Abstract: Pad printing techniques are used to print into recesses to provide high quality, visually distinctive decorative items, including automobile emblems with a recess. To facilitate the pad printing, the recess is provided with angled sidewalls and an arcuate transition. This combination allows the pad to wet the entire printable surface without forming air gaps that would hinder the pad printing process. A rounded shoulder is provided around the recess and the rounded should is free from ink. The rounded shoulder provides a highly visible boundary that reflects light when viewed from different angles.

Abstract: Pad printing techniques are used to print into recesses to provide high quality, visually distinctive decorative items, including automobile emblems with a recess. To facilitate the pad printing, the recess is provided with angled sidewalls and an arcuate transition. This combination allows the pad to wet the entire printable surface without forming air gaps that would hinder the pad printing process. A rounded shoulder is provided around the recess and the rounded should is free from ink. The rounded shoulder provides a highly visible boundary that reflects light when viewed from different angles.

Abstract: Pad printing techniques are used to print into recesses to provide high quality, visually distinctive decorative items, including automobile emblems with a recess. To facilitate the pad printing, the recess is provided with angled sidewalls and an arcuate transition. This combination allows the pad to wet the entire printable surface without forming air gaps that would hinder the pad printing process. A rounded shoulder is provided around the recess and the rounded should is free from ink. The rounded shoulder provides a highly visible boundary that reflects light when viewed from different angles.

Abstract: A frame for a license plate includes top, bottom and side edges which are joined together and have a maximum size such that an outer perimeter of the frame is substantially coextensive with the license periphery. The license plate and frame are joined together to form an assembly which can be received in any recess or other area on an automobile which is sized to receive the license plate.

Abstract: A decorative emblem is formed having a front surface and an opposite back surface. A mold is placed against the back surface. Cavities in the mold are sized and shaped to conform to a desired shape of a locator lug. Flowable plastic is injected into the cavity and sets against the back surface of the emblem.