Abstract: An iridescent vehicle badge (and methods for making it) that includes a translucent, polymeric badge having a non-planar shape and comprising an interior and an exterior surface. Further, at least one of the surfaces of the badge comprises a plurality of diffraction gratings that are integral with the badge, each having a thickness from 250 nm to 1000 nm and a varying period from 50 nm to 5 microns. In some cases, the thickness can range from 500 nm to 750 nm. The period, in some cases, can vary within a set of discrete values in one or more portions of the at least one of the surfaces of the badge, e.g., from 150 nm to 400 nm.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-oriented material, a self-oriented liquid crystal material and a manufacturing method of the liquid crystal panel. The self-oriented material provided by the invention can be used for carrying out alignment on liquid crystal molecules, and a polyimide alignment layer is not required to be arranged in the liquid crystal panel when the self-oriented material is added into the liquid crystal material. The self-oriented liquid crystal material disclosed by the invention contains the self-oriented material, the self-oriented material can be used for carrying out alignment on liquid crystal molecules, therefore a polyimide alignment layer is not required to be arranged in the liquid crystal panel.

Abstract: A game ball supports electronics. In one implementation, the electronics sense motion of the game ball and are encapsulated by potting compound which forms an encapsulating body sized and shaped to fit within a cavity of the game ball. In one implementation, a game ball comprises an inflatable body which supports the electronics, wherein an electrical conductive line is electrically connected to electronics extends along a surface of the inflatable body at least 60 degrees about the inflatable body.

Abstract: An interior display hanging ornament can have an ornament body with a comparatively large access port which allows mementos to be inserted therethrough, a removably attached port cap, a cap release actuator, and a dual hanger loop. The ornament body can be a bulb or other three-dimensional body having an interior space that can hold therein a plurality of mementos. Examples of such mementos include: photographs, shoulder patches, first home keys, post-cards, teaspoons, etc. At least a portion of the body should be transparent. A removably attached port cap can seal the access port. A cap release actuator allows a person to remove the port cap and access the interior of the ornament body. A dual hanger loop can be attached to the port cap to provide an upper loop from which to hang the ornament. A lower loop portion can suspend mementos within the ornament body.

Abstract: A decorative accessory includes a plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of openings extending through said plate, and a frame connected with and extending around an outer perimeter of the plate, whereby the frame projects from the bottom surface of the plate to define a partially enclosed area located beneath the bottom surface of the plate. The accessory includes at least one bead overlying the top surface of the plate, and at least one flexible securing element passing through the at least one bead, the at least one flexible securing element having first and second free ends that pass through different openings in the plate. The first and second free ends of the at least one flexible securing element are joined together beneath the bottom surface of the plate for securing the at least one bead to the plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to two dimensional polymers and methods of making the same. Irradiation of polycyclic, three bladed monomers, such as polyaromatic, three bladed monomers or an antrip monomer, derivatives or analogs thereof, with ultraviolet radiation provides the two dimensional polymers, which may be used in membrane applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, devices and methods related to the alignment of materials including polymers. In some cases, the present invention comprises the assembly of molecules (e.g., polymers) via intermolecular interactions to produce extended networks, which may have enhanced properties relative to the individual molecules. Such networks may be advantageous for use in electronics, photovoltaics, sensor applications, and the like. In some embodiments, the present invention may enhance the performance of certain optical devices, such as liquid crystal displays (e.g., color liquid crystal displays) by providing enhanced contrast ratio, faster response times, and/or lower operating voltage.

Abstract: A process for making a compressed wood smoking chip disc includes the following steps, which are not necessarily in order. First, providing a log. Next, drying the log. After that, removing bark and dry rot from the log. Following that, grinding the log into chips. Then, rehydrating the chips. Finally, compressing the chips into the compressed wood chip disc.

Abstract: A hanging lamp assembly provides visual stimulation and relaxation. The assembly includes a container having a transparent perimeter wall defining an interior space. A first fluid and a second fluid are positioned in the interior space defining a liquid mass. The second fluid has a density different than a density of the first fluid wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are layered within the interior space defining a fluid interface between the first liquid and the second liquid. The first fluid is a non-clear color and the second fluid is a different color than the first fluid. A plurality of items is positioned in the interior space such that the items are suspended in the liquid mass. A light source is coupled to the container directing light towards the liquid mass. A hanger is coupled to the container such that the container swings freely from a supporting structure.

Abstract: A keepsake display device stores and displays a printed ultrasound image, and includes a substantially transparent convex hollow first member with a substantially closed smooth outer surface, a second member coupled to the first member to define a substantially closed outer surface for the device, and a display element adapted to receive the printed ultrasound image and display it through the outer surface of the first member. The first and second members can be shaped to mimic a pregnant belly and a woman's buttocks, together representing the midsection of a pregnant woman. A kit includes the display device plus one or more of a lamination member, a real or plastic birthstone or a set of real or plastic birthstones, a template useful for cutting the ultrasound image, and glue. An assembly includes the display device and a figurine such a stork which can hold the display device from its beak.

Abstract: A couplable ornament may be a five-pointed star, a rectangle or other form, and be configured for coupling to other ornaments using a ball-and-socket construction, magnets, tabs and slots or other coupling means. The ornament may have words or designs with significance to an individual or organization, and a plurality of ornaments may be awarded over time with different markings or words where the plurality of ornaments couple with one another. A system of couplable ornaments may be an employee achievement recognition system in which the ornaments are awarded by an organization to employees over time to mark particular individual or organizational milestones, where the ornaments may be coupled together by recipients to form shapes, structures or other designs constructed from the individual ornaments. The ornament may have two halves forming an ornamental member with the ability to receive decorative elements such as a substrate and/or a snap-in ring.

Abstract: A decoration includes a first, lower decoration member and a second, lower decoration member detachably connected to the first, lower decoration member. Each lower decoration member includes a lower main body having first and second lower branch portions and a lower engaging slot in an upper end thereof. The decoration further includes at least one upper decoration member. The upper decoration member includes an upper main body having first and second upper branch portions and an upper engaging slot in a lower end thereof. The lower engaging slots of the first and second lower decoration members are engaged with the upper decoration member, and the upper engaging slot of the upper decoration member is engaged with the first and second lower decoration members. The decoration can be quickly assembled and exhibit a rich visional appearance.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid-crystalline compounds of the formula I in which R1, R2, A1, A2, A3, A4, Z1, Z2, Z3, V, a, b and c have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, and to liquid-crystalline media comprising at least one compound of the formula I, and to electro-optical displays containing a liquid-crystalline medium of this type.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Christmas wreath, which applies a non-circular metal wire to connect bells, wherein additional positioning members are added between the adjacent bell groups for separation. The non-circular inner hole of the positioning member can obtain a refrained position between the positioning member and metal wire, and prevent arbitrary rotation of the positioning member. The outer rim of the positioning member includes at least one included angle, and formed into an inclined guiding surface to coordinate with the end. This enables the positioning member end to insert into the bell ring concave to obtain a refrained position relation between the positioning member and bell, preventing the bell from arbitrarily rotating. The present invention can truly maintain the pattern of connected bells through the mechanism of the positioning member for the bell and metal wire.

Abstract: A decoration in a variety of shapes and including a substantially flat main body and a string. The main body has a plurality of extensions extending from a base portion. Each extension has an aperture therethrough at its free end. The string passes through each aperture in a same direction. The extensions are foldable such that the ends with the apertures are stacked and the string passes through the apertures in a line. Accordingly, the decoration forms a curved surface. Two edges of the main body can be attached to form a closed loop structure. The extensions may extend from both ends of the base portion to form fully enclosed surfaces, for example a sphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a star-shaped decorative object (2), in addition to blanks and an associated production method. The decorative object comprises at least two interconnected blanks (4, 6; 58, 60; 66, 72) consisting of paper or foil, at least one (4, 6; 58, 60; 72) of which comprises a central part (12) and a plurality of points (8, 10; 74, 76) projecting outwards beyond the central part (12). The central part (12) of said blank (4, 6; 58, 60; 72) is provided with several fold lines (24) that run from a central point (26) towards the points (8, 10; 74, 76) and is folded alternately along adjoining fold lines (24) in opposite directions in a V, in such a way that between two respective fold lines (24) that are separated by an additional fold line (24), areas (44 and 40) that are folded inwards and outwards are formed with the additional fold line (24) running through their center.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastic article having one or more decorative materials embedded therein which is obtained by applying heat and pressure to one or more laminates wherein at least one of said laminates comprises, in order, (1) an upper sheet material; (2) one or more decorative materials; and (3) a lower sheet material; wherein the upper and lower sheet materials are formed from a polyester/aromatic polycarbonate blend wherein the thermoplastic article comprises at least one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester which comprises terephthalic acid and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastic article having one or more decorative materials embedded therein which is obtained by applying heat and pressure to one or more laminates wherein at least one of said laminates comprises, in order, (1) an upper sheet material; (2) one or more decorative materials; and (3) a lower sheet material; wherein the upper and lower sheet materials are formed from a polyester/aromatic polycarbonate blend wherein the thermoplastic article comprises at least one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester which comprises terephthalic acid and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3,-cyclobutanediol.

Abstract: A star-shaped decorative object has at least two blanks joined together. At least one of the blanks has a middle part and a plurality of shorter and longer points extending outwardly beyond the middle part. The middle part can be provided with several fold lines running from a midpoint in the direction of at least the longer points and can be folded at fold lines running from the midpoint in the direction of said longer points in a V-shape so that inwardly-folded areas are formed between two neighboring of said fold lines running from the midpoint in the direction of said longer points. The shorter points on the inwardly-folded areas are inserted through openings of another blank in order to join the two blanks for the formation of a hollow, three-dimensional body. A set of blanks to form the decorative object can be provided.

Abstract: An automatic rotating decoration includes a rotating body, a support, a driving device connecting the support, and a transmission member connecting the driving device and the rotating body. The support, the driving device and the transmission member all are received in the rotating body. An opening is defined in the rotating body. The support is exposed to the opening. The driving device includes a driving body and an output shaft extending from the driving body. The driving body includes a motor body and a battery seat electrically connecting the motor body. The automatic rotating decoration of the present invention may automatically rotate around the support on another object without additional housing thereby simplifying the structure of the automatic rotating decoration, increasing fun of the automatic rotating decoration and facilitating the handling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diversified assembly of Christmas bell decoration. The Christmas bell decoration is two-part assembled, comprising a cluster of bells with semicircle shape and an ornament with semicircle shape. Connectors at two ends of the ornament are combined with joint portions at two ends of the cluster of bells. The joint portions of the cluster of bells could be barb or screw threads matching with a screw cap. Different kinds of Christmas bell decorations are obtained due to different shape of the ornaments or different sequence arrangement of the bell and the ornaments.

Abstract: An ornament Includes a base, at least one bell and an elongated element. A bottom part of each bell is stringed together by the elongated element. The elongated element extending corresponds to a shape of the base and fixed on a surface of the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a star-shaped decorative object (2), in addition to blanks and an associated production method. The decorative object comprises at least two interconnected blanks (4,6; 58, 60; 66, 72) consisting of paper or foil, at least one (4, 6; 58, 60; 72) of which comprises a central part (12) and a plurality of points (8, 10; 74, 76) projecting onwards beyond the central part (12). The central part (12) of said blank (4, 6; 58, 60; 72) is provided with several fold lines (24) that run from a central point (26) towards the points (8, 10; 74, 76) and is folded alternately along adjoining fold lines (24) in opposite directions in a V, in such a way that between two respective fold lines (24) that are separated by an additional fold line (24), areas (44 and 40) that are folded inwards and outwards are formed with the additional fold line (24) running through their centre.

Abstract: Shape-persistent organic materials, including polymers, with large degrees of interior free volume are described, along with behaviors and phenomena enabled by their unique properties. One class of such a material is built up from triptycene base moieties wherein three benzene rings are bridged together about a [2.2.2] tricyclic ring system. These units can be assembled into discreet molecules and polymers. These materials and/or formulations thereof with liquid crystals or polymers are useful for the complexation of chemicals and/or polymers; they have very low dielectric constants for use as coatings in dielectric circuits, they provide additional ordering mechanisms in liquid crystals, and they display unusual mechanical responses when subjected to electrochemical, chemical, or mechanical stimuli.

Abstract: A Christmas bell ornament is disclosed, which is reduced in overall thickness to improve bulkiness in prior art. The bell ornament is made by adjoining two formed metal plates via the junction surface around the periphery with their inner surfaces facing each other. In horizontal cross sectional view, the width at the middle section of bell body after adjoinment is bigger that the width at each end, and an arc surface is formed with the bell body tapering from the middle section towards each end With overall size reduced, the volume of goods transported can be increased and the transport cost can be reduced. There can also be bossed pattern on the surface of Christmas bell ornament to give it excellent visual effect.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to stable emissive aggregates of polymers. The aggregates are composed of various polymer molecules arranged in such a way as to allow extended electronic couplings between nearby polymer molecules, enhancing exciton transport, while minimizing the effects of quenching due to interchain interactions. For example, the polymer molecules may be arranged in a non-aligned, electronically-communicative manner (for example, at an oblique angle), stabilized by various methods such as chemical linkages or physical interactions. Within the aggregate, electronic interactions along the polymer molecule may extend to nearby polymer molecules, which may be observed as a shift in the absorption spectra relative to a random dispersion. Light emitted from the aggregate may be polarized in some cases, for example, linearly or circularly, which may be caused by chiral arrangements of polymers within the aggregate (the polymers themselves may or may not be chiral).

Abstract: A shell article is fabricated in three parts having different colors. The first and second parts are end parts and include edges for mating with each other or an intermediate part. The intermediate part is arranged between the two end parts. Each of the parts is molded out of plastic in contrasting colors.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ornamental device adapted for rotation about an axis to produce a changing perspective that creates an interesting visual effect can be made by a process including the steps of cutting a sheet of material into a desired geometric shape, making cuts into the sheet material to form a series of disconnected adjacent strips, and bending the strips from a reference plane so that the strips are angularly spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A method for weaving fabrics that comprise in at least some sections multiple layers, especially one-piece woven (OPW) airbags comprising single-layer, double-layer and multi-layer sections. Weaves or weave combinations are produced in the double- or multi-layer sections that are different from the plain weave.

Abstract: A conical mount is used to mount a novelty item such as a pennant, figurine, or advertising shape secure on a post such as an automobile antenna. The conical mount secures the item rigidly to the antenna at any selected location by cooperating with a corresponding conical aperture on the mounted item to provide a fitted attachment between the novelty item and the conical mount. The two halves of the conical mount have mating tabs and slots that provide for a compressive interlock about the varying diameters of an antenna.

Abstract: An ornament hanger has a main piece in the form of a star or other decorative shape to which a pair of oppositely directed hooks are rotatably mounted so as to be detachable. An upper hook supports the hanger and a bottom hook supports another ornament. A series of ornament hangers can be used to secure string ornaments on a Christmas tree. The hanger can be used by itself as an ornament by detaching one hook.

Abstract: My first ornament is a series of child safe molded synthetic material, multi-colored, multi-shaped items that have a molded attachment device that allows them to be suspended and used as an ornamental decoration They will allow small children to decorate safely without fear of choking or swallowing or breaking the ornament while learning their colors, shapes and item names.

Abstract: A metallized film exhibiting a star pattern having an illusion of three-dimensions is provided. Methods for making a star-shaped die to manufacture the metallized film and for making a metallized film-covered container and similar products are also provided.

Abstract: A kit of decorative pumpkins is disclosed where one of the pumpkins incorporates a rear opening large enough to allow the other pumpkins comprising the kit to be introduced therethrough for convenient storage within the one pumpkin. Each of the pumpkins can also incorporate pumpkin shell decorations thereon defined by shell cut-outs which define pliable peripheral edges adapted to be bent for altering the appearance of the shell decoration.

Abstract: Shape-persistent organic materials, including polymers, with large degrees of interior free volume are described, along with behaviors and phenomena enabled by their unique properties. One class of such a material is built up from triptycene base moieties wherein three benzene rings are bridged together about a [2.2.2] tricyclic ring system. These units can be assembled into discreet molecules and polymers. These materials and/or formulations thereof with liquid crystals or polymers are useful for the complexation of chemicals and/or polymers; they have very low dielectric constants for use as coatings in dielectric circuits, they provide additional ordering mechanisms in liquid crystals, and they display unusual mechanical responses when subjected to electrochemical, chemical, or mechanical stimuli.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ornamental device adapted for rotation about an axis to produce a changing perspective that creates an interesting visual effect includes a series of angularly spaced apart strips, each strip having opposite ends and a length corresponding to the curvilinear distance along the strip between the opposite ends of the strip, wherein each strip is connected at one end to a first spine and connected at an opposite end to a second spine. The device can be made by cutting a sheet of material into a desired geometric shape, making cuts into the sheet material to form a series of disconnected adjacent strips, and bending the strips from a reference plane so that the strips are angularly spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A pigtail lighted ornament with a blown glass ornament body, a pigtail electrical cord, a light electrically coupled to one end of the cord, a pigtail electrical connector at the other end of the cord, for connection to a receiving socket, for supplying power to the light, a first opening in the ornament body through which the cord passes, a second opening defined in the ornament body, and a soft grommet seated in the second opening and defining a seat in which the light is held so that the light is held securely, but removably coupled to the outside of the ornament body, and to allow the pigtail electrical connector to be plugged into a pigtail-style light strand.

Abstract: An environmental compliance molded paper suspension item made of pulp for decoration purpose is comprised of two hollow halves with each made using the hot press method and one or multiple sheet of lining paper; a half stud being provided at the top of the hollow half to be adapted with a cord for suspension purpose once both hollow halves are stick to each other with the lining in the middle.

Abstract: A spherical ornament having first and second message fields, wherein the first message field has a dark field with at least one star superimposed thereon and a striped field proximate to the dark field, and the second field contains a second message. In a preferred embodiment, the dark field is a blue equilateral triangle with a plurality of white stars, and is contacted on at least two sides by a field of red stripes on a white background. In a preferred embodiment, the ornament is an antenna ball, dangler, or pen and pencil topper, having a diameter between about 1 and about 2 inches. The second message field can be used to advertise a business entity or cause, or send another desired message. A unique spring mount, advertising method, and advertising devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A simulated Christmas tree is comprised of an array, or net, of interconnected light strings, tie wires and semi-rigid hoops. Spaced apart segments of light strings run downwardly from a hub which is at the top of a center pole that extends from a base. The light string segments are fastened to the horizontal hoops; and tie wires run horizontally between the segments, at elevations intermediate the hoops and intermediate the uppermost hoop and the hub which is at the top of the tree. The hoops create the conical shape. They are adapted to nest within one another, with clearance for the wires, and enable a knock down design. A detachable illuminated decoration is mounted on the hub at the pinnacle of the tree. The string light segments and bulbs in the star are electrically connected to blink, and to thus produce a twinkling tree effect.

Abstract: A soft-shelled ornament includes a transparent soft shell being clamped along an annular flange between a hold-down ring and a seat. The hold-down ring and the seat are tightly sealed into an integral unit by way of supersonic welding along two heat-sealing lines correspondingly provided at their contact surfaces. The hold-down ring and the seat are also provided at the contact surfaces radially inside said heat-sealing lines with two corresponding annular recesses for tightly receiving a leak-proof rubber ring therebetween. A flexible rubber plate is connected to the seat to bear against and close an inner end of a fluid inlet provided on the seat, so that a fluid is allowed to flow into but not out of the soft shell via the fluid inlet.

Abstract: A pigtail lighted ornament with a blown glass ornament body, a pigtail electrical cord, a light electrically coupled to one end of the cord, a pigtail electrical connector at the other end of the cord, for connection to a receiving socket, for supplying power to the light, a first opening in the ornament body through which the cord passes, a second opening defined in the ornament body, and a soft grommet seated in the second opening and defining a seat in which the light is held so that the light is held securely, but removably coupled to the outside of the ornament body, and to allow the pigtail electrical connector to be plugged into a pigtail-style light strand.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ornamental device adapted for rotation about an axis to produce a changing perspective that creates an interesting visual effect includes a series of angularly spaced apart strips, each strip having opposite ends and a length corresponding to the curvilinear distance along the strip between the opposite ends of the strip, wherein each strip is connected at one end to a first spine and connected at an opposite end to a second spine. The device can be made by cutting a sheet of material into a desired geometric shape, making cuts into the sheet material to form a series of disconnected adjacent strips, and bending the strips from a reference plane so that the strips are angularly spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method by which a transparent object can be manufactured, in which transparent object an inclusion is arranged. A spherical object can be a substantially two-dimensional or three-dimensional object. The method includes the following steps, to be performed in suitable sequence, of: a) providing two complementary halves of the object such that at least one of two contact surfaces of the respective halves to be directed toward each other has a central recess which also forms a boundary of a cavity for accommodating at least a part of the inclusion; b) arranging at least said part of the inclusion in said recess; and c) mutually adhering the two halves, for instance by means of the parts of the two contact surfaces extending around the central recess, in order to form the object.

Abstract: A foldable ornament frame structure of the invention includes a first movable part, a second movable part, and a plurality of support rods. The first and second movable parts are respectively mounted at a top and a bottom of the ornament frame structure. The support rods connect the first movable part to the second movable part around the ornament frame to outline the ornamental shape of the ornament frame. The first and second movable parts respectively include a plurality of strips that are superposed and cross over one another at approximately respective central portions thereof. A hinge passes through the central portions to pivotally connect the strips together, the support rods connecting the strips of the first and second movable parts to outline the ornamental shape of the ornament frame.

Abstract: An ornament decor is designed for setting on a top of a decorative article having a small upper part and an expanded lower part. The ornament decor mainly includes a frame having a portion smaller than a maximum outer diameter of the decorative article measured at a horizontal position thereof, so that the frame is set on the decorative article without falling off the decorative article. The frame may be provided with decorative shapes or patterned accessories, and has linking members extended therefrom for detachably holding small hanging ornaments, such as tassels, beads, various icons, and so on. A user may change the frame or the hanging ornaments depending on personal preference at any time to create changeful appearances for the decorative article.

Abstract: A decorative article includes a plurality of members hingedly connected to one another and movable between a folded storage position and an unfolded display position. Each of the members includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second sides. A hinge interconnects adjacent members between respective first and second sides. Ones of the top surfaces overlay each other and ones of the bottom surfaces overlay each other in the article folded storage position, such that in the article folded storage position, the article has a height equal to the sum of the heights of the members, and in the article unfolded display position, the article has a height equal to the height of one of the members and wherein the members are arranged in a circular pattern.

Abstract: The ornamental accessory comprises a planar structure having a uniquely feathered periphery. The particular accessory illustrated is in the form of a star which frictionally engages about a bulb of a string of lights. The injection molding method for producing the accessory comprises the steps of: producing a two piece die for the desired base configuration for the accessory; clamping the die closed through application of clamping pressure against the pieces of the die; and injecting a suitable substance into the die at a pressure greater than the clamping pressure to allow the injected substance to bleed outwardly between the pieces of the die.

Abstract: A decorative ornament that is constructed by wrapping a pair of sections sequentially onto a core. Each section is composed of thin, pliable sheet material which includes a mass of slits forming a plurality of first upstanding members within one section and a plurality of second upstanding members within the second section. The outer tips of the first upstanding members are free and the apexes of the second upstanding members are free. Both the first section and the second section each include a solid uncut border with these borders to be wound onto the core in an overlapping arrangement. The slits within each section are located transverse to their respective border.

Abstract: A kit for making decorative lawn ornaments has a set of rods and rod connectors that enable the rods to be connected together to form two dimensional shapes and three-dimensional structures. The rod connectors permit two rods to be connected end to end collinearly or to connect two pr more rods together at a selected angle between pairs of connected rods. Light holders are also provided to enable strings of decorative lights to be attached to the rods.