Abstract: A method of making artificial flowers and flowers made by the method which includes rolling one end of a strip of fabric about itself to form the center of the flower and then repetitively extending part of the free end outwardly and then folding it at an angle to its axis so that it lies adjacent the center to form a petal, the petals being spaced about the center and completing the flower by tying the free end of the strip and the lower ends of the petals about the center of the flower.

Abstract: A double-sided, pressure sensitive adhesive tape is dimensioned to form a tab for covering a substantial portion of a human nail, permitting one side of the tab to be secured to the human nail, and the other side of the tab to be secured to an artificial nail, thereby providing a means for both mounting an artificial nail to a human nail, and for reinforcing the artificial nail.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apertured camouflage material where the apertures are made as arcuate slits so that tongues are formed (FIGS. 4A, 4B). The material is a laminate of a supporting layer to which is applied a plastics layer which is initially under internal tensional stress, the tongues curling outwards when the internal stresses are activated by the slitting and heat (see FIG. 4B) thus forming a three-dimensional camouflage sheet. The pre-stressed material is blown low density polyethylene film.

Abstract: A system and method for forming flat temporary seams between two sections of synthetic turf are disclosed. The synthetic turf includes a synthetic turf material having a polymeric backing thereon. A strip of the polymeric backing is removed along a first edge of a first section of synthetic turf and a first web of mated surface fastener material is fastened to the underside of the synthetic turf material along that edge. A strip of synthetic turf material is removed from the polymeric backing along a second edge of a second section of synthetic turf and a thickness of polymeric backing substantially equal to two mated webs of mated surface fastener material is removed from the exposed lip of polymeric backing. A second web of mated surface fastener material is then fastened to the exposed lip of polymeric backing along the second edge. A flat temporary seam may then be formed by overlapping and mating the first and second web of mated surface fastener material.

Abstract: A method of producing a hand-hewn look in a false wood beam. The beam is formed from a planar laminate composed of a foam core sandwiched between an outer cover and an inner multiply paper backing. The laminate is rolled along its length, with the outer cover on the outside of the roll, to produce creases in the laminate along irregular, longitudinally spaced lines. These creases create irregular surface facets which, with the laminate unrolled, appear as irregular cutting planes in the laminate's outer cover.

Abstract: A method of making a kit of component pieces of board to be assembled, joined, and finished to reproduce a carving comprises the steps of joining a given number of pieces of board having substantially the same thickness into a multilayer block with an adhesive readily soluble in a solvent, carving the block into an original figure, dissolving the adhesive away from the block with the solvent and thereby separating the block into contoured pieces of board, tracing the contours of the separate pieces on a drawing paper, and then blanking or otherwise cutting a set of reproduced pieces out of a board in accordance with the drawing.

Abstract: An automatic artificial Christmas tree using an improved one-piece plastic molded branch holding ring and spacer combination for use with twisted wire stem branches or other suitable metal wire branches without the need to resort to individual branch attaching connectors. According to the disclosed method of assembly, the branches used have a straight wire stem. The stem of each branch is first inserted into a branch receiving radial slot of a branch holder. Its free end is then raised upwardly from the horizontal position to the vertical or beyond to form a hook for pivotally connecting the branch to the holder.

Abstract: A modelling method comprises building up walls 10 or like structures of individual wooden blocks 11 representing bricks and cardboard strips representing bed joints 12 and cross joints 13.A model kit comprises such blocks and strips.

Abstract: A method of resurfacing a worn wooden bowling lane comprises the steps of (a) smoothing the worn lane surface to a uniform level, (b) securing suitable underlayment panels to the surface of selected lane sections exposed to direct ball impact, (c) securing decorative panels of intermediate-density resin-bonded particle board to the surface of the remaining lane sections exposed only to rolling ball contact, and (d) securing a decorative, impact- and abrasion-resistant plastic laminate to the underlayment panels. The decorative panels simulate the appearance and bowling characteristics of natural wooden lanes.

Abstract: A method of making a mandrel for a breast prosthesis in which a negative cast is formed of the wearer's remaining breast and the area of the missing breast. A positive cast is formed of the negative cast and a model is made of the missing breast. A flexible mold is formed over the modeled breast and a portion of the positive cast. The flexible mold together with the molded breast are removed from the positive cast. An additional flexible mold is formed over the rear of the modeled breast to form a rear wall. The rear wall is removed and the modeled breast is discarded. The forward and rear walls are secured together to form a cavity. Fiberglass resin fill is inserted into the cavity and the resin is cured until it hardens to form the mandrel.

Abstract: An improvement in a bowling lane having a decorative laminate surface which improvement comprises incorporating into the core of the laminate a plurality of alternating layers of glass cloth and crepe paper, each core layer being impregnated with a thermosetting resin and an organic fire retardant material, contiguous and adjacent core layers being interlaminarly bonded to one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing high reliability ultrasonic bonds by monitoring the force required to separate the bonding tool from the wire after the bonding operation. This force which is required to break an incidental bond between the tool and the wire is related to the quality of the primary bond of the wire to a conductor terminal. The output of a transducer is proportional to the force and it may be coupled to a visual display, alarm, or computer for trend analysis.

Abstract: An artificial flower making method is provided in which realistic looking pom-pon type flowers are fashioned from a single strand of yarn or twice, suitably of the heavy knitting yarn type, by first arranging a portion of the yarn on a novel notched circular template to form six or other even number of yarn spokes, spirally weaving and interlocking the remainder of the yarn with said spokes from the center outward to cover a major portion of the area of said template, joining the starting and finishing ends of the yarn to each other and to a deformable stem member at the center of said template, cutting the yarn portions at the center of the reverse side of the template to thereby release the woven assemblage from the template, and inverting the woven assemblage by bringing said reverse side cut yarn portions around to, and joining them to said stem member, whereby the side of the woven assemblage which had been adjacent the template bulges outwardly to a puffed pom-pon like configuration.

Abstract: A bowling lane having a decorative laminate surface in which the lane approach surface and the lane surface proper has a finish which provides a 60 degree gloss below about 30 in the machine direction as measured according to NEMA Standard 8-19-1964.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an artificial rose bud primarily from a rectangular fabric section. With the rectangular fabric section positioned with a short side on the right, the right edge is folded down to a position near the lower edge to form a bias fold extending from the lower right-hand corner to a point on the top edge near the upper left-hand corner. The upper left-hand corner is then folded to a point near the lower left-hand corner and between that corner and the folded position of the upper right-hand corner. The lower right-hand corner is then folded to a point near the lower left-hand corner and between that corner and the folded position of the upper left-hand corner. The left and lower edges are then pleated and thereby formed into a bundle about the lower left-hand corner of the fabric section. A small diameter shaft forming a stem is preferably positioned on the fabric section before the first fold is made so that after pleating, the bundle is formed about the shaft.

Abstract: A decorative holder for an implement such as a pen, pencil, or thermometer comprising an interwoven base portion including a series of substantially concentric tiers of loops and supporting means for supporting the implement. The holder is made by a method which substantially conceals the intersections of the strand of pliant material from which the base portion is formed to provide a holder having a neat and decorative appearance.

Abstract: An artificial flower is made by receiving the wire filaments of a plurality of petals in the passages of an elongated receptacle thereby holding the petals and wire filaments in a predetermined array or "whorl" pattern, with a main stem wire also being received in the receptacle and the tip ends of the wire filaments which extend a distance below the receptacle being twisted in a convoluted course about the stem wire thereby to anchor securely the petal components to the main stem wire. Florist tape is wound in an overlaying course on the main stem wire, over the twisted tip ends of the wire filaments and onto the receptacle to further enhance the anchorage of the petal assembly and to impart a natural appearance to the flower structure.

Abstract: A decorative butterfly and the method and assembly of constructing the same. The decorative butterfly includes a central portion with a center line passing therethrough and a wing disposed on each side of the center line and extending from the central portion. Each of the wings has a plurality of pleats extending radially from the central portion.The method of forming the decorative butterfly includes the steps of forming a plurality of parallel and alternately oppositely folded up and down pleats in a sheet of material. The pleats are secured together at a central portion on the center line which passes perpendicularly through the pleats while allowing the pleats to fan out from the center portion on either side of the center line.

Abstract: A two stage panel suitable as a bowling lane comprising a decorative laminate sheet bonded in situ to a substrate selected from the group consisting of natural wood, consolidated wood fibers, plywood, flakeboard, chipboard and hardwood. The plastic laminate sheet comprises a plurality of thermosetting resin impregnated core sheets, a melamine resin impregnated decorative fibrous print sheet and an overlying melamine resin containing protective layer. The surface of the bowling lane so produced is characterized by a falling ball impact resistance of at least 60 inches, a coefficient of friction of at least about 0.16 and a Taber abrasion resistance at least about 500 cycles.

Abstract: A molded artificial log for burning and producing heat comprising sawdust, wax, cotton lint, a hardwood charcoal powder, and a binder is disclosed. A specific proportion of the components are mixed together and molded by an extrusion device to produce a long burning artificial log. The artificial logs have general use in fireplaces and wood burning stoves and are substantially made of renewable plant components and waste products providing an environmentally valuable energy resource.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing model statues or profile pictures wherein a base shape or body and various components are made from a flexible material, such as synthetic resins, clay, gypsum, wood or rubber. The various components are glued in place on the body. A thin covering of cloth or paper is then placed over the body with the glued components to apply an even finish to the surface of the body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of constructing simulated vegetation for models. The method encompasses the steps of providing a substrate of non-ferrous light-penetrable fibrous material having a light penetrability of at least 50% and applying an adhesive to this substrate. The substrate is then at least partially covered with a non-ferrous leaf simulating material of ground rubber-like foam particles. It is contemplated that a preferred form of covering the substrate with the particles is by spraying the particles onto the substrate after the adhesive is applied.

Abstract: A leather-like material with a high degree of air permeability, good abrasion resistance and resistance to cracking at low temperatures comprising a porous fibrous substrate having fibers extending from a surface thereof, and a polymer layer secured substantially exclusively along said extending fibers and forming a discontinuous polymer phase and a continuous pore phase, said leather-like material having a surface luster of the same order of magnitude as top-grain leather.

Abstract: The process for forming simulated marble disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,886 is significantly improved by applying the spatter backing composition sequentially in a plurality of superimposed layers, which are respectively graduated stepwise in surface coverage from about 20% coverage in the first, applied directly over the veining composition, up to a total surface coverage of about 80%, except on vertical or steeply sloping surfaces of articles such as bathroom fixtures where the surface coverage is between about 40% and 50%. This results in a rich and variegated depth of field and a muting of the veining and produces a product that more nearly simulates natural marble than is true of the previously patented process.

Abstract: A hand-controlled puppet having a conical-shaped support member which includes a hollowed-out central area and a thin wall and which terminates in a small aperture at the tip and in a large aperture at the base of the conical-shaped support member wherein the apertures and hollowed-out central area of the cone are in axial alignment; an elongated rod which extends axially through the hollowed-out central area and past and beyond the small aperture at the tip and past and beyond the large aperture at the base and which is adapted to be moved vertically and to be rotated in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction in any vertical position; a simulated puppet head mounted on the base end of the elongated rod; a bilaminar covering having a back and front and a pair of opposed extending arms which are adapted to have the elongated rod extend therebetween and wherein an elongated back portion and the interior of the back and front of the bilaminar covering as well as the head are adhered to the elongated rod exte

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making camouflage from sheets of multi-colored coated fabric. The coated fabric is formed by sandwiching the base fabric between two films of fused polyvinyl chloride film; the two films are tightly bonded to the base fabric. Each film is formed by applying the different - colored plastisols to preselected portions of a carrier web, and then overcoating these colored portions of the web and any uncoated portions of the web with a plastisol of another color. After each of the two multi-colored films is created, they are bonded to the base fabric while the films are still attached to the carrier web; then each carrier web is stripped from the outsides of the finished multi-colored, coated fabric. These multi-colored coated fabrics are cut into sheets which are attached to a net to make the camouflage screen.

Abstract: A landscape blanket to be used as ground cover in which particles such as crushed stone, marble chips and the like are arranged in a substantially single layer and are held together to form a blanket by sheets of transparent plastic material which conform to the shape of the particles and are bonded thereto without the use of adhesive. The plastic sheets are bonded to the particles by forcing them into contact with the particles while the plastic sheets are in a softened condition.

Abstract: To make imitation coal elements, in the form of pellets or lumps which will glow and radiate heat effectively when heated by a gas flame in an open-type firegrate, use is made of raw ceramic bulk fibers. An appropriate mass thereof is moistened with a stiffening agent such as potato starch and is then squeezed to shape it into its pellet or lump shape and to express any excess stiffening agent; then it is baked to set the stiffening agent and fix the shape of the pellet or lump. Thereafter the element is colored by use of a black metallic oxide/colloidal sodium silicate impregnant which is applied twice in successive dipping and baking operations.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of tubular articles, made from synthetic thermoplastic materials, which resemble wood, rattan, bamboo, cane, reed, wicker, reed, rush, and similar natural materials, and also to the production of furniture, structures, and every kind of ornament in general employing thermoplastic materials which replace the natural materials mentioned above, coloring and veining such thermoplastic materials, and also joining and securing by means of ties made from rigid, semi-rigid or plastified polyvinyl the natural and artificial materials above mentioned, for the purpose of assembling furniture and structures in general.

Abstract: A bowling lane has a decorative laminate surface characterized by a falling ball impact resistance of at least about 60 inches, a coefficient of friction of about 0.18 and a Taber abrasion resistance of at least about 500 cycles.

Abstract: An artificial flower assembly is made from a plastic stem unitarily molded around a reinforcing wire with integral side petioles (preferably wire reinforced) and an integral calyx and with a coupling member also integral therewith. The coupling member may be a stud having an enlarged terminal portion extending beyond the base of the calyx, or it may be a socket in the base of the calyx. Fabric leaves, in some species preferably with brown edging and impressed veining, are adhered to the petioles. A subassembly of fabric petals, preferably silk printed for veining where appropriate, is made by loosely mounting the petals on a plastic member, preferably tubular. The tubular member is then mounted on the coupling member. For example, it may be pushed on the stud until the enlarged terminal portion lies beyond the end of the tubular member, or it may be inserted in the socket, if that is used instead of the stud.

Abstract: A method of constructing a model tree structure and the article resulting therefrom constitute the present invention. First a full three-dimensional pattern is constructed from wire and tin-lead. The pattern is then partially flattened and placed in a rubber mold. The mold is filled in around the pattern with rubber and the entire mold with the pattern in place is heated to vulcanize the rubber and form a mold cavity conforming to the configuration of the pattern. A casting metal is provided which preferably is at least 98% lead. Up to 2% antimony may be added to increase flow characteristics. It is also permissible to include a quantity of tin. The part is cast in the mold using centrifugal casting techniques. After the part has solidified and been removed from the mold it is bent into full three-dimensional form corresponding generally to the initial shape of the pattern.

Abstract: Plant-like decorative chemical growths are caused to form for display on means such as artificial vegetation.The means has a lower portion to contact a solution capable of forming the growths when the solution is dried, an intermediate wick portion to feed the solution upwardly, and projecting tips to which the solution is fed to contact dye proximate the tips so that the growths forming proximate the tips may be colored.

Abstract: An article of statuary and a decorative surface finish therefor comprises a shaped body having an outer surface, and a thin wall constructed of a ferrous metal. A plurality of brass nodules are brazed to selected portions of the outer surface in an irregular manner, and are shaped to form a rough finished surface. The remainder of the outer surface is provided with spaced, flame scorched regions, each having a variegated coloration to produce a patina effect.

Abstract: A decorative high pressure laminate having registered color and embossing is produced by effecting a simultaneous embossing and laminating using a three-dimensional press plate acting against an overlay sheet containing high flow melamine resin and pigment beneath which lies a melamine resin impregnated print sheet and below that an underlay sheet containing high flow melamine resin and pigment of another color. During the pressing operation the resin and pigment in the overlay flow laterally from the high pressure areas to the low pressure areas with the result that the underlying print sheet is visible through the overlay sheet in the high pressure areas while the pigment in the overlay sheet in the low pressure areas masks the print sheet. In areas of even lower pressure the color from the underlay sheet strikes through to the surface to provide a third color.

Abstract: A method of constructing a model tree structure and the article resulting therefrom constitute the present invention. First a full three-dimensional pattern is constructed from wire and tin-lead. The pattern is then partially flattened and placed in a rubber mold. The mold is filled in around the pattern with rubber and the entire mold with the pattern in place is heated to vulcanize the rubber and form a mold cavity conforming to the configuration of the pattern. A casting metal is provided which preferably is at least 98% lead. Up to 2% antimony may be added to increase flow characteristics. It is also permissible to include a quantity of tin. The part is cast in the mold using centrifugal casting techniques. After the part has solidified and been removed from the mold it is bent into full three-dimensional form corresponding generally to the initial shape of the pattern.

Abstract: A novel method of and means for forming puffs for floral arrangements from relatively small sheets of gossamer or net-like, flexible or pliable, very thin, fine mesh fabric or tulle gathered at their medial portions into fluffy butterfly shape, secured by an end portion of a fine wire of extremely small gauge looped around the gathered medial portion of each sheet and twisted upon itself, and having a mechanism for twisting the wire end portion looped around said gathered medial portion of said pliable fine mesh sheet, composed of a helically twisted spindle mounted for axial reciprocation and resiliently biased or restrained in retracted position, guide means for rotating the twisted spindle upon reciprocation thereof, and hook means at the outer end of said spindle for detachably connecting said looped wire end portion and said gathered medial sheet portion thereto whereby said wire portion is twisted upon itself when said wire is gripped and pulled longitudinally outward of said spindle.

Abstract: A surface of a wooden object is decorated by the formation of tracks in the surface simulating the random pattern of tracks seen in wormy wood, the tracks being formed by the application to the wood of a high voltage current.

Abstract: An artificial tree formed from an elongated trunk member having at least a tubular portion. A plurality of pairs of spaced-apart apertures are provided in the tubular portion. The pairs of spaced-apart apertures lie on an axis which is substantially coextensive to the long axis of the elongated member. A plurality of limb members, each having a connector end provided with engageable means, are detachably secured to a respective pair of the spaced-apart apertures.

Abstract: A novel wall hanging which is a three-dimensional facsimile of a fruit bowl and kit for its fabrication are described. The hanging itself contains a backing board having a face side and a back side. A background burlap cover is tightly stretched over the front side of the backing board and the leftover edges of the background burlap cover are securely attached to the back side of the backing board by either glue, tape or other suitable means. A pocket is situated on a portion of the background burlap cover. The face of the pocket is attached to the background burlap cover and is a woven embroidered Strawtex in the shape of a fruit bowl. The back of the pocket is the portion of the background burlap cover underlying the face of the pocket. The pocket itself represents the inside of a fruit bowl into which various types of pieces of artificial fruit are disposed. Each piece of artificial fruit is individually made to the approximate three-dimensional size of the corresponding real fruit.

Abstract: A web of indeterminate length carrying thermally transferable material, usually referred to as hot stamp tape, is structured to provide an improved simulated wood grain pattern on a substrate after transfer to the substrate of transferable portions of the tape. The web or tape may be provided in sheet form. The structure comprises "ticks" or discrete linearly oriented spots of material having low specular reflectivity coated on a matte carrier sheet, as by printing, and a layer coated thereon to provide the top layer of the transferred material, which replicates the surface of the carrier sheet and the coated ticks or spots.

Abstract: This invention comprehends a machine for producing camouflage nets. Different camouflage garnish patterns are secured to a net in a preselected and predetermined manner on a repetitive basis. Also, comprehended is a method of making a camouflage net by providing different shape camouflage garnish pieces that are applied to a net at predesignated work stations.

Abstract: A mock-owl display and a seed kit for preparing same which comprises: sunflower seeds and rice adfixed to a flat support which is in the shape of an owl. To enhance the desired effect there is also used: two simulated eyes, a twig for a perch and cutouts to represent an owl's beak and talons.The sunflower seeds represent the owl's feathers and by adfixing them to the support in various positions there is obtained a three dimensional effect and a feathered appearance which is unique and visually appealing.

Abstract: A web of indeterminate length carrying thermally transferable material, usually referred to as hot stamp tape, is structured to provide an improved simulated wood grain pattern on a substrate after transfer to the substrate of transferable portions of the tape. The web or tape may be provided in sheet form. The structure comprises "ticks" or discrete linearly oriented spots of material having low specular reflectivity coated on a matte carrier sheet, as by printing, and a layer coated thereon to provide the top layer of the transferred material, which replicates the surface of the carrier sheet and the coated "ticks" or spots.