Abstract: A process for manufacturing a fabric product includes providing a layer of fabric; applying a liquid polymeric material to the layer of fabric in accordance with a pre-selected pattern including at least a peripheral area which corresponds to a shape of the fabric product; curing the polymeric material along the peripheral area, thereby polymeric material-strengthening the layer of fabric at least along the peripheral area; and cutting within and through the polymeric material-strengthened peripheral area to shape the layer, thereby forming a plastic seal around a peripheral edge of the shaped layer of fabric.

Abstract: A system for retaining and displaying a piece of material is provided. The system includes an intermediate fixation system which is attached to the lower surface of the material. A lower layer is provided having an upper surface to which the material is affixed by the intermediate fixation system. The lower layer is sized such that the outer periphery thereof extends beyond the outer periphery of the material. An upper layer having an outer periphery sized such that it extends beyond the outer periphery of the material is sealed to the upper surface of the lower layer. The upper layer has an opening passing therethrough which is sized such that a portion of the upper layer surrounding the opening overlies and is sealed to the outer periphery of the piece of material on its upper surface. An adhesive layer is applied to the lower surface of the lower layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflector, including at least one flexible reflective element wrapped around a bicycle member, a backing in contact with an first end of the at least one flexible reflective element along a portion of a periphery of the backing, thereby defining a pocket, and a second end of the at least one flexible reflective element placed in between the backing and the at least one flexible reflective element by cooperation of the a second end being held in place by the pocket.

Abstract: The invention relates to an accessory for wheels, including a body, two appendages extending from the body, each of the two appendages having a securing mechanism and an aperture, and each of the two appendages being wrapped around a diameter of a spoke and the securing mechanism being placed in the aperture, thereby securing each of the two appendages about the spoke.

Abstract: A band to be worn on the limb of a person or animal is provided. The band includes an outer member having an inner surface on which is provided one of a mating pair of fastening elements. A strap is attached to the outer member adjacent an end thereof, so as to define a space between the strap the inner surface of the outer member. An elongated inner member formed of a flexible elastic material is also provided. Attached to either end of the inner member are pieces of the other of the mating pair of fastening elements. One end of the inner member passes through the space defined between the strap and the inner surface of the outer member, and both ends thereof are detachably connected to the outer member via the mating pair of fastening elements.

Abstract: A tote bag having an inflatable device such as a vinyl pillow integrally connected thereto is described. The inflatable is attached to a side of the tote bag so that the bag con be converted for a head rest when the pillow is inflated. The inflatable can be attached along selected sides leaving a side open to form a pocket between the inflatable and the tote bag.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a fabric product includes providing a layer of fabric; applying a liquid polymeric material to the layer of fabric in accordance with a pre-selected pattern including at least a peripheral area which corresponds to a shape of the fabric product; curing the polymeric material along the peripheral area, thereby polymeric material-strengthening the layer of fabric at least along the peripheral area; and cutting within and through the polymeric material-strengthened peripheral area to shape the layer, thereby forming a plastic seal around a peripheral edge of the shaped layer of fabric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making retro-reflective articles are described wherein continuous or large sheets of retro-reflective material can be made without visually disturbing seam lines. In one embodiment molds having retro-reflective elements have serrated edges along boundary lines of retro-reflective elements. In another embodiment the molds are provided with mold lines aligned with edges of the molds and so spaced from the edges that molds can be placed adjacent to one another as part of a grid pattern wherein seam lines are a part of the grid pattern and thus visually hidden. Articles made with molds having mold lines exhibit a regular grid pattern, but without an asymmetric seam line appearing on the article.

Abstract: A decorative topper is formed of a laminate of plastic and other suitable materials by RF energy which seals a major portion of a peripheral edge. At least one portion, e.g., one or more edges, is not sealed closed in the original forming of the product. The portion that remains open provides will slide over an object to be decorated. At the opening is a release paper, preferably on both surfaces of the topper, which release paper covers a pressure sensitive adhesive. The process is especially advantageous due to its ability to cut and seal the peripheral edge except at the opening where the material is cut but not sealed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making retro-reflective articles are described which can be made without visually disturbing seam lines, In one embodiment molds having retro-reflective elements have serrated edges along boundary lines of retro-reflective elements are used. In another embodiment the molds are provided with mold lines aligned with edges of the molds and so spaced from the edges that molds can be placed adjacent to one another as part of a grid pattern wherein seam lines are a part of the grid pattern and thus visually hidden. In another embodiment, rather than grid lines being introduced into the molds used to form retro-reflective sheets, the grid lines are formed directly on or in the retro-reflective material itself during or after creation. Articles made with molds having mold lines exhibit a regular grid pattern, but without an asymmetric seam line appearing on the article.

Abstract: A kit includes a retro-reflective sheet made from a flexible plastic material and provided with a plurality of seams, which define therebetween a plurality of detachable warning signs, and a means for attaching these signs to an object so as to increase its conspicuity by reflecting a light beam in a direction reverse to a direction of light incidence.

Abstract: An article of clothing has a trim of thermoplastic material, which encapsulates a peripheral region of a fabric layer and is provided with a multiplayer structure preferably including at least one retroreflective layer. The article of clothing is manufactured in accordance with a sealing method utilizing RF, sonic sealing, heat sealing, and vibration sealing performed simultaneously with cutting excess of the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A kit includes a retro-reflective sheet made from a flexible plastic material and provided with a plurality of seams, which define therebetween a plurality of detachable warning signs, and a means for attaching these signs to an object so as to increase its conspicuity by reflecting a light beam in a direction reverse to a direction of light incidence.

Abstract: A tote bag having an inflatable device such as a vinyl pillow integrally connected thereto is described. The inflatable is attached to a side of the tote bag so that the bag con be converted for a head rest when the pillow is inflated. The inflatable can be attached along selected sides leaving a side open to form a pocket between the inflatable and the tote bag.