Display In Frame Or Transparent Casing; Or Diorama Including Or Imitative Of A Real Object Patents (Class 428/13)
  • Patent number: 5985382
    Abstract: A decoration article for use on automobiles is made up of a decoration top cap, a round disc and a double-sided adhesive piece. The round disc conforming identically to the structure of the double-sided adhesive piece has a central engaging protrusion for the passage of a screw and a square hole adjacent the central protrusion for water to be discharged therethrough when mounted to a water discharge spout of a windshield system. The decoration top cap is provided with a recess on the peripheral wall thereof so as to permit water to be discharged via the recess. The double-sided adhesive piece enables the decoration piece to be attached to the engine hood or trunk lid of a vehicle and the screw or bolt permits the decoration article to be firmly fixed to an outer lid of a wheel for ornament purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Janchy Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun Tian Shuen
  • Patent number: 5985379
    Abstract: A decorative display article is provided having a plate and a transparent vessel mounted thereon. The vessel defines a reservoir for retaining a liquid and a particulate material which will fall gently through the liquid upon agitation. The reservoir is mounted within the central portion of the plate and a peripheral rim on the plate extends radially outwardly therefrom. A sculpture is positioned within the reservoir and fixed proximal to the plate. Decorative artwork may be provided on the plate and/or as part of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Franklin Mint Company
    Inventors: Ronald Warren Longsdorf, Richard Dale Bankert
  • Patent number: 5976641
    Abstract: An Al alloy film containing one kind or two or more kinds of alloy components selected from a group of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo and Mn in a total amount of 0.1 to 10 at %, and a melting Al alloy sputtering target for depositing the Al alloy film, wherein the above-mentioned film is used as a reflection film for an optical recording medium, a shading film for a liquid crystal display panel or for a solid image pickup device, and an Al alloy thin film line or electrode material for a semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Takashi Onishi, Kazuo Yoshikawa, Seiji Nishi, Seigou Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5965221
    Abstract: A plaque and method of manufacture including a flat sheet of tinted transparent plastic having a smooth front viewing face and a rear face having a line drawing integrally molded thereto. When viewed through the front face, the line drawing presents to the viewer a glow according to the color of the tinting and an illusion of line drawing relief upon the front face. In a modification, the plaque can be backed by a black reflecting plate, and in another modification the plaque can be edge illuminated by an artificial light source. The plaque is made by CNC machining a grooved engraving on a polished steel plate and placing the engraved plate in an injection molding machine to cause molten plastic to cover the plate and flow into the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald L. Messenger
  • Patent number: 5958525
    Abstract: There are described devices for creating artistic designs which are simple in approach and execution, and which enable the user to create a unique work of art without the user coming into direct contact with the medium used to create the design.The subject devices comprise a first sheet and a second sheet, the sheets being in superposed relation, sealed around their periphery and defining a first area and a second area, a plurality of rupturable containers containing a spreadable medium, arranged in the first area and adapted to discharge the spreadable medium into the second area, provided that at least one of the sheets permits the viewing of the discharged spreadable medium.A kit is also provided which includes the subject device and additional materials, such as, for example, decorative materials for application to the device and materials with which to attach the device to various surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Sarah E. Green, John A. Marciello, Leonard Polizzotto
  • Patent number: 5955157
    Abstract: A candle holder specially shaped so as to resemble a TV set. The body portion of the candle holder is preferably made of glass and is relatively opaque except for a screen simulative portion recessed into a front wall thereof which is relatively translucent. The candle holder also may include means for simulating a "rabbit ears" antenna in the form of bent wire mounted in a rear wall and extending upwardly therefrom. A lit candle may be placed on the floor of the candle holder through an upper opening formed by the front wall, rear wall and side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher Hardy
  • Patent number: 5948520
    Abstract: A support device for a computer mouse (mouse pad) comprises, extending over the lower foil made of foam material, at least one thin, colored liquid layer which is enclosed between two foils welded together along the edge in a liquid-tight manner and is visible through the transparent foil or foils. The liquid occupies the available cavity only incompletely and it spreads out in puddle-like patterns to define void spaces which change continuously due to the actuation of the mouse, thereby providing the mouse pad with an optically interesting appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Hirsch & Partner GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Hirsch
  • Patent number: 5944862
    Abstract: A decorative window consists of thick transparent plastic resin layer laminated to a sheet of glass. The outer surface of resin layer includes decorative features, such as deeply contoured pictographic images and finely detailed textured surfaces. The decorative window is produced as replica of a glass master originally made using conventional grinding and surfaces finishing techniques. The master is then covered with a mixture of silicone, catalysts for curing the silicone, and a light oil to form a mold. After curing, the mold is removed from the glass master, inverted and a glass sheet, which has been prepared for the process by being coated with organosilane ester, is clamped thereto. The mold cavity is then filled with a mixture of a clear plastic resin, catalysts for curing the resin, and organosilane ester. After curing, the replicated decorative window is removed from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Stephen Edwin Howes
  • Patent number: 5922419
    Abstract: A hot plate assembly for supporting heated elements above a more heat susceptible surface, while also presenting an image through the translucent or transparent top plate of the hot plate assembly. The transparent or translucent top plate or main body is preferably formed of a tempered glass and a photographic element or other manner of illustrating an object is mounted or positioned on the undersurface of the top plate so as to be visible through the top plate. The image member provided on the undersurface of the top plate is fixed in position by way of a larger area backing layer which is bonded at least to the top plate's undersurface but also to the image member such as a photograph. Alternatively, the backing layer has the image integrally formed on or in the backing layer. A method is also described for forming a hot plate assembly which includes the sandwiching of the image member between the top plate and backing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Terrance G. Curran
  • Patent number: 5916030
    Abstract: A circulating water system is contained in a portable box. The water system includes a tray which carries the water from an overflow chamber and breaks up the water flow before dropping it onto a reservoir surface. Water dropping onto the reservoir surface creates sounds which are carried primarily through openings provided in the box. The sounds are transmitted to the immediate surroundings and are analogous to sounds emanating from naturally occurring water streams. Various trays are described which provide different sound intensities and tones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Gregory K. Warner
  • Patent number: 5916650
    Abstract: A resilient monolithic plastic sheet transparent display cover is used to hold a photograph or other item next to a surface, such as the surface of a refrigerator door. The plastic sheet, such as a cling vinyl, is removably adherent to the surface chosen, and may be peeled off and repositioned as desired. The display cover may include one or more de-bossed portions of suitable sizes for receiving photographs or other items, and may be provided with an attractive decorated, non-transparent border, or frame region for enhancing the appearance of the item to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventors: Brian Sidney Rosenbaum, Ronald Howard Rubinoff
  • Patent number: 5914158
    Abstract: A card with a removal and reusable covering thin transparent vinyl layer sheet with indicia thereon and a backing material sheet layered under said vinyl layer sheet and removably retained thereto by static cling without the use of adhesives there between. The covering vinyl sheet may cover part or all of one side of the backing material sheet such as in a folded greeting or a unfolded postcard, respectively. The indicia may take on almost any form of visual data including letters, words, pictorial representations, drawings, photographs, logos or any combination thereof. When the vinyl layer sheet is removed from the backing sheet, it may be placed on any flat smooth surface, such as a glass window pane, as long as static cling can hold the removable vinyl layer sheet thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Robert Gary McGuiness
  • Patent number: 5863632
    Abstract: A decorative photographic floor tile comprising an enlarged photographic print to create a visual decor for use in commercial settings. The photographic floor tile comprises a lamination of clear vinyl on top of a photographic print with a self-adhesive peel-away backing. A method of using the decorative photographic floor tile to create a visual decor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Darcy Bisker
  • Patent number: 5861075
    Abstract: A method of creating table top displays (10) for decorating or displaying advertisements on table tops (12) is disclosed. The method prints an image or design (16) on a single piece of substrate (14) that is nearly as large as the table top to be covered. The substrate is then covered with one or more laminate layers (24,26) and adhered to the upper surface of a table top. The laminated substrate is then coated with one or more layers of clear sealant (18). The sealant layer is applied in a manner to resist cracking and chipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: A.B.C. Advertising Agency
    Inventor: William M. Crabtree
  • Patent number: 5853824
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Jack Liu
  • Patent number: 5834073
    Abstract: An achievement award including a novel substantially transparent, injection molded acrylic plaque and a supporting base therefor. The display plaque is provided with a fossil-like, three-dimensional decorative design or image which appears to be embedded in the central body portion of the plaque. The display plaque uniquely includes strategically located bevels that give the plaque the appearance of expensive cut glass and, at the same time, functions to optically mask the mold lines which are formed during the injection molding process. The mold of the invention for use in injection molding the fossilized plaque includes several different types of mold inserts that can be positioned within the mold cavity so as to produce fossil-like designs within the body of the plaque of various shapes such as the shape of a golfer, a bowler, a basketball player and other types of athletic figures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Plastic Dress-Up Company
    Inventors: Alan P. Greenblat, John Banman
  • Patent number: 5827581
    Abstract: A method of forming a decorative plaque includes the steps of providing a transparent sheet, printing a decalcomania in a multi-color process having a reverse pattern layer with open spaces and applying the pattern layer on the back of the sheet for viewing of the pattern from the front. A contrasting layer is deposited behind the pattern layer to cover at least the open spaces so as to be distinctive when viewed from the front. A protective backing is applied behind the contrasting layer. After applying the decorative pattern by wetting and sliding into position, the assembly is heated in a kiln to approximately 1130.degree. F. in order to melt the glass frit and fuse the pattern layer into the sheet. The deposition of the contrasting layer is performed at a temperature low enough not to remelt the glass frit. In one embodiment, a silvering solution makes the spaces reflective to form a decorative mirror. The backing is provided using scratch resistant paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Hunter Manufacturing Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwayne A. Cobb, Steven A. Tomlin
  • Patent number: 5795630
    Abstract: The invention relates to an illusion device for amusement and entertainment purposes. The invention is more specifically suited to an illusion device which seems to the observer to produce a shimmering bubble floating in free space with no visible means of support or motivation. The invention includes novel sculptural cage design of commercially available silver diffraction grating MYLAR and a novel arrangement for electrically rotating it within a sealed transparent case for the purpose of creating the illusion of a floating transparent bubble which changes in shape and scintillates with color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Ted S. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 5783264
    Abstract: A decorative window consists of thick transparent plastic resin layer laminated to a sheet of glass. The outer surface of resin layer includes decorative features, such as deeply contoured pictographic images and finely detailed textured surfaces. The decorative window is produced as replica of a glass master originally made using conventional grinding and surface finishing techniques. The master is then covered with a mixture of silicone, catalysts for curing the silicone, and a light oil to form a mold. After curing, the mold is removed from the glass master, inverted and a glass sheet, which has been prepared for the process by being coated with organosilane ester, is clamped thereto. The mold cavity is then filled with a mixture of a clear plastic resin, catalysts for curing the resin, and organosilane ester. After curing, the replicated decorative window is removed from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Stephen Edwin Howes
  • Patent number: 5783265
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sign, preferably a registration sign for vehicles, which sign (2) includes a portion or member (16) consisting of a portion of a film web (6) or of a row of separate film portions, whereby said portion (16) is provided with information (3), preferably registration symbols or characters for vehicles, while toner material (25) has been applied thereon by electronically variable application in an electronic printer. For being able to manufacture this sign at low costs and by means of a simple manufacturing method, the toner material is applied on a surface of said portion (16), preferably a surface (23) reflecting light from headlamps, by means of an electronic printer in the form of an ionographic printer (24) wherein the toner material is fixed on the surface of said portion (16) with pressure by a cold pressure and fixing method. (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Stralfors AB
    Inventor: Gothe Anders Krister Parkander
  • Patent number: 5773102
    Abstract: A soundproofing laminated glass pane comprising at least two transparent rigid sheets, at least one plastic film, and at least one film having ordinary acoustic performance, provides acoustic results just as good as the plastic film alone. The two films may be separated by an impermeable thin film, such as polyethylene terephthalate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage, S.A.
    Inventor: Marc Rehfeld
  • Patent number: 5766702
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ornamental glass which can be used as decorative windows, doors, curtain walls, or the like in houses, buildings, automobiles, boats, or any living environments where division between the interior and the exterior is required. In particular, the ornamental glass features an embedded pattern designed for decorative purpose and a oneway light-transmitting quality that allows a viewer standing on the exterior side to see only the designed pattern but not the scene behind while a viewer standing on the interior side can see a translucent view of the exterior scene. The ornamental glass comprises a first sheet of transparent glass; a decorative pattern layer coated upon the first transparent glass sheet, and a second sheet of transparent glass placed upon the layer of decorative pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Chii-Hsiung Lin
  • Patent number: 5763053
    Abstract: An ambient lighted plaque structure with self-created aesthetic illusory-colored sides comprising a glass blank. The glass blank being colorless and transparent and homogeneous in composition. The glass blank bounded by front and back surfaces and a series of angularly related sides where the series of angularly related sides define a thickness between the front and back surfaces of the glass blank. One of the series of angularly related sides facing in an upward direction. Another of the series of angularly related sides facing in a downward direction. A colored glass strip structure underlying the glass blank and being homogeneous in composition. The colored glass strip structure is rigidly bonded to the side facing in a downward direction and the bond provides a colorless transparent joint therebetween. The joint enables ambient light to travel between the colored glass strip structure and the side facing in a downward direction without substantial internal reflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Harshad N. Amin
  • Patent number: 5750239
    Abstract: A process of making replicas of old, time-worn majolica tiles which look and feel like the replicated works. The process includes the steps of: (a) photographing the original work; (b) printing the photograph to obtain a trial print; (c) comparing the original work with the trial print; (d) making chromatic corrections to the trial print to enhance the faithfulness of replication (d') optionally reprinting the corrected print to obtain a second final print; (3) adhesively applying the final print onto a suitable packed support; and (f) finishing the edges of the packed support with a dye composition distressing the surface of the final print, both for enhancing the faithfulness of replication of the original work in the copy thus provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventors: Luigi Fratello, Michele Calocero
  • Patent number: 5741561
    Abstract: An interchangeable educational writing pad is disclosed. The writing pad includes a double walled vinyl placemat having an opening on one side thereof. The vinyl placemat is provided with a marker attachment. A series of printed paper inserts are provided. Each insert includes a problem printed on one side and its solution on the other. The inserts are labeled front and back so that the user may insert the insert with the front facing up, solve the problem, pull out and then flip the insert, and reinsert the insert to check the correct answer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Alexa L. Smith
    Inventor: Alexa Lenkin
  • Patent number: 5724891
    Abstract: A system and a method for producing displays such as signs and cards includes a continuous substrate of material which is passed from a supply roller to a take-up roller. A series of printing stations apply a four-color image to the substrate. A fifth printing station then applies a layer of opaque ink to selected portions of the four-color image. Subsequently, a rotating silk screen applies a pattern of viscous translucent ink to form extraordinarily thick ridges on selected portions of the four-color image and opaque ink layer. Finally, a metalized substrate is laminated to the plastic substrate over the various ink layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Chromium Graphics
    Inventor: Douglas I. Lovison
  • Patent number: 5698276
    Abstract: A decorative emblem for a vehicle comprises an oval bezel and a transparent lens. A groove with an angled sidewall is formed in the top surface of the bezel. The sidewall forms an angle with the bottom wall of the groove between 88.degree.30' and 82.degree.30' around the oval bezel so that the sidewall overlies the bottom wall making the groove wider at its bottom than at its top to lock the lens in place. The lens covers the top surface and is formed thereon by pouring a liquid lens material on the top surface of the bezel filling the groove. The liquid lens material cures to a hardened condition and the angled sidewall locks the lens in position over the top surface. The lens is transparent so that colors and designs on the bezel are visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Joseph Mirabitur
  • Patent number: 5691012
    Abstract: A markable sign is characterized by a laminated structure comprising a flexible layer of backing material having a front surface for receiving permanent printing and a rear surface for mounting on a support object. A flexible transparent layer has a rear surface for receiving permanent printing and a front surface. The transparent layer is connected with the backing layer with the rear surface of the transparent layer preferably being in contiguous relation with the front surface of the backing layer. The front surface of the transparent layer includes two coated areas, one for receiving a permanent marking and the other for receiving an erasable marking. When the sign is mounted on a motor vehicle, information regarding specifications for the vehicle are applied in the form of permanent markings to the first coating and information regarding maintenance performed at regular time intervals can be applied in the form of erasable markings to the second coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Allen Suchko
  • Patent number: 5688567
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Jay S. Daulton
  • Patent number: 5683763
    Abstract: A decorative pin having a surface made of metal for displaying a high quality color photographic image having a high degree of image resolution reproduced directly onto a metal surface and a method for reproducing a high quality photographic image directly onto a metal surface are disclosed. The decorative pin of the present invention comprises a base member made of brass having an upper surface for displaying a photographic image that is reproduced directly onto the upper surface and a lower surface having means for removably attaching the decorative pin to a garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventors: Michael David Shillan, Alan Zoltie
  • Patent number: 5670447
    Abstract: A 35 mm format transparency comprising a dye diffusion thermal printing receiver sheet consisting of a transparent substrate having on one surface thereof an image layer on which the image is formed by thermal dye transfer using a laser as the source of heat to effect the thermal transfer, the transparent substrate and the image layer consisting of materials having, in combination, a moisture absorption of less than 1.5% and being positioned removably between two transparent glass sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
    Inventors: Kenneth West Hutt, Ian Richard Stephenson, Ha Cong Viet Tran
  • Patent number: 5667897
    Abstract: This invention relates to first and second plate glass templates each having an outer smooth major surface and an inner rough major surface, only each of the major outer smooth surfaces being peripherally bounded by a chamfer formed at the cut edge. In this invention, the first and second templates are joined together with the rough surfaces in facing retention. The first and second plate glass templates may be used in forming a window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Amin Hamid Hashemi, David Norman Heilman
  • Patent number: 5667876
    Abstract: An informative card, such as a baseball trading card, has a rectangular shape and is made of sheet metal in such a way that it is free of pointed corners or exposed raw edges. The informative card comprises a single-layer metal blank which has a burr in the form of an upstanding pointed ridge along the periphery of the blank. A protective film, such as a layer of varnish, is applied on the card to cover the side with the burr so that the burr is shielded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: J.L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Radlicz
  • Patent number: 5662970
    Abstract: A sealed ornament of a dried and pressed flower completely sealed by a film having a low melting point in a substantially absolutely dried state and in a state free from air and moisture in order that the dried and pressed flower maintains its gracefulness without discoloring and fading for long periods. The sealed ornament is further secured to a base, and a cover film may be secured externally of the film having a low melting point as necessary. Additionally, the outermost layer may be coated with a coating resin as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Mieko Sakai
    Inventor: Makoto Noguchi
  • Patent number: 5660896
    Abstract: A temporary identification card having smooth edges is formed from a carrier of continuous form stock having indicia printed on its upper and/or lower surfaces. A retainer patch adheres to the bottom surface of the carrier by means of an adhesive area. The retainer patch has first and second plastic layers chemically bonded to one another. The card is die cut all the way around its perimeter, the die cutting extending through the form stock, the adhesive and the first layer of the retainer patch but not the second layer. The bond between the first and second layers of the retainer patch allows the second layer to retain the card in the carrier until such time as a user chooses to remove the card from the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: The Reynolds and Reynolds Company
    Inventors: Roger J. Normand, Eugene C. Fogle
  • Patent number: 5656341
    Abstract: A liquid-filled device including a pair of superimposed pliable sheets that are interconnected or sealed along peripheral edges. The superimposed pliable sheets are also interconnected along an inner seam. A first chamber for containing a liquid is defined by a space between peripheral edges of the sheets and the inner seam. The portion of the device which is between the superimposed pliable sheets and which is inboard of the inner seam defines a second chamber for containing a liquid. The device further includes an opening along a portion of the inner seam, which opening is sufficiently large to permit both liquid and discrete articles within that liquid to flow in both directions between the first and second chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Terese A. Pantaleo
  • Patent number: 5652031
    Abstract: A visual display of colored beads and methods for the preparation thereof. The display includes a pattern, a transparent substrate secured over the pattern, beads disposed on the substrate and a sealant that is disposed over the beads and the substrate for sealing the display so that the beads may not be accidentally dislodged or removed therefrom and a permanent display is formed. The method includes disposing sealant over the beads so that either a smooth finish is formed or so that the texture of the beads is exposed to touch and sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Ephrem E. Commanda
  • Patent number: 5649874
    Abstract: A transparent sphere comprised of a hardened polymeric resin has an insert provided therein. The sphere is prepared such that there is no air gap between the polymeric resin and the insert. The insert is sized to provide an apparent size of the insert which appears to be substantially the same as the diameter of the sphere and to maintain the structural integrity of the sphere under normal conditions of use of the sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Marble Vision Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Headford, Ilse Treurnicht, Tony Redpath, Tom Clarke
  • Patent number: 5637361
    Abstract: A tabletop fountain includes a water reservoir. A recirculating pump is disposed in the water reservoir. An ascending water pipe is connected to the pump. A sheathing that is advantageously formed of rock or rock-like material, guides and at least partially covers or hides the water pipe. A plant dish is insertable into the water reservoir. A cover has holes formed therein. An upwardly oriented separating strip is disposed on the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Ronald Scheurich
  • Patent number: 5626937
    Abstract: A precious metal foil composite comprising a precious metal foil encased, by lamination, in a transparent polymeric sheet material. The composite cards produced from this composite material are used for practical purposes by encasing the above composite together with another component having opaque decorative patterns, and finally encasing the entire assembly in a secondary hard protective covering to provide the outermost protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Morikawa, Naoyuki Hosoda, Naoki Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 5603176
    Abstract: A simulated suspended animation biosphere assembly includes an outer housing having a transparent wall portion, a transparent gel in the housing and at least one action component movably suspended in the gel. The action component is adapted to resemble an actual action element which is capable of voluntary controlled independent action movement and which is movably suspendable in a natural environmental medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred D. Eddins, Linwood E. Doane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5603994
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Chung S. Su
  • Patent number: 5599594
    Abstract: The specification describes articles which have a three-dimensional appearance even though they comprise a two-dimensional representation of an object. The effect can be achieved by coating the two-dimensional representation with a protective coating of a clear resin of clear plastics material, having a convex external surface. The articles may be buttons or jewellery that have the appearance of being made from gem stones such as opal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Australian Gem Exchange Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Gerald R. Pauley
  • Patent number: 5595794
    Abstract: An archival photoprint laminate process employs a dye-bleach developed transparent print laminated on both sides using a polyurethane bonding material which includes UV inhibitors, and then fusing those three layers between opposing sheets of glass in a standard type heat-laminating process. An aliphatic polyether urethane extruded sheet is employed as the bonding material. The print is developed on ILFORD CC.F7 transparent display film by the Ilford CIBACHROME II process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Claudio Cesar
  • Patent number: 5588895
    Abstract: An angel action figure doll (10) comprising a small adjustable mannequin (12). A wing assembly (14) is also provided. A structure (16) is for mounting the wing assembly (14) against a back of the small adjustable mannequin (12). A halo (18) is worn on a head (20) of the small adjustable mannequin (12), to simulate a conventional representation of an immortal, spiritual being superior to humans, that is an attendant and messenger of God, which can be used as a plaything of a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Diana A. Larson
  • Patent number: 5576078
    Abstract: An illuminated Christmas ornament which comprises a transparent member having an aperture in a top edge, a light fixture land a light bulb carried in the light fixture. A component is for electrically connecting the light fixture to a socket of a conventional master light string. A structure is for clamping the light fixture to the transparent member adjacent the top edge with the light bulb extending into the aperture, so that the light bulb can provide illumination to the transparent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Alan G. Schatz
  • Patent number: 5572741
    Abstract: A label having indicia thereon is attached to the shell of a firefighter's garment by stitching which passes through the label and the shell, with portions of the stitching extending outwardly of the label. A transparent protective layer is adhesively secured to the label and covers the outer surface of the label and the outwardly extending stitching portions. The protective layer is heat and abrasion resistant and is substantially waterproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Globe Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: J. Robert Bowman
  • Patent number: 5562954
    Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) product having a label that includes information pertaining to the type of material of the product for recycling purposes. The label is covered on its back surface side with a transparent surface mat. The product is formed by coating a surface of a mold with a gel coating to become an outer surface through a mold release agent, laying a glass mat of unsaturated polyester resin-impregnated reinforced fiber on the gel coating, further laying a glass mat of the same material and applying pressure of a roller or a brush on the gel coating, laying a label with printed material for indicating the material at an arbitrary position on one of the glass mats, laying, for example, a transparent surface mat of unsaturated polyester resin-impregnated glass fiber by pressure of a presser such as a roller or a brush or the like on the label, and consolidating each of the components to form the final product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kuniyuki Harada, Kazutaka Sawada, Yoshiteru Hosoya, Tetsuo Shibusawa
  • Patent number: 5556686
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a street address display designed to provide easier identification of property. The street address display is especially effective at night. The street address display includes a housing with transparent viewing faces, anchoring platforms attached to the housing, figures, and a background used as a mounting surface for the figures. The figures and the background are of contrasting coloration so that the figures can be seen by day as well as by night. The street address display is designed to be mounted directly to a mounting surface, such as a vehicle entranceway, using an anchoring means. The street address display is mounted on the mounting surface proximate to a roadway so that the street address display can be easily seen by oncoming traffic. The placement of the street address display near an adjacent roadway, along with the low profile of the street address display, allows for the street address display to be readily visible in an automobile's low beam headlights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Christian D. O'Shea
  • Patent number: 5547718
    Abstract: A novelty illusion device producing an illusion of a shimmering floating bubble having a transparent case, an illusion object disposed within the case, an electric motor for producing rotational force, a power circuit and power source for driving the motor, and a drive shaft for transferring rotational force from the motor to the illusion object. The drive shaft is rendered virtually invisible to an observer when the drive shaft is rotating by concealing the shaft within a groove formed in the casing. The illusion object is made of a plurality of mylar strips joined at both ends to form a cage structure. Additional circuits are included to vary the movement of the illusion periodically and in response to detected sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Ted S. Shapiro