Display In Frame Or Transparent Casing; Or Diorama Including Or Imitative Of A Real Object Patents (Class 428/13)
  • Patent number: 6828034
    Abstract: An award construction that includes a decorative member, a supporting base for supporting the decorative member and an alternate means for interconnecting the decorative member with the supporting base. More particularly, in one form of the invention, the base portion of the decorative member includes a peripheral portion having a locking rim that can be lockably interconnected with a yieldably deformable locking assembly that is affixed to and extends upwardly from the upper surface of the supporting base. In another form of the invention, the identical base portion of the decorative member can be interconnected with the support base by means of a threaded rod which is threadably received within a threaded bore formed in the base portion of the decorative member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Plastic Dress-Up Co.
    Inventor: John Banman
  • Patent number: 6824868
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a plastic composite comprising color images printed onto a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate using thermal transfer (TT) printing technology. The PET layer is then bonded to a second PET layer using a thermally activated adhesive, preferably ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The bonded PET layers are then disposed between two layers of plasticized PVB, forming the plastic composite. The plastic composite can then be placed between two sheets of glass forming the final laminated glass product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Solutia, Inc.
    Inventors: William Paul Bell, James R. Moran, Vincent J. Yacovone
  • Publication number: 20040202800
    Abstract: A flat non-porous unitary solid surface product comprised of: (a) a flat non-porous unitary matrix made of polymethylmethacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, or combinations thereof; and (b) a visible decorative object that is permanently fixated in the matrix, wherein the decorative object extends to least one edge of the matrix. A method for manufacturing the flat non-porous unitary solid surface product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis A. Schober
  • Patent number: 6777044
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coated fabric object and a method of making the coated fabric object, including a vase, container or furniture panel, the object having an outer fabric wrapping with a sewn seam and drawstring to tighten the seam around the neck of the object, an inner fabric collar applied and fitted to the opening of the object, after which a clear resin coating is applied to the fabric, causing the fabric to become stiff as the resin hardens, permanently bonding the fabric to the object to which it is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventors: Eric Daniel Andre Jeandemange, Philippe Manuel Poma
  • Patent number: 6777104
    Abstract: A matrix is formed into a desired shape by pouring transparent liquid material into a mold. The material progresses from the liquid to the gelatinous state. Laser sculpting steps are performed when the material is still in a gelatinous condition to form small spots in the matrix. Because the material is non-solid gel when the laser beam applies its focused energy, there is no cracking or destruction. Intensity and duration of the laser pulse determine the size of the spots as does the timing in relation to the matrix material finally changing from gel to solid. Particular visual effects are produced at different degrees of solidity when sculpting. The liquid in the mold may be pressurized for removal of air bubbles after initial pouring of the matrix material and application of pressure after the laser sculpting controls the size of the spots in the finished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Colbar Art, Inc.
    Inventor: Ovidiu Colea
  • Publication number: 20040137170
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Cheng Hung Yu
  • Patent number: 6761940
    Abstract: In a printed web-type material, in particular a lid for a container for dairy products, comprising a film of plastics, paper or metal on the visible surface, it is provided, with a view to embodying a material which can be equipped and worked using any hot-sealing varnishes, and more generally to obtaining temperature stability in the printed web of material, that a thermoplastic primer, which is needed for applying the overprint, and the printing ink itself are covered by a varnish of identical or similar composition so that part of the curing agent, which is available in the varnish or applied separately, migrates into the printing ink and the thermoplastic primer, resulting in cross-linking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Hueck Folien GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans Hermann Kammerer, Bernhard Müller
  • Patent number: 6752432
    Abstract: An information-bearing laminar assembly, suitable for use as an identification card, is disclosed. The assembly is characterized by the provision therein of an embedded halftone image security feature that becomes visible essentially only when the assembly is viewed in transmitted light. The information-bearing laminar assembly comprises an inner information-bearing layer interposed between a first and a second light-transmissive protective outer layer. The inner layer contains both visible information-bearing indicia and an imagewise halftone pattern of laser-ablated microholes. The light-transmissivity of the information-bearing inner layer within said half-tone pattern is imagewise differentiated at each microhole as a function of the microhole's penetration depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventor: Jack T. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20040071898
    Abstract: The subject of this invention is the presentation of a three dimensional glass sculpture depicting realistic subjects such as flowers, leaves, birds, animals or abstract shapes in a decorative window. This is an alternative to stain glass or beveled glass windows which are basically a two dimensional presentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Victor A. Trabucco
  • Publication number: 20040052979
    Abstract: The process comprises insertion of an element in tiles by cementing, the element being obtained by sinking organic or inorganic objects into a transparent matrix made using polyester trivalent, acrylic or epoxy resin, and a subsequent hermetic crystallization of the organic or inorganic element in the transparent matrix. The system for fixing the element in the tile can be done using a paper lattice and glass fibre with silicone glue or hot-gluing done on the back of the tile, or by simple cementing between the lateral surface the transparent element and the lateral surface of the recess made in the tile. The fixture can comprise a further stage of decorative and fixture-coating on the visible side of the tile. The invention can be applied on coloured two-faces tiles so that the insert, thanks to the fact that it is transparent, can be visible on both sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Franco Berselli, Diego Mottalini
  • Publication number: 20040052978
    Abstract: A decorative and artistic article is made using the color bars found in various consumer packages such as cigarette or cereal boxes. A particular color bar is first identified and separated from its packaging. The color bar may be used as separated or modified in shape. The obtained color bar is then mounted for display in a number of different arrangements such as a pin that can be attached to a person or article, or a frame for display on a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Abigail A. Lawler
  • Patent number: 6692806
    Abstract: A device, used for holding and displaying items such as photographs, certificates, compact discs and the like, includes a coversheet having an outward side and an inward side and an edge. A foam sheet material has front and back sides with the front side being connected with respect to the coversheet such that the device includes an entry portion to a pocket for holding the item. The back side of such foam clings to a display surface in a removable and replaceable manner. A backing material may be positioned between the foam sheet material and the coversheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Carey P. Woods
  • Patent number: 6683520
    Abstract: A magnetically attachable sealed pressed flower in which a sheet 3 having a pressed dry flower 2 is sealed and fixed by melting and fixing therein is disposed integrally on one surface of a sheet-shaped magnet substrate 1, which can improve the degree of freedom for the selection and alteration of the position or replacement of the kinds of pressed flowers and also enables re-utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Doppel Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Mieko Sakai
  • Patent number: 6663921
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Cameron F. Quigel
  • Publication number: 20030215584
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Jui-An Tsai
  • Patent number: 6645580
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Jui-An Tsai
  • Publication number: 20030198758
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a three-dimensional photograph includes:
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Tzuen-Yih Wang, Leo Huang, Ming-Hsiong Chang
  • Publication number: 20030198757
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a three-dimensional photograph includes:
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Tzuen-Yih Wang, Leo Huang, Ming-Hsiong Chang
  • Patent number: 6617005
    Abstract: A decorative molding/casing for use in decorating a room or furniture as disclosed. The decorative molding/casing in general has a routed or lazered front surface establishing a front face section. The rear surface of the molding/casing is preferably milled to create a longitudinal groove which establishes a first interior surface and a pair of symmetric support sections. Any desired artistic design cutouts may then be routed or lazered through the front face section and through the first interior surface into the longitudinal groove. A filler material is then colored or selected. The filler material may then be positioned within the longitudinal groove between the pair of symmetric support sections. The colored surface of the filler material may then be positioned proximate to the first interior surface where the filler material may be secured to the first interior surface by any preferred means as desired by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy Duffney
  • Patent number: 6607809
    Abstract: A tile with a transparent glass body having a smooth front face and a three-dimensional design impressed on the rear face that is viewed through the front face. The impressed design is further defined by a layer of decorative glass materials fused to the impressed design as well as some or all of the rear face. An overlay of glass material is fused to and follows the topography of, the decorative glass materials layer and/or the rear face of the glass tile body, sandwiching the decorative glass materials layer between the glass tile body and the glass material overlay. Once fused; the glass material overlay, the decorative glass materials layer and the glass tile body meld to become one homogenous glass layer, comprising the tile, that cannot delaminate. The resulting glass tile is similar in use and durability to ceramic tile while adding the ability to carry a protected, three-dimensional design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Chris Baker-Salmon
  • Publication number: 20030148044
    Abstract: A decorative emblem with an enhanced depth of vision is provided. The decorative emblem comprises a decorative substrate, at least one layer of transparent plastic material formed on the top surface of the decorative substrate, and image or design printed on the substantially flat surface of the layer of plastic material, and a transparent plastic overlay flow coated over the image or design, the transparent plastic overlay has radiused edges to give an enhanced depth of vision to the decorative emblem by creating a lens effect and providing a floating appearance to the image or design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel L. Auld, Michael W. Kaumeyer
  • Patent number: 6596351
    Abstract: Collectible dice wherein each is unique and includes a cube-shaped element defining six flat sides; indicia positioned on predetermined of the sides; and an electromagnetic radiation transmitting/transponding element embedded within the cube-shaped element for transmitting a unique identifying signal or code for reception and reading by a receiver/reader. A packaging system for each die includes a base for receiving the die thereon and covers for removably fitting onto the base and over the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Robert J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6589650
    Abstract: A cover slip material and a method of making and using the same are provided. The material comprises (a) a light transmissible polymeric backing having first and second surfaces; (b) a tack free bonding layer disposed on the first surface of the backing, the bonding layer comprising polymers selected from the group consisting of acrylate, methacrylate, and combinations thereof; and (c) a protective coating disposed on the second surface of the backing. Upon exposure to an environmentally friendly activating solvent such as terpene, d-limonene, esters of coconut oil and aliphatic hydrocarbon blends, the bonding layer acquires tacky properties causing the cover slip to adhere to a specimen previously mounted on a microscope slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael Govek, Babu N. Gaddam, Cynthia M. Hogerton, Audrey S. Huang, Maureen A. Kavanagh, Junkang Liu, Michael L. Ruegsegger
  • Publication number: 20030113485
    Abstract: A flat non-porous unitary solid surface product comprised of: (a) a flat non-porous unitary matrix made of polymethylmethacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, or combinations thereof; and (b) a visible decorative object that is permanently fixated in the matrix, wherein the decorative object extends to least one edge of the matrix. A method for manufacturing the flat non-porous unitary solid surface product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis A. Schober
  • Patent number: 6568387
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of breathing exercise devices and more particularly to expiratory breathing methods which promote proper resistance breathing by the user. More specifically, the present invention discloses a method which utilizes a pressure relief valve, preferably a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) valve, for providing positive expiratory pressure (PEP). The PEP is provided by obstructing the flow of gases exhaled by the patient through the PEEP valve, so that such gases must be exhaled against the PEEP valve's pressure threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventors: Paul W. Davenport, Anatole D. Martin
  • Patent number: 6564490
    Abstract: A picture plant assembly for providing an ornamental and attractive method of displaying photographs. The picture plant assembly includes a holder assembly including a base container having an open top and a bottom wall; and also includes a plurality of stems being removably disposed in the base container; and further includes a plurality of picture frames being removably attached to the stems and being adapted to support pictures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Omar Avila
  • Patent number: 6562423
    Abstract: A sports memorabilia article includes a casing at least partially enclosing a sports-related subject to be displayed. The casing is transparent at least over a sufficiently large area portion to permit external viewing of the subject held therewithin. The casing is given the appearance of a particular type of ball suited to use in playing the sport to which the subject displayed within the casing is directed. To achieve such appearance, the ball is either texturized in a manner giving the desired visual impression, silkscreened or otherwise painted either on an exterior surface of the casing or an interior of the transparent portions thereof, or embossed in a pattern resembling seams and other distinguishing surface details characteristic of such ball structure. The combination of subject and surrounding case provides a multilayer visual effect which amplifies the effectiveness of the display, and elicits greater interest and viewing entertainment on the part of the observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Matvey Rubin
  • Patent number: 6548128
    Abstract: A decorative emblem with an enhanced depth of vision is provided. The decorative emblem comprises a decorative substrate, at least one layer of transparent plastic material formed on the top surface of the decorative substrate, and image or design printed on the substantially flat surface of the layer of plastic material, and a transparent plastic overlay flow coated over the image or design, the transparent plastic overlay has radiused edges to give an enhanced depth of vision to the decorative emblem by creating a lens effect and providing a floating appearance to the image or design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: The Auld Company
    Inventors: Daniel L. Auld, Michael W. Kaumeyer
  • Patent number: 6524674
    Abstract: A glass panel having a simulated metal strip applied thereto in a decorative pattern, and a method for making a glass panel having a simulated metal strip applied thereto in a decorative pattern, including a flat panel of glass, a raised bead of air-curable acrylic resin applied in a prescribed pattern to at least one surface of the flat panel of glass, and a metal film overlying the bead of acrylic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Glass Unlimited of High Point, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith L. Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 6472038
    Abstract: An exchangeable decorative frame cover is provided for decoration. The exchangeable decorative frame cover includes a frame cover made of flexible material with a shape adaptable to a solid frame, and a means for securing the frame cover on to the solid frame, and releasing the frame cover from the solid frame. The exchangeable decorative frame cover can be made of fabric, leather, fur and plastics. Additionally, a kit is also provided, which contains a plurality of exchangeable decorative frame covers for providing a decorative picture frame an ability to be matched with eclectic decor. The kit can further include a picture frame together with a plurality of exchangeable decorative frame covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Jennifer Murphy
  • Patent number: 6461705
    Abstract: A glass panel having a simulated metal strip applied thereto in a decorative pattern, and a method for making a glass panel having a simulated metal strip applied thereto in a decorative pattern, including a flat panel of glass, a raised bead of air-curable acrylic resin applied in a prescribed pattern to at least one surface of the flat panel of glass, and a metal film overlying the bead of acrylic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Glass Unlimited of High Point, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith L. Eichhorn
  • Publication number: 20020142111
    Abstract: A decorative emblem with an enhanced depth of vision is provided. The decorative emblem comprises a decorative substrate, at least one layer of transparent plastic material formed on the top surface of the decorative substrate, and image or design printed on the substantially flat surface of the layer of plastic material, and a transparent plastic overlay flow coated over the image or design, the transparent plastic overlay has radiused edges to give an enhanced depth of vision to the decorative emblem by creating a lens effect and providing a floating appearance to the image or design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel L. Auld, Michael W. Kaumeyer
  • Patent number: 6455128
    Abstract: A display system for an article of clothing (20) includes an article of clothing (22) having an outer layer (28) which has an aperture (30). A display receiving insert (24) has a plate (32) which is shaped and dimensioned to fit into the aperture (30). The display receiving insert (24) is permanently attached to the article of clothing (22) so that plate (32) fits into aperture (30) and faces outward. A display (26) is then adhesively attached to plate (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Dennis Moon
  • Patent number: 6449916
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a decorative window insert, and from the insert a decorative window, comprises the steps of producing a plurality of planar glass units each adapted by size and shape, for assembly together as a decorative insert master by assembling the planar glass units into a planar assembly wherein the planar glass units are joined by a came, producing a mold from the decorative insert master, the mold replicating the decorative insert master with a came mold portion and a planar glass units mold portion, filling the came mold portion of the mold with a dyed catalyzed resin and curing the resin as a simulated came portion of the insert, filling a planar glass units mold portion of the mold with a non-dyed catalyzed resin and curing it as a simulated glass portion of the insert followed by a post-curing of the simulated came portion and the simulated glass portion to produce the decorative window insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: George E. Waters
  • Publication number: 20020108704
    Abstract: A laminated sheet having electromagnetic wave shielding effects and a manufacturing method therefor are provided wherein the laminated sheet is transparent, has electromagnetic wave shielding effects and is easily manufactured, moreover, an earthing terminal can be easily connected to the laminated sheet, and post-processing such as ultrasonic adhesion and the like can be easily conducted on the laminated sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: SHORITSU PLASTICS IND. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sadao Umezawa, Kihachiro Ishiguro, Akira Hiruma, Kunihiko Ogawa, Yoshikane Takagi
  • Patent number: 6423402
    Abstract: A bulletin board includes a generally planar polyfoam layer having a front surface and a back surface, wherein the back surface includes a recessed surface portion formed therein having an integrally disposed generally planar stiffening member held in place by the polyfoam. The planar stiffening member is preferably a cardboard piece and the polyfoam penetrates a portion of the corrugation from peripheral edges thereof inward. A method of forming the bulletin board is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Gregory F. Ali
  • Patent number: 6417119
    Abstract: A fabric having plant material adhered between layers of silk or hand-made paper. The silk or paper layers are translucent to allow the fabric to have the appearance of plant material. The fabric is manufactured by soaking dry plant material in water, pressing and drying the plant material to flatten it, adhering bottom and top layers of silk or paper to the plant material, and applying a stiffening agent to the fabric. Articles of various shapes may be formed by shaping the fabric into a predetermined shape prior to the step of applying the stiffening material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Sang Roberson
  • Patent number: 6409870
    Abstract: A decorative molding/casing for use in decorating a room or furniture as disclosed. The decorative molding/casing in general has a routed or lazered front surface establishing a front face section. The rear surface of the molding/casing is preferably milled to create a longitudinal groove which establishes a first interior surface and a pair of symmetric support sections. Any desired artistic design cutouts may then be routed or lazered through the front face section and through the first interior surface into the longitudinal groove. A filler material is then colored or selected. The filler material may then be positioned within the longitudinal groove between the pair of symmetric support sections. The colored surface of the filler material may then be positioned proximate to the first interior surface where the filler material may be secured to the first interior surface by any preferred means as desired by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: 3D Design, Inc
    Inventor: Timothy Duffney
  • Patent number: 6399167
    Abstract: An ornament having a printed insert bearing a personalized message or picture that is suspended within a transparent bulb. The printed insert is produced by printing the personalized message or picture onto transparency paper using a computer and color printer, and cutting the transparency paper to form a disk-shaped insert that is sized to fit within the transparent bulb. The printed insert is then curled and inserted through the opening of the transparent bulb, and is then suspended within the transparent bulb from a cap using a hitch pin (fastener).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: James W. Lewis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6391398
    Abstract: An artificial fragrance emitting flower article has at least one artificial flower having a stem. A vessel has an open top defined by a rim and an interior chamber defined by an inside surface of the vessel. A base having a top surface is mounted within the interior chamber of the vessel. The stem of the artificial flower is partially encased in the base. A fragrant gel layer is positioned on the top surface of the base to emit fragrance through the open top of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Bath & Body Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Maxine Pesu, Kathy LaVanier, Kenneth W. Lesenko
  • Patent number: 6379765
    Abstract: A framing device, used for displaying items such as photographs, certificates and the like, includes a translucent sheet-like material having an outward side and an inward side, both having a common continuous edge. An adhesive is applied along the inward side adjacent to the continuous edge in such a manner that a portion of such edge remains adhesive-free. A sheet of backing material has a first side and a second side and the first side of such foam is positionally secured by the adhesive and with respect to the translucent material. And a release liner is attached to the second side of the backing material. The adhesive-free portion of the edge and the sheet of backing material define a slot permitting insertion and removal of an item to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Carey P. Woods
  • Patent number: 6355316
    Abstract: To improve a device for protecting electronic circuits from unauthorized access so that it can be produced inexpensively, can be handled and guarantees increased security, the invention proposes a device for protecting electronic circuits from unauthorized access with at least one hood-type cover element, which is arranged on a circuit plate covering it at least in some areas and has tracks that can be connected to a detection circuit to detect mechanical damage, wherein the cover element is made of a material that is very hard and at the same time very brittle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Scheidt & Bachmann GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Miller, Ulrich Wortelkamp
  • Patent number: 6352287
    Abstract: A planar form or structure is used to create a thin card capable of receiving and retaining printed indicia, including written signatures, on both opposing surfaces. The structure and related method allow the exposed carrier surface and the underlying release agent layer to receive and retain printed indicia, including written signatures, while retaining an extremely thin, yet tear-resistant, card structure. The release agent layer solidifies from a liquid to form a film capable of receiving and retaining printed indicia, written signatures, and the like which may be printed or written upon through the peeling away of the transparent lamina layer to expose the underlying release agent layer for receiving the indicia. The resulting structure preferably exhibits a flexibility due to its thickness lying within the range of 15-30 microns plus the thickness of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Strata-Tac, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles L. Casagrande
  • Patent number: 6352748
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanically assembled picture comprising at least one image element comprising an image on a thin polymer sheet, a brace, and a transparent polymer sheet overlaying said image and brace, wherein said transparent sheet mechanically holds said image to said brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Peter T. Aylward, Robert P. Bourdelais, Alphonse D. Camp
  • Publication number: 20020015808
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fragrant article that delivers fragrance over a period of time by an article comprising a polymer matrix, a fragrance and a decorative object. The decorative object is contained within a polymer matrix and in a preferred embodiment is the similar to the fragrance that is being released. The article is particularly well suited to be used as a room freshener, which because of its attractive appearance does not need to be hidden.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Jerome I. Lindauer, Robert Reid, Lynn Iarossi, Andrea Lynn Meyer
  • Patent number: 6340099
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container with a structural improvement. The improvement comprises one transparent hollow vessel, at least one circular dividing board and at least one reservoir for containing either liquid and/or solid, wherein the transparent hollow vessel has a first end and a second end, the first end further comprising a threaded sleeve, the second end of the transparent hollow vessel at an appropriate location having a water intake opening. The second end of the transparent hollow vessel is matingly-fitted with the circular dividing board, wherein the center of the circular dividing board has an opening to receive a dispensing tube, the dispensing tube positioned between the opening of the circular dividing board and the threaded sleeve of the first end of the transparent hollow vessel. The reservoir is matingly-fitted and positioned below the transparent hollow vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Allure Home Creation Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Ho, Mark Ho
  • Patent number: 6338884
    Abstract: An enhanced structure of an animated ornament composed of a globular shell, a hollow ball, a piece of non-magnetic, high-density material (such as copper, tin, plastic etc.), an inner magnet and an outer magnet. The hollow ball, having decorative figures, is smaller than the globular shell and is included in the globular shell. The space in between the globular shell and the hollow ball is filled up with liquid so that the hollow ball floats in the liquid and, when being shaken, turns around in all directions. Inside the lower part of the hollow ball attached a piece of non-magnetic, high-density material, such as plastic, copper and tin, and an inner magnet is fixed on the top of the non-magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Chang
  • Patent number: 6337138
    Abstract: The present invention is a cellulosic, inorganic-filled plastic composite. The composite includes about 30% to about 70% by weight of the composite of cellulosic material, about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composite of talc, and about 25% to about 40% by weight of the composite of polyethylene. An extruded article and a method of making the cellulosic, inorganic-filled plastic composite are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Crane Plastics Company Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Burch E. Zehner, Bryan K. Buhrts
  • Publication number: 20020001682
    Abstract: A tile with a transparent glass body having a smooth front face and a three-dimensional design impressed on the rear face that is viewed through the front face. The impressed design is further defined by a layer of decorative glass materials fused to the impressed design as well as some or all of the rear face. An overlay of glass material is fused to and follows the topography of, the decorative glass materials layer and/or the rear face of the glass tile body, sandwiching the decorative glass materials layer between the glass tile body and the glass material overlay. Once fused; the glass material overlay, the decorative glass materials layer and the glass tile body meld to become one homogenous glass layer, the tile, that cannot delaminate. The overlay is an interface glass matrix that provides a point of attachment that can support the glass tile module of this invention when the glass tile is attached to a surface to be covered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Chris Baker-Salmon
  • Patent number: 6328157
    Abstract: The candy dispensing novelty item is a transparent, tubular container having an eyeball-shaped dispensing cap at a first end, a furry head piece and a cotton pompom necklace at a second end, and a shoulder strap and whistle. The shoulder strap passes through holes in the container and through the dispensing cap sleeve so as to secure the cap in a manner analogous to a tether or a leash. That is, each end of the shoulder strap terminates with a bead that is larger than the holes in the container and cap sleeve through which the strap passes. The dispensing cap has a ring-shaped exterior lip to halt the insertion of the cap sleeve into the first end of the container. Numerals representing the sports jersey of a favorite player may also be provided on top of the furry head piece. As a safety feature, the eyeball-shaped figure on the dispensing cap is reflective and serves to warn vehicles in a parking lot of oncoming pedestrian sports fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Joe M. Tolver