Abstract: A collapsible decorative device. There is disclosed a multi-component apparatus for erecting an aesthetically pleasing star-shaped frame upon which lights, paper, fabric or even fireworks may be draped, attached, covered or arranged to provide a rigid star decoration. Both five- and six-pointed star versions are disclosed. The elements of the device are variously and pivotally interconnected, so that the device may be compactly collapsed for transportation or storage, and yet is easily collapsed and re-erected for repeated use from holiday to holiday.

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: There is provided a multi-purpose collapsible structure comprising a structure housing having front and base peripheral edges adjoined to each other. The structure housing has front and base apertures which are elongated adjacent the front and base peripheral edges, respectively. Front and base flexible rods are extended within the front and base apertures, respectively. The structure housing further has a biasing member disposed at each location where the front and base rods converge toward each other to engage the rods therewith. Each of the biasing members maintain the front rod generally perpendicular to the base rod in an extended position whereby the front rod is movable thereto via application of force opposing the biasing members. This forms a stowed position and collapse the structure housing.

Abstract: An air impermeable coated fabric, characterized in that it comprises a base fabric comprising fibers having a total fineness (yarn size) of 67 to 350 dtex and an elastomer film formed by application on at least one surface thereof, and the coated surface has friction coefficients (MIU) both in the warp direction and in the weft direction of 0.01 to 0.3, as measured according to KES measurement and the difference between the two friction coefficient values of 0.15 or less in an absolute value. The coated fabric has a coated surface having significantly improved sliding characteristics and thus is useful for manufacturing an air bag capable of being developed in a short time and with uniformity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-cell tube capable of simultaneously opening and closing a tube having a plurality of separate cells or chambers and a method for efficiently manufacturing the multi-cell tube. A primary object of the present invention is to manufacture a multi-cell tube having two or more cells, which are repeatedly formed in longitudinal and circumferential directions of the tube, in such a manner that fluid can be separately or simultaneously let into and/or out of the respective cells and the respective cells can be individually kept airtight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellular structure for use in honeycomb window shades having plurality of rows forming a single column of double cells, which forms a uniformly pleated appearance for the face and rear of the cellular structure. Each of the plurality of rows of double cells is constructed of a longitudinal strip of material having a greater width portion and a limiting member portion. The limiting member portion serves to restrict the extent to which any row may be stretched. The present invention further relates to a method for making the cellular structure.

Abstract: A novel decorative structure includes a length of strand material, having a plurality of individual strands twisted with respect to one another and fixed with respect to one another near a first end of the strands, and a twisting member having a plurality of apertures formed therein, each adapted to receive a respective one of the individual strands therethrough. In a particular embodiment the twisting member is a disc, such that when the twisting member is advanced from a second end of the strands to the first end, the strand material is caused to unwind. Similarly, when the twisting member is advanced from the first end to the second end of the strands, the strand material is caused to wind up. When unwound, the strands retain a decorative helical shape, and give the appearance of a Christmas tree.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing an air-holding vehicle restraint system, wherein a textile fabric is coated on at least one side with a thermoplastic polymeric material and folded along its lengthwise direction to form a closed bottom end and two open upper ends, with the coated side of the fabric facing inwardly. The method also comprises folding a portion of each of the upper open ends of the textile fabric so that they turn outwardly to form a coated platform, and laying a sealing tape upon the coated platform. The sealing tape is then secured to the coated platform and sealed to the coated platform. The method further comprises cutting the coated textile fabric along predetermined side edges to form an air-holding vehicle restraint system of desired shape, and sealing the cut side edges of the coated textile fabric.

Abstract: An acoustic medium for temporary acoustic treatment of a room is formed from one or more continuous curtains, preferably, with pleated first and second major surfaces. Each pleated curtain preferably has one or more series of collapsible elongated tubular sections which form the pleats that make up the major surfaces of the curtain. Since the elongated tubular sections are collapsible, the curtain can be retracted by collapsing the elongated tubular sections and extended by opening the elongated tubular sections. The mat materials forming the elongated tubular sections and the pleated major surfaces of the curtain provide the curtain with an airflow resistance through the curtain, in a direction generally perpendicular to the planes containing the apexes of the pleats forming the first and second major surfaces of the curtain, that has the desired properties for absorbing or reflecting sound.

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: The present invention relates to honeycomb structures having cell walls of increased thickness wherein multiple layers of cell wall material are not bonded together except on two opposite cell wall sides. The invention also includes a process for making such honeycomb structures.

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: The present invention discloses folded corrugated material formed of cloth and cloth laminates for producing segments or strips for use as Easter grass or packing material.

Abstract: A reusable, fluid-swellable absorbent composition is disclosed. The composition generally includes a superabsorbent polymer, a gum, a film-forming resin and gelatin. The composition may further include a colorant and/or reflective particles, and it is particularly well-suited for use with amusement devices, such as for use by children. The device includes at least one sample of the invented composition, preferably including colorant and/or glitter, a volume of water and a structure including a base and a closed perimeter extending outwardly from the base. The structure includes a plurality of discrete regions, and may collectively resemble an object, scene or other image. Then upon placement of a small quantity of the composition into a particular region and addition of water to the quantity, the composition swells, expands and generally conforms to the shape of the region.

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: A decorative device includes a supporting release layer, a flexible backing layer, an adhesive layer on the backing layer, the adhesive layer being covered by the release layer such that the backing layer is removable from the release layer to expose the adhesive layer on the backing layer, and a decorative layer disposed on a surface of the flexible backing layer opposite to the adhesive layer. A decorative article is printed on the decorative layer, the decorative article having a pair of wings, with a cut extending peripherally about the decorative article and penetrating through the decorative layer and the flexible backing layer, but not through the supporting release layer, the cut defining a decorative element which includes the wings. A strip of adhesive located between the wings adheres the decorative layer to the flexible backing layer, and enables the wings to be folded to stand out from the backing layer.

Abstract: A dual-laminate honeycomb panel permits the use of two or more different materials to form a single panel. In this manner, a retractable covering for an architectural opening may be formed that has a different appearance depending upon which side of the panel is being viewed. The resultant panel is formed by attaching a plurality of elongated precursor tubular cells, wherein each precursor tubular cell itself comprises two strips of material attached to one another.

Abstract: The invention is directed to multi-layered textile fabrics having a plurality of polymeric coating layers of polyurethane and/or polysiloxane coated thereon. The coating layers are applied to such multi-layered woven textile fabric substrates having preconfigured air-holding cavities therein to form an improved air-holding vehicle restraint system, such as an air bag or side air curtain with superior air-holding characteristics. In certain instances, the multi-layered textile fabrics are coated on one side only, and in others they may be coated on both sides, i.e., opposed first and second surfaces. The layers of the multi-layered fabric can then be joined by means of heat sealing, RF welding or combinations thereof, for purposes of forming an air bag or side air curtain without the need for sewing or stitching. The coated fabrics facilitate manufacture of air bags, side curtains or the like with both reduced cutting and sealing steps than fabrics of the prior art.

Abstract: A show pom provided with a first set of streamers extending from the two ends of a baton handle and a second set of retractable streamers that retract within the ends of the hollow baton handle. The second set of streamers are usually constructed of a different color than the first set of streamers and are retracted into the baton handle so that the second set of streamers are not visible until they are deployed by spring action out the two ends of the baton handle by depressing a trigger pin provided on the baton handle.

Abstract: A Wind and Sun Tolerant Mesh is disclosed which is composed of either natural or synthetic material, the generally vertical directional strands crossed by horizontal strands, some or all of which individual horizontal strands of which broaden out on one side forming as sill which projects outward at an angle away from the plane surface of the mesh in a venetian blind profile, and wind baffling effect, while simultaneously allowing release of any excess pressure from wind gusting into the opposite side due to the semi permeable nature of the mesh and as there is no restricting sill on the inside surface, thus giving better control and protection to either articles or utilities made from, and/or persons or property protected by, commodities of any various sort constructed wholly or partly from the mesh.

Abstract: A dual-laminate honeycomb panel permits the use of two or more different materials to form a single panel. In this manner, a retractable covering for an architectural opening may be formed that has a different appearance depending upon which side of the panel is being viewed. The resultant panel is formed by attaching a plurality of elongated precursor tubular cells, wherein each precursor tubular cell itself comprises two strips of material attached to one another.

Abstract: A shelf anti-sagging support brace for attachment to a side edge of a shelf to prevent the shelf from sagging or drooping. The shelf anti-sagging support brace includes an elongate member with a pair of opposite ends, and front and back side faces extending between the ends of the elongate member. The back side face of the elongate member has a pair of elongate channels therein extending between the ends of the elongate member. Each of the elongate channels is designed for receiving a side edge of a shelf therein. The channels each have a spaced apart pair of side walls, an end wall connecting the side walls of the respective channel together, and a width defined between the side walls of the respective channel. The width of one of the channels is greater than the width of the other channel.

Abstract: A coated textile fabric is disclosed for manufacturing an air holding device for a vehicle restraint system, including a base woven, knitted or non-woven base textile fabric having a first surface and a second surface. The base textile fabric is completely or partially coated with an adhesive polyurethane to form a first coating layer, the first coating layer being coated with a second composite coating layer. The second composite coating layer is preferably a polyurethane, a polysiloxane, and an epoxy resin which acts as a filler and adhesion promoter. A third coating layer is formed of a polymeric polyurethane material coated on the second composite layer. A method of producing the coated textile fabric is also disclosed. A heat sealing die for forming sealing beads to seal such coated textile fabrics to form air holding devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable and contractible honeycomb insulating panel is described. The panel is formed by attaching a plurality of adjacent embedded tubular cell units, wherein each embedded tubular cell unit comprises at least one side having multiple layers of material. In this manner, the panel has superior insulating or light blocking capabilities in a volume comparable to a honeycomb panel made of tubular cells having a single layer of material. In another form, a retractable cover for an architectural opening is described that includes such a honeycomb insulating panel. Also, the honeycomb insulating panel may be enclosed to provide insulation.

Abstract: Artificial icicles, artificial Christmas trees, garlands, ribbons and the like composed of non-flammable polypropylene film.

Abstract: A honeycomb panel includes multiple rows having parallel cells extending transversely of the rows and with the cells of adjacent rows of cells staggered longitudinally of the rows relative to each other. Panels with two, three, four and five cell rows are disclosed. The panels are formed by folded strips stacked one upon the other with each strip having portions thereof glued together. Adjacent strips in each stack of strips are glued together such that each strip forms at least one complete cell of one row of cells and at least three-quarters of an adjacent cell in an adjacent row of cells.

Abstract: A decorative pop-up sticker is formed of a decorative design element bendable along an intermediate line to form design sections at least one of which has adhesive on its back side, whereby to enable securing said design sections to a surface with the bent design section extending outwardly of said surface in a pop-up, three dimensional configuration.

Abstract: An expandable three-dimensional display device is provided with a cover and a support post at least partially disposed within the cover. The display device includes a mechanism associated with the cover and support post that is operable alternately to expand the cover to an enlarged configuration about the post to provide a three-dimensional display and collapse the covers to a collapsed configuration. A light is mounted within the cover to illuminate it. Addition display structure is formed to be mounted on the upper end of the support post which projects through the cover and additionally to be secured to the cover in order to provide the assembled display with further texture and interest.

Abstract: Honeycomb forms can be held in an expanded or compressed state by the use of a lengthwise device such as a cord or similar lengthwise material threaded through holes in the honeycomb plies. This cord has a frictional surface to hold the honeycomb from unintended movement. Additionally, a semi rigid lengthwise device, such as a twisted, stranded wire may be used with the separated strands preventing the return of the end plies.

Abstract: A decorative folding star is made of star pieces, preferably straight strips and/or strips with ends bent to an angle, such as 36°. One end of each strip is fastened to the corresponding end of an adjoining strip. When all the star pieces are end-coupled, they form a topological loop. The structure is reinforced with extra fasteners at the crossing points. When these reinforcements and also one of the end fasteners are removed, the pieces can fold about the pivots of the remaining end fasteners and the star collapses for shipment or storage. The ends may be offset to provide clearance and aid in folding. The end fastener may be shaped to permit rotation only in the direction toward the collapsed position of the star. Lights or light holders may be mounted on the strips.

Abstract: A standable sticker is provided comprising an integral one-piece shape that is divided into a figure portion and a base portion. The base portion is adapted for permanent or removable adherence to a surface, and is coated on one side with a pressure sensitive adhesive. A perforated or scored line defines a boundary between the figure portion and base portion and the figure portion in foldable at an angle to the base portion at the perforated or scored line to permit the figure portion to be presented in a substantially vertical orientation. The sticker is adapted for releasable adhesion to liner material or substrate.

Abstract: A construction diagram affixed to a construction paper, for constructing a three-dimensional figure out of paper, or out of any other printable foldable surface, according to the principles of origami and papercraft. The construction diagram includes an image matrix and fold lines. The image matrix indicates what areas of the paper will be visible when the three-dimensional figure is constructed according to the construction diagram and the principles of origami, and the fold lines indicate how to fold the paper. Some of the fold lines may be truncated, depending on the shape of the paper used, compared to how long the fold lines would be if the paper were of a standard shape for the particular three-dimensional figure to be constructed. The result is a three-dimensional figure that is as large as could be constructed from the paper used.

Abstract: An allantoin-containing skin cream composition can comprise allantoin and at least one anionic or nonionic emulsifier that is substantially hydrophilic and is soluble in water. The pH of the composition is in a range of from about 3.0 to about 6.0; preferably, the pH of the composition is from about 5.0 to about 6.0. The composition can further comprise an acidic anionic polymer. A preferred acidic anionic polymer is a carboxypolymethylene polymer. The composition can further comprise a carbohydrate polymer such as galactoarabinan, polygalactose or polyarabinose. The composition can additionally comprise other ingredients such as herbal extracts, an antioxidant component, an emollient component, a chelator, a solvent component, or a preservative component. The composition is useful as a skin protectant.

Abstract: The invention is directed to coating a knit, woven, or non-woven textile substrate with adhesive polyurethane layer and then with an elastomeric polysiloxane layer and to then form an air curtain or air bag therefrom with superior air-holding and superior heat resistance.

Abstract: A rewriteable image-recording substrate has a base sheet, and an image-developing layer coated over a surface of the base sheet. The image-developing layer is composed of a plurality of split-tube elements formed of a shape memory resin exhibiting a predetermined glass-transition temperature. Each of the split-tube elements has a split formed along a central axis thereof, and is securely adhered to the surface of the base sheet such that the split of each split-tube element is oriented away from the surface of the base sheet. An outer peripheral surface of each split-tube element is colored with, for example, white, and an inner cylindrical surface thereof is colored with, for example, black.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an artificial tree is provided which includes a tree element having a central generally disc-shaped member and a plurality of generally annular rings concentric to the central disc-shaped member and to one another such that the central disc-shaped member and the rings, in the operative position, are positioned in a vertically spaced, tiered array, with the central disc-shaped member at an uppermost position such that the tiered array is configured to have a tree-shape. A plurality of connecting strips connect each tier of the array to a next adjacent tier of the array. The disc-shaped member, the concentric rings, and the connecting strips may be formed from a unitary sheet of material, and the disc-shaped member and the concentric rings may be formed by providing a plurality of discontinuous generally spiral slits in the sheet of material.

Abstract: A surface for the alignment of liquid crystals containing directionally-linked groups and compounds useful for preparing such surfaces are disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer surface in contact with a liquid crystal medium is exposed to polarized light, whereby a covalently bound anisotropic component of the polymer surface aligns in response to the polarized light. Alignment of the anisotropic component causes alignment of the liquid crystal medium. An interference pattern of two polarized lights causes the covalently bound anisotropic component to form microgrooves on the polymer surface. A liquid crystal cell includes at least one polymer surface that has a covalently bound anisotropic component that can align in response to polarized light and a liquid crystal in contact with the polymer surface.

Abstract: A transparent structure with a decoration therein, including a transparent membrane, a bottom seat, a top cap, a fastening belt, a buoyant decoration and a liquid. The transparent membrane is made of a thermoplastic plastic material or the like. A user can watch or touch the buoyant decoration through the transparent membrane. The transparent membrane has simple structure and can be squeezed or compressed without breaking.

Abstract: A colinear laminate honeycomb panel permits the use of two or more different materials to form a single panel. In this manner, a retractable cover for an architectural opening may be formed that has a different appearance depending upon which side of the panel is being viewed. The resultant panel is formed by attaching a plurality of elongated precursor tubular cells, wherein each precursor tubular cell itself comprises at least two strips of material held in proximity to one another by a common carrier strip.

Abstract: A photoinitiator is represented by general formula (I): ##STR1## where n is an integer of 1 or greater; A and B are each a trans cyclohexane ring or a benzene ring, the benzene ring being allowed to include a fluorine atom or a methyl group as a substituent, the benzene ring adjacent to a carbonyl group being allowed to include a fluorine atom or a methyl group as a substituent; p and q are each 0 or 1, p and q are not simultaneously 0; X is an alkyl group of C.sub.1 through C.sub.3 or hydrogen atom, Y is a methyl group, ethyl group or alkoxy group of C.sub.1 through C.sub.3, and Z is a methyl group, ethyl group, alkyl-substituted phenyl group or a group represented by general formula (II), Y and Z being allowed to bonded together to form a ring: ##STR2## where A, B, n, p and q are identical with those in general formula (I).

Abstract: Pop-up items are provided which can either be mounted in three-dimensional form on a suitable supporting surface by means of pressure-sensitive adhesive carried by the item or can be affixed to facing panels of a letter or pages of a book. Some preferred items include a pop-up element in the form of one or two panels carrying strategically located pressure-sensitive adhesive which permits instant mounting, e.g. between facing panels so that, upon opening, the pop-up element assumes a three-dimensional configuration as a result of the pressure-sensitive adhesive bonding to the surfaces of facing panels or pages. The 3-dimensional pop-up can also be mounted to a suitable supporting surface. A variety of methods for the mass production of such pop-up elements from a continuous web, e.g., a printed and die-cut web from a web press, facilitate their inexpensive fabrication. These pop-up elements are preferably marketed or distributed in groups, e.g.

Abstract: An improved mathematically modeled family of bellow fold patterns, useful for making bellows from stiff but foldable materials, which forms a corner of a bellow consisting of a series of several single inversion fold patterns, each having a characteristic design angle which is mathematically computed to provide a desired initial wall angle for the bellow and to minimize wall tilting over a predetermined extension angle range, thereby allowing low cost bellows to be made which can extend long distances while using a minimal amount of stiff but foldable material.

Abstract: A retractable cover for an architectural opening is described that includes a honeycomb insulating panel wherein each cell of the panel has multiple layers of material formed by embedding tubular cells. In this manner, the retractable cover may be formed that has superior insulating or light blocking capabilities in a volume comparable to one with a honeycomb panel made of tubular cells having a single layer of material. The panel of the resultant cover is formed by attaching a plurality of embedded tubular cell units, wherein each embedded tubular cell unit comprises at least one side having multiple layers of material.

Abstract: An ornament includes a collapsible housing constructed preferably of polyvinyl chloride and provided with an air valve allowing of selective inflation and deflation of the housing. Contained within the interior of the housing is a tethered figurine, along with a measured amount of particulate material simulating snowflakes. By employing foamed polystyrene as the particulate material, a composition is utilized which exhibits a natural affinity towards clinging to the inner wall of the housing. Upon inflation of the housing, which includes a hanger formation at its top, the figurine is displayed as a freely suspended member within the housing while the particles of foamed polystyrene are attracted to and cling to the wall of the housing in a scattered or random manner. The material of the housing may be transparent or alternatively, be translucent with a slight degree of opacity.

Abstract: An ornamental bunting is formed of a length of fabric folded to form a plurality of pleats. Each of the pleats has an aperture therethrough, and a ring-shaped member passes through all of the apertures to maintain an end of the length of fabric in a gathered condition.

Abstract: Decorative structures comprising a flexible sheet-like member simulate universal conceptions of the appearance of floating and fixed ghosts. A structure for simulating a universal conception of the appearance of a floating ghost comprises a flexible sheet-like member draped over a support member, such as a balloon, to form a composite structure. The composite structure is suspended from a support structure to simulate the appearance of a floating ghost. A decorative structure for simulating a universal conception of a fixed ghost comprises a support bag member having a filling therein, and a flexible sheet-like member placed over the support bag member and having facial indicia simulating an appearance of a face of a ghost thereon. The free ends of the sheet-like member are secured to the ground at spaced apart positions, to provide a generally inverted conical shape, so that the resultant structure can flutter when subjected to wind or the like.

Abstract: Related to a liquid-crystal alignment film that can align liquid-crystal molecules without resort to the rubbing.The liquid-crystal alignment film of the present invention comprises a resin (e.g., a polyimide) containing a photoisomerizable and dichroic structural unit (e.g., a stilbene derivative), and is furnished with the ability to align liquid-crystal molecules when a film formed of the resin is irradiated with linearly polarized light; the ability to align liquid-crystal molecules being held and fixed.The liquid-crystal alignment film of the present invention is used in electric-filed driven type liquid-crystal display devices.

Abstract: A honeycomb insulating panel is described wherein each cell of the panel has multiple layers of material formed by embedding tubular cells. In this manner, a retractable cover for an architectural opening may be formed that has superior insulating or light blocking capabilities in a volume comparable to a honeycomb panel made of tubular cells having a single layer of material. The resultant panel is formed by attaching a plurality of embedded tubular cell units, wherein each embedded tubular cell unit comprises at least one side having multiple layers of material.

Abstract: A laminate wrap constructed in accordance with the invention is provided which is formed and shipped in a flat shape, and which may be converted into a rigid L, U or square/rectangular shipping or storage container for the protection of long articles during shipping and storage. The laminate wrap is constructed to allow for ease in formation and handling, but after formation into an L, U or other shaped shipping or storage container, to produce a rigid storage structure or tube.