Abstract: A custom decoration for bags, cases, portfolios and other business accessories (the “item”) that can be printed at an appropriate location directly on the otherwise-finished item is provided. The decoration comprises a single or multi-colored ink image transferred from a lithographic plate using a transfer pad. The underlying tag or “substrate” for the decoration is a smooth-surfaced soft polyvinylchloride or rubberized material with appropriate ink-receptive or attractive characteristic—such as a matte or semi-gloss surface finish. The item is placed on a supporting surface in a pad printing device so that the substrate is restrained within a registration jig; an inked image on a plate is contacted with a printing pad and the pad is moved to contact the substrate, thereby applying the custom decoration thereto. In one embodiment, the substrate is secured by cords to a side of the item.

Abstract: A pouch for a padfolio or other business accessory that encloses a PDA or other electronic device with an extraction or ejection strap having a pull-tab exposed on the top face of the pouch is provided. The pull-tab is connected to an outer free end of the strap, and the strap extends around the bottom of the device within the interior of the pocket. The strap is secured to an opposing bottom face interior of the pouch. When the tab is pulled, the strap engages the bottom of the device and urges the device upwardly out of the opening so that it can be grasped easily at its top end, which now extends from the opening. The top face of the pouch, as well as the side walls, can be sized so that the device is fully enclosed by the pouch for better security. The slot on the top face of the pouch from which the strap and pull-tab extend can be reinforced with a gusset formed from a durable material, such as soft polyvinylchloride (PVC).

Abstract: A digital clock mounted within a flap overlying the spine of a notepad on a notepad cover is provided. A raised bezel or surround constructed from a soft, pliable material, such as soft polyvinylchloride (PVC), covers a portion of the clock chip, exposing its digital readout. Detents or holes may be provided for inserting pens or other blunt instruments for setting the clock. A port is provided in the flap to access the underside of the clock chip, and can be covered, along the underside of the flap, with a piece of elastic material. By moving the elastic material aside, access to the battery of the clock chip is provided.

Abstract: A case for a personal digital assistant (PDA) that allows the PDA to be elevated in an angled standing position when the case is opened is provided. In this manner, the PDA is presented to the user in an easily accessed orientation without the need to remove the personal digital system from the case or to attach any separate stand or bracket. In an illustrative embodiment, the case includes a base section and a cover that is attached in a hinged manner to the base section. The cover can be folded back to reveal the enclosed PDA screen and buttons. When the cover is rotated back to a predetermined position, at which the base and cover form an acute angle, a securing strap is attached between the base and the cover preventing the base and cover from spreading apart beyond the pre-determined acute angle.

Abstract: A base or pallet that is variably adjustable along its width to specifically accommodate a wide range of differently sized pieces of clothing is provided. A main pallet base is flanked by a pair of extendable and retractable (movable) wings, along the underside thereof, that are constructed from a durable material and that extend simultaneously in opposing directions. In an illustrative embodiment, a movement-balancing mechanism, such as a rack-and-pinion assembly or pantograph, is used to extend and retract the wings at a similar rate. In this manner, pulling or pushing on one wing causes the other to move simultaneously. The wings are locked in place using a locking mechanism beneath the outer-facing side of the main base. The locking mechanism can be a block that applies friction to one of the rack sets of the rack-and-pinion assembly or other movement-balancing mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for customizing articles on a computer-based display provides a supplier database and remote client computer. Data is transferred between the supplier and the client computer including predetermined images of client articles and accompanying images of custom graphics. The database stores information on a variety of clients. Each client is associated with one or more profile, and each profile includes a series of images associated therewith. The client logs in under a given profile user name and password, and selects desired article images, and then calls up associated graphic images to manipulate onto the article images, creating a desired appearance. This appearance can be resubmitted to the supplier for production of an actual physical sample of the article.