Abstract: A method of making an artificial flower by fastening an artificial flower to a processed genuine flower stem by a bonding agent. The artificial flower is obtained by I) selecting the core of the stem of a woody plant as a base material and then using a plane to plane the base material into plain strips according to a predetermined width, length and thickness; II) putting the plain strips into a punching die and then punching them into patterned strips; III) dipping the patterned strips in an aromatic solution at room temperature for 35 to 45 minutes; IV) putting the patterned strips thus obtained from step III) into a dye bath and dying the patterned-colored strips; V) putting the patterned-colored strips into a form setting solution heated to 80.degree. C. and then setting the patterned-color strips into desired shapes; VI) drying the shape-formed strips thus obtained from step V); VII) cooling down the shape-formed strips thus obtained from step VI) in a refrigerator at 7.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention includes 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 and method of producing the same. The sealed ornament may be further secured to a base in a substantially absolutely dried state and in a state free from air and moisture, a cover film secured externally of the film having a low melting point as necessary, and the outermost layer coated with a coating resin as necessary.

Abstract: A floral arrangement system for assembling, preparing and arranging pre-selected floral materials into a pre-selected floral arrangement includes a pattern system which includes a material list for instructing a user on obtaining pre-selected floral materials; a tool list for instructing the user on assembling tools to be used with the system; an integrated measurement means for measuring pre-selected floral materials to pre-selected lengths; an instruction means for instructing the user on preparing and arranging the materials into the preselected floral arrangement; and at least one placement pattern including pre-selected floral graphic placement pattern symbols showing the placement of each floral material.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder includes a flower member having a limited capacity fluid chamber associated with an angled hollow tubular calyx portion which is dimensioned to receive the upper end of a tubular support member. The limited capacity of the fluid chamber will tend to prevent the spoilage of the sugar solution that is introduced into the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A decorative article and a means for making such a decorative article includes a wood base, a layer of polyethylene foam, batting, and a fabric outer surface. In forming the decorative article, a layer of polyethylene foam is adhered to a firm backing. A pattern is drawn or traced onto the outer surface of the foam. A number of smaller, pattern pieces are formed by cutting a number of slits in the foam along the lines of the pattern. After the slits have been cut in the foam, the pattern pieces are covered by batting and a knit material to form the desired pattern. Different colors may be selected for the knit materials used on various pattern pieces for the drawing. The foam must have sufficient elasticity to permit the slits to be cut in the surface and then have the slits serve as a means for securing the batting and the knit material used to cover the pattern pieces.

Abstract: Flowers or leaves are dried for 3-7 days under controlled atmospheric conditions, and under pressure, between absorbent sheets. The dried material is placed on a backing sheet and covered by a layer of laminating plastic. By the application of pressure, heat and vacuum, the air between the laminating and backing sheets is removed, the laminating sheet moulds around the dried material and is laminated to the backing sheet.

Abstract: A ribbon assembly including a strip of material divided into segments. A material having a stretched condition and an unstretched condition is disposed on one surface of the strip of material and extends along a length of the strip of material. In the stretched condition, the strip of material extends in a substantially straight line. In the unstretched condition, each segment of the strip of material is formed into a curved segment for making a ruffle or bow.The present invention also contemplates the use of an adhesive or cohesive for holding the strip of material in the form of the bow.

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: Method for preserving natural flowers, in which the lower end of the stem of the flower is immersed into a water/glycerol solution of a dry composition comprising mineral salts, citric acid and dyes, characterized in that the flower to be treated is severed from the upper end of its stem so that the remaining section of said stem still connected to the flower is shorter than 5 cm and preferably of about 1 cm so that the path of said solution towards the flower be as short as possible.

Abstract: An artificial flower stem for use in water comprising a corrosion resistant metal stem with the metal stem having a thin coating of material simulating the look of a flower stem. In a second embodiment, the the artificial flower stem comprises a resilient tubing member forming a stem. The tubing member is hollow with a separate cap member inserted therein creating a waterproof connection.

Abstract: A ribbon assembly including a strip of material divided into segments. A material having a stretched condition and an unstretched condition is disposed on one surface of the strip of material and extends along a length of the strip of material. In the stretched condition, the strip of material extends in a substantially straight line. In the unstretched condition, each segment of the strip of material is formed into a curved segment for making a ruffle or bow.The present invention also contemplates the use of an adhesive or cohesive for holding the strip of material in the form of the bow.

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 package comprising a central tube, a product wound around the central tube and a perforated film having tube holes prepunched into the film is disclosed. This perforated prepunched tube hold film allows for substantially all of the product exposed surface to be covered by the perforated film but leaves the central tube ends uncovered.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a card ornamented with a plant or another material. The card comprises a flexible sheet covered on both surfaces with sheets of plastic material that are thermowelded and a plant or other material is applied to the flexible sheet. The plant or other material is first subject to pressure, then dried at an ambient temperature, then subject to a disinfectant wash. The plant is adhered to the flexible sheet. The plastic sheets are placed over the flexible sheet and are thermowelded at an elevated temperature and pressure for sterilization, completing the card. Thermowelding the plastic sheets to the flexible sheet under pressure and temperature is effective for sterilizing the plant or other material.

Abstract: Different stem sections, made by injection plastic molding or other manufacturing processes are assembled to produce an artificial plant. Some of the sections resemble sections of natural plant stems from which artificial leaves or flowers extend. Other sections are spacers. Each section is formed with a bore, dimensioned to receive a common wire. The upper end of the wire receives a flower head molded or otherwise adhered thereon. One end of each section is formed with a reduced external diameter plug and the opposite end with an enlarged internal diameter bore or socket. Hence adjacent sections are threaded on the wire from the bottom up and detachably, and preferably rotatably, joined together by inserting the plug of one section into the socket of the next. The structure at the upper end of the plant varies depending on what, if any, natural plant is being imitated. In a typical embodiment, the upper end section receives the upper end of the wire and has a style and stigma.

Abstract: An artificial flower includes a ribbon folded to form a descending spiral such that a folded edge of the ribbon faces the outer edge of the ribbon. The descending spiral formed from the ribbon engages with a stem and is wound about the stem such that the folded edge is approximately even with the upper end of the stem. The folded edge simulates flower petals. A method for making an artificial flower is also described.

Abstract: A fresh natural flower, such as a rose, is provided with a personalized message or drawing inscribed on one of its petals. The message or drawing is applied by an applicator, such as a pen containing an opaque pigmented oil-based paint. The paint preferably includes a gold or silver metallic pigment and xylene.

Abstract: An artificial flower is made from a stack of juxtaposed, soft, flexible petal members having radially-extending petals, each having an enlarged head portion and a reduced neck portion. Each neck portion is twisted and maintained in a twisted state without the aid of stiffeners due to frictional engagement between adjacent head portions.

Abstract: A paper decoration is made by immersing a perforated mold having a predetermined shape into a liquid pool containing paper-making ingredients. A layer of the ingredients deposited on the mold is then dried in situ, after which, the dried paper layer is detached and formed into the paper decoration.

Abstract: Long-life cut flowers characterized in that their tissue water is replaced with a substance, particularly polyethylene glycol (PEG), which is unsuited to the metabloism of saprophytic agents, and method of treating cut flowers to obtain these long-life flowers.

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

Abstract: A 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 synthetic resin pattern sheet having projecting patterns and provided at the patterns with concave surfaces variable in depth, and in the concave surfaces with different color layers comprising synthetic resin different in coloring from that forming the patterns and being variable in thickness.

Abstract: Hollow porous microspheres of substantially uniform diameter and of substantially uniform wall thickness are disclosed. The walls of the hollow microspheres comprise sintered together particles which define interconnecting voids within the walls and a single central cavity in the interior of the microspheres and inner and outer microsphere wall surfaces. The interconnecting voids are continuous and extend from the outer wall surface to the inner wall surface. The walls have substantially uniform void content and the interconnecting voids are substantially uniformly distributed in the walls of the hollow microspheres and the walls of the hollow microspheres are free of latent solid or liquid blowing gas materials and are substantially free of relatively thinned wall portions and bubbles.

Abstract: A cluster of miniature electric lights is arranged above a rigid stake, with the electric wiring for the cluster extending below said cluster and wrapped tightly to said stake by an adhesive tape to simulate a stem for a potted flower having a stamen simulated by the cluster of lights. The floral part of the plant is formed from one or more tufted wire chenilles, each sculptured along its length to provide a series of floral parts connected by reduced diameter nodes. Alternate nodes of each chenille are arranged along a retaining wire, such that each alternate node and the pair of floral parts connected thereby form a bight with the node at its base and with the retaining wire within each bight adjacent to the base. The retaining wire is wrapped snugly around the stem adjacent to and below the light cluster to secure the alternate nodes to the stem.

Abstract: A stemmed, flower-like decoration is formed by folding strip regions of an elongated strip of flexible material about fold lines intersecting each other, and by overlapping the strip regions to impart a dish-shape to the folded strip. One or more dish-shaped strips are attached to a stem.

Abstract: A composite flower assembly includes a preserved natural flower head 37, a natural receptacle 46 and a natural pedicel segment 51, the flower head being securely fastened atop an artificial calyx 66 and secured to an artificial pedical 33.

Abstract: An artificial plant having at least one section which bears a color memory dye of an electron-supplying organic coloring compound, an electron accepting compound an an ester. The color memory dye assumes a first color below t1 (.degree. C.) and a second color above t2 (.degree. C.), wherein t2>t1, 0.ltoreq.t1, t2.ltoreq.50.degree. C. and 5.ltoreq.t2-t1.ltoreq.35. Both the first and second colors can be displayed between t1 and t2.

Abstract: A scented artificial flower including a flower cup formed of petals, at least one stamen having a filament portion supporting an anther portion, said stamen being integral with an ovary portion, said integral stamen and ovary portion being formed of wick material, a supporting stem which may include a wick, and a perfume container connected to the supporting stem, whereby scented liquid in said perfume container may be moved to the anther portion, filament portion and ovary portion by capillary action, by pressure and by gravity either separately or by combining two or more forces, the scent being disbursed to the atmosphere through said integral stamen and ovary portion. By forming the petals of an absorbent material, the scented liquid is also transmitted from the ovary to the juxtaposed petals to further enhance the dispersion of the scented fluid.

Abstract: A decorative, stemmed, artificial flower has a flower-like, hollow head filled with a colored liquid, as well as hollow, leaf-like elements also filled with a colored liquid, mounted on a stem which supports the head. The colored liquid is visible through transparent wall portions of the head and leaf-like elements.

Abstract: An artificial inflated flower composed of individual inflated petals and/or petal assemblies. Selected portions of the petals and petal assemblies are sealed together along heat-fused seams to impart a generally flattened shape to each petal and assembly.

Abstract: Artificial flower driving mechanism to drive the flowering twig of an artificial flower to twist and the petals of such an artificial flower to simultaneously close and open. A base board is connected with an upper board defining therebetween an enclosure for the mounting therein of a motor and a gear mechanism. A mounting plate is secured to the bottom side of the board for the mounting thereon of a toothed wheel and a pinion, wherein the toothed wheel and the pinion are engaged together and driven to rotate by the gear driving mechanism. During operation the motor drives the gear driving mechanism to carry a flexible tube to twist and simultaneously drive the toothed wheel to rotate permitting a T-post thereon to carry a rigid cord to move up and down so as to simultaneously drive artificial petals to close and open on a petal holder.

Abstract: An electronic flower set including a flower set, a housing, an inner seat, a inner cover, a gear assembly, a matching plug, a first pinion, and a second pinion. The flower set has a rotatable stem. The gear assembly includes a third gear which has a circular recess and two matching holes. The third gear is formed with a stopper at a surface. The matching plug is retained in the circular recess and has a tube which is received by the central hole of the third gear and two matching holes. The first pinion has an end tube adaptable to be fixed in one of the matching holes, a sideward extending arm, and a hexagonal-shaped end tube which can be fixed in a hexagonal-shaped cavity of a head of the rotatable stem. The second pinion, which is meshed with the first pinion, includes an end tube fixable in the remaining matching holes of the matching plug, a sideward extending arm, and a round-shaped end tube which is retainable in an retaining cavity of the inner cover.

Abstract: An artificial flower comprises at least one petal of microporous material which comprises a matrix consisting essentially of linear ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, a large proportion of finely divided water-insoluble siliceous filler, and interconnecting pores, and which microporous material has regions of stretch-induced molecularly oriented polymer in the matrix.

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: The invention relates to a collapsible decorative assembly and method for making the same, wherein a plurality of foldable elements are positioned adjacent one another such that they may be collapsed and opened in conjuction with one another. The elements have ornamental shaped portions and are folded so as to form inwardly folded regions which enable the elements to be positioned in an interconnected manner. Exterior surfaces formed in the elements by the folding are secured to one another in a predetermined manner to provide collapsible assembly which is opened for use as a decorative bow or the like.

Abstract: A personal memento is provided, in which a fallen-off milk tooth is fitted to a decorative article such as an animal toy, an imitation plant, a doll or the like. The milk tooth is incorporated into the overall scope of design of the decorative article to be displayed integral therewith.

Abstract: A novel method for producing an article such as a postcard, bookmark or label including a press-dried plant such as a flower is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of interposing a picked plant between two flexible sheets impregnated with a desiccating agent or between one of the flexible sheets and a cushioning sheet; drying the plant under a pressure in a drying atmosphere; hermetically storing the dried plant in a bag of a gas barrier material, the bag containing a desiccating agent and an oxygen absorbing agent; removing the plant from the bag shortly before producing the article carrying the press-dried plant; placing the plant on a surface of a substrate, and; forming a transparent or translucent overlayer over the plant so that air does not remain between the overlayer and the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A decorative article for releasable attachment to a magnetizable surface, including a base of magnetized sheet material and a projection member attached to the base which serves to hold an ornament on the base in an assembled state. The base is constructed of a flexible, resilient magnetic sheet. The projection member includes a connection member for attaching the projection member to the base and an integral upstanding projection. A sleeve having a head is received onto the upstanding projection. Interposed the head of the sleeve and the base is an ornament, held in an assembled state by the interaction of the base, the head of the sleeve and the upstanding projection. Apertures are provided in the base to ensure an absence of suction when the base is removed from the magnetizable surface.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising an outer layer of a heat shrinkable plastic film and a metallic glossy laminate which is disposed on the inner side of said outer layer and which maintains metallic gloss even after heat shrinkage. A heat shrunk package having beautiful metallic gloss can be obtained by the use of this packaging material.

Abstract: A combination of an artificial flower-forming ribbon and a tack plate wherein the ribbon includes a pair of strips overlapped with respect to each other and at least one string disposed along and interposed between the strips, the string being joined to one end of each of the strips at one end thereof, while the strips are adhered to each other at at least two portions on each of a plurality of lines spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the strips so as to permit relative movement between the strips and the string in order to form the flower petals. The tack plate includes a slit which extends from a central portion thereof to a peripheral edge portion thereof whereby insertion of the strips and/or string into and through the tack plate is simplified and facilitated. A central hole is also provided within the tack plate and in communication with the slit so as to accommodate the string once the same has been inserted within the tack plate.

Abstract: A flower-like ornament comprised of a plurality of interconnected strips of material which are creased and centrally compressed and held to form the ornament.

Abstract: The process of obtaining preserved flower blooms and other natural predominantly carbohydrate products such as flower stems, leaves and vegetables which are free standing and have a natural fresh appearance maintained over prolonged periods which comprises removing most or substantially all of the water present in the substrate, said substrate including naturally occurring active hydrogen compounds as part of its structure, exposing the substantially dried substrate to a cross-linking compound containing a plurality of groups which are complementary reactive with the said active hydrogen groups to form a high molecular weight three dimensional cross-linked polymeric network between the active hydrogen groups of said substrate and the compound containing said complementary reactive groups.

Abstract: An artificial grassy plant is comprised of a die-cut synthetic sheet member having a series of substantially parallel blade-like leaf portions integral, at one end, with a transverse connecting strip and extending substantially perpendicular to the latter, a tubular connector open at least at one of its ends, an adhesive strip as least as long as the transverse connecting strip and being adhesively secured along the latter with the transverse connecting strip and the adhesive strip being wound together about the tubular connector and secured on the latter by the adhesive strip so that the blade-like leaf portions are bunched together at one end about the tubular connector and extend therefrom in a substantially erect formation, and an elongated stem member inserted in the tubular connector through the open end of the latter for mounting the bunched together blade-like leaf portions on the stem member.

Abstract: The process of obtaining preserved flower blooms and other natural predominantly carbohydrate products such as flower stems, leaves and vegetables which are free standing and have a natural fresh and/or esthetically attractive appearance maintained over prolonged periods which comprises removing most or substantially all of the water present in the substrate, and exposing the substantially dried substrate to a thermoplastic elastomeric polymer capable of forming sparingly chemically linked or non-chemically bonded links with itself.The process enhances dried materials including most ornamental blooms such as roses, orchids, tulips, daffodils, lillies and many others, as well as more traditional, usually air-dried plants such as gypsophila, statis, eucalyptus, larkspur, strawflowers, cornflowers, caspia, horsetail (equisetum arvense joint grass), etc.

Abstract: An artificial flower which includes an elongated hollow member simulating a branch and having a flared member at one end thereof; a cord inserted in the hollow member and having a first end extending out of the flared end member and a second end extending out of the other end of the hollow member; simulated petals made of a flexible material attached to the first end of the cord in a normally spreading outward position; and a moving mechanism attached to the second end for reciprocating the cord to extend out of and retract into the flared end member.

Abstract: Balloon stem connector for securing a balloon by its neck to the end of a stem-like object includes a wire formed slot at the end of the stem for receiving the balloon neck. A capture element having a tubular body portion is fitted in sleeve-like fashion to slide along the stem from a position where the slot is fully exposed to a captive position where it envelops a substantial portion of the loop. The capture element also has balloon positioning body portions outwardly flaring from the tubular body.

Abstract: A combination of an artificial-flower-forming ribbon and a tack plate, wherein the artificial-flower-forming ribbon having a pair of strips overlapped with respect to each other and at least one string placed along and between the strips, the string being joined to one end of each of the strips at one end thereof, the strips being adhered to each other at least at two portions on each of a plurality of lines spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the strips so as to permit relative movement of the strips and string placed between the strips. The tack plate includes a first plate member having at least one slit or hole, through which both of the strips and string are passed, and a second plate member having adhesive films on both surfaces thereof. The second plate member is joined at one surface thereof to the first plate member and one of the strips passed through the slit or hole of the first plate member.

Abstract: To provide the perfume carrier of an artificial flower both with a high absorption capacity and with high mechanical stability, a random-fiber fleece of rayon staple fibers is mechanically stabilized by needle punching and then compressed in a press of which all the forming surfaces are heated.

Abstract: An artificial flower is provided and consists of loops of wire and nylon fabric to make petals, a straight piece of wire to make a stem, an artificial stamen placed within center of the petals, artificial leaves secured to the stem, and florist tape wrapped around the stem and bottom of the cluster of the petals to form a bulb thereto. In a modification the bulb is adjustable and has various twisted petals plugged thereinto.