Embossed, Molded, Rolled Or Stamped Patents (Class 40/616)
  • Patent number: 12024768
    Abstract: A method for producing a substrate with a functional layer, the substrate with a functional layer including a substrate having a first main surface, second main surface, and end part, and a functional layer, the functional layer being formed on the first main surface and the end part, includes: laminating a resin base having an adhesive layer comprising a carbon-containing material, on at least a part of the second main surface of the substrate; and forming the functional layer by a dry deposition method. The resin base having the adhesive layer is laminated so that at least a part of a periphery of the resin base having the adhesive layer lies outside a periphery of the substrate. The resin base having the adhesive layer comprises an incision or opening in at least a part of a region which lies inside the periphery of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: AGC Inc.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Inokuchi
  • Patent number: 11759995
    Abstract: A heated indenter is provided for indenting a personalized document to create a security impression thereon. The personalized document includes but is not limited to, identification cards, driver's licenses, credit and debit cards, and the like. The security impression can provide a visible or tactile security feature that can be recognized by one with little or no training. The security impression causes a laminate layer of the document to tear or disfigure when attempting to remove the laminate layer from a substrate of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Entrust Corporation
    Inventors: Rajesh K. Juriasingani, Donald J. Galles, Patrick C. Cronin, Alexander K. Zaborowski
  • Patent number: 11407258
    Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic tire with a side pattern including a ridge pattern region provided with first ridges extending continuously in one direction at an interval; and a marking display region bordering and being surrounded by the ridge pattern region, the marking display region displaying markings including one or more of a letter, a number, a symbol, and/or a figure. The marking display region includes: a bordering ridge that borders an outer edge of the markings; and second ridges provided in an inner region of the markings and extending continuously in one direction at an interval from each other. Ends of the first ridges and the second ridges are connected to the bordering ridge, and apexes of the first ridges and the second ridges are flush with and connected to an apex of the bordering ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Noboru Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 10934667
    Abstract: A plug device for covering a cavity excavated in the ground. The plug device includes a head defined by a plate having a planar upper surface and a planar lower surface, wherein the plate has a size that corresponds to a size of the excavated cavity. The plug device also includes a plurality of anchor members extending axially away from the planar lower surface, and that are configured to secure the plug device to the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventor: Dale Kirk
  • Patent number: 10683228
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for molding a glass substrate, and more specifically, to an apparatus for molding a glass substrate capable of forming a glass substrate in a 3D shape and preventing the shape of a vacuum hole from transferring onto the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Seon Hong, Myung Hwan Kim, Bong Chul Kim, Jong Hwa Kim, Duck Kyo Seo, Jae Mun Hwang
  • Patent number: 9615979
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an absorbent article to be worn about a wearer has a front portion and a back portion. The absorbent article includes an outer layer, an inner layer that is substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, an absorbent layer and one or more fasteners, which are located on the back portion of the absorbent article. The absorbent layer is interposed between the outer layer and the inner layer to form the absorbent article. The outer layer has a central portion between two side portions. The central portion of the outer layer is treated with a chemical to substantially inhibit attachment of the one or more fasteners to the central portion of the outer layer. The one or more fasteners secure the back portion to the outer layer of the front portion. Specifically, the one or more fasteners are configured to secure the back portion to a region of the outer layer which is not treated with the chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Min Yao, Daniel B. Love
  • Patent number: 8668979
    Abstract: Tough decorative printable film products having holographic-type images are provided that are low in cost. These film products include a relatively high temperature film that is made by continuous extrusion of the film resin onto a master film having pre-etched holographic-type imaging in order to provide a high-temperature primary film with conforming holographic imaging. This primary film provides a tough holographic-type image that is readily secured to any number of products to impart a holographic character to them. For example, this primary film is suitable for use on the surface of recreational sportsboards. When desired, sublimation printing can be used to impart indicia, text, images and colors, alone or in combination, to the primary film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Transilwrap Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Albert, Robert C. Flaherty
  • Patent number: 8572872
    Abstract: The road sign comprising a casing with an integrated post or a casing with a clamping element, characterized in that it is provided with a supporting matrix consisting of a load-bearing ribbed core (1) with vertically or horizontally oriented ribs (2) and grooves between the ribs, having a shape and size of its peripherals (3) adjusted to the shape and size of the casing, and with at least one reinforcing rod (5) situated perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the ribs (2) in the ribs' (2) apertures, and, additionally, characterized in that the casing side panels are provided with impressions (7) adjusted to the shape and thickness of the sign image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Roman Michalczak
  • Patent number: 8323777
    Abstract: Tough decorative printable film products having holographic-type images are provided that are low in cost. These film products include a relatively high temperature film that is made by continuous extrusion of the film resin onto a master film having pre-etched holographic-type imaging in order to provide a high-temperature primary film with conforming holographic imaging. This primary film provides a tough holographic-type image that is readily secured to any number of products to impart a holographic character to them. For example, this primary film is suitable for use on the surface of recreational sportsboards. When desired, sublimation printing can be used to impart indicia, text, images and colors, alone or in combination, to the primary film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Transilwrap Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Albert, Robert C. Fleherty
  • Patent number: 8257816
    Abstract: A sign (20) for viewing by persons in a traffic area accessible by the random passage of persons through the area, the sign (20) including a label (22) formed of a thin layer of plastic material upon which the subject matter of the desired sign is printed. A planar substrate (24) of molded material is fused to the label (22). The planar substrate (24) includes a mounting feature (26) adapted to secure the sign (20) to a second object. During manufacture, an injection device (46) and ejector system (50) are associated with a first sign mold portion, a label is placed in a second sign mold portion, the first and second sign mold portions are closed together during injection, and the previously formed sign is removed from the first sign mold portion via the ejector system (50) prior to closing the mold portions together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lomont Molding, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil Allen Watson, Jason Bender
  • Publication number: 20090119962
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the display of promotional images are provided wherein a promotional image is displayed on a waste receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Bruce De La Cruz
  • Publication number: 20090114474
    Abstract: A portable sign which can be used at sporting or other events that doubles as a megaphone formed from a flexible sheet of dry erase material cut into the shape of a “baseball field”—having two opposing, elongated sides, an upper arced edge and a complimentary lower arced edge. The flexible dry erase material has an inner dry erase surface which is ideal for use in making signs for holding up while attending a sporting or other event. The device further includes an attachment mechanism, such as Velcro, which is preferably affixed to and positioned on the opposite, elongated “V” shaped sides of the material such that the material can be rolled/folded into a conical shape with the opposite elongated sides then being held together via the attachment mechanism, i.e. the Velcro, thereby forming a megaphone which can be used to shout and cheer at the event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Scott David Morgan
  • Patent number: 7311956
    Abstract: A laminate for use in decorating a receptor surface (e.g., a window) comprising a piece of decorative sheet material with a layer of aggressive pressure sensitive adhesive on its rear surface and a release liner over that layer of adhesive; and a flexible, temporary support tape comprising a backing and a layer of repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive on a second surface of the backing. A longitudinally extending part of the layer of repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive of the support tape is adhered to a front surface of the decorative strip, and an elongate portion of the support tape projects transversely away from a first edge surface of the decorative sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: James F. Pitzen
  • Patent number: 7185453
    Abstract: A label includes indicia disposed on a facestock comprising cellophane. In one embodiment, the indicia are screen printed onto the facestock. In another embodiment, the label may further include layers of tactile coating selectively applied to discrete areas of the facestock to create distinct raised portions on the label. The tactile coating may be applied to correspond to the location of the indicia, wherein the raised portions overlie the indicia. A separate layer of primer may be applied to the facestock to cover substantially an entire side of the facestock. A plurality of such labels may be provided in a stack to an automatic labeling machine for application to a series of containers. The label may be applied to a container and the raised portions of the label provide tactile feel which enhances the aesthetic qualities of the label and container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Spear USA, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Spear, Richard Fearn
  • Patent number: 7152353
    Abstract: A reflective sign comprises a front face, an image formed by openings in the front face, a back face connected to the front face, and a reflective surface mounted on the back face behind the image, wherein light passing through the openings in the front face is reflected by the reflective surface back out through the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Ivica J. Jurkovic
  • Patent number: 7087132
    Abstract: A decoratively embossed panel of a molded form includes an exterior design that preferably reflects some aspect of the services advertisement. For example, a bricklayer may choose an embossed panel having a three-dimensional brick design in addition to a logo, service and/or trademark and other pertinent information to aid potential customers in understanding the services provided in conjunction with the servicemark and contact information. The embossed panel is removably attachable to any portion of a vehicle by any attaching mechanism such as double stick foam tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: R&B Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Krey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6826862
    Abstract: An interlocking plastic display has a first member formed as a first shot of an injection molding process. The first member includes a submerged grid system which is formed only where necessary to connect otherwise unconnected portions of the top layer or to stabilize the top layer where openings may be relatively large. An array of spacers is formed beneath those portions of the top layer having material therein, to space the top layer from the bottom of the mold used during a second shot of injection molding. No spacers are formed beneath completely spaces of the top layer in which no material is disposed. The arrangement of the spacers provides an open area underneath the top layer, so that the second member may be formed in the second shot and allows the second shot material to flow around the spacers on the bottom of the mold to interlock the two members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Nelson, Stanley L. Roggenburg, Anthony N. Fokas
  • Patent number: 6792706
    Abstract: The nameplate mounting structure of a camera can be easily handled by integrally molding a flange around a nameplate portion of a nameplate to be mounted to the camera. Strength of the electroformed nameplate is improved by providing the flange around the nameplate portion of the electroformed nameplate. This prevents easy deforming in coating or assembly to facilitate handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuaki Nagata
  • Patent number: 6785992
    Abstract: An emergency exit sign is incorporated directly into the floor adjacent an emergency exit door. The emergency exit sign includes visual and tactile properties that allow the sign to be read on a day to day basis by those walking through the doorway. The tactile properties of the sign also allow the sign to be read by those on the floor in an emergency situation such as when the room or hallway is filled with smoke. The tactile properties of the sign may also be used by those trying to find the doorway in a dark room. Further, the tactile properties of the sign are used on a day to day basis as people walk over the sign to reinforce the person's memory of the location of the emergency exit door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Orlando G. Chiarucci
  • Publication number: 20040111940
    Abstract: An interlocking plastic display has a first member formed as a first shot of an injection molding process. The first member includes a submerged grid system which is formed only where necessary to connect otherwise unconnected portions of the top layer or to stabilize the top layer where openings may be relatively large. An array of spacers is formed beneath those portions of the top layer having material therein, to space the top layer from the bottom of the mold used during a second shot of injection molding. No spacers are formed beneath completely spaces of the top layer in which no material is disposed. The arrangement of the spacers provides an open area underneath the top layer, so that the second member may be formed in the second shot and allows the second shot material to flow around the spacers on the bottom of the mold to interlock the two members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Kenneth W. Nelson
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Nelson, Stanley L. Roggenburg, Anthony N. Fokas
  • Patent number: 6730187
    Abstract: An in situ formed bed liner has an embedded relief indicia. The relief may be formed separately and may have associated structure to mate with the surface of a pickup bed to which it is applied. The formed relief indicia is attached to the desired surface and encapsulated in the bed liner by subsequently coating the bed liner into the pickup bed and over the attached relief indicia. The embedded relief may be treated to give it a contrasting color to the in situ formed bed liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Craig A. Luedke
  • Patent number: 6701652
    Abstract: An emblem (20, 20a, 20b) with encapsulated embossed 3-D graphics is provided by a substrate (22) having a first side (24) and an opposite second side (26), an ink pattern (28) printed on the second side and providing embossed 3-D graphics, and a transparent layer (30) molded on the first side and through which the graphics are viewable. The substrate is softer than the ink pattern and deforms therearound during molding of the transparent layer, to provide differing depths. A mold (36, 38) has a smooth nonembossed surface (42) engaging the second side of the substrate without a 3-D mold-insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Serigraph, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. McElhatton, Michael G. Reindl, Michael J. Ruminski
  • Patent number: 6607809
    Abstract: A tile with a transparent glass body having a smooth front face and a three-dimensional design impressed on the rear face that is viewed through the front face. The impressed design is further defined by a layer of decorative glass materials fused to the impressed design as well as some or all of the rear face. An overlay of glass material is fused to and follows the topography of, the decorative glass materials layer and/or the rear face of the glass tile body, sandwiching the decorative glass materials layer between the glass tile body and the glass material overlay. Once fused; the glass material overlay, the decorative glass materials layer and the glass tile body meld to become one homogenous glass layer, comprising the tile, that cannot delaminate. The resulting glass tile is similar in use and durability to ceramic tile while adding the ability to carry a protected, three-dimensional design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Chris Baker-Salmon
  • Publication number: 20020100198
    Abstract: An improved metal sign, a method for production thereof, and a metal plate for use in the method. The sign includes a photographic image of at least one color developed directly on the sign. The method includes the steps of: (a) placing a film of a photographic image over a photosensitive material on a metal plate and causing light to pass through the film so that it exposes at least a portion of the photosensitive material; (b) developing the photosensitive material so that a dye receptive copy of the photographic image is generated on the metal plate; and (c) applying a dye to the metal plate so that a colored copy of the photographic image is created. The metal plate is at least partially coated with a photosensitive material, and includes at least one metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, copper, iron, steel, gold, silver, beryllium, molybdenum, titanium, tin and lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: TADMIT ORIENTATION SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Ivor Stone, Moshe Tsfaty
  • Patent number: 6329033
    Abstract: An imitation wax seal suitable for application to a document, package or container is injection-molded out of a semi-rigid plastic, then coated in the back with an adhesive temporarily protected by a peelable film. The fabrication mold accepts a variety of substitutable center escutcheon that can carry a variety of letters, symbols, and logo types. The seal is flexible enough to pass through post office automatic sorting and canceling equipment without breaking or coming loose. The seal is impregnated with a bee-wax scent or other pleasant fragrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Zoltan Soproni
  • Publication number: 20010011783
    Abstract: A method of producing a low stress, decorative article of manufacture having at least one relief portion extending therefrom includes casting a first thermosetting resin into recesses formed within a mold surface such that the first resin is not in contact with the mold surface. The first resin is partially cured to a “B” stage to provide an air inhibited out-of-mold surface. A coating of second thermosetting resin, such as unsaturated polyester, is then applied onto the partially cured first resin and onto the mold surface. A substrate having a face is placed in contacting relationship with the second thermosetting resin film and a progressively moving compressive force is applied to the second thermosetting resin via the substrate to prevent air from becoming entrained within the second thermosetting resin. The first and second thermosetting resins cure without the second thermosetting resin imparting shear stress on the first thermosetting resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: William M. Stecker
  • Patent number: 6183109
    Abstract: Disclosed is a molding with a built-in illumination member. The illumination member may be an ordinary light or series of lights, or a repeating message board made of light emitting diodes, or a compound that glows under ultraviolet light, or a compound that glows in the dark, or the like. The molding may be the front edge molding on a worktop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Premark RWP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas John Nelson, Peter Charles Gaa, Yein Ming Lee, Bruce Rodney Trethewey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5889598
    Abstract: A substrate bears holographic imagery, selected portions of which are covered by non-holographic imagery printed in predetermined geometric registry with the holographic images. Multiple replicas of this interactive graphic work are mass-produced by embossing an array of the holographic imagery into a substrate in roll form, together with eyemarks located periodically along the roll. Using these eyemarks, the roll is optically sheeted and the non-holographic imagery then printed on the holographic substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Pennsylvania Pulp and Paper Co.
    Inventor: Brian J. Monaghan
  • Patent number: 5887931
    Abstract: A protective liner for a truck bed of a pickup truck. The liner includes a front wall having an indicia mounting portion. The indicia mounting portion includes a frame surrounding the mounting surface dimensioned for mounting of a conventional sized license plate. The mounting surface may include graphics or lettering which is formed to protrude inwardly towards the cab of the vehicle to facilitate mounting. The liner also includes friction strips positioned between the ribs of the floor to provide friction to keep cargo from sliding about the floor. Finally, a molding for attaching the tailgate panel to the tailgate has a pair of arms for slidably receiving the panel and a flange to protect an adhesive strip from contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: The Colonel's, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Bills, Don Williamson, John Carpenter
  • Patent number: 5819449
    Abstract: A protective nonstick cover for a standard automobile license plate having a nonstick surface which is easy to clean, protects the license plate, and enhances and/or improves the appearance of the license plate. The standard license plate is generally rectangularly-shaped and has a front surface with identification characters embossed therein. The protective nonstick cover includes a generally rectangularly-shaped and generally flexible plastic film sized to closely match the front surface of the license plate and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer applied directly to a rear surface of the plastic film. The adhesive layer secures the plastic film to the entire front surface of the license plate to form a laminate. The plastic film and the adhesive layer are transparent when attached to the license plate so that the identification characters of the license plate are visible therethrough. Preferably, the plastic film is an ethylene based unplasticized ionomer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: William Molson
  • Patent number: 5706106
    Abstract: A substrate bears holographic imagery, selected portions of which are covered by non-holographic imagery printed in predetermined geometric registry with the holographic images. Multiple replicas of this interactive graphic work are mass-produced by embossing an array of the holographic imagery into a substrate in roll form, together with eyemarks located periodically along the roll. Using these eyemarks, the roll is optically sheeted and the non-holographic imagery then printed on the holographic substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Pennsylvania Pulp and Paper Co.
    Inventor: Brian J. Monaghan
  • Patent number: 5672381
    Abstract: A weather resistant sign and a method of printing a sign including the steps of providing a sign component and an image definition, applying dry toner powder to surface portions corresponding to the image definition, and fusing the applied toner. Preferably, the fused toner is protected from weather by a transparent protective layer. A toner composition and a computer program for printing are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: J. Sundar Rajan
  • Patent number: 5665446
    Abstract: Known laminates can be used to apply graphics to glass panels to present an etched or sand-blasted appearance. Such graphics, which have been cut from a decorative polymeric film of a laminate, can be applied more easily, quickly, and with greater precision when the cover sheet of the laminate is a vented transparent polymeric sheet which bears a layer of vented removable pressure-sensitive adhesive that has been pressed against the graphics. Coextensive with each of the graphics is a layer of aggressive pressure-sensitive adhesive by which the graphics can be applied to a glass panel while wet with a detergent/alcohol/water solution that permits them to be repositioned by a user who can see the graphics through the vented transparent sheet. Positioning is enhanced when the vents are perforations arranged in an orderly pattern such as a rectangular grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Douglas C. Sundet
  • Patent number: 5589021
    Abstract: A method of producing a sign having raised colored characters arranged in a predetermined design. A male die is provided presenting the predetermined design; a substrate sheet is positioned over the male die; the substrate sheet and die are passed between pinching rolls to emboss the substrate sheet with raised areas corresponding to the predetermined design; a color transfer sheet is positioned over the embossed substrate sheet; the embossed substrate sheet with the color transfer sheet positioned thereover is passed between pinching rolls to transfer color pigmentation from the color transfer sheet to the raised areas on the embossed sheet and "tip" the raised areas; and the embossed color tipped sheet is secured to a sheet of relatively rigid base material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Colorprinting Specialists, Inc.
    Inventor: Hanley D. Bloom
  • Patent number: 5536545
    Abstract: A 3-D graphic sign construction is provided comprising: (a) a conformed laminate comprising a sign face layer, one or more visual characters, a background color layer, and (b) one or more 3-D characters positioned in register with the visual characters and a method of make the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert R. Condon, Daniel P. Pohl, Frank T. Sher
  • Patent number: 5452508
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing three-dimensional surface figures on a soft magnetic material. An insulating layer is first laid on a soft magnetic material layer and a foam intermediate layer is then laid on the insulating layer. A face layer previously printed with figures is finally laid on the intermediate layer. Thereafter the face layer is embossed and molded with concave/convex three-dimensional figures corresponding to the present embossing stripes of a molding device by a high frequency device so as to provide an improvement over conventional three-dimensional figures made by injection molding which cannot have figures printed by halftone block printing or color separation so as to eliminate the shortcomings existing in planar printed magnetic products which are only printed with planar figures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Michael Wu
  • Patent number: 5398435
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: James C. Kanzelberger
  • Patent number: 5399217
    Abstract: A method of producing a sign having raised colored characters arranged in a predetermined design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Colorprinting Specialists, Inc.
    Inventor: Hanley Bloom
  • Patent number: 5392544
    Abstract: There is provided a wall mounted card holder for permanently mounting a card or photograph in addition to temporarily holding and displaying other cards, photographs and the like. The holder includes a decorative wood panel backing having a transparent, hard protective coating applied to the front face thereof. The coating is preferably an epoxy resin applied in liquid form which hardens within a preset period of time. A card holder is mounted on the front face of the panel and includes a planar backing plate bonded to the protective layer and a transparent front cover matched to the backing plate and which snaps thereonto. A card or photograph may be permanently embedded into the epoxy after application of the latter to the front face and prior to same setting in order to permanently display the card adjacent the temporarily displayed cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Gordon B. Price
  • Patent number: 5389413
    Abstract: A 3-D graphic sign construction is provided comprising: (a) a conformed laminate comprising a sign face layer, one or more visual characters, a background color layer, and (b) one or more 3-D characters positioned in register with the visual characters and a method of make the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert R. Condon, Daniel P. Pohl, Frank T. Sher
  • Patent number: 5345705
    Abstract: A durable, lightweight sign or display device having a desired three-dimensional, contoured surface and a self-sticking backing to facilitate easy mounting is disclosed. The sign has a rigid plastic display sheet which is formed into the desired three-dimensional, contoured surface and formed with a peripheral flange. A plastic backing is heat-sealed to the display sheet along its peripheral flange. Pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the backing and a removable protective layer is used to cover the adhesive to prevent contamination thereof prior to use. The sign is relatively inexpensive to fabricate and mass-produce. The sign is ideally suited for temporary display purposes such as sales, promotions, or seasonal decorations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Gary L. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 5305538
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Contemporary Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Kanzelberger
  • Patent number: 5265364
    Abstract: A display device has two interlocked contrasting elements. A display element includes indicia and a first locking member. The background element includes a second locking member complementarily shaped to conform to the shape of the first locking member. The first locking member has two portions. The first portion is a waffle plate which tapers from top to bottom. The second portion includes a plurality of frusto-conical pads disposed beneath nodes of the waffle plate of the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Kenneth W. Nelson
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Nelson, Stanley L. Roggenburg
  • Patent number: 5246757
    Abstract: A raised graphic sign comprising (a) a substrate; (b) a base layer adhesively fastened to an upper surface of the substrate; (c) one or more alphanumeric characters, optionally adhesively fastened to the base layer; and (d) an overlay film conformably and adhesively fastened to the upper surface of the base layer and covering the alphanumeric characters is provided, as well as a method to make the raised graphic sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert R. Condon, Daniel P. Pohl, Frank T. Sher
  • Patent number: 5204163
    Abstract: A sheet for formation of a burned pattern and a burning label are disclosed. The sheet comprises a shape retaining layer comprising an organic binder and glass powder which is retained in a sheet form by the organic binder, the shape retaining layer further comprising mica powder covered with an oxide type ceramic compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakatsuka, Kazuhiro Tajiri, Takafumi Sakuramoto, Yozo Oishi
  • Patent number: 5145538
    Abstract: A hard enclosing container which is transparent at least at its front wall, has a metallic plate bearing indicia contained therein. An enclosing layer of a viscous adhesive agent is stuck to all surfaces of the plate and fills the container. The layer includes at least a front covering layer which is transparent. To form the article, the plate is adhered to a bottom wall of the container by a lower covering layer of the adhesive agent or by a pressure sensitive adhesive double coated sheet. Viscous adhesive agent is charged to the container. The container is then sealed by a transparent hard top cover. Alternatively, the container with the plate stuck therein can be closed by the transparent hard top cover and the adhesive agent is then charged into the sealed container expelling any air trapped therein. The sealed container can be evacuated prior to charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sebun Shiizu
    Inventor: Takashi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5133707
    Abstract: A composite adhesive fastening tape and tape system for interconnecting printed surfaces, which includes a transparent main film portion with an embossed surface defined logo or symbol or the like and coated on one surface with an adhesive, in the tape system is included a target film portion, which target film portion is optionally decorated by colored numbers, letters, patterns, shapes or figures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Wallace S. Rogers, Alan J. Sipinen
  • Patent number: 5073424
    Abstract: The web is a substantially flat laminate in the form of a base sheet having a permanent upper surface of plastic material defining a base color, which may optionally be clear. A final graphics layer covers the base sheet and has an upper surface colored differently from the base color and a lower surface adhering to the upper surface of the base. The peel values of the upper and lower surfaces of the layer relative to each other and to the upper surface of the base are such that the cut graphic pattern in the layer remains secured to the base while the other portions of the layer may readily be peeled from the base without excessively adhering to and thereby removing the graphic pattern from the base. Preferably, two or three differently colored layers are laminated with the base, to permit the making of a sign having two or three different colors in addition to the colored (or clear) base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventor: Donald R. Dressler
  • Patent number: 5066349
    Abstract: A sign is made by a pultrusion process by printing separate sign panels and attaching them to a fibrous component of the sign to make a longitudinally continuous sign panel subassembly which is beneath the surface of the sign. The sign panels are spaced apart in the subassembly by about the length of the sign and are fixed to the fibrous component prior to being pulled through a forming die. In the forming die, the subassembly is formed together with rovings, scrim resin and any other components of the sign into the cross-section of the sign. The sign panel subassembly saturates with the resin so that it blends in with the rest of the sign except for identification matter printed on it and is permeable to allow gases to escape as the resin cures in the die. The sign takes on its desired cross-sectional shape in the die and is cut off at its desired length after it exits the die. The sign panel may be on either side of the subassembly, and the subassembly may be beneath a surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: W. H. Brady Co.
    Inventors: Jack E. Perko, Gary J. Wirth, Brian A. Foxgrover
  • Patent number: 5050323
    Abstract: A badge for wearing on one's clothes or on any other surface, made of a body layer of synthetic foam and material of the type having no memory when compressed, the body layer carrying an image on its front face and fastening means at its back face. The body layer has a marginal portion of smaller thickness than that of the central portion of the body layer, with the foam material exposed at the periphery of the body layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Badgeco, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Gagnon