Patent Publication Number: US-2012034414-A1

Title: Borderless emblem for securing to a first fabric

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a borderless emblem and a method of making a borderless emblem and, in particular, to an emblem for securing to a first fabric using at least one of heat and pressure, the emblem having an embroidered or printed emblem design with no border around the outer peripheral edge and a method of making such an emblem. 
     In general, embroidered emblems and methods for making embroidered emblems are well known in the art. A particular embroidered emblem and method of making the embroidered emblem is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,657,060 entitled “Embroidered Emblem With Thermoplastic Adhesive” and 3,816,211 entitled “Method For Making Embroidered Emblem” both of which are owned by the assignee of the present application. These two related patents disclose an embroidered emblem  110  of the type shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  of the present application and which comprises a fabric base  112  with an embroidered design  114 , including an embroidered border  114   a  extending around the outer periphery on at least a front or first principal surface  116  of the fabric base  112  and a layer of a thermoplastic adhesive material  118  laminated or bonded to the rear or second principal surface  120  of the fabric base  112 . In this manner, the embroidered emblem  110  can be conveniently fastened to a garment or other fabric surface, referred to herein as a first fabric, through the application of at least one of heat and pressure to melt the thermoplastic material  118  and thereby bond the fabric base  112  to the first fabric such as a garment, hat or other fabric surface. A similar emblem and method is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,742. The subject matter of each of the three above-mentioned patents is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application. 
     While the emblems disclosed in the three above-mentioned patents are quite acceptable and while the methods disclosed in the above-referenced patents are quite useful in manufacturing such emblems, there was a need for an emblem which provides an enhanced appearance when secured to a garment or other fabric. In particular, there was a need for an embroidered emblem which has a fabric base which is the same as or substantially the same as the fabric of the garment or other fabric surface to which the emblem was to be secured so that when the embroidered emblem was secured to the garment or other fabric surface the fabric base blends in with the garment or other fabric surface so that it appears as though the embroidered design of the emblem was embroidered directly onto the garment or other fabric surface. For example, in some industries in which employees wear uniforms, the uniforms may have one or more embroidered emblems such as a company logo or employee name applied to the uniform shirt or jacket. Typically the names or other personalized information of the employees are embroidered directly onto the uniform shirt or jacket to provide a cleaner, neater appearance. Direct embroidery of an employee name in this manner adds substantial expense to the cost of the garment and, because removal of such direct embroidery is not feasible, precludes the garment from being re-used by another employee when the named employee leaves the company. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,467,593 entitled “Embroidered Emblem for Securing to a First Fabric” (owned by the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference) discloses an embroidered emblem  210  (shown in  FIGS. 3-5 ) which like the above described prior art embroidered emblems  110  includes a fabric base  212  having a front or first principal surface  216  and a rear or second principal surface  220 , an embroidered design  214 , including a border  214   a , stitched or embroidered into at least the front surface  216  of the fabric base  212  and a layer of thermoplastic adhesive material  218  bonded to the rear surface  220  of the fabric base  212  for securing the emblem to the fabric  230  of a garment or other article. Unlike the above described prior art embroidered emblems  110 , the embroidered emblem  210  of the &#39;593 patent includes a fabric base  212  which is made of the same or substantially the same material as the fabric  230  (referred to as the “first fabric”) of the shirt, jacket, hat or other garment or article to which the emblem  210  is to be attached. In particular, the fabric base  212  of the embroidered emblem  210  includes the same or substantially the same weave pattern and color as the first fabric  230  so that when the emblem  210  is secured to the first fabric  230  ( FIG. 5 ), the fabric base  212  of the emblem  210  blends with the first fabric  230  so that the fabric base  212  of the emblem  210  is nearly invisible and the embroidered emblem design  114  appears to have been applied directly to the garment or other article to which the emblem  210  has been secured. 
     There is also a substantial difference in the border  214   a . With the above described prior art embroidered emblems  110 , the embroidered border  114   a , which is located around the outer or peripheral edge of the fabric base  112 , is typically made at the same time as the remainder of the embroidered design  114  using the same needle, and a yarn color (typically a color used in the embroidered design) which typically contrasts with the color of the fabric base  112  and is of a thickness and/or width which corresponds to the thickness or width of the remainder of the embroidered design (see  114   a  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  of the present application). In this manner, the border  114   a  serves as a frame to surround and highlight the fabric base  112  and the remainder of the embroidered design  114 . In contrast, with the emblem  210  of the &#39;593 patent, the stitched border  214   a  is made using a relatively small sized embroidery needle (much smaller that the needle used to make the remainder of the embroidered design  214 ) and is made using a yarn which is not the same as the yarn used to make the embroidered design  214 . In particular, the yarn used to make the border  214   a  is relatively thin and is the same or substantially the same color as the color of the fabric base  212  and the first fabric  230 . In this manner, when the emblem  210  is secured to the garment or other article (see  FIG. 5 ), the much smaller sized border  214   a  fades into the fabric base  212  and the first fabric  230  of the garment or other article so that the border  214   a  is nearly invisible thus helping to give the appearance that the embroidered emblem design  214  has been applied directly to the first fabric  230  of the garment or other article. 
     The present invention provides an emblem which includes many of the features of the embroidered emblem  210  of the &#39;593 patent. However, unlike the above described prior art emblems, an emblem in accordance with the present invention does not include an embroidered or stitched border or any other kind of border extending around the outer or peripheral edge of the fabric base. In this manner, an emblem made in accordance with the present invention, when applied to a garment or other article provides the appearance of the emblem design having been applied direct onto the garment or other article but is much easier to apply to the garment and can be conveniently and completely removed from the garment to permit re-use of the garment and the emblem. A borderless emblem in accordance with the present invention is also less expensive and easier to produce than an emblem which includes an embroidered or stitched border. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly stated, in one embodiment the present invention is comprised of a borderless emblem for securing to a first fabric by the application of at least one of heat and pressure. The first fabric is made of a material having a predetermined weave pattern and at least one predetermined color. The emblem comprises a fabric base having a front surface, a rear surface and an outer peripheral edge, the fabric base being of the same or substantially the same material as the first fabric and having the same or substantially the same weave pattern and color as the first fabric. An emblem design is applied to the front surface of the fabric base. A layer of thermoplastic adhesive material is bonded to the rear surface of the fabric base for securing the emblem to the first fabric. The outer peripheral edge of the fabric base is heat fused to finish the edge of the fabric base without including a stitched or other border. 
     In another embodiment the present invention comprises a borderless emblem for securing to a first fabric by the application of at least one of heat and pressure. The emblem includes a fabric base having a front surface, a rear surface and an outer peripheral edge, an emblem design applied to the front surface of the fabric base and a layer of thermoplastic adhesive material bonded to the rear surface of the fabric base for securing the emblem to the first fabric. The outer peripheral edge of the fabric base is heat fused to finish the edge of the fabric base without including a stitched or other border. 
     In another embodiment the present invention comprises a method of making a borderless emblem for securing to a first fabric by the application of at least one of heat and pressure, the first fabric being made of a material having a predetermined weave pattern and at least one predetermined color. The method comprises: providing a fabric base having a front surface, a rear surface and an outer peripheral edge, the fabric base being of the same or substantially the same material as the first fabric and having the same or substantially the same weave pattern and color as the first fabric; applying an emblem design to the front surface of the fabric base; bonding a layer of thermoplastic adhesive material to the rear surface of the fabric base for securing the emblem to the first fabric; and heat fusing the outer peripheral edge of the fabric base to finish the edge without a stitched or other border. 
     In yet another embodiment the present invention comprises a method of making a borderless emblem for securing to a first fabric by the application of at least one of heat and pressure, the method comprising: providing a fabric base having a front surface, a rear surface and an outer peripheral edge; applying an emblem design to the front surface of the fabric base; bonding a layer of thermoplastic adhesive material to the rear surface of the fabric base for securing the emblem to the first fabric; and heat fusing the outer peripheral edge of the fabric base to finish the edge without a stitched or other border. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of an embroidered emblem in accordance with the prior art; 
         FIG. 2  is a side sectional view of the prior art emblem shown in  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of another embroidered emblem in accordance with the prior art; 
         FIG. 4  is a side sectional view of the prior art emblem shown in  FIG. 3  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the prior art emblem shown in  FIG. 3  after the emblem has been secured to a first fabric of a garment. 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a borderless embroidered emblem in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a side sectional view of the borderless embroidered emblem shown in  FIG. 6  taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the borderless embroidered emblem shown in  FIG. 6  after the emblem has been secured to a first fabric of a garment; 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of a borderless screen printed emblem in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a side sectional view of the borderless screen printed emblem shown in  FIG. 9  taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the borderless screen printed emblem shown in  FIG. 9  after the emblem has been secured to a first fabric of a garment; 
         FIG. 12  is a side sectional view of a borderless ink jet printed emblem in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 12A  is an enlarged view of the circled portion of  FIG. 12 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the emblem and designated parts thereof. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. 
     Referring to the drawings, there is shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  7  and  8 , a first preferred embodiment of an embroidered emblem, generally  310 , for securing to a first fabric  330  by the application of at least one of heat and pressure in a manner as described in detail in the above-identified U.S. patents. The first fabric  330  may be a portion of a garment, such as a shirt, smock, apron, hat or any other article of clothing. Alternatively, the first fabric  330  may be a portion of some other article such as a banner, flag or any other article formed of the first fabric  330 . Further, while it is preferred that the first fabric  330  be comprised of a woven textile fabric such as 100% polyester, 100% cotton or a polyester/cotton blend thereof, preferably about 65% polyester and about 35% cotton, it should be clearly understood that the first fabric  330  may be made of any type of natural or synthetic textile material using techniques which are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In short, the first fabric  330  may comprise virtually any suitable woven fabric which may or may not be coated or impregnated with one or more soil resisting or stain repellent treatments and may be colored utilizing standard textile dyes of a type well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The first fabric  330  as show in  FIG. 8  is comprised of a textile material having a predetermined weave pattern and at least one predetermined color. The particular weave pattern utilized in forming the first fabric  330  should not be considered to be a limitation on the present invention nor should the particular color of the first fabric  330 . Accordingly, it should be clearly understood that the embroidered emblem  310  in accordance with the present invention may be secured to a first fabric  330  having any type of weave pattern and any desired color without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the embroidered emblem  310  in accordance with the first preferred embodiment is comprised of a fabric base  312  having a first principal or front surface  316  and a second principal or rear surface  320 . In the present embodiment the fabric base  312  is generally rectangularly shaped in plan view. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the shape of the fabric base  312  as well as the size of the fabric base  312  may vary in particular applications. More specifically, the fabric base  312  may be circular, square, triangular, oblong, oval or any other desired shape. Preferably the fabric base  312  is made of a woven textile fabric such as 100% polyester or a polyester/cotton blend, preferably about 65% polyester and about 35% cotton. It will be appreciated that other types of woven textile fabrics may alternatively be used. As can be seen when viewing  FIGS. 6 and 8 , in the present embodiment the fabric base  312  preferably has the same or substantially the same weave pattern as that of the first fabric  330  and is of the same or substantially the same color as the color of the first fabric  330 . More preferably, the fabric base  312  is made of the same or substantially the same material or fabric as the first fabric  330  so that when an embroidered emblem  310  in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention is secured to the first fabric  330  the fabric base  312  precisely matches the first fabric  330  so that the fabric base  312  blends in with and substantially disappears into the first fabric  330 . Alternatively, the fabric base  312  may have a weave pattern and/or color (not shown) which is different from the weave pattern/color of the first fabric  330  and/or the fabric base  312  may be made from a different material than the material of the first fabric  330  so that when the fabric base  312  is secured to the first fabric  330  the fabric base  312  stands out and is easily noticeable. 
     The emblem  310  further includes an emblem design  314  which has been embroidered into the front surface  316  of the fabric base  312  using a standard embroidery process in the manner well known in the art and as described in the above-identified patents. As best shown in  FIG. 7 , the embroidered emblem design  314  extends outwardly from the front surface  316  of the fabric base  312 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 9 , for purposes of illustrating the present embodiment the embroidered emblem design  314  is in the form of a generally rectangular pattern. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the generally rectangularly shaped embroidered emblem design  314  is presented only for purposes of illustrating the present invention and should not be considered to be a limitation on the present invention. Virtually any other type of embroidered emblem design including designs of different shapes and sizes, characters, names and the like as well as different colors or a combination of colors may alternatively be used. 
     The embroidered emblem  310  further includes a layer of thermoplastic adhesive material  318  which is laminated or bonded to the rear surface  320  of the fabric base  312 . The thermoplastic adhesive material  318  is preferably a polyurethane which is the same as or substantially the same as the thermoplastic adhesive material described in detail in the above-identified patents and is bonded to the rear surface  320  of the fabric base  312  in the manner described in the above-identified U.S. patents. The layer of thermoplastic adhesive material  318  is used for securing the emblem  310  to the first fabric  330  by the application of at least one of heat and pressure in the manner described in detail in the above-identified U.S. patents. 
     Typically, in the above described prior art embroidered emblem  110  the border  114   a  is a Merrow border which is typically made using a continuous filament 100% polyester extremely bright yarn typically in size 300/4&#39;s-1200 Denier. Typically a large needle, such as a number 3DST needle is used to make such a Merrow border. The Merrow border  114  is very heavy and broad. Typically the thread used to form the Merrow border  114   a  is a bright color which often contrasts with the color of the fabric base  112  so the border  114   a  frames and highlights the emblem  110  and particularly the emblem design  114  so it is quite visible as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The border  214   a  of the embroidered emblem  210 , as described in the &#39;593 patent, is also a stitched border which is made using a much smaller 100% spun polyester intentionally dull yarn in size Tex 27-60.5 Denier. The needle employed for forming the stitched border  214   a  is preferably a number DBXK5 needle which is much smaller than the needle used for the Merrow border  114   a . By making a stitched border  214   a  utilizing a relatively small sized needle and by utilizing a relatively thin intentionally dull yarn which is the same or substantially the same color as that of the fabric base  212 , the border  214   a  is relatively small and fades into the fabric base  212  and also fades into the first fabric  330  to become nearly invisible when the emblem  210  has been secured to the first fabric  230  as shown in  FIG. 5 . However, even the much smaller stitched border  214   a  of the prior art emblem  210  is still quite visible, particularly when the emblem  210  is secured to the first fabric  230 . 
     The embroidered emblem  310  in accordance with the present invention is borderless. That is, unlike the above described prior art emblems  110  and  210 , there is no embroidered border, stitched border or any other type of border extending around the outer or peripheral edge  322  of the fabric base  312 . Instead, the outer edge  322  of the fabric base  312  is finished by subjecting the outer edge  322  to heat sufficient to effectively fuse a small portion of the polyester within the fabric base  312  proximate to the outer edge  322  to create a smooth finished edge  322  such that the ends of the fibers of the fabric base  312  are sealed to prevent unraveling during use or laundering. The fusing of the outer edge  322  of the fabric base  312  may be accomplished in any known manner, such as by exposing the edge  322  to a heat source, such as a heat gun. Preferably, the fabric base  312  is cut from a sheet of fabric, which may or may not contain multiple emblems, using a laser cutter such as a model 9050 available from CamFive Company which fuses the outer edge  322  as the fabric base  312  is cut. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that any other suitable laser cutter may alternatively be used to cut the fabric base  312  from a sheet of fabric and simultaneously fuse the edge  322 . Alternatively, the fabric base  312  may first be cut from the fabric sheet using some other cutting method, such as die cutting, and then the edge  322  may be subjected to a heat source to heat and fuse the polyester proximate to the edge  322 . 
       FIG. 8  shows the embroidered emblem  310  in accordance with the first preferred embodiment secured to the first fabric  330 . As can be seen, because the fabric base  312  is formed of the same or substantially the same material as the first fabric  330  and has the same or substantially the same weave pattern and color as the first fabric  330  and because the fabric base  312  does not include an embroidered or stitched border, the embroidered emblem  310  completely blends in with the first fabric  330  so as to be nearly invisible. In this manner, the emblem design  314  appears as though it has been embroidered directly onto the first fabric  330 . Of course, as is well known in the art and as described in detail in the above-identified U.S. patents, the emblem  310  may be conveniently and cleanly removed from the first fabric  330  through the application of at least one of heat and pressure thereby permitting reuse of the first fabric  330  with our without the application of another emblem. As noted above, if the weave pattern and/or color of the fabric base  312  is different from that of the first fabric  330  the emblem  310  will stand out and be noticeable when secured to the first fabric  330 . 
       FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  11 , show a second preferred embodiment of an emblem, generally  410 , for securing to a first fabric  430  by the application of at least one of heat and pressure in a manner as described in detail in the above-identified U.S. patents and the first embodiment  310 . The first fabric  430  shown in  FIG. 11  is the same or substantially the same as the first fabric  330  described above and is comprised of a textile material having a predetermined weave pattern and at least one predetermined color. The particular weave pattern utilized in forming the first fabric  430  should not be considered to be a limitation on the present invention nor should the particular color of the first fabric  430 . Accordingly, it should be clearly understood that the emblem  410  in accordance with the present invention may be secured to a first fabric  430  having any type of weave pattern and any desired color without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the emblem  410  in accordance with the second preferred embodiment is a screen printed emblem comprised of a fabric base  412  having a first principal or front surface  416  and a second principal or rear surface  420 . In the present embodiment the fabric base  412  is generally rectangularly shaped in plan view. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the shape of the fabric base  412  as well as the size of the fabric base  412  may vary in particular applications. More specifically, the fabric base  412  may be circular, square, triangular, oblong, oval or any other desired shape. Preferably the fabric base  412  is made of the same or substantially the same material as the fabric base  312  of the above-described first embodiment. As can be seen when viewing  FIGS. 9 and 11 , in the present embodiment the fabric base  412  preferably has the same or substantially the same weave pattern as that of the first fabric  430  and preferably is of the same or substantially the same color as the color of the first fabric  430 . More preferably, the fabric base  412  is made of the same or substantially the same material or fabric as the first fabric  430  so that when a screen printed emblem  410  in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention is secured to the first fabric  430  the fabric base  412  precisely matches the first fabric  430  so that the fabric base  412  blends in with and substantially disappears into the first fabric  430 . Alternatively, the fabric base  412  may have a weave pattern and/or color (not shown) which is different from the weave pattern/color of the first fabric  430  and/or the fabric base  412  may be made from a different material than the material of the first fabric  430  so that when the fabric base  412  is secured to the first fabric  430  the fabric base  412  stands out and is easily noticeable. 
     The emblem  410  further includes an emblem design  414  which has been screen printed onto the front surface  416  of the fabric base  412  using a standard screen printing process in the manner well known in the art. As best shown in  FIG. 10 , the screen printed emblem design  414  essentially forms a thin layer on the front surface  416  of the fabric base  412 . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 11 , for purposes of illustrating the present embodiment the printed emblem design  414  is in the form of a generally rectangular pattern. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the generally rectangularly shaped printed emblem design  414  is presented only for purposes of illustrating the present invention and should not be considered to be a limitation on the present invention. Virtually any other type of printed emblem design including designs of different shapes, sizes, characters and the like as well as different colors or a combination of colors may alternatively be used. 
     The emblem  410  further includes a layer of thermoplastic adhesive material  418  preferably a polyurethane, which is laminated or bonded to the rear surface  420  of the fabric base  412  in the manner described in the above-identified U.S. patents. The layer of thermoplastic adhesive material  418  is used for securing the emblem  410  to the first fabric  430  by the application of at least one of heat and pressure in the manner described in detail in the above-identified U.S. patents. 
     The screen printed emblem  410  in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention is also borderless. Like the emblem  310  of the above described first embodiment, the outer edge  422  of the fabric base  412  is finished by subjecting the outer edge  422  to heat sufficient to effectively fuse a small portion of the polyester within the fabric base  412  proximate to the outer edge  422  to create smooth finished edge  422  such that the ends of the fibers of the fabric base  412  are sealed to prevent unraveling during use or laundering. The fusing of the outer edge  422  of the fabric base may be accomplished in any known manner, such described above. Preferably, the fabric base  412  is cut from a sheet of fabric, which may or may not contain multiple emblems, using a laser cutter such as a model 9050 available from CamFive Company which simultaneously fuses the edge  322 . 
       FIG. 11  shows the screen printed emblem  410  in accordance with the second preferred embodiment secured to the first fabric  430 . As can be seen, because the fabric base  412  is formed of the same or substantially the same material as the first fabric  430  and has the same or substantially the same weave pattern and color as the first fabric  430  and because the fabric base  412  does not include a border, the screen printed emblem  410  completely blends in with the first fabric  430  so as to be nearly invisible. In this manner, the emblem design  414  appears as though it has been printed directly onto the first fabric  430 . As noted above, if the weave pattern and/or color of the fabric base  412  is different from that of the first fabric  430  the emblem  410  will stand out and be noticeable when secured to the first fabric  430 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 12A  show a third preferred embodiment of a printed emblem, generally  510 , for securing to a first fabric  530  by the application of at least one of heat and pressure in a manner as described in detail in the above-identified U.S. patents. The printed emblem  510  is substantially the same as the above-described printed emblem  410  of the second embodiment with the exception of the manner in which the emblem design  514  is printed. More specifically, the emblem  510  includes a fabric base  512  which is made of the same or substantially the same material as the first fabric  530  to which the emblem  510  is to be attached and is preferably made of 100% polyester. Alternatively, the fabric base  512  could be made of a blend of polyester and cotton in the same manner as the above-described fabric base  412 . The fabric base  512  includes a front surface  516 , a rear surface  520  and a layer of thermoplastic adhesive material  518  bonded to the rear surface  520  as with the emblem  410  of the second embodiment  410 . The fabric base  512  is also borderless and the outer edge  522  is finished in the same manner as described above with respect to the edge  422  of the fabric base  412  of the second embodiment  410 . The only substantial difference between the emblems of the second embodiment  410  and the third embodiment  510  is that the emblem design  514  of the third embodiment is printed onto the front surface  516  of the fabric base  512  using an ink jet printing process. 
     The ink jet printing process used to apply the emblem design  514  to the front surface  516  of the fabric base  512  is of a type well known in the emblem making art. As best shown in  FIG. 12A , the ink jet printed emblem design  514  is at least partially embedded into the fibers of the front surface  516  of the fabric base  512  to provide the emblem design  514  with an appearance which is slightly different from the appearance of the emblem design  414  of the second embodiment  410 . Like the emblem  410  of the second embodiment, for purposes of illustrating the present embodiment the printed emblem design  514  is also in the form of a generally rectangular pattern. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the generally rectangular shaped printed emblem design  514  is presented only for purposes of illustrating the present invention and should not be considered to be a limitation on the present invention. Virtually any other type of printed emblem design including designs of different shapes and sizes as well as different colors or a combination of colors may alternatively be used. In all other respects, the emblem  510  of the second embodiment is the same as the emblem  410  of the first embodiment. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover all modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.