Card – picture – or sign exhibiting – Signs – Multiple layer
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-21
2001-03-27
Silbermann, Joanne (Department: 3628)
Card, picture, or sign exhibiting
Signs
Multiple layer
C040S737000, C040S781000, C040S798000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06205692
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to decorative objects. More particularly, it relates to decorative objects with features that appear to float in the object giving the object a three-dimensional visual quality, particularly useful in display plaque inserts.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Decorative award plaques are often given as recognition of an achievement. Usually, these plaques include indicia such as a symbol, picture, or device, the recipient's name, and other pertinent information. Other uses for such plaques may include personalized desk sets, and works of art.
These decorative plaques generally include a base, which is usually made of wood, and a plate or plaque insert, which is attached to the base. Indicia can be engraved or silk-screened onto the plaque insert. The plaque insert may be attached to the front surface of the base or it may be inserted into a cavity in the front of the base. Preferably, the front surface of the plaque insert is flush with the front surface of the base. Prior art decorative plaques typically present a two-dimensional visual appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a decorative object with unique three-dimensional appearing features that seem to float in the object. A decorative object according to the present invention is particularly useful as a display plaque insert, although it can also be used as signage or other decorative objects. A plaque insert according the present invention can be used with a base to provide a display plaque.
The plaque insert has a first side back surface and a second side front surface. The base has a front side and a back side and a cavity in its front side that is complementary in shape to the insert for receiving the plaque insert. The plaque insert is fitted in the cavity and is attached to the base with the back surface of the plaque insert adjacent to the front side of the base.
The plaque insert includes a groove in the back surface of the insert. The back surface and groove of the insert are painted different or contrasting colors to give the plaque insert a three-dimensional appearance, as explained below. Preferably, the groove has a half-moon cross-section. In another preferred embodiment, the groove has a rounded apex and well-defined sidewalls. The groove may run around the perimeter of the plaque insert to form a grooved border or it may form a three-dimensional design, symbol or word, such as indicia on the display plaque or on signage.
Preferably, a third layer of paint covers the groove layer and insert back surface layer of paint. The insert is transparent, in that at least the apex of the groove is visible through the front surface of the plaque insert, and indicia may be engraved or silk-screened on the front or back surface of the insert.
In an alternative embodiment, the plaque insert is completely transparent and the groove is painted a color that contrasts with the color of the base. Because the plaque insert is completely transparent, the color of the base is visible through the plaque insert and the painted groove appears to float in the plaque insert giving the insert a three-dimensional visual quality without painting the back surface of the plaque insert.
In another alternative embodiment, the transparent plaque insert is tinted a first color and the groove is painted a different or contrasting color from the plaque insert tint. In this embodiment, the painted groove again appears to float in the plaque insert giving the insert a three-dimensional visual quality without painting the back surface of the plaque insert.
In still another embodiment, the decorative object is used in a sign. This embodiment may comprise two decorative objects, each having a painted groove in the back surface thereof, and a base between the two decorative objects. The decorative objects are mounted on the base with their back surfaces adjacent to the base. In this manner, the painted groove, which appears to float in the decorative object, can be seen from either side of the sign.
A process for making the decorative object of the present invention, such as a three-dimensional plaque insert, is also disclosed. The process comprises the steps of applying a first layer of paint to the back surface of the object, forming a groove in the back surface of the object and applying a second different or contrasting layer of paint to the groove. The process may further comprise the step of applying a third layer to the object back surface and groove covering the first and second layers of paint.
The groove may be formed by routing the groove into the back surface of the object. Preferably, the groove is a grooved border having a rounded apex and well-defined sidewalls. Routing forms the rounded apex in the grooved boarder closest to the front surface of the object opposite the back surface.
Alternatively, the process may comprise the steps of forming a groove in the back surface of the object and applying a layer of paint to the inside of the groove. The object is completely transparent so that the color of the base shows through or the object is tinted and the layer of paint is different or contrasting from the color of the base or the color of the tinted object.
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Stone Image ForSight 2000 Specification Product Catalog.
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The Engravers Journal vol. 9, No. 8 Mar./Apr. 1984 Quantity of Relevant Pages.
Laff, Whitesel & Saret, Ltd.
Planter, Inc.
Silbermann Joanne
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