Abstract: A hand-held programmable sign comprising a hand-grip portion and a sign portion having opposed front and rear sides and including an upper sign portion and a lower hand-held portion rotatably mounted to the sign portion midway transverse to the sign portion in the in-use mode. The hand-grip portion can be rotated between the in-use mode and a locked storage mode when the hand-grip portion is rotated into overlapping relationship with the sign portion. A keyboard system with a miniaturized keyboard processor including keys marked with indicia for letters of the alphabet, numerals, and other selected indicia is mounted on the hand grip portion for operator input. The sign includes a miniaturized computer microprocessor for processing input data received from the keyboard. A miniaturized light-emitting message display, preferably an LED display, is mounted on the front side of the sign portion for reading by an observer.

Abstract: An article of apparel including at least one predetermined segment which is capable of being opened furtively along at least a portion of its width by mechanical manipulation of a rigidifying material herein termed a stay (24). The stay (24) preferably comprises a pliable material. The stay (24) is affixed to the upper portion of the opening segment, which upper portion remains relatively static when the fabric is tensioned from a lower, middle or upper portion of the fabric whereby a display is revealed. The display may be on an insert (26) attached to the upper and lower edges of the opening segment and may also be provided without the insert (26) by an undershirt (40) in juxtaposition to the opening segment. A display may also be revealed on the epidermis of the wearer by the above mechanical manipulation.

Abstract: A portable lightweight illuminated sign assembly for either carrying on one's person or placing on a window for advertisement and the like. The plastic housing is rectangular in shape to support a rectangular transparent plastic face plate which carries a message illuminated by at least one fluorescent light source and energized by either a D.C. source when portable and by either D.C. or A.C. current when affixed to a window. Suction cups attachable to loops or hooks are provided on the housing adjacent to the face plate for affixing to a window. A hook element positioned on the housing on both sides and centered between the attachment loops or hooks enables the use of body straps for supporting the portable sign assembly on one's torso.

Abstract: A retractable flag hand held unit for permitting a user to selectively deploy a hand held flag to signal another. The retractable flag hand held unit includes a tubular housing with an opening therein at a distal end. A proximal end of an elongate rod is extended into the housing through the opening of the distal end of the housing. A back plate is disposed in the housing and coupled to the proximal end of the rod. The housing has a longitudinal slot in a side wall of the housing. A slide plate is disposed in the housing adjacent the longitudinal slot and is coupled to the back plate. A thumb slide has a slide extent extending through the longitudinal slot of the housing into the housing and which is coupled to the slide plate. A flag is coupled to the rod adjacent a distal end of the rod. The rod has a spaced apart plurality of constrictions adjacent the distal end of the rod. The rod comprises a resiliently flexible material so that the rod may be resiliently folded at each of the constrictions.

Abstract: An advertising piece that is arranged for securement to a portable dispenser in which a beverage is retained for dispensing. The portable beverage dispenser is adapted to be worn on the back of a vendor. The beverages retained within the dispenser is also commonly packaged in single-serving containers, e.g., eight or twelve ounce bottles, cans, cups or cartons, usually bearing distinctive packaging designs including stylized trademarks, pictures, words and designs that enables the beverage manufacturer or merchant to distinguish its beverage from all other beverage products. The advertising piece is an enlarged version of the single-serving beverage container and includes an exterior surface that is configured to resemble the shape of a single-serving beverage container. The advertising piece may also include a rendering of enlarged trademark indicia, stylized words, pictures or designs or a combination thereof, which in total replicates the exterior surface of the sing e-serving beverage container.

Abstract: A smart cross electronic traffic sign for the control of vehicle and pedestrian traffic with programming and control by infrared remote control. The device is lightweight and easily portable. Messages can be displayed in the color of the normal traffic sign for the condition displayed. An audible message duplicates the message displayed.

Abstract: A traffic signaling device includes a strobe light directed upon a portable traffic sign for alerting distant motorists of an upcoming traffic condition and for enhancing readability of the traffic sign. The signaling device includes a rotatable sign assembly releasably attached to a primary shaft suitable for holding by a road construction worker. The sign assembly includes a handle which cooperates with a channel within the primary shaft whereby the sign can be rotated to discrete, locked positions without repositioning the primary shaft or strobe light. Thus, either side of a sign may be displayed to oncoming traffic while a worker's eyes are always shielded from the strobe light.

Abstract: A hand-held wafer-like signal which is essentially flat octagonally shaped with a handle at the lower end. It has a front side and a back side. The front side is a unitary construction made by plastic injection molding and has a reflector surface, one-half of a handle and a one-half of a cylindrical light housing which is essentially perpendicular to the reflective surface. There is a back side which is also made by injection molding and also has a reflective surface inside an octagonal frame, one-half of a battery container and one-half a cylindrical light housing. The one-half front and back sides are secured together as by screwing and when assembled it becomes a lightweight weatherproof hand-held signal.

Abstract: A novelty noisemaker and hand sign comprising a hand-shaped foam rubber body portion having a front panel and a rear panel. The invention has a vinyl plastic or other like material covering which is affixed continuously to said front panel. The rear panel contains five digit slits in a pattern such that the spectator can press his or her fingers into the slits to wear the novelty hand. The invention has an orifice in one of the comers of the bottom of said foam rubber body and a hand strap which is connected to the body through the orifice. The covering can be affixed with team logos, colors, slogans or the like such that the spectator can visually communicate his or her support.

Abstract: A sound belt removably mounted on diapers includes a housing with two opposite flat surfaces on which one or more switch actuators are exposed. A removably mounted overlay with pictorial representations that cooperatively coincide with the switches permit a baby to activate them. Prerecorded sounds, including messages, are generated in response to the actuation of the switches and these messages are relevant to the pictorial representations so that the baby user learns what they means and aids him/her in communicating his/her desires and/or needs.

Abstract: A method of applique and the resulting article is described that includes forming a first image (20) on a mesh-like material layer (18), forming a second image (24) on an underlying substrate (22), and attaching the mesh-like material layer to the substrate so that the first image overlays the second image. The first and second images are substantially the same images. In one embodiment, the mesh-like material layer is attached to the substrate such that the first image directly overlays the second image. In another embodiment, the mesh-like material layer is attached to the substrate such that the first image overlays the second image at a slight offset. By attaching the mesh-like material layer over the substrate in either of these ways, the resulting combined image appears three-dimensionalized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying, tagging, releasing and memorializing a specific fish with mass dissemination of information concerning said specific fish by producing a graphic image of the live fish on a sheet of material, such as cloth or fabric at the time of catch and obtaining factual data regarding the specific catch. The image and data are transferred to a medium such as a t-shirt for display for mass dissemination. A tag is placed on the fish with a telephone number to call if the fish is caught a second time. An apparatus according to the present invention may also comprise a kit including a suitable tag having information contained thereon for instructing a subsequent angler or other person capturing the fish to report details of the catch to a specific location, and further including a quantity of non-toxic colored liquid, an applicator for applying the liquid to one side of the actual live fish, and a sheet of material for receiving a graphic image of the live fish.

Abstract: A novelty garment having an inner panel exposable through an opening in the principal garment. The garment, such as a T-shirt, may have a weakening arrangement in the outer fabric to facilitate the tearing of an opening through which the inner panel is revealed.

Abstract: A toy animal, such as a soft sculpture, is integrated with a design imprinted or depicted on an article of clothing, wherein the design depicts a habitat for the toy animal. Preferably, the design is related to a pocket, so that the animal enters the habitat by being placed in the pocket. Alternatively, or in addition, the toy animal may be appropriately mounted on the design by Velcro or other fastener means.

Abstract: A hazard warning sign assembly having a sign plate displaying a warning message, and at least one flashing light and horn for generating visual and audible signals for attracting attention to the sign. A rechargeable battery pack forms a detachable handle for the sign plate and the signal housing. A telescoping pole portion mounted to the lower end of the elongate battery pack is provided for height adjustment of the assembly. Manually operable switch buttons control actuation of the flashing light and horn units.

Abstract: A warning light is provided to be coupled to a stop sign. The warning light includes a main unit, a holder for cooperating with the main unit to couple to the stop sign, a solar cell for converting solar energy into electrical energy, a light emitting element disposed in the main unit, an energy storage device coupled to the solar cell for storing the electrical energy, and a charge control circuit coupled to the solar cell, energy storage device and light emitting element. The charge control circuit selectively directs electrical energy from the solar cell to energy storage device, or from the energy storage device to the light emitting element.

Abstract: A promotional amusement device including a handle element which includes a grip portion at its lower end, and a spherical globe portion at the upper end. A series of three telescopically arranged tubular members are arranged to be nestled within the handle member, and including a spring member associated with the tubular members in order to extend the tubular members into a fully extended position. A transparent stretchable boot is provided and arranged to be nested within the upper spherical globe portion of the handle, and includes a top cap mounted on the inner most tubular member and which also provides a rest point for the transparent stretchable boot. Upon release of the spring member, the tubular members are fully extended to the open position and carry with it the transparent stretchable boot to its fully extended position. The boot, spherical globe portion and handle member are all adapted to carry promotional indicia thereon which are displayed when the boot is fully extended by the tubular members.

Abstract: A graphic material display device having a baseball bat-like shape. A centrally located shoulder and a second shoulder located adjacent one of the ends are connected by a web portion and support a transparent, hollow, cylindrical tube. Graphic material placed adjacent the web portion and within in the tube may be viewed through the tube. A sleeve selectively locks the tube in position or permits the tube to be removed to change the graphic material.

Abstract: A collapsible sign comprises at least one flexible sheet with a first message bearing side and a second side which has at least one horizontal support member attached to the second side of the sheet. At least one vertical support member is received free of interconnection with the horizontal support members by a pocket attached to the second side of the sheet. The sign includes a fastening device detachably interconnecting the vertical support member to the pocket. After the vertical support member is removed from the pocket, the sheet may be rolled up or rolled around the vertical support member for compact storage.

Abstract: A portable programmable sign comprising a unitary T-shaped housing having opposed front and rear sides and including an upper sign portion and a lower hand-held portion mounted midway transverse to the sign portion. A keyboard system with a miniaturized keyboard processor including keys marked with indicia for letters of the alphabet, numerals, and other selected indicia is mounted on the hand grip for operator input. Operating keys are also mounted on the keyboard. The sign includes a miniaturized computer microprocessor for processing input data received from the keyboard. A miniaturized light-emitting message display, preferably an LED display, is mounted on the front side of the sign portion for reading by an observer. An electrical circuit in the housing joins the keyboard system, computer microprocessor, and the light-emitting message display are joined by an electrical circuit in the housing and which can be internally or externally powered.

Abstract: The present invention is a line of clothing having at least one through hole. Secured to the through hole is a transparent material. This transparent material can be either clear, colorized, or include magnification properties, for providing a final product which can be customized by the needs and desires of the wearer. The use of transparent material provides a final product which will show case and accentuate tattoos located on an individual.

Abstract: An improved tanning system involves the use of a film of material which is permeable to ultra-violet light and which is adapted to be laid on part of a human body, for example the torso. The film is covered in certain desired regions with a material which is impermeable to ultra-violet light which regions are surrounded by regions which are only slightly permeable to ultra-violet light. When a person wearing the film is subjected to tanning, the result is improved appearance of the torso, for example, the person may look fitter, slimmer and/or more muscular. The tanning may be achieved by either natural sunlight or by means of a sunbed.

Abstract: Horse riding apparel for training proper equestrian positioning of a rider for competition and casual riding, in which a hat, a shirt, and a pair of pants worn by the rider include signalling members for visually communicating the angulation and the posture of the rider while riding to an instructor so that the instructor may observe the rider and provide corrective guidance.

Abstract: An adaptable garment that permits a child complete flexibility in placing educational or entertainment articles thereon is disclosed. The adaptable garment includes one or more removable adhesively attachable stickers, which preferably include a pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive layer, and a garment having a sufficiently rough surface to permit reversible adhesion with the stickers. The stickers are adhesively attached to the rough surface of the garment and are capable of being removed and relocated to substantially any other location on the rough surface of the garment by a child wearing the garment.

Abstract: An article, such as an apparel, bears a laminated image in a transparent window. The article has, for instance, a transparent window on the outside and an opening inside for inserting an image-bearing panel into a pouch for displaying the image through the window. The article may be reversible, in which case it may carry a panel having images on two sides, the panel being visible through transparent material either inside or outside the apparel.

Abstract: Novelty apparel having a two-dimensional design imprinted thereon and a somewhat flexible three-dimensional removable portion of the design which represents a prominent portion of the design. The two-dimensional design is preferably of a creature and the three-dimensional portion is preferably formed of flexible hollow molded latex rubber into the shape and appearance of the head of the creature. Thus, when the design and the attached three-dimensional portion are viewed from generally forwardly thereof, the object matches and completes the overall design.

Abstract: An item of wearing apparel for allowing the convenient viewing of a wrist watch comprising a main body portion forming a main space adapted to encompass the torso of a wearer and with two laterally disposed long sleeves for the arms of a wearer. Each sleeve has an opening at the top for communicating with the main body portion and an opening at the bottom for the wrist of a wearer. An aperture is formed in at least one of the sleeves adjacent to the bottom of the sleeve.

Abstract: A system and method for anonymously establishing telephonic connections includes a plurality of identification tags, a master control telephone calling card, a computer-executable program, a voice synthesizer and a telephone switch. The identification tags are carried by persons, pets or objects and each include unique visible indicia which provide instructions on how a holder or finder of an identification tag can make a toll-free telephone call to a person responsible for the person, pet or object carrying the identification tag. The visible indicia also include a simplified menu of system inputs. The system employs the computer-executable program and the voice synthesizer to interactively prompt a caller to select and enter inputs from the menu shown on the tag.

Abstract: A garment with a programmable microcontroller to control digital and analog video signals which are displayed on flexible flat panel color liquid crystal display (LCD), embedded into the garment. The LCD is locked onto the garment by means of a locking slide fastener and is programmable through use of the microcontroller unit. The microcontroller unit is used to control display of digitally recorded and analog video sequences. Images can also be programmed to display based on environmental conditions as well as other trigger methods. The garment comes with a built-in Global Positioning System (G.P.S.) for security against theft. Garments can navigate owner through programming of microcontroller through voice navigation for and can be initialized to respond to the owners voice-print. Garments come with peripheral input capability allowing input of such analog and digital devices as miniature cameras, computers, CD-ROMS, etc. . . .

Abstract: A revolving pennant 10 is provided which features a flag 20 which is attached to a handle 40 through a pivot assembly 50. The pivot assembly 50 connects the flag 20 to the handle 40 in a manner which allows the flag 20 to revolve around the handle 40 without furling. A weight region 30 is oriented upon the flag 20 to enhance an ease with which the flag 20 can be caused to revolve about the handle 40. The pivot assembly 50 includes an axle 52 attached to the handle 40 and a collar 60 surrounding the axle 52 and to which the flag 20 is attached. The collar 60 is maintained upon the axle 52 by a cap 54 and disc 57 which are oriented at ends of the axle 52 and spaced from each other, restricting travel of the collar 60 and preventing the collar 60 from falling off of the handle 40.

Abstract: A graphic material display device having a baseball bat-like shape. A centrally located shoulder and a second shoulder located adjacent one of the ends are connected by a web portion and support a transparent, hollow, cylindrical tube. Graphic material placed adjacent the web portion and within in the tube may be viewed through the tube.

Abstract: The instant invention is a harness-attached light mechanism that is visible from a distance or and in inclement weather. It consists of a harness assembly that supports a flash assembly. The flash assembly is a battery powered strobe or other light affixed atop a pole by a flexible means that allows easy movement, or waving, of the light. The light mechanism attracts the attention of on-coming motorist thereby increasing his safety. The pole is supported by a harness that is fitted to the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible mirror that can be attached to a variety of items of apparel. The flexible mirror preferably includes a low strength magnet and a hinge member, which pivotally secures the flexible mirror to a flexible surface of a item of apparel. Preferably a second low strength magnet is located on the flexible surface and engages the low strength magnet on the flexible mirror when the flexible mirror is pivoted against the item of apparel. Bending the flexible surface of the item of apparel disengages the low strength magnets from each other and permits the flexible mirror to pivot away from the item of apparel revealing the flexible mirror.

Abstract: A backpack carried on the back of a vendor for transporting and dispensing packaged goods, such as food products or other merchandise. The backpack has a back wall, front wall, opposed side walls, a top closure, and a bottom wall defining a generally rectangular storage compartment. The backpack has at least one access opening at a lower end which is accessible to the hand of the vendor wearing the backpack. A plurality of packaged goods are supported in a vertically descendable disposition by a support member or receptacle installed in the storage compartment which has a lower portion disposed adjacent to the access opening and is configured to support the lowermost one of the packaged goods adjacent to the access opening such that it can be manually removed by the vendor while the backpack is being worn.

Abstract: A warning light and sign apparatus includes a handle assembly which includes a top end and a bottom end. A sign-receiving bracket assembly is supported by the top end of the handle assembly. A bracket-supported light assembly is supported by sign-receiving bracket assembly. A power supply assembly is supported by the handle assembly and is electrically connected to the bracket-supported light assembly. A sign is received by the sign-receiving bracket assembly. The sign includes a first message "stop" on a first side and includes a second message "slow" on a second side. The handle assembly can be easily rotated 180 to selectively orient either the "stop" message or the "slow" message. Removable sign-to-light fasteners connect the sign to the bracket-supported light assembly. The sign-receiving bracket assembly includes a front bracket portion and a rear bracket portion, and a bottom portion of the sign is received between the front bracket portion and the rear bracket portion.

Abstract: A signaling device provides a means for signaling an operator of a vehicle that the lights of that vehicle are distracting and annoying to an operator of another vehicle. The signaling device includes at least one display member having a message, such as "DIM LIGHTS", positioned thereon for conveying the message to the operator of the vehicle. The message may be constructed from a reflective or fluorescent material for enabling the lights of another vehicle to illuminate the message. The signaling device may be stored within the vehicle by attaching the signaling device to a sun visor of the vehicle with a clip. The signaling device may include a plurality of display members for conveying the message and at least one attachment member for attaching together the display members. The signaling device further includes a handle for enabling a person to manipulate the sign. The attachment members and the handle may be constructed of a flexible material for enabling the signaling device to be folded during storage.

Abstract: A garment for holding reading material includes a pocket member. The garment also includes an attachment portion which attaches to the pocket member for retaining the reading material to the pocket member. In a first aspect, the attachment portion is a string attached to a cover portion which covers a book. In a second aspect, a back cover of a book is sewn onto the garment.

Abstract: This invention modifies nearly any form of apparel, including baseball-style hats, by incorporating a portion of magnetic material into the article of apparel which allows for releasable attachment of a plurality of magnetic-based display panels.

Abstract: A sign includes a frame having plural battens therein. A web is disposed over the frame. The web has opposed, co-extensive sides which form a pocket therebetween. The frame is located inside the pocket of the web. A support for the sign is provided which is attached to at least one of the frame battens and is contiguous therewith. At least one of the frame battens is fixed to the web and at least one of the frame battens is removable from the web.

Abstract: A mounted display is set forth comprising a central housing, a CPU within the housing along with a power supply and two memories. One memory stores an operating system while another memory, removable in form, stores a pattern to be displayed. A display strip provided with LCD or LED elements is powered to thereby provide illumination. A protective transparent tube and Velcro fasteners are used to secure the device on the person or user. The display is worn around the user as a belt or around a cap or hat. Another form comprises a jacket or vest mounted display for the back of the user.

Abstract: A sweatband adapted to be worn upon the wrist of a user during exercise activity is fabricated as a tubular elasticized band of water absorbent material having an external compliant pocket. A transparent window is centered in the pocket to permit visualization of cards insertable into the pocket and containing indicia related to the exercise activity. A border of attachment substrate is disposed about the perimeter of the pocket. First and second sets of markers are releasibly attached to the attachment substrate in a manner which can record the progress or status of the exercise activity.

Abstract: A collapsible sign (20) includes a frame (26) having a hub (30) and plural arms (42, 44, 46, 48, 50) extending therefrom. A web (28) is disposed over the frame (26) and is secured thereto. A support (52) for the sign is attached to at least one of the arms of the frame. At least some of the arms (42, 44, 46, 50) include a hinge element (42H, 44H, 46H, 50H) which is rotatably mounted about a pivot point (38P, 40P) on the hub. The arms may be divided into web-support arms (46, 48, 50) and sign-support arms (42, 44), wherein the sign-support arms may be fixed to a handle (53) or other standard for support the sign. The sign-support arms may also double as web-support arms in aiding to support the web in an expanded condition. In some instances, one of the arms (48) may be fixed to the hub in a non-rotatable condition. The web may be either fully-attached to the frame, or may be partially attached thereto.

Abstract: A signal device for alerting and informing surrounding persons. The inventive device includes a hand-held, illuminated signal assembly which can be manually manipulated to signal information to passing motorists. A power supply belt can be worn by a user and is electrically coupled to the signal assembly to provide electrical power needed for illumination thereof.

Abstract: A clothing article in the form of a T-shirt, sweat shirt, or the like allows a hologram sheet design to be displayed through the window of a flexible frame member. The hologram sheet is in the form of a flat layer having an inner surface that faces the clothing article and a hologram three dimensional artistic surface facing away from the clothing article, the hologram surface displaying the three dimensional holographic art image outwardly to viewers. The flexible frame member is layered on top of the hologram layer, providing a peripheral welt that can be used to stitch the combination of the hologram sheet layer and flexible frame member to the clothing article. The flexible frame member is preferably of a polymeric material such as PVC providing a base layer having a window opening in its center for displaying the holographic art image therethrough.

Abstract: A safety vest having a transparent, waterproof pouch preferably formed from thermoplastic material in which a plurality of distress or other messages may be displayed; and which has a side opening through which the messages may be inserted and removed. The pouch is preferably formed from two independent, transparent, and waterproof layers of thermoplastic material, thereby creating a transparent, waterproof pouch to both display and store the message boards which are preferably formed of heavy paper. The layers of the pouch are contiguously sealed along a top, side and bottom edge, and partially up a second side edge, forming a pouch with a side opening and a stop to prevent the boards from sliding out.

Abstract: A backpack carried on the back of a vendor for transporting and dispensing individual cans or bottles of a beverage, has at least one thermally insulated generally rectangular storage compartment configured to hold a plurality of cans or bottles of a beverage in vertical descendable disposition, a closable lid at the top end of the backpack, and at least one access opening disposed at a lower end of the backpack in a position accessible to the hand of the person wearing the backpack.

Abstract: A collapsible sign (20) includes a frame (26) having a hub (30) and plural arms (42, 44, 46, 48, 50) extending therefrom. A web (28) is disposed over the frame (26) and is secured thereto. A support (52) for the sign is attached to at least one of the arms of the frame. At least some of the arms (42, 44, 46, 50) include a hinge element (42H, 44H, 46H, 50H) which is rotatably mourned about a pivot point (38P, 40P) on the hub. The arms may be divided into web-support arms (46, 48, 50) and sign-support arms (42, 44), wherein the sign-support arms may be fixed to a handle (53) or other standard for support the sign. The sign-support arms may also double as web-support arms in aiding to support the web in an expanded condition. In some instances, one of the arms (48) may be fixed to the hub in a non-rotatable condition. The web may be either fully-attached to the frame, or may be partially attached thereto.

Abstract: An article of clothing comprising a diamond-shaped retroreflective material, which diamond-shaped retroreflective material encloses a first colored accent area and which diamond-shaped retroreflective material is enclosed, in whole or in part, by a second colored accent area is described.

Abstract: A baseball ball catching implement has a name plate fitting of rubber or synthetic resin having elasticity affixed to a back member of the implement at any desired position. The implement includes a name plate removably fitted in the name plate fitting. The name plate fitting includes a frame member having a contour corresponding to that of a name plate. The frame member includes an annular inward ledge arranged to define an annular step for receiving and retaining the name plate at its periphery, an annular outward ledge at the top of the frame member and an annular base portion extending outwardly from the lower end of the frame member beyond the ledge. The ledge and the base portion define an outwardly opening annular recess therebetween arranged to receive an edge defining a hole in the back member of the baseball ball catching implement. The annular base portion and the back member are connected to each other by stitches or in any other suitable way.

Abstract: A label having indicia thereon is attached to the shell of a firefighter's garment by stitching which passes through the label and the shell, with portions of the stitching extending outwardly of the label. A transparent protective layer is adhesively secured to the label and covers the outer surface of the label and the outwardly extending stitching portions. The protective layer is heat and abrasion resistant and is substantially waterproof.