Abstract: Curled decorative grasses and methods for producing same are disclosed wherein the curled decorative grasses have improved bulk and simulate Spanish moss in color and appearance.

Abstract: An artificial turf system that includes a base and a turf assembly. The base is readily constructed, at least in part, from naturally occurring ground elements that are present upon initiation of the construction of the base. The base is constructed to include a drainage mechanism that is disposed near the surface of the base. The turf assembly is laid out upon the base and is constructed to pass fluid, e.g., water, therethrough such that the fluid is specifically directed to the drainage mechanism of the base as it moves through the turf assembly. The turf assembly includes a plurality of layers such as an impermeable moisture barrier layer, a drainage layer, a filtering layer, and a turf mat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breast prosthesis for breast-amputated women with a flexible plastic body comprising two plastic sheets connected to each other along their common edge and a plastic mass enclosed between the two plastic sheets, wherein the plastic body has a front side formed to resemble the contour of the natural breast and a back side capable of facing the torso of the person, and an elastically deformeable thin part secured with its edge to the back side of the plastic body. In order to improve the wear comfort of the breast prosthesis, the thin part is secured to the plastic body inside the common edge of the connected plastic sheets.

Abstract: A solventless node adhesive for use in bonding honeycomb layers together. The node adhesive includes thermoset resin and thermoplastic particles dispersed in the adhesive. The node adhesive is applied to the honeycomb node lines while the thermoplastic particles remain dispersed in the adhesive. The amount of thermoplastic particles in the node adhesive is selected to keep the viscosity of the adhesive between 30 and 150 poise at room temperature. The node adhesive may be applied to the honeycomb nodes using conventional application procedures. The thermoplastic particles are dissolved during heat curing of the thermoset resin to form a thermoplastic toughened node adhesive.

Abstract: Decorative elements and decorative grass provided with a substantially flat configuration which, upon activation, can assume a curled or crimped configuration, preferably at the point of sale or point of use, as well as methods for producing same.

Abstract: A method of forming a mirror housing according to the present invention includes providing a molding apparatus having a molding cavity, placing a film appliqué in the mold cavity and injecting a polymer into the mold cavity over at least a portion of a side of the film appliqué to form a housing wall of the mirror housing wherein the film appliqué adheres to the substrate forming the housing wall. Preferably, the mold apparatus comprises an injection molding apparatus which injects a heated polymer into the mold cavity for forming the housing wall of the mirror housing. The film appliqué preferably matches the color of the vehicle or provides a color accent, wood grain finish, or a metallic finish or the like to provide a decorative appearance to the mirror assembly but without the noise associated with the conventional detachable skull cap designs.

Abstract: Methods for making decorative grasses from materials wherein at least one surface of the material is modified to assimilate the appearance of cloth.

Abstract: In a trim part for decorative purposes, especially in the interior, and in this case preferably for the interior trim of the passenger compartments of vehicles, a cover layer of natural stone is applied to the visible side of a base part. For this purpose, the negative shape of the base part is machined from a natural stone block and the two are combined permanently to form a sandwich. Then the surface is machined on the visible side, and finally clear lacquer is applied.

Abstract: A method for making a natural botanical sculpture that captures the plant's form and beauty is provided. A plant or plant part is used as an armature in the creation of a durable representation of the plant. The outer surface of the organic material is plastered with a viscous paste composition that includes composed of an adhesive, a synthetic latex resin prepared by emulsion polymerization, and a thickener. The paste dries to produce an inflexible and air-tight encasement. The plant is permanently preserved within the encasement.

Abstract: The method comprises a first step of applying liquid wax to a mold formed by a plurality of projections conjugate with the cells of the honeycomb in a manner such that the filling of the spaces of the mold with molten wax is complemented by the formation of an upper plate interconnecting the various cells, then proceeding with the molding of the half honeycomb and subsequent cooling to enable the half honeycomb to be removed from the mold. The apparatus has two parallel, endless belts separated by a space slightly larger than the height of a half honeycomb and driven in a manner such that the adjacent passes have the same speed and direction of movement, a mold constituted by a plurality of rows of silicone projections of a shape conjugate with the cells being fitted on one of the belts.

Abstract: A fiber glass mat especially useful for bonding to wood contains glass fibers and a “B” staged resin, and the method of making the mat, are disclosed. A substantial portion of the resin binder can be a furfural alcohol, phenol formaldehyde, melamine formaldehyde, or any other resin that can be “B” staged.

Abstract: The invention is a process of simulating rough bark on an artificial tree comprising the steps of coating the artificial tree surface with a thin layer of plastic foam and exposing the foam to a blast of concentrated heat sufficient to collapse part of the foam structure.

Abstract: A formable decoration including an elongate formable member, decorative greenery, and attachment apparatus. The attachment apparatus attaches the decorative greenery to the formable member. The formable decoration may be formed into a decorative shape such as a straight line, an arch, a candy cane, and a wreath. The formable decoration may then be reformed into multiple decorative shapes.

Abstract: An imitation tree comprising a fluid bearing support stand and a plurality of natural boughs attached to the stand, a method of making same and a support stand for attaching boughs thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of manufacturing a metal foil card having a metal surface by integrally attaching a transparent plastic laminating sheet to one side of the metal foil card as thin as 0.01 mm to 1 mm to form a plastic supporting layer, so that the tactile impression of the metal can be retained. Moreover, the metal foil is supported and reinforced by a plastic supporting layer so as to reduce the thickness of the expensive metal while providing better flexibility. The metal foil card is more easier to be cut or folded than a metal having the same thickness.

Abstract: A eucalyptus floral product and a method for producing the same is provided. The floral product is non-perishable and permanent, while appearing to be naturally grown as opposed to artificially manufactured. The eucalyptus leaf floral product comprises a plurality of eucalyptus leaves attached to a central stem to substantially resemble a corolla. Additionally, the corolla preferably resembles a rosette. The central stem is preferably a length of wire, and the eucalyptus leaves are preferably preserved eucalyptus leaves. The corolla includes an underside, and a plurality of smaller eucalyptus leaves attached to the underside of the corolla form to substantially resemble a calyx. Additionally, the leaves can be soaked in a mildly acidic solution, such as vinegar, before the leaves are formed into the floral product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a taxidermy system and method for recreating the head of an animal species. The taxidermy system comprises a taxidermy form in the shape of the head portion of the animal species, at least one eye socket in the taxidermy form and at least one eye insert to be placed within the at least one eye socket. Each eye insert is formed by a simulated eyeball and a capsule surrounding said eyeball. The capsule is formed from a flexible, shape memory material configured to have details such as representations of muscle, eyebrow, and eyelids.

Abstract: A coated synthetic resin tile comprising a base portion and a veneer said base comprising a moisture impervious material such as a thermoset or thermoplastic resin. A filler of up to about 10% calcium carbonate having a 2 (two) sigma particle size between about 5.11 and 6.18 microns and an aluminum trihydrate flame retardant of about 60%-70% having a two (2) sigma particle size of between about 42.38 and 58.72 microns and an aluminum trihydrate of about 20%-40% having a two (2) sigma particle size of between about 8.26 and 9.68 microns to provide a class A flame spread rating. The veneer comprising a layer selected from the group consisting of an acrylic impregnated wood veneer and a hardwood veneer having a vinyl upper layer bonded to said base portion with a polyurethane adhesive.

Abstract: A method of making coated synthetic resin tile. A resin admixture is formed and cured to form a tile base. The tile base is sized and gauged to a desired size, followed by mating an upper veneer layer on the tile. The upper layer is selected from the group consisting of an acrylic impregnated wood veneer and a hardwood veneer having a vinyl upper layer. The veneer is bonded to the tile base with a fabric and an adhesive and pressure. The veneer mated tile is then sized to a final desired tile size and configuration.

Abstract: A process to treat bamboo comprises splitting a bamboo shoot lengthwise into at least two separate bamboo lengths, and removing any internal membranes and external nodes from the bamboo lengths. The split bamboo lengths are treated to remove substantially all sugars present in said lengths, following which they are dried to a moisture content of less than about 3%. The bamboo lengths are then rehumidified to a predetermined moisture content of greater than about 3%. Then, optionally, a first plurality of the bamboo lengths suitable to form a core for a laminated bamboo article may be uniformly sized, and a second plurality of the bamboo lengths suitable to form an outer surface for a laminated bamboo article may be uniformly sized. A core may then be formed with a uniform first plurality of the lengths by laminating the first plurality of lengths together, and at least one outer surface layer may be formed with a uniform second plurality of the lengths by laminating the second plurality of lengths together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of applying a nailwrap to a human nail. The method includes depositing an effective amount of a polymerization catalyst on the nailwrap, placing the nailwrap on a portion of the nail, and depositing a first layer of a monomer over the nailwrap to simulate a human nail. By depositing the polymerization catalyst on the nailwrap, polymerization of the monomer occurs from the bulk, i.e., the surface of the human nail, and proceeds to the surface of the artificial nail structure. The invention also relates to a nailwrap for use on a human nail with a monomer to support an artificial nail structure. The nailwrap includes a woven fiber and an effective amount of a polymerization catalyst embedded in the fiber to substantially polymerize the monomer.

Abstract: An artificial flower is provided that comprises a plurality of petals and a core. The process for making the flower is also provided and includes the steps of flattening, tapering, and applying petals. The petals can be flattened by a specialized flattening machine comprised of a top paper roll, a bottom paper roll, a pair of thickness rollers and a rotating means. The petals can be tapered by a specialized tapering machine comprised of a pressure roller and a gum rubber belt.

Abstract: A film applique in the form of a silhouette of the rear view of a human head applied to the rear window of a vehicle, the film being a semi-transparent reflective film of the type normally used as a tinting for vehicle window glass. The tinting film provides a reflective surface when illuminated, thereby giving the impression of occupants in the vehicle.

Abstract: Decorated nails and methods therefor preferably using tissue paper and metallic foils. Crumbled pieces of metallic foil or pieces of tissue paper are mixed with a substantially clear polish and applied to a nail with the pieces in an overlapping relationship or immediately adjacent one another to present a textured or stained-glass effect, respectively. Alternatively, a thin layer of a metallic foil or tissue paper may be affixed to the nail over an adhesive layer. A substantially clear top sealing layer is applied over the decorated nail.

Abstract: There are disclosed novel composite materials in which polypropylene is reinforced by the inclusion of bamboo fibers. Preferably the polypropylene may be maleated prior to inclusion of the bamboo fibers in order to promote bonding between the bamboo fibers and the polypropylene matrix.

Abstract: An insulator material made from rice husks is provided for producing a bulk insulator, characterized by a density in the range from 200 through 250 kg/m.sup.3 in the packaged condition. A method for the manufacture of insulator material from rice husks as well as method for producing a bulk insulator from rice husks are also provided.

Abstract: A device and method for making artificial eyes. The device uses either photographs of a patient's eye, or, the patient's eye is digitally scanned. This digital image can then be read, manipulated and changed on a computer screen using common software. Once the image is perfected, it can be printed with a color laser printer. The image (either a digital printout or photograph) can then be cut and attached to an iris button. To prevent smearing of the image during the curing, a formed bonnet is placed between the iris button and the cornea. This bonnet absorbs the compression of the cornea during curing, thereby preventing smearing of the image.

Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree 10 having several branch segment assemblies 14-18 is disclosed, and further having electrically activated lights 46, 48, and 50 which are predisposed or preassembled upon the tree. Also disclosed is a method for automatically winding or placing the lights upon tree 10.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a thermoformable acrylic resin sheet having a granite-like appearance after thermoforming, wherein ground particles of a methyl methacrylate resin which has been slightly cross-linked by means of 0.005-0.2 wt. % of a polyfunctional monomer, said particles having a size smaller than 1 mm, are incorporated in an amount of 0.3-1.5 wt. % into a liquid methyl methacrylate matrix resin composition containing a cross-linking monomer in an amount which is sufficient for effecting cross-linking of the matrix resin to a degree which is equal to or higher than the degree of cross-linking of the ground resin particles, at least one of the resin particles and the matrix resin composition containing a coloring material providing a color difference between them, whereupon the liquid mixture is brought into a flat mold and is kept therein to allow the resin particles to settle and the mixture is then polymerized to produce the thermoformable acrylic resin sheet.

Abstract: A decorative device is disclosed having a pair of ties and a plurality of individual decorative elements including a primary component joining the ties intermediate their ends with the remaining elements being independently movable along their respective tie relative to the primary element to be gathered into adjacent relation to one another, trailing ends of the ties being attachable to one another, forming an assembled ornamental object.

Abstract: An artificial log assembly is disclosed. The artificial log assembly includes first and second concrete portions and a ceramic portion disposed between the first and second concrete portions. The concrete portions are easily and economically formed to an appearance of natural firewood, and the ceramic portion provides a "glowing effect" of burning embers when heated. Also disclosed is a log assembly system utilizing dual gas burners of different flame temperatures.

Abstract: An artificial flower capable of exhibiting, with a lapse of time, a variation in color development sufficient to provide a user with visual pleasure as in a natural flower. The artificial flower includes a stem formed into an appearance like a stalk and and the like and constructed so as to suck up water by a capillary action, a receiver formed into an appearance like a receptacle and the like and constructed so as to permit an upper end of the stem to be upwardly inserted therethrough, a corolla section made of a material which exhibits a capillary action when it is wetted, a water-soluble pigment arranged at a central portion of the corolla section, and a holder adapted to be forcedly inserted into the receiver at the central portion of the corolla section, resulting in fixing the central portion of the corolla section in the receiver while keeping the central portion in contact with the upper end of the stem.

Abstract: Articles emulative of, and methods for making, artificial roses. Non-destructive, dry fashioning methods are used to produce artificial rose buds and fuller rose blooms from (a) rectangular sheet(s) of foldable and creasable material. A bud is made by various formative methods that create, in the first instance, an essentially tubular construct, one end of which is crimped and wound with florist wire, and the other end which appears with petal-like curls and pseudo-involution. Petal pairs made of a single sheet of the material are added, as desired, to acquire more mature-looking rose blooms. Throughout the method, no cutting, gluing or other mutilation of the workpiece sheet is employed.

Abstract: A resilient support member is provided for supporting a sidewalk, road surface, etc. The support member is formed of tire particles and a polyurethane binder. The tire particles have a size such that 100% of the particles will pass through a three inch sieve and about 95% of the particles will be retained on a half-inch sieve. The tire particles form about 80% to 95% by weight of the support member and the polyurethane forms about 5% to 20% by weight of the support member.

Abstract: A method of producing realistic, artificial tree bark from an original natural tree initially includes forming a mold by applying a flexible rubber molding onto a selected tree. The mold is removed as a sheet and spread flat. An in-mold coating and an isocyanate and polyol containing compound is applied and allowed to cure. The bark is thereafter removed from the mold. Various colors may be added either as pre-mixed or after. Reinforcing materials may also be used.

Abstract: A process and a composite adhesive composition for applying artificial nails eliminate the need for fabrics or the application of initiators, solvents or catalysts as part of the nail application process. A preferred form of the composition comprises: cyanoacrylate adhesive and a powdered, polymeric filler in a stable, clear suspension, preferably having a viscosity of from about 100 to about 1000 cP as measured by a Brookfield viscometer at 25.degree. C. using a No. 1 spindle at 20 rpm, formed for example from two cyanoacrylates, one having a viscosity of less than about 100 cP and the other having a viscosity of at least 1000 cP. The powdered, polymeric filler enhances the strength of the cured cyanoacrylate and preferably comprises poly (ethyl methacrylate).

Abstract: A decorative three-dimensional figure or other shaped object clad in a transparent, synthetic plastic film conforming to the contours of the object and exuding a fragrance whose scent is appropriate to the nature of the object. Thus when the object is a Christmas tree ornament, the fragrance may then simulate the aroma of pine needles. To clad the object it is first enveloped in a foraminated sheet of shrink wrap film that is impregnated with a volatile liquid fragrance, the sheet then being heated to cause it to shrink and conform to the contours of the object whereby the clad object then proceeds to emit the fragrance for a prolonged period.

Abstract: The invention is a false eyelash system, for producing unknotted clusters of false eyelashes from long fibers. A plurality of long fibers are knotted around a main string with a preliminary knot. The long fibers are trimmed a distance away from the main string that corresponds to a desired eyelash length. Cement is applied to the preliminary knot and discernible distance therefrom to form a cement clot. The preliminary knot is removed by cutting through the cement clot to form unknotted clusters of false eyelashes.

Abstract: Inorganic or organic particles have been used in the past as paper additives for hot-pressed forms to impart the pattern of granite thereto, but when these are boiled in hot water, for example, an uncountable number of small blisters result, lowering the commercial value of the product; however, according to the present invention it is possible to obtain an additive for forming patterns by grinding to desired particle sizes colored paper which has undergone water-resistance treatment with a thermosetting resin, and by selecting the color of the colored paper, a pattern may be selected as desired having spots of any desired color or size. With patterned paper manufactured by adding these paper additives during the paper manufacturing process, there is no occurrence of the above mentioned blisters and a clear pattern may be formed, and therefore hot-pressed forms utilizing have a natural granite image.

Abstract: A toy flower maker is made of two flat adjacent plates, a roller disposed through one plate and engaging the second plate, and a slot disposed near the bottom for insertion and retention of a tie for tying the toy flower after it is made. In operation, a flexible paper is placed in between the plates and adjacent the roller; the roller is rotated to transport the paper toward the end of the plates, where the paper engages the tie inserted into the slot. When the sheet is substantially transported past the roller, the tie is secured around the sheet, and the edges of the paper are spread radially outward, forming the toy flower.

Abstract: A unique climbing structure that is durable, lightweight and easy to assemble is provided. The structure is based on the use of polystyrene foam blocks attached to a support structure. The polystyrene can be cut to be irregularly shaped like a normal rock, and can be shaped with larger dimensions and depth than other techniques, giving a more realistic structure. The shaped polystyrene foam is covered with a hard coating to give the exterior a rock-like appearance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a field containing artificial grass consisting of a substructure and a top layer provided thereon, wherein the top layer is a nutrient medium (50) which contains regularly spaced fibers (1) which, when seen in the longitudinal direction of the fiber, extend further into the ground than above the ground, with natural grass (2) seeded between the fibers in a nutrient medium (5) on the substructure (3). The invention also relates to artificial fibers to be used with a field containing artificial grass wherein the fibers have a length of 20 60 cm. The invention further relates to a device for inserting artificial fibers into the ground, said device consisting of one or more planting pins (25), which are disposed perpendicularly to a frame (40), one or more tubes (20) being placed in a sliding frame (41) for supplying the fibers (30) to a location under the planting pin (25).

Abstract: This invention provides an artificial flower that can be magnetically attached to a car or any other metallic surface. The flower has a hollow conduit that fits into central openings in flower corollas and into which a stem fits. At the bottom of the stem is attached a downwardly facing cup that contains an extending magnet fixed in place by an adhesive. When the flower is assembled its components are locked in place by a resilient locking head which is pushed through and extends beyond the end of the conduit when in its locked position.

Abstract: A decoration is formed by feeding a flat sheet of material between a pair of rotating rollers having intermeshed teeth which produce a series of pleats in the sheet. The pleats are gathered together by placing the pleated sheet between a pair of parallel, spaced apart plates and then moving a compressor plate between the spaced apart plates to compact the pleats. A tie can be fastened around the compacted, pleated sheet to hold the pleats in a gathered state. The tied sheet is removed from between the plates and ends of the gathered pleats are fanned out on at least on side of the tie. Apparatus for pleating the sheet and compressing the pleats is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of three-dimensional hollow novelty items and their manufacture, particularly items such as artificial pumpkins that the consumer desires to carve or alter after purchase. Disclosed is a carvable novelty article, such as an artificial Halloween pumpkin, comprising a polyurethane shell substantially surrounding an interior volume and having a thin, elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic, on the exterior surface of the shell. The carvable article can be formed by an inventive process in which polyurethane foam material, such as material having a nominal density of about 2.5-3.0 pounds per cubic foot, is sprayed from a nozzle rotating with respect to the inside of a mold. After the polyurethane foam article and the mold are separated, the article is coated with an elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic material that is applied as a liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and manufacture of creating an ornamental miniature tree comprising a decorated pine cone that has been treated with a fire retardant, strung with miniature holiday lights and uprightly attached to a base.

Abstract: A decorative facing can be placed on a block so as to render an ordinary block decorative. This provides the advantage of reducing transportation costs, since locally produced construction blocks can be used in place of the glazed blocks produced at a relatively limited number of facilities. The facing in addition to being decorative enhances the water impermeability of the block and facilitates clean-up.

Abstract: New and improved sod mats of grasses, nutritional plants and ornamental plants have been developed for many garden and landscape applications. The improvement comprises growing plants whose roots penetrate and entangle with an improved nonwoven sod reinforcement to form versatile sod mats. Nonwoven sod reinforcements contain apertures to facilitate uniform water infiltration and root wetting. The sod mats can be produced with many diverse planting mediums and in both large and small sizes. Sod mats may be sod in rolls or in rectangular mats.

Abstract: A method of making an artificial flower by fastening an artificial flower to a processed genuine flower stem by a bonding agent. The artificial flower is obtained by I) selecting the core of the stem of a woody plant as a base material and then using a plane to plane the base material into plain strips according to a predetermined width, length and thickness; II) putting the plain strips into a punching die and then punching them into patterned strips; III) dipping the patterned strips in an aromatic solution at room temperature for 35 to 45 minutes; IV) putting the patterned strips thus obtained from step III) into a dye bath and dying the patterned-colored strips; V) putting the patterned-colored strips into a form setting solution heated to 80.degree. C. and then setting the patterned-color strips into desired shapes; VI) drying the shape-formed strips thus obtained from step V); VII) cooling down the shape-formed strips thus obtained from step VI) in a refrigerator at 7.degree. C.

Abstract: The artificial cattail of the present invention includes a stem made from a wooden dowel, and a blossom made from a tubular polyethylene form cord coated with flocking. Synthetic or real leaves are attached to the stem. The artificial cattails can be any color. In making the artificial cattails, the stem is inserted through the tubular cord, which is then coated with adhesive and sprayed with the flocking material.