengths of ribbon wherein the apparatus ribbon is fed and wrapped into a plurality of loops which are punched at the center, trimmed to make one or more integral tails and stapled to a card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing an ornament for gift wrapping purposes and the like. The ornament has a basic member with a plurality of radially disposed conical elements, and these basic members may be combined to produce spheroidal or hemispheroidal ornaments having a plurality of radial cones or spikes. In the method, a flat circular blank is formed with a plurality of radially disposed leaves. The leaves are wrapped around a conical form and adhesively secured to form one of the basic members. The apparatus includes a winder for wrapping the leaves around the conical form and positioning means for holding the blank and locating each leaf on the form to be wrapped into a conical element by the winder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing an ornament for gift wrapping purposes and the like. The ornament has a basic member with a plurality of radially disposed conical elements, and these basic members may be combined to produce spheroidal or hemispheroidal ornaments having a plurality of radial cones or spikes. In the method, a flat circular blank is formed with a plurality of radially disposed leaves. The leaves are wrapped around a conical form and adhesively secured to form one of the basic members. The apparatus includes a winder for wrapping the leaves around the conical form and positioning means for holding the blank and locating each leaf on the form to be wrapped into a conical element by the winder.

Abstract: A decorative packing platter for foods has a planar member such as a cardboard plate having a central area for receiving the foods and a periphery. Receptacle tabs are formed, for example by die cutting, each tab having a proximal end attached to the platter and a distal end, the tab and the platter together defining a receptacle opening into which a decorative border strip is placed. The border strip becomes captive in the receptacle opening, defining a decorative edging or border. The tabs can be oriented outwardly or inwardly and in several shapes. A plastic sheet or other protective member can be placed between the food product and the platter and around the packing platter generally. The platter is especially useful for packing cookies.

Abstract: An improved method for making promotional pieces wherein a high speed web-press operation results in mass-production of attractive pieces which include three or more interconnected pop-up panels which assume a three-dimensional shape when the outer folder is opened. The preferred method utilizes a plurality of longitudinal slitting and folding steps, together with the application of glue lines in strategic locations, and culminates in the transverse cutting of the continuous moving web to separate each blank in series from the next. A continuous web is preferably longitudinally slit into at least three continuous ribbons which are then manipulated and associated with one another to create an endless series of interconnected pop-up assemblies atop a ribbon consisting of two side-by-side basepieces. In an alternative method, only two ribbons are employed, and pieces having a false backbone are created.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing gift wrap ornaments of the type having a plurality of radiating conical points. The ornament is produced by cutting from a continuous strip of flexible material, a continuous strip of longitudinally spaced-apart blanks, each blank having transversely opposed petals and a central portion therebetween. The petals are formed into cones to produce a string of elements having opposed cones. These elements are separated, a plurality of them are stacked in a circular arrangement and the central portions of the elements are compressed and stapled together to form the ornament.

Abstract: A decorative display device which is capable of being folded from a relatively flat single sheet of material into a three-dimensional object. The sheet of material is embossed on its flat front face such that embossed segments project outwardly beyond the surface of the sheet with respect to non-embossed segments. In one embodiment, the sheet of material can serve as a poster or similar single sheet art decorative item. When folded and properly assembled, the sheet becomes a three-dimensional display device with embossed segments projecting beyond the non-embossed segments. A design on the face of the sheet cooperates with the segments such that the design on the flat sheet is re-created when the sheet is folded into a three-dimensional display device. Thus, the surface contour of the device conforms to and cooperates with the design on the sheet of material.

Abstract: A decorative display device which is capable of being folded from a relatively flat single sheet of material into a three dimensional object. The sheet of material is provided with fold lines for defining areas to be folded and score lines defining areas to be cut and/or removed. In one embodiment, the sheet of material can serve as a poster or similar single sheet art decorative item. When folded and properly assembled, the sheet becomes a three dimensional display device which can also provide a utilitarian function, such as serving as a storage container, or the like. The display device has a surface contour which conforms to and co-operates with a pattern on the sheet of material. Thus, for example, a flag having a plurality of stripes may be printed on the sheet of material. When folded into the decorative display device the stripes co-act with and form raised and depressed areas in the surface contour of the decorative display device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing an ornament for gift wrapping purposes and the like. The ornament has a basic member with a plurality of radially disposed conical elements, and these basic members may be combined to produce spheroidal or hemispheroidal ornaments having a plurality of radial cones or spikes. In the method, a flat circular blank is formed with a plurality of radially disposed leaves. The leaves are wrapped around a conical form and adhesively secured to form one of the basic members. The apparatus includes a winder for wrapping the leaves around the conical form and positioning means for holding the blank and locating each leaf on the form to be wrapped into a conical element by the winder.

Abstract: A method of producing a hand-hewn look in a false wood beam. The beam is formed from a planar laminate composed of a foam core sandwiched between an outer cover and an inner multiply paper backing. The laminate is rolled along its length, with the outer cover on the outside of the roll, to produce creases in the laminate along irregular, longitudinally spaced lines. These creases create irregular surface facets which, with the laminate unrolled, appear as irregular cutting planes in the laminate's outer cover.

Abstract: A decorative butterfly and the method and assembly of constructing the same. The decorative butterfly includes a central portion with a center line passing therethrough and a wing disposed on each side of the center line and extending from the central portion. Each of the wings has a plurality of pleats extending radially from the central portion.The method of forming the decorative butterfly includes the steps of forming a plurality of parallel and alternately oppositely folded up and down pleats in a sheet of material. The pleats are secured together at a central portion on the center line which passes perpendicularly through the pleats while allowing the pleats to fan out from the center portion on either side of the center line.