Abstract: A badge for displaying indicia. The badge includes a base plate that defines a landing area that has a recessed portion. The badge also includes a top panel coupled to the base plate. The top panel defines an at least partially transparent portion. A strip is disposed between the base plate and the top panel and at least partially disposed underneath the at least partially transparent portion such that a portion of the strip is viewable through the at least partially transparent portion. The strip is removable from between the base plate and the top panel without removing the top panel from the base plate.

Abstract: A label assembly including a label having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, where the top surface includes indicia printed thereupon, and a layer of a first adhesive is coated on the bottom surface. The label assembly also includes a dome cover coupled to the label, the dome cover being formed of a substantially transparent material and having an underside, where a layer of a second adhesive is coated on the underside, the second adhesive having a greater holding capability than the first adhesive.

Abstract: A badge for displaying indicia. The badge includes a base plate that defines a landing area that has a recessed portion. The badge also includes a top panel coupled to the base plate. The top panel defines an at least partially transparent portion. A strip is removably disposed between the base plate and the top panel and at least partially disposed underneath the at least partially transparent portion such that a portion of the strip is viewable through the at least partially transparent portion.

Abstract: A badge for displaying indicia includes a base plate, a top panel coupled to the base plate and defining an opening, a strip removably disposed between the base plate and the top panel and at least partially disposed underneath the opening, and a window panel disposed between the base plate and the top panel and above the strip relative to the base plate, a portion of the window panel being viewable through the opening.

Abstract: A system for generating customized badges. The system includes a computer, a printer coupled to the computer, a display coupled to the computer, and a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium includes instructions for opening a badge profile, providing a data entry screen based on the profile, receiving data in the data entry screen, and printing customized badges on the printer based on the received data. The badge profile defines a size, type, and location of data to be printed on the customized badges.

Abstract: A wearable badge for displaying removable indicia includes a backing having an attachment fastener and defining an indicia portion. The wearable badge also includes a frame defining an opening and having a first frame edge and a second frame edge. The first frame edge is joined to the backing such that the first and second frame edges at least partially surround the indicia portion. The indicia portion is viewable through the opening and the second frame edge is moveable away from the backing to facilitate insertion and withdrawal of indicia between the backing and the frame.

Abstract: An article to be worn, such as a badge, displays indicia such as identification and advertising. The article includes a housing, a first indicia member positioned on the first indicia portion of the housing and a second indicia member positioned on the second indicia portion of the housing. The first and second indicia portions are discrete from one another and can receive interchangeable indicia members. The invention further includes a method of identifying a wearer of the article, such as a sales clerk or food service preparer, and advertising a product or service, all with the same badge.

Abstract: An identification badge for placement within a pocket of a garment. The identification badge includes a first portion shaped to be received within the pocket, the first portion having a coupling member in the form of a magnet. The identification badge also includes a second portion coupled to the first portion by a flexible member, the second member having indicia printed thereon. The second portion is moveable with respect to the first portion between an open position and a closed position and in some embodiments is ferro-magnetic such that the magnetic coupling member secures the second portion in the closed position.

Abstract: An article to be worn, such as a badge, displays indicia such as identification and advertising. The article includes a housing, a first indicia member positioned on the first indicia portion of the housing and a second indicia member positioned on the second indicia portion of the housing. The first and second indicia portions are discrete from one another and can receive interchangeable indicia members. The invention further includes a method of identifying a wearer of the article, such as a sales clerk or food service preparer, and advertising a product or service, all with the same badge.

Abstract: An article to be worn, such as a badge, displays indicia such as identification and advertising. The article includes a housing, a first indicia member positioned on the first indicia portion of the housing and a second indicia member positioned on the second indicia portion of the housing. The first and second indicia portions are discrete from one another and can receive interchangeable indicia members. The invention further includes a method of identifying a wearer of the article, such as a sales clerk or food service preparer, and advertising a product or service, all with the same badge.

Abstract: A uniquely shaped plate may be transmitted through a card printer designed to print on only a card having a standard size and shape. The plate includes a laminate including a card having a sheet of backing material affixed thereto, preferably by an easy release adhesive. For example, the card may have a backing, such as release paper. If the plate is a flexible material, the backing material is a rigid sheet. The standard card is kiss cut through its thickness to form segments having contours for making said unique shape. However, the kiss cut does not cut the sheet of backing material, which continues to hold the segments in place. Therefore, the card retains its standard size and shape so that it may be sent through the card printer with the segments in place. Then, the segments are separated.

Abstract: A uniquely shaped plate may be transmitted through a card printer designed to print on only a card having a standard size and shape. The plate includes a laminate including a card having a sheet of backing material affixed thereto, preferably by an easy release adhesive. For example, the card may have a backing, such as release paper. If the plate is a flexible material, the backing material is a rigid sheet. The standard card is kiss cut through its thickness to form segments having contours for making said unique shape. However, the kiss cut does not cut the sheet of backing material, which continues to hold the segments in place. Therefore, the card retains its standard size and shape so that it may be sent through the card printer with the segments in place. Then, the segments are separated.

Abstract: A relatively low cost assembly—especially one having a jewelry-like appearance—provides for a do-it-yourself display of graphic material while enabling a user to employ modern devices for generating the graphics, such as personal computers with graphic capabilities, special printers, and the like. The assembly includes a front plate and a back plate with a wire spring pin trapped between them. The graphics are on a name plate mounted in a recessed area surrounded by a frame on the front plate. Alignment contours are formed in the front plate to assist the do-it-yourselfer in installing his homemade graphics on the assembly.

Abstract: A solid and unitary plastic block which has a textured strip thereon. A self-adhesive transparent tape may be pressed over the textured strip, with air escaping entrapment behind the tape via depressions in the textured strip. Slots on the end of the textured strip provide a termination for the tape ends.

Abstract: A do-it-yourself kit enables an end user to make his own graphics. A printer points graphics on the back of a transparent mylar tape. The tape has a pressure sensitive adhesive which is pressed on over a textured surface that enables air to escape at the interface between the adhesive and the plate.

Abstract: Low cost decorative award plaques are provided which use a plastic laminate article capable of being hot stamped with desired lettering or designs. The plaque is made by a process of repeatedly imprinting with different colors and surface effects. The process includes forming and cutting the plastic on a rigid backing, especially one simulating a fine, hardwood panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal engraving press for hot stamping, especially--although not exclusively--a plastic material which simulates engraved metal. A hot die and a movable platen are horizontally displaced from each other to support a work piece in a position opposing the die. The position of the work piece may be adjusted in three dimensions relative to the die. The hot stamping foil also provides a guard which prevents the operator from accidently touching the hot die. A feature of the inventive press is that it has an extremely low cost and is practically foolproof.

Abstract: A sheet of debossable plastic material is bonded to a backing plate, which may be a metal plate preferably pre-formed in a coin die. A polished surface on the edges of the metal plate projects beyond the plastic sheet material. The combined effect of the debossable plastic material, with a brushed metallic appearance, and the backing plate with polished edges greatly enhances an appearance of an engraved metal plate. This basic unit may be used in combination with other structures to form plaques, frames, name badges, and the like. When used in some combinations, such as a picture in a frame of the plastic sheet, for example, the components may be pre-assembled into a complete packet before attachment to a stand.

Abstract: A device and method for framing and displaying pictures or printed matter uses a transparent carrier panel and a bracket or affixed to the back of the panel for retaining a picture. A mat may be applied to the panel to block out a portion of the picture to be displayed. The portion of the picture to be displayed is centered within the mat by applying a clear centering sheet having a target area designated thereon over the picture so that the desired portion of the picture appears within the target area. A mounting board of the same size as the centering sheet and containing pressure sensitive adhesive is aligned with the centering sheet and fixed to the back of the picture. A picture so centered and mounted is inserted between the bracket and the rear face of the carrier panel resulting in a perfectly centered and matted picture which is attractively framed.

Abstract: A plastic material which is suitable for simulating engraving on metal has a substrate which is not deformed by the heat or pressure of a hot stamping process. A sheet or layer of thermoplastic material of limited thickness is laminated to the upper surface of the substrate. The opposite side of the thermoplastic material is covered by a containment film. Thus, within the limits of manufacturing tolerances, the layer of thermoplastic material may be subjected to any amount of pressure to produce a debossment which is no deeper than the depth of the limited thickness when a hot stamping die bottoms on the non-deformable substrate. Therefore, there is a much more predictable end product.