Abstract: Consumable feed products and vegetation are delivered to animals using a single container in which the container holds the feed product and is used to deliver the feed and which includes ungerminated seeds embedded in the container body. The seeds are caused to germinate and produce vegetation from the container body, and the germinated seeds and/or vegetation is fed to the animal. Multiple containers may be used simultaneously so that while the consumable feed product from one container is used to feed an animal, another container may be used to grow vegetation or deliver vegetation to the animal. Confined birds such as poultry and chicks may benefit from ingesting feed and vegetation produced from such containers.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the manufacture of methyl mercaptan using recycled dimethyl sulfide. In particular, the invention relates to a process for the continuous production of methyl mercaptan via the catalytic conversion of dimethyl sulfide using a non-promoted Al2O3 catalyst at low temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a balance beam apparatus for exercising or training pets that may include, for example, a balance beam having a first distal end, a second distal end, and a portion raised from a ground surface, the first distal end of the balance beam being positioned on a first beam base, the second distal end of the balance beam being positioned on a second beam base, where the first beam base comprises a first beam and a second beam stacked vertically to form steps leading up to the balance beam, and where the second beam base includes a third beam and a fourth beam stacked vertically to form steps leading down from the balance beam. The first beam base and the second beam base may have a width substantially similar to a width of the balance beam. The balance beam apparatus may be free-standing and portable.

Abstract: Consumable feed products and vegetation are delivered to animals using a single container in which the container holds the feed product and is used to deliver the feed and which includes ungerminated seeds embedded in the container body. The seeds are caused to germinate and produce vegetation from the container body, and the germinated seeds and/or vegetation is fed to the animal. Multiple containers may be used simultaneously so that while the consumable feed product from one container is used to feed an animal, another container may be used to grow vegetation or deliver vegetation to the animal. Confined birds such as poultry and chicks may benefit from ingesting feed and vegetation produced from such containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial lawn at least consisting of a substrate through which one or more synthetic fibres are attached, wherein part of said one or more synthetic fibres projects from the substrate, forming a base on which the artificial lawn can be played, and another part of said one or more synthetic fibres faces away from the substrate. It is an object of the present invention to provide an artificial lawn wherein the artificial lawn, which is made up of various components, can be recycled, wherein in particular the chemical origin of the individual components is substantially identical.

Abstract: A personalized keepsake is constructed to resemble a flowering plant having petals or leaves upon which personal messages or other indicia are printed or inscribed. When the keepsake is assembled the messages or indicia are displayed. Messages and indicia gathered before construction of the keepsake are assembled prior to the giving of the keepsake. In one version, a series of simulated plant stems are formed in various shapes and sizes, to which simulated flower assemblies are attached. Each stem has a specifically-configured peg which fits into a similarly-shaped socket formed on a mount attached to a base-supported holder. A method for creating and assembling the keepsake is also described.

Abstract: An artificial floral arrangement and method for its production are described. A liner is inserted into a mold container having a continuous inner side wall with a lower edge and a bottom wall. A wrap, such as one or more artificial leaves or other plant components, is wrapped around the container inner side wall, and secured in place by placing an adhesive moldable binder into the container at the interface of the wrap and bottom wall. A floral support, which may be of the same composition as the binder, is placed inside the container, and floral material is inserted into the support. The stand-alone floral arrangement made up of the wrap, binder ring, floral support and floral material, is then removed from the container and the liner stripped away. The floral arrangement can be displayed without a container, reinserted into the mold container, or placed in a different container.

Abstract: Artificial floral products are provided, and more particularly real touch flowers that feel like real flowers and that have an artificial scent associated with the flower are provided. In particular, the scent is embedded into the flower petals, providing a more lifelike appearance and pleasing smell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant simulation decorative cloth/mesh, comprising a cloth or mesh, the simulation plant on one or both sides of the cloth or mesh being sewn to the cloth or mesh. Advantages: (1) The present invention creates a precedent for the stereoscopic plant simulation cloth/mesh, expanding the applications and uses of the cloth; 2. the present invention not only can decorate a variety of body surface with a stereoscopic sense, but also achieves a stereoscopic simulation greening and shading effect of the city, home, garden, roofing, garage, seaside resort and specific places, creating a decorative effect with green leaves, flowers and fruits; 3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite artificial grass fiber for use in an artificial lawn, in particular an artificial grass sports field, which artificial grass fiber is made up at least of several monofilament fibers. The invention further relates to an artificial lawn, in particular an artificial grass sports field built up of a substrate to which composite artificial grass fibers according to the invention are attached. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a composite artificial grass fiber according to the invention, in particular for an artificial lawn, which comprises the steps of manufacturing several monofilament fibers and forming said several monofilament fibers into a composite artificial grass fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a synthetic fibre of the monofilament type for use in an artificial lawn, which synthetic fibre has a width greater than the thickness of the synthetic fibre. The invention also relates to an artificial lawn consisting at least of a backing to which one or more synthetic fibres according to the invention are attached. The object of the present invention is to prevent a weak synthetic fibre as mentioned above which remains prone to splitting and fracture and to provide an improved synthetic fibre for use in an artificial lawn which is sufficiently rigid yet flexible as well and which has the capacity to straighten again so as to be able to take up the varying loads during play, and which is also sufficiently wear-resistant and sliding-friendly, so that the fibre will less tend to assume a flat orientation or split or fracture, and which furthermore does not increase the risk of injury or have an adverse effect on the playing characteristics.

Abstract: A decoration body for various objects such as wreaths, Christmas trees, bouquets, and feng shui goods, which are rationally and beautifully decorated with small decoration members such as natural stones or glass sculptures is provided. The decoration body includes: a plurality of smallest base members bundled to form one intermediate base member, each of the smallest base members being composed by providing a small hole in a small decoration member such as a natural stone or a glass sculpture and causing a wire to penetrate through the small hole; a plurality of the intermediate base member further bundled to form one base decoration body; and a plurality of the base decoration body being disposed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising a mat (1, 2), which has at least one through clearance (1.1) so that a remaining part constitutes an outer mat (1), at least one inner mat (2) being arranged in said at least one clearance (1.1) and said outer mat (1) having at least one first device-attributed, upper layer (1.4) provided with at least one non-rigid pile (1.5) of plastic in the form of artificial turf. Said inner mat (2) has at least one second device-attributed, upper layer (2.4) consisting of a material having a substantially smooth upperside and that is denser than the material of the first upper layer (1.4) of the outer mat (1). The present invention also relates to the use of the device.

Abstract: A polymer composition including a cyclic-olefinic copolymer and another polymer, an image-receiving element including the polymeric composition in an image-receiving layer, a print assembly including the image-receiving element, and a method of printing are described.

Abstract: An artificial foliage structure with wire cores embedded in its leafy parts causing these parts to “spring back” upon removal of compressive loading acting thereupon. These wire cores may be made of hard, springy steel such as piano wire or small diameter spring wire. Thicker, woody limbs and branches have embedded therein heavier wire cores that are sufficiently soft to be given a set solely by manually applied bending force.

Abstract: An artificial flower which contains an integral gift is disclosed. The integral gift enhances the value and appeal of the artificial flower, or likewise enhances the appeal of an arrangement of such artificial flowers. The invention relates to an artificial flower, or an arrangement of a plurality of such flowers, containing an adapter for holding a small gift member, and a gift member. The scope of the invention includes the artificial flower, adapter, and gift member. The gift member may be selected from a number of special, or thematic, items such as miniature beverage bottles, golf balls, cigars, gift boxes, jewelry, or any gift items.

Abstract: A golf practice mat provides, on an upfacing surface, a plurality of mutually aligned artificial grass blades that extend upwardly. The grass blades include a portion of longer fixed length and a portion of shorter fixed length. The longer blades second angle exceeds the first angle. The ends of the longer blades extend above the ends of the shorter blades. The shorter blades have a longitudinal rigidity and density of placement on the practice mat so as to support a golf ball at a desired height above the practice mat; the height determined primarily by the shorter blades. The longer blades have a flexibility and density of placement on the mat that provides a natural feel to a golf club driving through the blades.

Abstract: A flower cup having a flared bell-like shape has a flared rim, tapered sides and a substantially flat base. The rim, sides and a portion of the base have a plurality of perforations running from the rim to the base, where the perforations meet a plurality of lines which radiate from the center of the base. The plurality of side perforations can be six and the plurality of base lines six. The side perforations align with the base lines. The plurality of base lines are partly perforated and partly cut, or half of the base lines are fully cut and the other half of the base lines are partly cut and partly perforated. The flower cup can have a stippled finish. A flower-stem protector has a straw sized to accommodate flower stems and having at least one rib on its proximal end, and a collar affixed to the proximal end of the straw.

Abstract: A synthetic grass assembly for installation on a supporting soil substrate includes a pile fabric with a flexible sheet backing and rows of upstanding synthetic ribbons representing grass blades, extending upwardly from an upper surface of the backing. An infill layer of two distinct graded courses of particulate material is disposed interstitially between the upstanding ribbons upon the upper surface of the backing and of a depth less than the length of the ribbons. A bottom course of intermixed hard sand and resilient rubber granules with substantially identical particle size distribution characteristics is installed upon the backing and a top course exclusively of resilient rubber granules is placed upon the bottom course.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for arranging flowers without a vase. A series of nested members, each having a plurality of flower stem receiving channels, preferably between two and eight flower channels, are placed in nested configuration. Flower stems are placed in each of the receiving channels and the next larger member is placed over the stems. Larger members, for holding more flowers, can be placed over the next larger size. Preferably, one to four layers of members are used to create the flower arrangement.

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.

Abstract: An artificial aquatic plant is displayed in a desired array juxtaposed with the inside surface of a wall of an aquarium by attaching one end of the plant to a retainer secured to a frame at the top of the aquarium and extending longitudinally along the wall, and by attaching the other end of the plant to an anchor buried in a bed of sand or gravel at the bottom of the aquarium. The artificial aquatic plant is constructed of synthetic resin materials and at least some components of the plant are fabricated of a synthetic resin material having insufficient buoyancy to support the plant in the desired array within the water contained in the aquarium. Support of the plant in the displayed array is accomplished by the attachment of the ends of the plant to the retainer and to the anchor.

Abstract: An arborescent concealment artifice for hunters and nature observers constructed of artificial limbs, branches, stems and leaves. The limbs have a plastically deformable wire core sheathed in flexible plastic. The proximal ends of the limbs are detachably connected to a common mounting block; the block is detachably secured to a connector plate disposed intermediate the block and a support; and, the connector plate is detachably secured to the support.

Abstract: A method for making decorative grass having a three-dimensional pattern which constitutes at least a portion of the decor of the decorative grass. Printed designs or materials and/or embossed materials can also constitute a portion of the decor of the decorative grass. The method includes slitting a material having a three-dimensional pattern on at least a portion of at least one surface thereof and then cutting the slit material into segments of a predetermined length to provide the decorative grass having a three-dimensional pattern.

Abstract: The present invention discloses folded corrugated material for producing segments or strips for use as Easter grass, packing material and the like or for use as flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials.

Abstract: A eucalyptus floral product and a method for producing the same is provided. The floral product is non-perishable and permanent, while appearing to be naturally grown as opposed to artificially manufactured. The eucalyptus leaf floral product comprises a plurality of eucalyptus leaves attached to a central stem to substantially resemble a corolla. Additionally, the corolla preferably resembles a rosette. The central stem is preferably a length of wire, and the eucalyptus leaves are preferably preserved eucalyptus leaves. The corolla includes an underside, and a plurality of smaller eucalyptus leaves attached to the underside of the corolla form to substantially resemble a calyx. Additionally, the leaves can be soaked in a mildly acidic solution, such as vinegar, before the leaves are formed into the floral product.

Abstract: An artificial plant assembly (10) that includes a base (12) which serves as a platform for securing the assembly (10) when it is inserted into a vase or the like. The base (10) which can be made in a variety of geometrical shapes such as a circle, a square or a multi-sided shape includes a central stem bore (18) and a plurality of outer stem bores (20). Into the bore (18) is inserted a central stem support (30) which has an upper edge (38) which includes a plurality of inner stem bores (42). Around the central stem support (30) is located, in a random or symmetrical pattern, a plurality of outer stem bores (20). Into the bores (20 and (42) is inserted an inner core (62) into which is inserted one or a plurality of nested and rotatable bulbous sections (70, 92, 102). Each bulbous section has an upper end which terminates with a flora (84) which may consist of a flower of leaf or a combination of various flora.

Abstract: A bouquet holder module is provided for a bouquet display apparatus which includes an adjustable clamp assembly and a bracket assembly supported by the adjustable clamp assembly, wherein the bracket assembly includes a module holder portion. More specifically, the bouquet holder module includes a bracket assembly attachment portion which includes a bracket attachment frame and a bracket attachment channel defined by the bracket attachment frame. A bouquet retention portion is connected to the bracket assembly attachment portion. The bouquet retention portion includes a bouquet retention frame and bouquet retention channel defined by the bouquet retention frame. A bouquet holder assembly can be supported by the bouquet holder module. The bouquet holder assembly includes a tapered insertion shaft/handle and a cushion-containing head supported by the insertion shaft/handle. The cushion-containing head is tilted at approximately a forty-five degree angle in a direction away from the adjustable clamp assembly.

Abstract: A process for preserving cellular structures includes the steps of pre-treating the structures with an aqueous polymeric water solution, drying the structures and then post-treating the structures with an organic solvent, non-water-base solution. Once the structure has been treated with the pre-treatment solution, the specimen is allowed to sit for a predetermined period of time in order for the active ingredients of the solution to penetrate the surface area of the specimen. The specimen is then preferably freeze-dried. The solution may also be applied to the cellular material by drawing it systemically through the material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crown which is essentially a single piece unit formed desirably of plastic having a domed center portion with a plurality of guides, and depending sides, each of which has coordinated guides. The sides, in turn, are hingedly secured to the domed central portion to permit a dependent relationship. Because each side has a securement means for penetrating a foam block, they can be wrapped around such a foam block in anticipation of the insertion of the decorative elements. Further in coordination with the crown, patterns are provided in which a sizing discipline is shown, and with exemplary head sizes, to the end that flowers, whether artificial or natural and items such as flags, balloons, hearts, signs, or other emblems, can be sized and then directly inserted into the crown in accordance with the keyed indicia on the sizing portion of the patterns.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a flower to a Christmas tree includes a container that defines an aperture at an upper end. An attaching mechanism projects from the container and attaches the container to the Christmas tree. The apparatus keeps the flower fresh while attached to the Christmas tree by maintaining a stem of the flower immersed in water that is held in the container.

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

Abstract: An artificial flower arrangement kit including a flower matching template with separate, full scale pictorial representations of the flowers to be utilized in the kit and a matching numeral associated with each pictorial representation wherein the matching numeral corresponds to a placement numeral associated with a placement marking on a placement template. The placement template is sized for placement on an upper surface of a foam block into which the flowers are to be inserted through the placement template. The pictorial representations are preferably arranged on the matching template in ascending order corresponding with the order in which the flowers are to be inserted into the mounting block.

Abstract: A holder for water absorbing blocks in which articles requiring moisture, such as flowers, can be inserted for display purposes. The holder includes a back member with peripheral walls forming a cavity in which the blocks are inserted and a receptacle at the lower end and outside a wall of the back member for receiving a retaining water from the block members which flows over the wall.

Abstract: A container including an elongated hollow member having two ends, an axis, a maximum width and an aperture and being adapted to contain objects; a decorative element being axially attached to one of the ends of the elongated hollow member and having a maximum width greater that the maximum width of the elongated hollow member; a pom-pom-like portion included in the decorative element, this portion having segments that radiate in substantially three dimensions to substantially fill a central region; an attachment system for the pom-pom-like portion for axially attaching the pom-pom-like portion to the elongated hollow member; and an openable cover adapted to obscure the aperture and to substantially contain the objects in the elongated hollow member. Also, a plurality of different containers and arrangements thereof in bouquets, fans, frontals, laterals, cascades, conicals, fountains and other geometries.

Abstract: The portable box includes a housing forming four sides of an enclosure, with a front panel pivotally mounted to the enclosure and a support bar pivotally mounted in the upper end of the enclosure. The support bar includes an elongated strut and a clamping arm adjustably secured to the strut to selectively secure a display item in an upright position projecting upwardly from the support bar. The front panel is pivotally mounted on the enclosure to swing between an open position, wherein the support bar may pivot to store the display items within the enclosure, and a closed position securing the support bar in either an upright display position or an inverted storage position.

Abstract: In combination; a yet to fully open and bloom flower pistil or bud; and, an elongate strip of thin flexible and resilient sheet material having a surface with a fortune applied thereto; said strip is yieldingly, spirally rolled into an elongate cylindrical form and is positioned within the corolla of the bud in substantial axial alignment with the central longitudinal axis of the bud and within the central assembly of petals to be releasably contained thereby; said petals progressively release and allow the strip to unroll and emerge from within the bud as the bud opens toward full bloom.

Abstract: A centerpiece assembly in which an array of floral-like elements is supported on a rack to simulate a bouquet of cut flowers. Each element in the array has a stem formed by a transparent tubular wand filled with pellets of candy whose color imparts color to the stem. The lower end of the wand is provided with a removable stopper, the upper end having a decorative flower-like pom-pom attached thereto. The rack, fabricated of transparent material, is composed of a base plate having a center post anchored thereon on which are supported at least two tier plates, one above the other, each tier having a ring of equi-spaced holes therein coaxial with the center post. The upper tier ring has a diameter greater than that of the lower tier ring, whereby each hole in the upper ring is spaced a greater distance from the post than the corresponding hole in the lower ring.

Abstract: A floral display device is provided which consists of a lightweight, resilient polystyrene plastic member for receiving and retaining a plurality of flower stems therein in a floral arrangement. A mechanism is for removably attaching the polystyrene plastic member to a flat surface, typically but not limited to the exterior of a motor vehicle, a table and a wall.

Abstract: This invention relates to paper translites comprising a translucent paper sheet or web bearing on the front facing thereof an image area of a right reading in one or more colors, and on the back facing thereof an image area but of a reverse image and of the same colors. Each of the image areas is printed by halftone dots, and the image area of the reverse image has substantially dot-for-dot registration with the image area of the right reading. The printing plate used for printing the image area for the reverse image has about the same or a lower percentage of halftone dots than the printing plate used for printing the image area for the right reading, thereby resulting in a lighter value for each color of the reverse image relative to the same color of the right reading. The resulting translite is equally pleasing viewed by reflective light only and viewed by transmitted light.

Abstract: A centerpiece assembly in which an array of floral-like elements is supported on a rack to simulate a bouquet of cut flowers. Each element in the array has a stem formed by a transparent tubular wand filled with pellets of candy whose color imparts color to the stem. The lower end of the wand is provided with a removable stopper, the upper end having a decorative flower-like pom-pom attached thereto. The rack, fabricated of transparent material, is composed of a base plate having a center post anchored thereon on which are supported at least two tier plates, one above the other, each tier having a ring of equi-spaced holes therein coaxial with the center post. The upper tier ring has a diameter greater than that of the lower tier ring, whereby each hole in the upper ring is spaced a greater distance from the post than the corresponding hole in the lower ring.

Abstract: Treating an article with an agent capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria and/or fungus in an item susceptible to decay due to growth of bacteria and/or fungus. The article either at least partially is wrapped about or receives therein at least a portion of the item. Some examples of articles are floral wrappings, artificial Easter Eggs, and Easter grass.

Abstract: A combination greeting card and seed germination container which is suitable for mailing and contains a suitable greeting but when one side is removed the remaining portion can be utilized as a seed bed by moistening the growing medium contained in the container and placing seeds also contained in the container therein, which within a normal period of time will sprout and produce flowers.

Abstract: A floral wrapper comprises a body of a flat board stock material having four score lines. These score lines extend longitudinally, and are spaced angularly about a center located beyond the lower end of the body. Four contiguous segments are thus defined. Notches extending inwardly from the sides of the outer segments extend at least to the outer score lines whereby the outer segments are divided into upper wings and lower wings independently foldable about their score lines. The lower wings may be folded one over the other and about the stems of flowers to form a holder therefor as well as a grip for the wrapper. The upper wings can assume a substantially flat or trough like orientation for display of a relatively wide floral presentation, or the upper wings can assume an orientation in which they, along with the lower wings are overlapped to form a three sided box configuration for enclosing a floral presentation. The notches form a seat for a tie or ribbon.

Abstract: Slits extend transversely between longitudinal edge portions of a PVC sheet to define two interdigitating rows of triangular regions, each row having its apexes integral with one edge portion and its bases integral with the other edge portion. Crease lines extend along the respective triangular regions. When the apexes are separated, two pieces of bladed sheet material are formed. The blades resemble grass or leaves.

Abstract: A floral bottle device for use as a gift of a coordinated bottle and flower display means is provided. The device includes, a bottle, such as a wine bottle, and at least one annular coaxial flower display means which has a foam insert in which stems of flowers are embedded, and interconnecting means for attaching the flower display means to the bottle. The interconnecting means includes a plurality of elongate fingers which grip the tapered neck of the bottle and includes a circular bearing surface on the flower display means which bears against the tapered neck of the bottle.

Abstract: The package (10) for shipping and storing articles such as cut flower arrangements (14) includes a flower container (12) lower portion is provided with a water-containing absorbent foam block (18) receiving the flower stems (38) in pierced relation and a block (20) of non-absorbent, relatively rigid foam, above the absorbent block sealing said block and said flower stems in place. A plastic film vented shell (16) is disposed about the flowers and connected to the container in shrink-wrap relation. The package includes U-shaped insert (22) which holds the container firmly in place in the shipping carton (24) and refrigerated gel envelopes to ensure freshness of the flowers on arrival at their destination.

Abstract: An artificial flower assembly includes at least two flowering branches, each of which may be severed to be shortened or attached a connecting segment to be lengthened to a desired length marked with a chosen flower symbol; and a receptacle having at least two holes, each of which is marked with at least one hole symbol, each hole being used to hold a flowering branch having a flower symbol corresponding to a hole symbol of the same hole.

Abstract: A body comprising a dimensionally stable film container filled to the dimensions defined by the film with polyurethane foam, the polyurethane foam being foamed in situ in the film container thereby forming an adhesive bond with the film.

Abstract: An ornamental flower bed base assembly or matrix material comprising a flower bed base plate having a plurality of insertion through-holes disposed at appropriate intervals and a plurality of flower plant holders each having a side wall provided with irrigation orifices and an open top end, each of the flower plant holders being removably engageable with the respective insertion through-holes of the base plate. This matrix is lightweight and can be easily transported to the contemplated site of erection. Using this ornamental flower bed matrix material, a variety of ornamental flower beds can be constructed easily at site. The resulting flower beds are attractive and easy in maintenance.