Award decoration and method

Abstract

A printed paper based decorative element with photo-realistic detail to be affixed to an award such as a trophy riser or column, a medal or medallion, or a plaque. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the design is selected and printed on a paper substrate in a conventional manner using offset printing or digital printing. The paper substrate has a pre-applied pressure sensitive adhesive composition on the non-printed side. The printed paper is then clear gloss coated and cured. The parent printed sheet is then die cut to isolate the desired decorative element, and the decorative element is applied to the award.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the decorative element in accord with the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a front elevational view of a blank award.

FIG. 2B is a frontal elevational view of an embodiment of the award medal of FIG. 2A with an applied decorative element of the present invention.

FIG. 2C is a frontal elevational view of an embodiment of a riser type trophy element with the applied decorative element of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a plaque with an applied decorative element of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plaque with an applied decorative element of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an undecorated trophy column.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a decorative element partially rolled from a planar sheet into a round elongated tube-like structure in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the decorative element of the present invention applied to a trophy column.

Claims

1. An award comprising a. An award surface to receive a decorative element;b. A printable paper substrate;c. A decorative element further comprising a photo-realistic image printed on said paper substrate;d. said decorative element attached to said award surface;

2. The award of claim 1 wherein said image is an event specific image;

3. The award of claim 1 wherein said paper substrate further comprises foil decoration;

4. The award of claim 1 wherein said paper substrate further comprises a holographic image;

5. The award of claim 1 wherein said image is coated with a clear coating;

6. The award of claim 1 wherein said paper substrate further comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive composition affixed to the non-printed side of said paper substrate;

7. The award of claim 1 wherein said award is a trophy;

8. The award of claim 1 wherein said award is a medal;

9. The award of claim 1 wherein said award is a plaque;

10. The award of claim 1 wherein said paper substrate is eighty-pound paper printing stock;

11. The award of claim 1 wherein said printing is by the process color method;

12. A decorative element for an award comprising: a. A paper printing substrate; andb. A photo-realistic image printed on said paper substrate;

13. The award of claim 12 wherein said image is event specific;

14. A method of decorating an award with a photo-realistic image comprising: a. providing an award surface for decoration,b. providing a printable paper substrate;c. providing a photo-realistic design;d. printing said photo-realistic design on said paper substrate,e. isolating a photo-realistic decorative element from said printed paper substrate;f. affixing said decorative element to said award surface;

15. The method of claim 14 wherein said award surface is planar;

16. The method of claim 14 wherein said award surface is non-planar;

17. A method of providing a photo-realistic decorated award to a customer comprising: a. selecting an award with a surface for decoration;b. providing a printable paper substrate;c. providing a photo-realistic design;d. printing said photo-realistic design on said paper substrate;e. defining a photo-realistic decorative element from said printed paper substrate;f. isolating said decorative element;g. affixing said decorative element to said award; andh. presenting said decorated award to said customer;

18. The method of claim 17 wherein said photo-realistic design is event specific;

19. The method of claim 17 wherein said photo-realistic design is provided by the customer;

20. The method of claim 17 wherein said award is a trophy;

21. The method of claim 17 wherein said award is a medal;

22. The method of claim 17 wherein said award is a plaque;

23. A method of manufacturing an award comprising: a. providing an award surface for decoration;b. providing a printable paper substrate;c. providing a photo-realistic design;d. printing said photo-realistic design on said paper substrate;e. isolating a photo-realistic decorative element from said printed paper substrate; andf. affixing said decorative element to said award surface;

24. The method of claim 23 wherein said award is a trophy constructed prior to application of said decorative element to said award surface;

25. The method of claim 23 wherein said award is a trophy constructed subsequent to application of said decorative element to said trophy award surface;

26. The method of claim 23 wherein said award surface is a trophy column;

27. The method of claim 23 wherein said award surface is a riser type trophy element.