Abstract: A shelf assembly for refrigerators, freezers and the like including a glass shelf, an extruded edge trim wrapped around and enclosing the peripheral edges of the shelf, and a shelf supporting unit including a pair of side brackets connected together by spaced apart front and rear bars, the edge trim having a U-shaped construction for receiving the peripheral edges of the shelf therein, so that the edge trim provides a rectangular frame arrangement around the shelf to form a raised dam barrier adjacent the peripheral edges of the shelf to prevent any spilled liquid from running off an upper surface of the shelf, thus making the shelf spillproof. Cut-out securement openings are provided in the shelf edge trim to receive the front and rear bars therein, one of the bars being hooked in one pair of cut-outs, and the other one of the bars being snapped into the other pair of cut-outs.

Abstract: A candy tree with a conical shape having wrapped candies adhesively and removably attached thereon covering the entire surface of the plastic or styrofoam cone forming the principal part of the tree element. The remaining portion of the tree element is the semispherical rigid holder into which the cone snugly fits. The holder is generally obscured by the wrapped candies and its flat underside allows the candy tree to rest on any flat surface. The candy tree can be used for ornamental, decorative, amusement or religious purposes and permits individual candies to be removed by children. Various decorative elements, such as a ribbon, a miniature santa claus or a pumpkin can be inserted into the top end of the tree element.

Abstract: A pressure tolerant composite panel has an inner fiber reinforced layer, an outer fiber reinforced layer and an core disposed therebetween. In one embodiment of the invention, the inner layer has weakening structures incorporated at the peripheral edges thereof, and has an outer layer of a different and lower modulus of elasticity than the inner layer to provide some degree of elongation. When high internal forces are encountered, the weakening structures allow the inner layer to separate, with the outer layers stretching to absorb the forces without failure. Optionally, strengthening straps are position about the panel such that it is compartmentalized into discrete sections to contain damage in localized areas. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the inner core is produced of a crushable material which has a yield strength sufficient to provide structural support under normal operating conditions.

Abstract: A composite article such as an automotive trim strip comprising a thermoplastic shell secured to the front of a supporting member. An icon is embedded in a recess in the front of the shell so that the front of the icon is substantially flush with the front of the shell. The icon is secured in the recess of the shell by an adhesive. The supporting member is made of a hot melt material and is bonded to the shell in an injection mold. The heat of the molding operation softens the thermoplastic shell sufficiently to cause the icon to form a recess in the shell and become embedded therein. The heat of the molding operation also cures the adhesive bonding the icon to the shell.

Abstract: This invention is a tree protection pad for protecting the surface of trees to be left standing during a tree thinning operation. The device comprises a sheet of protective, flexible material which is attached to a tree via straps. When the straps are cinched tight, the sheet is pulled against and conforms to the surface of the tree. The protective sheet is easily removable by loosening the straps for subsequent placement on other trees or transportation to other areas.

Abstract: A greeting card including an ornament, uniquely suited for display in an automobile. The card includes a pocket for containment of an ornament. The ornament has a reflective, preferably colored exterior, and an elastic tether. Thus, the ornament is caused to oscillate vertically in response to vehicle motion. The ornament is preferably formed from intersecting sheets of material having a glittering surface, which construction induces rotating and swinging motion of the ornament responsive to air currents within the vehicle, in addition to the bobbing or oscillations caused by vehicle motion. These complex motions, combined with the colored and glittering appearance, maximize the twinkling visual effect of this uncomplicated device while requiring no effort on the part of the observer or user. In a preferred embodiment, the ornament is impregnated with a pine scent in order to further thematically link the ornament to Christmas.

Abstract: A socket for mounting a finial on either of two telescoping tubular support rods includes a first engagement surface that enters into and contacts the smaller rod and a second engagement surface that surrounds and contacts the larger rod. The engagement surfaces wedge into an interference or force fit with the rod ends to maintain the finial on the rods. The surfaces are preferably defined by the side walls of an annular groove shaped to conform to the cross section of the support rod. The socket includes slots for mounting the finial on a holdback bracket. The slots are conveniently formed as widened regions of the annular groove and are positioned in diametrically opposed locations to permit top-to-bottom symmetrical finials to be inverted about a horizontal axis and front-to-back symmetrical finials to be inverted about a vertical axis for mounting on the left or the right side of a window opening.

Abstract: A panel is provided including multiple rows of parallel cells extending transversely of the rows and with the cells of adjacent rows of cells staggered longitudinally of the rows relative to each other, two, three, four and five cell row panels being disclosed. The panels are formed by folded material strips stacked one upon the other with each material strip having portions thereof glued together and adjacent material strips in each stack of strips glued together such that each material strip forms at least one complete cell of one row of cells and at least three-quarters of an adjacent cell in an adjacent row of cells.Also, a support system is provided for supporting the upper margin of a vertically disposed multi cell row panel wherein an upper cell or cells has one or two horizontal stiffening strips disposed therein and spaced beneath a stationery support strip.

Abstract: A vehicle antenna accessory includes a main body for fitting on top of an antenna. A display panel with graphics arranged thereon is pivotally attached to the main body. A wing is attached orthogonally to the display panel. When the vehicle is parked, the display panel provides an easily visible identification for the owner looking for his or her vehicle among many other cars. When the vehicle is in forward motion, wind pushing against the wing causes the display panel to "fly" to a horizontal position to provide an eye-catching effect.

Abstract: A device for detachably adhering a manipulative to a substrate using electrostatic charges is described. The invention comprises a thermoplastic substrate having imparted thereto a substantially persistent electrostatic charge with paper and/or fabric manipulatives removably adhered thereto by electrostatic attraction. The present invention may be useful for creating visual displays such as display boards, design boards for quilting patterns, sewing patterns, and toys such as dolls and educational games or aides using manipulatives in visual displays. The substrate is preferably made of polyolefin nonwoven webs, particularly polypropylene or polyethylene meltblown webs.

Abstract: A sealed ornament of a dried and pressed flower completely sealed by a film having a low melting point in a substantially absolutely dried state and in a state free from air and moisture in order that the dried and pressed flower maintains its gracefulness without discoloring and fading for long periods. The sealed ornament is further secured to a base, and a cover film may be secured externally of the film having a low melting point as necessary. Additionally, the outermost layer may be coated with a coating resin as necessary.

Abstract: A method for making a material with an artificial dielectric constant is carried out by choosing the desired dielectric constant for a particular electromagnetic field, selecting a substantially non-electrically conductive sheet material (2) from which the cellular core material (26) is to be made, applying an electrically conductive material (8) to selected areas on the sheet material and thereafter forming a cellular core material from layers of the sheet material having the conductive material already applied thereto.

Abstract: A temporary identification card having smooth edges is formed from a carrier of continuous form stock having indicia printed on its upper and/or lower surfaces. A retainer patch adheres to the bottom surface of the carrier by means of an adhesive area. The retainer patch has first and second plastic layers chemically bonded to one another. The card is die cut all the way around its perimeter, the die cutting extending through the form stock, the adhesive and the first layer of the retainer patch but not the second layer. The bond between the first and second layers of the retainer patch allows the second layer to retain the card in the carrier until such time as a user chooses to remove the card from the carrier.

Abstract: An automotive moulding has a gas channel extending longitudinally in the widthwise central part on the back side and is manufactured by a gas injection moulding. The gas channel is formed with a hollow portion. The gas injection aperture is situated at one end of the hollow portion. The shape of the gas channel changes gradually toward the one end. The gas injection aperture is deviated in the direction of width off the extreme side edge of the hollow portion. A gas escape port is formed at the other end of the hollow portion. The gas escape port is deviated in the direction of width from the hollow portion. The direction of deviation is the same as that of the gas injection aperture. The opening of the gas escape port is directed sidewardly with respect to the automotive moulding. The opening is closed by the automotive body when the automotive moulding is attached to an automobile.

Abstract: Decorative pop-up figures are removably attached to a place mat for persons to entertain them and to provide amusement. The place mat comprises two horizontal sheets which form a horizontal base for the place mat. There is a slot or multiplicity of slots in the top sheet. The pop-up figures have horizontal members which in turn fit into the slot openings and can be attached in place such that when the place mat is folded, the pop-up figures are concealed and stored within the place mat. Then when the place mat is ready for use, the place mat is unfolded such that the pop-up figures erect relative to the horizontal base to provide the decorative artwork design characters for display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for designing a floral bouquet. The apparatus includes a substrate having front and back surfaces, and one or more ornamental members having first and second surfaces positionable on the front surface of the substrate. The first and/or second surfaces of the ornamental members may comprise a design feature, such as a flower.

Abstract: The process and product obtained thereby of obtaining substantially dried flower blooms and other natural predominantly carbohydrate products such as flower stems, leaves, other vegetable matter and insects, which substantially retain their original shape and color, comprising the steps of covering the substrate with particulate matter and then subjecting the covered substrate to a reduced pressure environment to remove most of the water from the substrate.

Abstract: A liquid-filled device including a pair of superimposed pliable sheets that are interconnected or sealed along peripheral edges. The superimposed pliable sheets are also interconnected along an inner seam. A first chamber for containing a liquid is defined by a space between peripheral edges of the sheets and the inner seam. The portion of the device which is between the superimposed pliable sheets and which is inboard of the inner seam defines a second chamber for containing a liquid. The device further includes an opening along a portion of the inner seam, which opening is sufficiently large to permit both liquid and discrete articles within that liquid to flow in both directions between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hassle-free artificial Christmas tree that eliminates the time and frustration of assembly and storage of previously known artificial Christmas trees. The artificial Christmas tree of the present invention is preferably formed of a central pole having a sleeve concentric with the central pole and slidable along the central pole between an upper and lower position. At least one arm is rotatably coupled to the central pole and forms a limb of the tree. The sleeve is provided with an opening, including a flange framing the opening, for urging the arm between an upper and lower position when the sleeve is slid along the central pole. A base is provided for supporting the central pole in an upright position. A storage tube is also provided for storing the artificial tree when not in use. The storage tube has an opening for receipt and retrieval of the tree. The tree is readily slidable within the storage tube and is closed on either end by end caps.

Abstract: A visual display of colored beads and methods for the preparation thereof. The display includes a pattern, a transparent substrate secured over the pattern, beads disposed on the substrate and a sealant that is disposed over the beads and the substrate for sealing the display so that the beads may not be accidentally dislodged or removed therefrom and a permanent display is formed. The method includes disposing sealant over the beads so that either a smooth finish is formed or so that the texture of the beads is exposed to touch and sight.