Abstract: A novel design and method of manufacturing confetti uses an interior cutout type die-cutting process. The resulting die cut confetti has unique and unusual aerodynamic features creating visually pleasing flight patterns. The predominant descent pattern of this new confetti is a hover action. The confetti rocks slightly back and forth during its descent but primary remains parallel to the ground.

Abstract: A method of applying outwardly disposed images to the interior surfaces of transparent and opaque enclosures with limited interior access includes preparing the image to be interiorally mounted in the enclosure, at least partially rolling the image, inserting the rolled imaged through the access, unrolling the image, and adhering the image to the inside surface of the enclosure with liquid adhesive.

Abstract: The invention refers to a three-dimensional structure, covered with strips of flat film, consisting of a core or main body, which can be of any shape; a continuous strip of flat film with an exterior finish that is attractive to the eye, which completely covers said core in a uniform, regular, and continuous fashion, by the longitudinal overlapping of the edges of the tape; and, a fastening device, located at the upper part of the core.

Abstract: An optical alignment composition including polyimide having a cinnamate group at its side chain is disclosed. Also, there are disclosed an alignment layer formed using the composition and a liquid crystal display device (LCD) having the same. The alignment layer has an excellent thermal stability. According to the present invention, Since the alignment layer with excellent thermal stability is obtained, the LCD having excellent performance can be manufactured.

Abstract: A color liquid crystal display depicting clear images on the screen is provided by decreasing the reflectance of external light such as solar light and room light on the black matrix. A black matrix including a laminated film is provided. The laminated film includes at least two layers each of which include at least two constituent elements. One layer is a transition layer in which the content of one of the constituent elements increases along an incident direction of external light. Also provided is a reactive sputtering apparatus suitable for preparing the laminated film for the black matrix of the present invention.

Abstract: A leakage preventing structure for water ball decorations includes an reinforcing ring fitting and rotated to fix in an anti-leak rubber plug combined in a lower portion of a glass dome filled with a liquid and a decorative figure placed in the glass dome of the water ball decoration. Then the reinforcing ring properly ring properly expands and forces the anti-leak rubber plug contact tightly the glass dome so as to strengthen preventing function of liquid leakage from the glass dome.

Abstract: A furniture foot cover device 10 and its method of manufacture wherein a primary hollow resilient sphere 20 is provided with an opening 23 dimensioned to receive the lower portion 101 of a furniture foot 100. A major component 31 of a secondary hollow resilient sphere 30 is secured to the external 21 or internal 22 periphery of the primary resilient sphere 20 to provide reinforcement thereto.

Abstract: An improved porcelain ornament imprinted through the method of lithophanie is provided. The ornament comprises a lower body element having a design imprinted thereon through the method of lithophanie, and an upper body element having a second design printed thereon, also through the method of lithophanie. The upper body element is selectively removable from the lower body element for insertion of a light producing element. When the upper and lower body elements are combined, the upper and lower designs interactively form one overall picture.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved components for a base rail system for the protection of fixtures such as display shelves, booths, and grocery store refrigeration cabinets. A protruding rotatable corner member rotatably engages objects that collide with the corner, reducing abrasion of the corner and of the object. In addition, the rotatable corner member redirects objects so as to reduce collision forces on the fixture protection system. Socket adapters closely receive a segmented, spheroidal rotatable member and rotatably couple the member to base rail protection members. A base rail protection member includes a single piece arcuate resilient sheath disposed over an arcuate channel member so as to form a cushioning gap therebetween for absorbing and dispersing collision forces. The arcuate sheath includes retaining grooves disposed along the length thereof for engaging tabs disposed along the arcuate channel member.

Abstract: A plurality of lamps electrically connected together have different decorative patterns on the surfaces of the lamp bulbs so that when the bulbs are sequentially lit, a story is progressively and visually displayed.

Abstract: A crystal ball structure with changeable ball appearance having a base, a fixing base and a transparent box. A nose portion is used to combine the base and the fixing base to form an integral body that is separable from each other. An open end of the transparent box is connected with the rubber plug base. Accordingly, the base may be easily separated from the fixing base so that a card may also be inserted into or removed from the open end of the transparent box, thus the ball appearance is achieved.

Abstract: A corsage mounting device including a small wire element having two ends. Each end having buttons with holes wherein the wire ends are inserted therein in order to attach the corsage to a wearer's garment.

Abstract: An ornamental ball includes a spherical body consisting of two semi-spherical half bodies, and an inner ornamental member contained in the ball. The inner ornamental member is fixed inside the ball, having an axis shorter than the diameter of the ball and having two ends of the axis fixed at non-diametrical locations of an inner surface of the ball. Consequently, the ball rotates irregularly owning to the gravitational impact of the ornamental member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a multi-layer golf ball cover formed by a sandwich injection molding process, wherein said golf ball cover comprises an inner layer and an outer layer of a first material and an intermediate layer therebetween of a second material. The present invention is directed towards a sandwich injection molding process for forming a multi-layer golf ball cover involving the steps of pushing a measured amount of a plasticized first material into one end of an accumulation cylinder, pushing a measured amount of a plasticized second material into the opposite end of the accumulation cylinder, and injecting both materials in a single plunging step, so that the first material substantially coats the surface of the mold while the second material substantially fills the interior of the first material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optically anisotropic film characterized in that the retardation at 80.degree. C. is 20-97% of that at 30.degree. C., and the film is made from a mixture of a transparent or semitransparent polymer and at least one liquid crystal compound, wherein the ratio of the liquid crystal compound in the mixture is 0.5-50% by weight based on the combined weight of the liquid crystal compound and the polymer, or an optically anisotropic film characterized in that the retardation at 60.degree. C. is 50-99% of that at 30.degree. C., and the film comprises a mixture of a transparent or semitransparent polymer and at least one liquid crystal compound, wherein the ratio of the liquid crystal compound in the mixture is 0.5-50% by weight based on the combined weight of the liquid crystal compound and the polymer.

Abstract: Presented is a segmented spherical display device including at least four embodiments. The segmented spherical body of the display device may be, but need not be, transparent, is segmented in specific ways unique to different segment configurations to provide multiple flat surface portions or facets, each defined by at least two straight edges or lines of demarcation and one arcuate edge subtending the angle defined by the two straight edges, and to which or on which facets may be detachably mounted selected visual indicia or images for visual display. In two of the embodiments, the segmented spherical bodies are each segmented to provide two bodies that are halves of a sphere, that are mirror-images of one another and interengageable to form a segmented sphere. In the other two embodiments, the respective spherical bodies are each segmented to provide four quarter-sphere segment portions or bodies that are mirror-images of one another.

Abstract: A skeletal structure is formed of at least 4 and usually 6-12 curved members, each pivotally connected together at their upper and at their lower ends so as to have a generally spherical shape resembling a pumpkin. The skeletal structure is collapsible so that the curved members are parallel to each other for packaging or storage. A string of miniature electrical lamps can be attached removably to the curved members for providing a decorative appearance to the skeletal structure.

Abstract: A watering device (10) for use with a cut tree (2) in a base. The waterer (10) can be shaped to resemble an ornament. The waterer has a an inlet (22) and an outlet (28). A flexible tube (30) is attached to the outlet. Thus, water poured into the inlet exits through the outlet and into the tube. The tube, typically hidden within the tree, can extend downward and into a base or reservoir. Therefore, the water can exit the tube and into the base.

Abstract: A device shell including a shell body consisting of a plurality of shell pieces fastened together, each shell piece being respectively molded from colored plastics in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A movable decoration assembly comprises a hollow globe, a seat and a driving device. The seat has an upper casing and a lower casing to define a hollow chamber for receiving a driving device. The globe is disposed on the upper casing. The driving device has a motor to drive the first and the second shafts to rotate in the opposite directions. The first magnet is connected and driven by the first shaft. The second magnet is connected and driven by the second shaft. A cell is disposed in the cell chamber inside the lower casing. A switch is inside the lower casing. The switch and the cell control the rotation of the motor. The movable article has two symmetric parts adhered together. An air chamber is defined by the symmetric parts of the article. A magnetic body is disposed in the air chamber.

Abstract: A joining device for a chandelier ornaments provides a pair of retaining plates, typically cut from flat stock material, having ornaments located therebetween. The ornaments are secured against radial movement relative to the retaining plates by a series of retaining pins that pass through holes in the ornaments and holes in the plates. The plates are compressed so that it least one of the plates is in elastic deformation and the plates are secured to each other in a compressed, elastically deformed, state, by a grommet.

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

Abstract: A multisensory decorative hair bow, or bow (10), for providing an audible message such as music, spoken words, or sound effects upon the activation of an acoustic element (22). The bow (10) is designed to adorn a wearer by placement in the person's hair. A conventional bow (12) is provided with an acoustic device (22) secured thereto in a conventional manner. A control switch (24) is carried by the acoustic device (22) such that when selectively engaged, the acoustic device (22) produces the audible message. A covering member (30) may be provided to cover the acoustic device (22) to hide the same from sight.

Abstract: A rotative animated ornament has at least one rotative component and one or more moveable components in moveable relationship to the rotative component. The rotative component can be rotated by an electrical motor, or by any other type of rotative means such as a spring motor, a gas-pressure motor or a prime mover. The one or more moveable components are actuated magnetically by one or more magnetic elements in magnetic relationship to one or more magnetically responsive elements. The magnetic elements and the magnetically responsive elements can be positioned on an ornament holder and/or on the one or more moveable components. Actuation of a moveable component occurs when rotation of the rotative component positions a magnetic element in magnetically responsive nearness to either (a) a magnetically responsive element for magnetic attraction, (b) an opposite pole of another magnetic element for higher magnetic attraction, or (c) a same pole of another magnetic element for magnetic resistance.

Abstract: A method of stitching beads into a flexible mesh fabric having evenly spaced and uniform square openings, more or less, with design printed thereon. The thread is attached to the mesh, so that beads of various color and finish to complete the design may be stitched in a way to secure them within the mesh. This is accomplished by the threaded needle being passed through a number of beads which will comprise all or part of a column of openings within the design. The beads are then individually pushed through the mesh openings and secured by the thread being brought through the mesh and carried back through the beads a second time, thereby trapping the mesh fabric between the two threads.

Abstract: A bell includes two shells coupled together by a common foldable coupling element and foldable relative to each other for engaging with each other when folded at the coupling element. One of the shells includes a number of depressions, and the other shell includes a number of ears for engaging with the depressions so as to secure the shells together and so as to form the bell. The bell includes a configuration that is excellent for manufacturing purposes. A gap will be formed between the shells for facilitating sound transmitting effect.

Abstract: A container for displaying a statuette. The container includes a transparent hollow globe which is attachable to and detachable from the base. The globe and the base form a seal when attached to one another, so that water can be used to magnify the image of the statuette. The flat upper surface of the base has perforations in which floral wire can be inserted, for attaching the statuette to the base.

Abstract: A decorative device comprises a golf ball including a recess; a plug with an exposed flat surface disposed within the recess such that the golf ball can be placed on flat surface without rolling off.

Abstract: A decorative article, such as an ornament, is disclosed having a housing having an indicia receiving surface, wherein the indicia receiving surface is, preferably, substantially planar and at least partially recessed inside the housing. Indicia, having a front face, is at least partially disposed on the indicia receiving surface such that the face of the indicia is directed outward from the housing. An adherent adheres at least a portion of the indicia at least partially to the indicia receiving surface. A substantially transparent cover is attached to at least a portion of the front of the indicia for shielding the indicia and protecting the indicia from the environment. In the preferred embodiment, the indicia comprises a photograph. The method for making a decorative ornament includes the following steps. First a housing is provided, wherein the housing has at least an indicia receiving surface.

Abstract: A decorative or structural panel is formed of an array of spheroids of transparent or translucent material held in place in a grid member. This can be front and back grid members with the spheroids sandwiched therebetween. The panel can employ a semirigid grid member, or the grid can be molded in place around the spheroids.

Abstract: A sportsball and medallion holder comprises a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere of similar diameter, each hemisphere having a circular edge in abutment along a parting line to form a hollow sphere. A slot is formed in the sphere on the parting line and extends inwardly from an outer surface through the wall of the sphere. A medallion holder includes a mounting having an outer surface whereon a medallion is fastened, and a plate for engaging the sphere, the plate being connected transversely to the mounting by a first portion having a cross-section that fits in the slot. The sportsball and medallion holder are assembled with the hemispheres forming a sphere and the mounting means for a medallion located outside the sphere with the first portion being retained in the slot. Edges of the hemispheres fit congruently into notches in the plate.

Abstract: A decoration is provided for a ball shaped ornament which consists of a decorative band made of a pliable material and a structure for attaching two ends of the decorative band together over the outer surface of the ball shaped ornament, so as to change the appearance of the ball shaped ornament.

Abstract: A foldable construction incorporates both structural and ornamental qualities into a single form. The construction is made of a single, die-cut, nearly rectangular, blank of flat foldable material which is pre-creased with a unique configuration of fold lines. The completed structure is characterized by a convex dome shape on at least the top side. When folded to create a pair of opposing dome shapes, construction may take the form of a very solid, somewhat spherical, sculpture shape. Each dome is radially sectioned in an equal pattern around the axis of the dome and each section of the dome includes a recess portion which interrupts the outer skin and forms a structural rib. An internal support block may be used between the sets of structural ribs of the opposing domes to provide additional axial support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Christmas motion ornament which includes an AC motor set received inside a hollow, semi-spherical shell, a cover covered on the AC motor set, a rotary table decorated with animate toy ornaments and disposed above the cover and having a bottom gear meshed with a pinion on the output shaft of the AC motor set, and a fixed table decorated with inanimate toy ornaments and fixed to a pin dowel being protruded over the rotary table through a hole thereof.

Abstract: An ornament includes a hollow ornament body having an inner coating layer in which a pattern is formed, to form an ornamental indicia for the ornament. The pattern in the inner coating layer may be a pattern of openings or a pattern of discolorations. The pattern in the inner coating layer may be formed by directing a laser beam through the hollow ornament body into the inner coating layer in a predetermined pattern. The laser beam may vaporize the inner coating layer or discolor the inner coating layer without harming the body of the ornament. The laser may be a Nd:YAG marking laser. Input patterns are provided to the laser after conversion from planar to spheroidal coordinates so that a pattern may be produced in the inner coating layer without distortion. When illuminated from within, the ornament produces a unique appearance because the ornamental indicia is illuminated due to the removal or discoloration of the inner coating layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the creation of three dimensional objects from elements or blanks produced by inscribing inwardly and outwardly extending circles about a plurality of polygons, such as isoceles triangles, rectangles, or trapezoids of four, six or other even numbered sides through each point where the sides of the polygons intersect. To provide the appropriate arc lengths, the inscribed circles have the same diameter as the length of the side of the polygon where the arcs are to be inscribed. The element is bent or folded along each arc to form the three dimensional object. Multiple elements can be joined to form complex elements by superimposing individual elements upon a portion of adjacent elements. The objects thus formed can be held together by forces generated by the folded arcs, although an adhesive may optionally be used. The elements three dimensional objects, and methods of making same also form part of this invention.

Abstract: Toys for cats of a desired cubic structure are formed with a main body including a core element and a braid proper. The braid proper is formed by braiding together braid elements around the core element. Each of the braid elements includes one or more single yarns and each of the single yarns is made by braiding warping or twisting together synthetic fiber yarns.

Abstract: A decorative kinetic device which includes a transparent hollow dome containing a fluid and a plurality of small particles. The dome is open on its bottom and is mounted on a base having a pumping chamber formed therein. The top of the pumping chamber, which serves as the bottom of the dome, includes an intake hole and an outlet hole to provide flow paths between the dome and the pumping chamber. A pump impeller is positioned within the pumping chamber to circulate the fluid and the particles, the impeller being rotated by a motor positioned in the base below the pumping chamber. An extension member is attached to and extends vertically upward from the pump impeller into the dome and is adapted to receive a decorative object. A transport tube having an intake port and an outlet port is positioned in the dome such that the intake port is connected to the outlet hole of the pumping chamber and the outlet port of the transporting tube is positioned near the top of the dome.

Abstract: A light emitting foldable decoration is provided for a socket holder fixture with a light bulb suspended by a power cord form a mounting plate on a ceiling of a building. The decoration consists of a structure connected to the socket holder fixture for screening the light bulb and another structure for covering the screening structure, so that the covering structure will allow some of the light illuminating from the light bulb to enhance the appearance of the covering structure.

Abstract: A display device wherein decorative objects are immersed in a liquid-filled housing which is rotatably mounted on a base and driven by a windup music box mechanism through a transmission assembly so that rotation of the housing relative to the base in a first direction winds up the music box mechanism which, during unwinding and the production of music, causes the housing to rotate in a second opposite direction.

Abstract: A mobile decorative part of a Christmas tree ornament is orbited around a stationary decorative part by an electrical motor locked onto the stationary decorative part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a card display container suitable for use in displaying gift items or greeting cards containing sentimental messages or artistic renderings. The card display container comprises a transparent hollow spherical housing a card inside the spherical housing which contacts the inner surface of the spherical housing at the corners of the card, and an opening for insertion of the greeting card or gift item. The opening in the housing is closed by means of a plug. The plug may follow the exterior contour of the spherical housing or extend beyond the exterior surface of the spherical housing to form a flat surface thereby providing a base for the display container to rest on any flat surface such as a desk or shelf. The ornamental display container may also be displayed by hanging. The present invention provides a means for displaying gift items or cards containing sentimental messages or artistic renderings which can be viewed from almost any angle.

Abstract: An ornament includes a hollow ornament body having an inner coating layer in which a pattern is formed, to form an ornamental indicia for the ornament. The pattern in the inner coating layer may be a pattern of openings or a pattern of discolorations. The pattern in the inner coating layer may be formed by directing a laser beam through the hollow ornament body into the inner coating layer in a predetermined pattern. The laser beam may vaporize the inner coating layer or discolor the inner coating layer without harming the body of the ornament. The laser may be a Nd:YAG marking laser. Input patterns are provided to the laser after conversion from planar to spheroidal coordinates so that a pattern may be produced in the inner coating layer without distortion. When illuminated from within, the ornament produces a unique appearance because the ornamental indicia is illuminated due to the removal or discoloration of the inner coating layer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a decorative device for displaying an ornamental object within a fluid. The device takes the form of a transparent hollow bell-shaped enclosure, the interior of the enclosure containing a fluid and a plurality of small particles. A handle is attached to the crown of the enclosure. A fluid tight base is sealingly connected to the mouth of the enclosure. A fluid inlet is positioned within the base for introducing the fluid into the enclosure. A plug seals the fluid inlets to prevent fluid from leaving the enclosure. A bottom cover is placed over the base to provide a flat surface to permit the device to stand in an upright position on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: The holiday ornament consists of a three-dimensional star constructed with a frame of narrow dowels interconnected with snap-on connectors. The frame can be readily disassembled for storage and re-assembled for use. A lightweight fabric skin is stretched over the frame and attached to the frame at the center of the star by a snap-on connector. The skin consists of separable panels to permit mixing of different panels as desired. Each panel corresponds to one leg of the star. A light or string of lights may be placed inside the frame.

Abstract: A shoe mounted novelty device includes an elongate antenna like member having an inner end mounted on a shoe and an outer end projecting in an upright erect manner therefrom. An amusement or ornamental device such as a ball, flower, pompon or the like is secured to the outer end of the antenna member. The inner end of the antenna member is mounted to the shoe by a post which is clipped onto a component of the shoe.

Abstract: A sports article attached to a crossbar of a bicycle handlebar such that it can be removed and used as a sports article. The sports article provides impact protection on the crossbar and adds to the attractive appearance of the bicycle.

Abstract: A simulated three-dimensional night sky kit for a substantially flat surface includes a plurality of groups of discrete star-shaped bodies. Each of the bodies is a rigid, planar member formed of a plastic material exhibiting phosphorescent properties. The number of bodies forming each of the plurality of groups of bodies and the tip-to-tip dimensions of the bodies of each group of bodies varies substantially between the groups of bodies to provide a simulated three-dimensional night sky when the groups of bodies are mounted in a random distribution on a substantially flat surface. Each body includes a mounting arrangement formed of a resilient foam pad, a permanent adhesive layer bonding the pad to the body, and a releasable adhesive layer on an opposite surface of the pad to releasably mount the body and the pad to a surface.

Abstract: Ornamental device having compartments formed of net-like foraminous material and containing sparkle elements which are larger than the openings in the material, but having appendages whose outer ends are smaller than the openings so as to engage therein to inhibit movement of the sparkle elements within the compartments.

Abstract: A woven wire structural unit comprising multi-wire bundles. The bundles are connected at respective ends, and thereafter rigidly fixed. A variety of configurations may be formed, including but not limited to linear arrays, planar arrays, columnar or cylindrical configurations, spherical and hemispherical configurations, cubic configurations, and other polyhedronal configurations.