Medallion-like articles, lamp lenses and method for their manufacture

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Medallion-like articles embodying the present invention are illustrated in typical, useful applications in FIGS.
1 and 2.
For example, FIG.
1 shows a key chain comprising a flexible chain 10, an attractive leather or plastic medallion support 12 and a medallion-like article 14 bonded to a metallic base plate 13 which is loosely held by a strap 15 to the support 12.
FIG.
2 illustrates an electrical appliance and in particular, a vacuum sweeper 16 having a curved exterior body surface 18 upon which a medallion-like article 20 embodying the present invention is adhesively bonded.
FIGS.
3 and 4 illustrate the most popular form of medallion-like article embodying the present invention.
It has a circular, flexible, plano-convex, transparent lense cap 22 bonded to a flexible, indicia-bearing substrate 24 which is laminated to the rear, planar surface of the lense cap 22.
Indicia in the form of a symbol, emblem or attractive design 26 and a letter D 28 are printed, painted or otherwise formed on the substrate 24.
The preferred substrate 24 comprises a vinyl or polyester film which is embossed with a raised pattern by compressing, stamping and/or heating the substrate.
This raised indicia pattern, a segment 30 of which is illustrated in FIG.
5 protrudes into the lense cap 22.
For accommodating many useful applications of embodiments of the invention, a pressure sensitive adhesive 32 is coated upon the rearmost surface of the substrate and is covered by a release layer 34 of the conventional type.
Because both the lense cap and its attached substrate are flexible, the medallion-like article embodying the present invention may be applied to a curved or contoured surface such as that illustrated in FIG.
2.
Furthermore, an adhesive bond of substantial strength will be achieved when the embodiment of the invention is mounted to a generally planar article such as the key ring support 12 illustrated in FIG.
1.
Even if the support 12 is a rigid body, embodiments of the present invention, because of their flexible nature can conform to imperfections and departures from ideal planar surfaces