Abstract: An extendable wing system for a fluid-born body has a forward wing and an aft wing pivotably coupled together at a location outward of their wing roots. A linkage mechanism mounted on the body provides both pivoting of the wing roots about a pivot point and translation of the wing roots and their pivot points to extend the joined wings from a stowed position to a deployed position. Translation of the forward wing root pivot point allows the stowed wing system to occupy additional space toward the nose of the body, thereby allowing use of wings having a longer wingspan and greater aspect ratio. The linkage mechanism can also be used to incorporate flight control, such as roll and pitch control, directly into the wing system. In another embodiment, the wings can incorporate actuator elements on or within the wings to effect flight control by deformation of the wing structure.

Abstract: A vehicle trim component defining a storage pocket for mounting on a door panel is formed from first and second portions integrally attached to one another by a living hinge, to initially form a clamshell-type structure. The first portion defines a back wall of the storage pocket. The second portion defines a pair of opposed side walls of the storage pocket. The first and second portions are folded together about the living hinge to form the storage pocket. At least one fastening mechanism connects the first portion to the second portion when the first portion is rotated about the living hinge to the final assembly position adjacent the second portion.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of lattice fins for fluid-born bodies is provided. In one embodiment, lattice fins having a metallic cell structure are manufactured from strips or sheets of metal. In another embodiment, composite lattice fins are manufactured from a log assembly of elongated mandrels covered with a fiber reinforced composite material. After curing, individual fins are sliced from the log assembly. Upon removal of the mandrels, a cell structure is obtained. Combinations of the two embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping which includes a floral holding material and a sheet of fluid impermeable material disposed about the floral holding material. The floral holding material is a preformed shape-sustaining support member which is moveable between an expanded condition and a flattened condition. In the expanded condition the preformed shape-sustaining support member as an open upper end, an open lower end, a peripheral sidewall defining an internal chamber extending between the open upper end and the open lower end thereof and a groove disposed circumferentially about the peripheral sidewall. The peripheral sidewall is provided with creases to facilitate movement of the preformed shape-sustaining support member between the expanding condition and the flattened condition.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for supporting a floral grouping which includes a floral holding material and a sheet of fluid impermeable material. The floral holding material is a preformed shape-sustaining support member, which is selectively movable between an expanded condition and a flattened condition, is provided with a stabilizing assembly for stabilizing the preformed shape-sustaining support member in the expanded condition.

Abstract: An extendable wing system for a fluid-born body has a forward wing and an aft wing pivotably coupled together at a location outward of their wing roots. A linkage mechanism mounted on the body provides both pivoting of the wing roots about a pivot point and translation of the wing roots and their pivot points to extend the joined wings from a stowed position to a deployed position. Translation of the forward wing root pivot point allows the stowed wing system to occupy additional space toward the nose of the body, thereby allowing use of wings having a longer wingspan and greater aspect ratio. The linkage mechanism can also be used to incorporate flight control, such as roll and pitch control, directly into the wing system. In another embodiment, the wings can incorporate actuator elements on or within the wings to effect flight control by deformation of the wing structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming a flower pot cover with an indented ring portion to retain the flower pot cover on the flower pot. The apparatus includes a male and female die. The female die has a plurality of fingers movable radially into an opening of the female die. The male die has a recess formed between the lower end and the upper end and adapted to receive the fingers of the female die to form the indented ring portion of the flower pot cover when the sheet of material is pressed between the female die and the male die.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A decorative cover for use with a plant having substantial horizontal growth is provided, as well as methods of making and using same. The decorative cover includes a base in which the plant can be disposed and a decorative border connected to and extending from the base. The decorative border has a curvilinear, undulating configuration which permits the decorative border to hold, support and cushion individual leaves and petioles of the plant to prevent damage thereto and to accommodate horizontal growth of the leaves and petioles of the plant.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is a shape-sustaining support member having an open upper end, an open lower end and a peripheral sidewall defining an internal chamber extending between the open upper end and the close lower end. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material to form a decorative cover and the decorative cover cooperates with the shape-sustaining support member to define a reservoir for confining a liquid a securing element secures the decorative cover about the shape-sustaining support member and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping wherein the decorative assembly includes a floral holding material and a sheet of fluid impermeable material. The floral holding material is a preformed shape-sustaining support member movable between a flattened condition and an expanded condition. A stabilizing member or assembly is connected to the preformed shape-sustaining support member for stabilizing and maintaining the preformed shape-sustaining member in the expanded condition.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for supporting a floral grouping which includes a floral holding material and a sheet of fluid impermeable material. The floral holding material is a preformed shape-sustaining support member, which is selectively movable between an expanded condition and a flattened condition, is provided with a stabilizing assembly for stabilizing the preformed shape-sustaining support member in the expanded condition.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is a shape-sustaining support member having an open upper end, an open lower end anda peripheral side wall defining an internal chamber extending between the open upper end and the lower end. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material to form a decorative cover and the decorative cover cooperates with the shape-sustaining support member to define a resevoir for confining a liquid, a securing element secures the decorative cover about the shape-sustaining support member and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A decorative assembly having a shape-sustaining support member and a decorative cover. The shape-sustaining support member defines an internal chamber and has a plurality of pleats extending from an open upper end and terminating a distance from an open lower end thereof. The shape-sustaining support member is constructed of a semi-circular sheet of flexible material having a plurality of score lines extending radially from a centrally disposed recess. When the sheet of flexible material is formed into the shape-sustaining support member, the score lines assist the formation of the pleats. The decorative cover is formed from a sheet of fluid impermeable material disposed about the shape-sustaining support member. The decorative cover cooperates with the internal chamber of the shape-sustaining support member to define a reservoir for confining liquid when the decorative cover is disposed about the shape-sustaining support member.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is a shape-sustaining support member having an open upper end, an open lower end and a peripheral sidewall defining an internal chamber extending between the open upper end and the close lower end. A plurality fo apertures are provided in the peripheral sidewall of the floral holding material, each aperture adapted to receive a stem portion of a floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material to form a decorative cover and the decorative cover cooperates with the shape-sustaining support member to define a reservoir for confining a liquid and a securing element secures the decorative cover about the shape-sustaining support member to hold the decorative cover about the floral holding material.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for supporting a floral grouping which includes a floral holding material and a sheet of fluid impermeable material. The floral holding material is a preformed shape-sustaining support member, which is selectively movable between an expanded condition and a flattened condition, is provided with a stabilizing assembly for stabilizing the preformed shape-sustaining support member in the expanded condition.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping wherein the decorative assembly includes a floral holding material and a sheet of fluid impermeable material. The floral holding material is a preformed shape-sustaining support member movable between a flattened condition and an expanded condition. A stabilizing member or assembly is connected to the preformed shape-sustaining support member for stabilizing and maintaining the preformed shape-sustaining member in the expanded condition.

Abstract: Curled decorative grass having a variety of configurations and methods for making such decorative grass is provided which, because of its increased bulk, can also be used as a packing material, an animal bedding, cat litter, mulch for soil and a media for plants. The curled decorative grass is produced by curling a substantially flat sheet of material and thereafter cutting the resulting curled sheet of material, or by cutting a pre-curled material.

Abstract: A decorative cover for use with a plant having substantial horizontal growth is provided, as well as methods of making and using same. The decorative cover includes a base in which the plant can be disposed and a decorative border connected to and extending from the base. The decorative border has a curvilinear, undulating configuration which permits the decorative border to hold, support and cushion individual leaves and petioles of the plant to prevent damage thereto and to accommodate horizontal growth of the leaves and petioles of the plant.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.