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.

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; and   b. 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; and   h. 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; and   f. 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.