Directory Patents (Class 40/585)
  • Patent number: 11011081
    Abstract: A transparent display case assembly for displaying planar cards includes a panel that has a plurality of planar cards that are positionable thereon. A plurality of clips is provided and each of the clips is coupled to the panel. Each of the clips is biased to abut the panel to grip a respective one of the planar card. Each of the clips is urgeable away from the panel to facilitate the document to be put into or taken out of the clips. A frame is provided that has a pair of grooves therein for slidably engaging the panel. The frame has a viewing opening and a back wall, and the viewing opening is open into an interior of the frame such that the panel is visible through the viewing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Joseph Boampong
  • Patent number: 9503672
    Abstract: A display module having strengthened structure is provided. The display module includes a display panel and a transparent cover. The display panel has a display face and includes a circuit area. The circuit area is disposed close to a first side of the display panel. The transparent cover is attached to the display face and has a first edge corresponding to the first side, wherein the first edge extends beyond the first side. The transparent cover comprises a first recessed area, and the first recessed area shrinks from the first edge toward a center of the transparent cover. An edge of the first recessed area retreats behind the first side and exposes the circuit area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: AU OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hao-An Chuang
  • Patent number: 9269282
    Abstract: A sign post and sign system comprising a base may be connected to a vertical post. A four-way connector may attach horizontal stems to the vertical post. Rotatable or non-rotatable fasteners may be positioned on the upper or lower side of the horizontal stems. Rotatable fasteners may be connected to the horizontal stems to support rotation of a connected sign in an axis parallel to the horizontal stems. A one piece or two-piece cap design may be connected to the four-way connector. Lights, wiring, batteries, and/or a solar panel may be integrated into the sign system. A sign may be attached between the vertical post and the horizontal post to support rotation of the connected sign in an axis parallel to the vertical post. Rotatable fasteners may be connected to the horizontal stems to support rotation of a connected sign in an axis parallel to the horizontal stems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Hartman
  • Publication number: 20100277654
    Abstract: An advertising apparatus 10 including a generally flat base 12 and a broad face 14 which forms an acute angle 16 with the generally flat base 12. Further, the broad face 14 includes several display portions 20, 22, and 18 which, in one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, are programmable. In one non-limiting embodiment, the apparatus may include a selectively depressible alarm switch 100.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Kramer
  • Patent number: 7784208
    Abstract: The display panel has an outer surface to which a sign may be attached and an inner surface having a fastener composed of resiliently deformable material. An end of the fastener is separated from the display panel by a slit which is adapted to receive an outer plate of a conventional door handle The outer plate is held in the slit by the resiliently deformable composition of the fastener. The plate may however be removed from the slit by the application of a force opposed to the bias of the resilient material in order to widen the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Peter J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7768440
    Abstract: An advertising apparatus 10 including a generally flat base 12 and a broad face 14 which forms an acute angle 16 with the generally flat base 12. Further, the broad face 14 includes several display portions 20, 22, and 18 which, in one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, are programmable. In one non-limiting embodiment, the apparatus may include a selectively depressible alarm switch 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20090171864
    Abstract: A method for displaying a plurality of mattresses according to a color scheme is provided. The method includes categorizing a plurality of mattresses into at least three different types based on features of the mattresses other than size (e.g., based on comfort or style), designating a different color for each type of mattress, and displaying each of the mattresses with the designated color, or an article having the designated color, for the particular mattress type. For example, the article may include a pillow and/or foot protector having the designated color displayed prominently for a customer's reference. The method may further include grouping at least a portion of the mattresses together within the showroom based on the type of mattress, and displaying one of each type of mattress in a common region (e.g., a comparison center) for side-by-side comparisons of the different types of mattresses by customers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Mattress Firm, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Stagner, Kenneth Murphy
  • Patent number: 7536815
    Abstract: A sign system with a frame and at least one sign. The sign has at least one protruding ridge extending from the backside with the ridge having a narrow neck portion proximate the backside. At least one clamping unit is fixed to the frame with at least one pair of clamps to securely the neck portion of the ridge such that the frame is reversibly but securely fastened to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: King's System (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Kin Ngam Cheung
  • Patent number: 7471232
    Abstract: An advertising apparatus 10 including a generally flat base 12 and a broad face 14 which forms an acute angle 16 with the generally flat base 12. Further, the broad face 14 includes several display portions 20, 22, and 18 which, in one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, are programmable. In one non-limiting embodiment, the apparatus may include a selectively depressible alarm switch 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Kramer
  • Patent number: 7401428
    Abstract: In a method and system for displaying information on a display mount, at least one one-piece information strip holder is provided having a clear window and first and second parallel channels for receiving a respective information strip. Information is entered onto the information strip. The information strip is slid into the first and second parallel channels of the at least one information strip holder. The information strip holder is mounted to the display mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Nelson-Harkins Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Rand Harkins
  • Patent number: 7287348
    Abstract: In a method and system for displaying information on a display mount, at least one one-piece information strip holder is provided having a clear window and first and second parallel channels for receiving a respective information strip. Information is entered onto the information strip. The information strip is slid into the first and second parallel channels of the at least one information strip holder. The information strip holder is mounted to the display mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Nelson-Harkins Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Rand Harkins
  • Publication number: 20040075573
    Abstract: A display sign is in the form of a flat panel loudspeaker, the graphics of the display being carried on one exposed surface of the flat panel, the latter being provided with one or more transducers whereby the flat panel may be energised to transmit sound in accordance with signals supplied to the one or more transducers. The sign may also be provided with means for storing inputs made by a user for later retrieval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Andrew Beadman, Michael Anthony Saunders, David Arthur Vaughn John
  • Publication number: 20040000078
    Abstract: A stock locator system utilizes a first indicia to designate a bay within a retail environment, a second indicia to designate a shelf within that bay, and a third indicia to designate a location within that shelf. A user may thereby determine the location of a desired item by finding that item on a chart, determining the bay, shelf, and location within the shelf where that item is located, and proceeding to that location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Julie Cathryn Jurgens, Rose Marie Hankish
  • Publication number: 20030089011
    Abstract: A school bus has a stop sign hinged on an electrical actuator assembly that is attached to the side of the bus. The actuator assembly includes an electric motor that pivots the hinged stop sign from a stored position adjacent the bus to an operative position extending outwardly of the bus in perpendicular fashion and back to the stored position and an electrical control unit that includes Hall effect sensors for controlling the electric motor. These and other components are protected in an outer sealed housing that has a removable cover to facilitate installation and repair. Installation and repair is further enhanced by a removable inner housing sub-assembly that carries the electric motor and the electric control unit and that provides additional protection for these two components. The school bus also has a crossing arm hinged on an identical electrical actuator assembly, that is attached to the front bumper of the bus near the passenger doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: James A. Haigh, Richard J. Iminski, Robert C. Rabine, Kevin L. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20030066223
    Abstract: A readerboard signage system which allows signage characters to be easily changed within a pair of parallelly extending tracks. In the illustrative embodiments, the system includes an optically transparent character protective viewing panel that is placed over the sequence of characters held in place within the pair of parallelly extending tracks. The panel includes a lip portion which cooperates with the lower character holding track, to prevent rain, ice, and snow from entering the tracks, while the viewing panel itself protects the underlying characters from such natural elements and vandalism, without detracting from the utility and aesthetic appearance of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: David M. Dundorf
  • Patent number: 5733127
    Abstract: Device and method of employment thereof relating to tactile map of a bathroom or other area of interest for use by visually impaired persons, comprising tactile symbols emplaced upon a plaque or underlying surface such as a wall or door proximate the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Charles Mecum
  • Patent number: 5438781
    Abstract: An interior building sign for assisting sighted and visually impaired or blind persons to locate an escape route from point A to point B includes a first planar sheet printed in a first color with a floor plan corresponding to a building floor on which the sign is to be posted. The floor plan is also printed with two dimensional marks in a contrasting color indicating a route from point A to point B. A second planar sheet of substantially transparent material overlies the first planar sheet, the second planar sheet having three dimensional marks machined or routed thereon in substantially overlying relationship with the two dimensional marks to thereby provide a tactile representation of the route. Signs of similar construction have application in non-emergency situations and in other environments including, for example, convention centers, parks and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: David W. Landmann
  • Patent number: 5343646
    Abstract: Sign apparatus for directory or other applications and having removable sign inserts positionable at any location along a dimension of the sign. The sign inserts are held in place by a number of elongated rails located behind the inserts. Each rail contains an elongate track with a slotted opening facing the back side of the sign inserts. The tracks receive an end of an elastically-deformable fastener attached to the back of the sign insert. Each fastener expands within the track to prevent unimpeded removal of the insert, while permitting the insert to slide within the track for longitudinal positioning of the insert along the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Apco Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Cobb, Benjamin H. Bell
  • Patent number: 5307581
    Abstract: An information display device wherein there is a base plate with information bearing face plates detachably mounted thereon by one or more spline elements that press-fit with formations on each of the opposing faces of the base and face plate. End caps are optional as are also separator strips between panels where there are a number of panels mounted on one base plate. Splines press-fit into grooves in each of the base plate and face plate. In one embodiment the spline is U-shaped receiving therein a rib on one member and projecting into a groove formed between two ribs on the other of the two plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: AS&G Lettering Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Teodor Kalmykow
  • Patent number: 5207011
    Abstract: Display apparatus including a translucent display panel, a mat panel having apertures disposed over the display panel, and a plurality of display strips having electrostatic characteristics releasably attachable over the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Nu-Age Directories
    Inventor: Stephen G. Coulthard
  • Patent number: 5035073
    Abstract: A secure directory device for displaying information on removable plates. The device includes a special key for removing and replacing plates, thereby precluding unauthorized tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Inventor: Robert Laurencelle
  • Patent number: 4765077
    Abstract: A directory frame for receiving a directory card or the like for use on a shopping cart. A pair of frame members are mounted back-to-back on a shopping cart and are adapted to receive a store directory or product advertisement placard. A raised rim portion extends around the periphery of the frame members to position the directory cards, while tab sections in the directories align with and are inserted into slots in the frame members to affix the directory cards. There are apertures in each corner of the frame member for receiving the corners of a directory card. Insertion and removal of directory cards can be accomplished without the aid of hand tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Inventors: Jeffery Rosenthal, Victor Parker, James Hoback, Robert Summers
  • Patent number: 4756108
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a frame which has a transparent window, such as glass, secured within it. The frame is attached at the bottom by hinges to vertical support members which are to be mounted to the wall or other surface where the display frame is to be installed. As a result, when in place, the frame moves downward when opened. A damping device is connected between the frame portion and a support member to greatly restrict the speed of movement of the frame and to provide support for the frame as it is opened. Preferably, the frame is held open in a generally horizontal position by the limit of travel in the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: McCalla-Lackey Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Lackey, Gregory A. Harris
  • Patent number: 4682432
    Abstract: A light assembly for mounting to a synoptic display panel is composed of a tile having a transparent surface portion, of a light-conducting transparent body, having at one end thereof adjacent to the tile, a diffusion surface, of a hollow block with baffles dividing the block into chambers in which are disposed light elements, and of a transparent plate mounted between the baffles housing and the transparent body; the transparent plate displays a geometrical pattern of colored areas, each area corresponding in shape to the cross-sectional area of a chamber with which it is in registry so that the light emitted from one of the light elements is colored by the area registered therewith, transmitted through the light-conducting body to the diffusion surface and emerges from the transparent surface portion of the tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Monitronik Ltee
    Inventors: Frank S. Taylor, Claude Bourdon
  • Patent number: 4425727
    Abstract: The invention relates to an information board comprising a rectangular base plate having vertical first and second lateral supports; a number of flat, rectangular first and second sign elements arranged in a plane parallel to the base plate, each of said sign elements being provided with at least one groove extending in the plane of the sign element to retain an exchangeable strip provided with characters, of the same length as the sign element and slightly narrower than the groove, said strip being arranged to be inserted in the groove from any of the opposite ends of the sign element; a vertical partition slat arranged to divide the information board into a left panel for a predetermined number of said first sign elements of predetermined length and a right panel for a corresponding number of said second sign elements of predetermined length, said first sign elements being arranged to be received with one end in a groove facing the center of the base plate and formed by said first vertical lateral support,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1984
    Inventor: Bo Waldekrantz