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: 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.

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: An article capable of being hot stamped with desired lettering or designs comprising a plastic laminate and an overlying carrier film with colored matter attached to an appendage portion of the plastic laminate. The back of the laminate has a pressure-sensitive adhesive protected by a removable covering or backing. The method of imprinting and using the article comprises hot stamping the foil and underlying plastic laminate to form the desired lettering or design, removing the foil and appendage portion from the plastic laminate, removing the protective backing to expose the adhesive and to affix the imprinted laminate to a plaque or other item. The process of imprinting on the article includes hot stamping the laminate to deboss it and transfer the coloring matter to the debossed portions, and removing the carrier film.

Abstract: An article capable of being hot stamped with desired lettering or designs comprising a plastic laminate and an overlying carrier film with colored matter attached to an appendage portion of the plastic laminate. The back of the laminate has a pressure-sensitive adhesive protected by a removable covering or backing. The method of imprinting and using the article comprises hot stamping the foil and underlying plastic laminate to form the desired lettering or design, removing the foil and appendage portion from the plastic laminate, removing the protective backing to expose the adhesive and to affix the imprinted laminate to a plaque or other item. The process of imprinting on the article includes hot stamping the laminate to deboss it and transfer the coloring matter to the debossed portions, and removing the carrier film.