Abstract: A coordinated floral arrangement assembly system comprises a plurality of artificial flowers, each of the artificial flowers includes an elongated stem member that has two end portions. A plurality of petals are positioned adjacent to one of the stem member end portions, and a plurality of leaves are positioned on the stem member intermediate of its end portions. In addition, a positional indicator is positioned adjacent to a second of the stem member end portions, the positional indicator has an indicium thereon. The system also comprises a base member, the base member, which is adapted to receive the flowers, has at least one generally horizontal surface.

Abstract: An ornamental floating apparatus for use in a swimming pool comprises a first buoyant body, preferably in the form of a water lily, and a second, nonbuoyant body, which is below the first body and supported by it so that it is stable, moving about a horizontal axis when the first body moves about a horizontal axis, as due to agitation of the water in the swimming pool. The second body may be connected either by a substantially rigid post, or by a pair of flexible strands, preferably monofilament. The second bodies are in the form of fishes, relatively large fishes being supported by the flexible strands, and relatively smaller fishes being supported by the posts. The ornamental body is preferably in the form of a water lily, and has a plurality of petal-simulating elements thereon, with a cup in the center of the elements for supporting a candle, the cup having a stem extending through holes in the elements and into the body.

Abstract: An artificial-flower-forming ribbon having an overlapped pair of strips and strings placed longitudinally in the middle of strips and therebetween. One end of the string is joined to those of the strips, and both strips are adhered to each other at a plurality of line areas spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the strips so as to permit relative movements of the strips and the strings. The line areas are inclined with respect to the widthwise direction of the strips, the inclinations being alternately reverse.

Abstract: An artificial plant is assembled from a main stem member and a plurality of similar auxiliary stem assemblies which are separately molded and have their end portions secured to respective portions of the main stem member at locations spaced apart along the latter. A connector securing each such end portion of an auxiliary stem assembly to said main stem member is in the form of a strip of malleable sheet metal wrapped about the secured together stem portions and having tapering end portions overlapping in side-by-side relation to an extent depending on the thicknesses of the portion of the main stem member and the end portion of the auxiliary stem assembly about which the strip is wrapped.

Abstract: A wheel-like device enables a looped-strand drum lacing to be made thereon from two lengths of rope for use when forming a tree root ball of soil during transplanting of the tree. The device has a central hub with a plurality of outwardly projecting posts mounted thereon in a circular arrangement. A plurality of equally circumferentially spaced legs extend radially outwardly in a spoke-like fashion from the hub. Each of the legs have a peg mounted on the leg at a predetermined distance from the hub. A first piece of rope is looped about the hub posts and leg pegs to form a plurality of outwardly extending closed end loops. A second piece of rope is wrapped in an overlapping manner with the individual strands of the previously formed loops into a circular configuration about the hub posts to form a circular drum lacing base. The two pieces of rope are stapled together at alternating overlapped locations.

Abstract: An artificial flower making method is provided in which realistic looking pom-pon type flowers are fashioned from a single strand of yarn or twice, suitably of the heavy knitting yarn type, by first arranging a portion of the yarn on a novel notched circular template to form six or other even number of yarn spokes, spirally weaving and interlocking the remainder of the yarn with said spokes from the center outward to cover a major portion of the area of said template, joining the starting and finishing ends of the yarn to each other and to a deformable stem member at the center of said template, cutting the yarn portions at the center of the reverse side of the template to thereby release the woven assemblage from the template, and inverting the woven assemblage by bringing said reverse side cut yarn portions around to, and joining them to said stem member, whereby the side of the woven assemblage which had been adjacent the template bulges outwardly to a puffed pom-pon like configuration.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an artificial rose bud primarily from a rectangular fabric section. With the rectangular fabric section positioned with a short side on the right, the right edge is folded down to a position near the lower edge to form a bias fold extending from the lower right-hand corner to a point on the top edge near the upper left-hand corner. The upper left-hand corner is then folded to a point near the lower left-hand corner and between that corner and the folded position of the upper right-hand corner. The lower right-hand corner is then folded to a point near the lower left-hand corner and between that corner and the folded position of the upper left-hand corner. The left and lower edges are then pleated and thereby formed into a bundle about the lower left-hand corner of the fabric section. A small diameter shaft forming a stem is preferably positioned on the fabric section before the first fold is made so that after pleating, the bundle is formed about the shaft.

Abstract: A decorative holder for an implement such as a pen, pencil, or thermometer comprising an interwoven base portion including a series of substantially concentric tiers of loops and supporting means for supporting the implement. The holder is made by a method which substantially conceals the intersections of the strand of pliant material from which the base portion is formed to provide a holder having a neat and decorative appearance.

Abstract: An artificial flower is made by receiving the wire filaments of a plurality of petals in the passages of an elongated receptacle thereby holding the petals and wire filaments in a predetermined array or "whorl" pattern, with a main stem wire also being received in the receptacle and the tip ends of the wire filaments which extend a distance below the receptacle being twisted in a convoluted course about the stem wire thereby to anchor securely the petal components to the main stem wire. Florist tape is wound in an overlaying course on the main stem wire, over the twisted tip ends of the wire filaments and onto the receptacle to further enhance the anchorage of the petal assembly and to impart a natural appearance to the flower structure.

Abstract: A decorative material consisting of decorative elements which are arranged in a pattern on a flat backing is described, said backing consisting of a thin, wide-mesh net on which said decorative elements are arranged with the side bearing said fusion adhesive coating facing towards said backing and said fusion adhesive coating penetrating through the mesh of said backing. In particular, cut paste and small rhinestones are employed as said decorative material.The decorative elements are suitable for many different applications, in particular for adorning and embellishing textiles and articles of clothing.

Abstract: A flower-like decorative ornament for use in gift-wrapping a package comprises an artificial flower and an elasticized cord, with the free ends of the cord extending upwardly through the flower to provide the appearance of stamens.

Abstract: A device for holding flowers such as are employed in forming bouquets so that the holder and all of the decorations thereon may be made up in advance, so that all that is necessary is to attach the flower or flowers at the time of sale.

Abstract: A holder for a fresh flower or bud from which the stem has been severed, the holder including a covered wire, a portion of absorbent material formed around an intermediate portion of the covered wire to form a moisture reservoir, and a water-repellent covering formed around the absorbent material and extending down the length of the stem, the improvement wherein the strip of absorbent material is formed around the wire in a generally conical formation to form at the flower end a generally conical well for receiving the severed end of the flower and to form at the other end a tapered transition between the moisture reservoir and the wire, whereby when the holder is moistened and the flower is impaled on the end of the wire the severed end of the flower is securely held within the well formed by the absorbent material.

Abstract: A process for preserving substantially any variety of flower while retaining the natural colors thereof, in which the flower is immersed in an essentially water-free composition comprising: at least one dehydrating alcohol, a carboxylic acid, a urea-containing compound, an alkaline citrate, and zero to an effective amount of at least one of a silicone fluid, a silicone resin, an alkaline formaldehyde sulfoxylate, aluminum or magnesium sulphate and cupric or other transitional metal sulphate for sufficient time to dehydrate the flower, said composition also containing a sufficient quantity of at least one compound in the group consisting of an alkaline phosphate, a lower carboxylic acid and phenol so as to ensure that the composition has a pH in the range 5-7. Following immersion the flower is dried and, if desired coated with a silicone resin.

Abstract: Various objects may be maintained in their original condition or protected from further damage by physical, chemical, and biological forces by applying thereto thin, continuous, impervious coatings of vapor-deposited poly(p-xylylene) polymer or derivatives thereof. By the invention, it is possible to protect paintings, photographs, documents, articles of sculpture, silver objects, coins, fishing hooks and lures, marine fittings and hardware, batteries, fuel cells, automotive parts, water pollution control devices, logic circuits, electrical components, electric motors and parts, light bulbs, ammunitions, fireworks, glass items, decorative items, timepieces, and decorative wrought iron grillwork.

Abstract: A device for aiding in the selection of a balanced diet. The device comprises a container in which is disposed an upright artificial stem. On the outer walls of the container are displayed food group indicia for achieving a balanced diet. Mounted on the stem and extending radially outward therefrom are artificial branches. At the distal end of each branch is a vertically disposed plate having grooves along the perimeter thereof. The grooves are angularly spaced along the perimeter of the plate. Adjustably mounted on each plate is an artificial petal. The petals are adjustably movable along the vertical plates, respectively, in a pivotal movement in a vertical direction. Initially, the petals are disposed in the elevated position. Each petal designates a nutritional group of food represented by the indicia on the outer walls of the container. As food from a nutritional group is consumed, the associated petal is moved downwardly a distance commensurate with the quantity of nutritional value consumed.

Abstract: An artificial flower assembly is made from a plastic stem unitarily molded around a reinforcing wire with integral side petioles (preferably wire reinforced) and an integral calyx and with a coupling member also integral therewith. The coupling member may be a stud having an enlarged terminal portion extending beyond the base of the calyx, or it may be a socket in the base of the calyx. Fabric leaves, in some species preferably with brown edging and impressed veining, are adhered to the petioles. A subassembly of fabric petals, preferably silk printed for veining where appropriate, is made by loosely mounting the petals on a plastic member, preferably tubular. The tubular member is then mounted on the coupling member. For example, it may be pushed on the stud until the enlarged terminal portion lies beyond the end of the tubular member, or it may be inserted in the socket, if that is used instead of the stud.

Abstract: A flower pot is substantially filled with granular material or soil and is adapted to retain water therein. A clear plastic bubble shaped cover rests on the top ledge of the pot. A plurality of dried flowers are mounted in the granular material and extend upwardly from the pot. The flowers are adapted to close when the cover is on the pot as a result of increased ambient humidity and are adapted to open when the cover is removed as a result of decreased ambient humidity.

Abstract: A flower decoration is disclosed which not only has a decorative effect but also is a useful table accessory. The decoration includes a base which provides a stable support for the sepal and flower portion of the flower. Means are provided for securing the sepal to the base such that the decoration in one embodiment incorporates a plurality of ashtrays as petals and in another embodiment is a candleholder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ornamental assembly which is securely fastened to a member to be decorated with a bush-like insert having an opening adapted to be snugly fitted over the member to be decorated, the insert being in turn snugly fitted into a groove of a holder formed integral with ornamental members.

Abstract: In making useful and decorative articles such as Christmas tree ornaments, ash trays, candle holders, napkin holders, artificial flowers, toys and the like from aluminum cans, first the top or bottom portion of the can is cut off, then a predetermined number of holes of predetermined size and spacing are punched about the outer wall of the can, then the outer wall of the can is cut between the holes in order to form a predetermined number of strips of uniform width, the cut strips are bent to an arcuate shape and fastened together and/or, depending on the article being made, fastened to either the end wall or side wall of the can. In making certain articles, the top or bottom portion of a second can is cut off, then the outer wall of the can is marked and cut into strips and the strips are fastened together. The first can may be fastened to the second can.