Abstract: A method of advertising comprising providing a sheet of advertising material having a front surface, front surface having advertising information thereon. The method also includes providing a sporting helmet having a head accepting portion and a facemask and connecting the sheet of advertising material to the sporting helmet such that at least a portion of the sheet of advertising material covers the facemask. The method could alternatively include providing headwear comprising a head accepting portion and applying the sheet of advertising material having adhesive on less then the entire rear surface thereof to the headwear. In another alternative, the method could include providing a vehicle having a rear bumper and applying the sheet of advertising material having adhesive on less then the entire rear surface thereof to the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device, elongate mount, and display module for displaying alphanumeric information to passengers of a mass transit vehicle. The display modules are mounted along a single edge to a elongate mount. The elongate mount includes at least one end cap which is made of a vibration dampening material. The louver of the display device includes a substantially continuous pressure member in order to place substantially continuous elongate contact to an area of an LED board that houses at least one heating element. The at least one heating element is covered by a thermally conductive foam that transmits heat from the elements to a heat sink of the display module.

Abstract: Apparatus for an illuminable member comprising a plurality of bulbs 14 mounted on a circuit board 12 in electrical communication with a power source having electrical leads 24 between the power source and recharging connector. The apparatus 10 can be positioned within a housing 26 having one or more transparencies forming an integral part therewith whereby light would be viewable from the exterior of the housing when the illuminable member 14 is energized. Preferably, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 14 are mounted to the circuit board 12 in electrical communication with each other and the power source, which in the preferred embodiment is one or more batteries 20 forming an integral part of the illuminable member with corded and ported means provided for recharging the power source.

Abstract: A dedicated information display in a vehicle is provided, the display having a rearview mirror with a reflective surface. The display also includes a label having an adhesive side and a display side, and a size and a shape that covers a portion of the reflective surface of the rearview mirror. The adhesive side of the label is affixed to the rearview mirror such that the rearview mirror is converted into an effectively dedicated information display. The information display may also be constructed using an electronic display.

Abstract: A system for creating and displaying an advertising message on an automobile radio antenna using a plurality of symbolic fixtures to form a vertical message. In the preferred embodiment, each symbolic fixture includes a clip placed in a crevice in a lateral surface of the fixture, so each fixture can be snapped out without sliding the fixture over the antenna. The clips optionally include a removal tab which may be either hidden or visible to assist in easy removal of the symbolic fixtures when changing the displayed message.

Abstract: A piece of styling for a motor vehicle having an outside skin placed in visible manner on a support of the vehicle. The outside skin has an outside surface that is semi-reflecting so as to allow light to pass through it in one direction only.

Abstract: An antenna ball assembly which can display a message such as an advertisement or the like thereon and a method of use is disclosed. The antenna ball assembly has a body having at least one inclined surface and a passage therethrough, a tail attached to the body and at least one flexible stopper. A flexible stopper is preferably positioned at each of the bottom and the top of an antenna. The body is positioned between the stoppers on the antenna with the antenna passing through the passage in the body. The inclined surface is preferably two inclined body extension members or an inclined flat face. The two extension members form an angle between the body and an upper portion of the extension member of from about 30° to about 40°. The inclined flat face forms an angle between the inclined flat face and the vertical axis from about 30° to about 40°. The angle controls the movement of the body, thereby allowing the body to move up the antenna as the antenna moves, such as when attached to a car.

Abstract: A decoratively embossed panel of a molded form includes an exterior design that preferably reflects some aspect of the services advertisement. For example, a bricklayer may choose an embossed panel having a three-dimensional brick design in addition to a logo, service and/or trademark and other pertinent information to aid potential customers in understanding the services provided in conjunction with the servicemark and contact information. The embossed panel is removably attachable to any portion of a vehicle by any attaching mechanism such as double stick foam tape.

Abstract: A trim plate for a vehicle having a body portion with an outer face and an inner face. The body portion has at least one opening formed therethrough. The plate includes fastening means for attaching the inner face of the body portion to a surface of the vehicle. The opening formed within the plate is adapted to fit around a symbol on the surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: A message display device is provided which includes a portable control unit having electric power supplied externally. A timing device is provided which controls opening and closing of a hinged member, for example a car hood. The hinged member is attached with a visual display. A lifting device elevates the hinged member away from a lower surface to stretchably reveal display.

Abstract: A display system, including a banner made of a flexible, non-rigid sheet material, and including a plurality of elongate sleeve; a frame system to support the banner, the frame system including a pair of horizontal frame members and a pair of vertical frame members, each slidably positionable within one of the sleeves, with each frame member having a length greater than the length of the sleeve into which it is positionable, the vertical frame members each including a pair of spaced apart apertures thereon for receiving ends of the horizontal frame members, wherein the banner and frame assembly are assembled by positioning each of the frame members within one of the sleeves and thereafter positioning the opposite ends of each horizontal frame member within one of the apertures of the vertical frame members; and a pair of suction cups, each being mounted to a lower end of one of the vertical frame members.

Abstract: Display devices in the shape of a flag assembly are provided. The display devices are constructed of solid plastic materials that withstand damage caused by contact with air turbulence or adverse weather conditions, particularly when attached to a mount on a moving vehicle, and that withstand detachment from a mount caused by such air turbulence or adverse weather conditions. The display devices allow an observer to openly view a display when a vehicle is stationary or moving, and allow a motorist of another vehicle to view the display while having an unobstructed view of traffic conditions surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle alert kit includes at least one base member having a substantially planar bottom surface and a threaded portion integral therewith. The kit further includes a mechanism for fastening at least one base member to a surface so that same can be maintained at a substantially secure position. The kit further includes an elongated support member having a lower end portion threadably attachable to a select one of at least one base member. The elongated support member extends substantially vertically and upwardly from the base member to a predetermined height, and includes a receiving portion extending substantially vertically along a length thereof and having a bottom surface. The kit further includes a flag having indicia printed thereon and including an edge portion selectively engageable with the receiving portion.

Abstract: A portable mobile education center that includes a system of electronic teaching aids that can be transported by a utility vehicle such as a HumVee is disclosed. In particular, the disclosed mobile education center is comprised of at least one electronic whiteboard networked with other electronic devices, such as personal computers and video players to provide enhanced multimedia capabilities for field training sessions. The electronic whiteboard has a display side that is attachable to a presentation side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A two-dimensional figure display device supports an animal or figure silhouette with loose appendages, such as a dog's ears and tongue, on the exterior of a vehicle rear window. The image of the figure to be simulated is formed on a stiffening support. The support has an upwardly extending clip which engages between the window and the window frame of the moving vehicle, a two part hook and loop fastener secures the lower portion of the support to the window. Loose flaps of material attached to the support are acted upon by the wind as the vehicle travels, simulating movement of the depicted figure.

Abstract: An antenna fob is disclosed that comprises a main body portion and a socket. The socket extends into the main body portion and reduces in size as it does so and is configured and adapted to allow the free end of a vehicle's antenna to be inserted thereinto. An antenna assembly fob assembly is also disclosed which comprises a hollow exterior body portion and an antenna attachment member. The antenna attachment member and the exterior body portion are secured to each other via interlocking geometry of a rim of the attachment member and a channel of the exterior body portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article for association with a motor vehicle. The article may include a base, and a plurality of inserts received in the base. Each insert has at least two characteristics. The at least two characteristics of each insert causes the plurality of inserts to form a substantially unique article profile.

Abstract: A flag holder designed to reduce the fraying of the trailing edge of a flag supports a flag with an upper fitting and a lower fitting. The upper fitting may be fixed with respect to the flagpole or, if desired, may rotate with respect to the flagpole. However, the upper fitting may not reciprocate with respect to the flag holder. The lower fitting may freely reciprocate with respect to the flagpole and, if desired, may be rotatable with respect to the flagpole. As soon as wind conditions exceed a desired threshold, the lower fitting begins to rise up the flagpole, moved by flexing of the flag, until it arrives at the location of the upper fitting, causing the body of the flag to assume an elongated generally U-shaped configuration which drastically reduces the snapping effect that would otherwise cause fraying of the downstream edge of the flag. As soon as wind conditions reduce, the lower fitting automatically lowers, causing the flag to be fully opened again.

Abstract: A school bus has a front bumper equipped with a crossing control arm assembly. The assembly includes an actuator that is attached behind the bumper and a control arm that is moved by the actuator from a stored position atop the bumper to a deployed position generally perpendicular to the bumper. The control arm is attached to the actuator by a hinge bracket that includes a cross-over link that extends across the top of the bumper.

Abstract: An apparatus, consisting primarily of colored, dyed stretchable materials arranged solely to form display indicia, is constructed to fit onto, and substantially conform to the complex three-dimensional curvilinear shape of, a mirror housing of a motor vehicle exterior mirror. The colored, dyed stretchable material, upon installation, forms display indicia facing the front of the vehicle without obstructing the view of the mirror surface facing the rear of the vehicle. Preferred embodiments provide for removal of the apparatus without harm to the mirror housing.

Abstract: An exterior grille insert includes a central opening. An interior grille insert conforms to the shape of the interior opening of the exterior grille. The cutting of the interior opening of the exterior grille forms the interior grille. Either the interior grille or the exterior grille can be attached to and superimposed over the front of a vehicle grille for decorative purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus that indicates the sports team affiliation of a vehicle operator includes a first part that moves conjointly with a windshield wiper and a non-moving second part mounted to the vehicle. The moving part is mounted to the wiper arm but not to the wiper blade. A first bracket is mounted to the first part near its radially inner end and a second bracket is mounted to the first part near its radially outer end. A first tie secures a radially inner end of the wiper arm to the first bracket and a second tie secures a radially outer end of the first part to the second bracket. The non-moving second part is secured to the vehicle with suction cups. In a second embodiment, the non-moving part is eliminated and only the moving part is provided.

Abstract: A display assembly for attachment to a vehicle is provided that includes a panel assembly for receiving a display leaf; and a strap assembly connected to the panel assembly. The strap assembly is removably connected to a roof rack to removably mount the display assembly to the vehicle. This allows the panel assembly to extend downwardly along a side of the vehicle, such that the direction of travel of the vehicle is substantially in the vertical plane of the panel assembly.

Abstract: A pennant holder for attaching a pennant to a small pole, comprising: a pole holder made out of a plastic material in the shape of a cylinder having a closed end, the closed end being slit to form flaps that permit the pole to pass through the closed end of the cylinder while displacing the flaps and causing the flaps to grasp and hold the pole, the pole holder having an integral receiving U-shaped clip; and a pennant attachment having two mating halves that grasp the attachment end of the pennant and hold it along the length of the attached end, the pennant attachment adapted to fit into the receiving clip in the pole holder.

Abstract: A cover for a hitch receiver includes a removable cover plate, which may incorporate a theft deterrent design and may be illuminated by an electroluminescent sheet.

Abstract: A display panel, for example an advertising panel, for use on an external surface of a vehicle is described. The display panel comprises a substantially non-permeable flexible sheet and is removably fastened to the vehicle around the around the majority of the perimeter of the flexible sheet. An adapted vehicle, a vehicle and panel assembly, and a method of application are also described. In one embodiment, the fastening material is provided with strategically placed gaps to act as fluid outlets.

Abstract: Illuminated message displays improve improving traffic safety by notifying drivers of the turning characteristics of semi trailers. Lamps mounted on the front of a circuit board and controlled by a microprocessor display a pattern of messages to warn motorists of the need to not be adjacent to a semi trailer when it makes a right hand turn, to notify motorists when a right hand turn is imminent, and to thank motorists for their cooperation. A wire connects the microprocessor and circuit board to the taillights of a semi trailer so that they are powered when the taillights are turned on. Circuit board holders releasably attach the circuit board to the rear door of a semi trailer. A pair of brackets with end caps are attached to the bottom of the rear bumper of a semi trailer to hold the circuit board and plates safely out of the way when the rear door of the semi trailer is opened.

Abstract: An illuminated flag decal attached to a base surface. The illuminated flag decal has a generally rectangular frame with a front face and a back face, a plurality of suction cups that will secure the generally rectangular frame to the base surface, an image of a flag that is placed in the generally rectangular frame, an illumination source to cast light onto the image of the flag, a power source to provide power to the illumination source and a removable backing on the rear face of the generally rectangular frame for gaining access to and changing the illumination source.

Abstract: An advertising device capable of publicizing a business, especially a business related to a vehicle, by mounting the advertising device on a vehicle, preferably in the license plate area, is secured to a vehicle with or without framing a license plate.

Abstract: A system for publicly displaying messages includes elements carried by an automotive vehicle. In some embodiments the vehicle carries a publicly visible electronic display; a sensor for sensing the brightness of light in the vicinity of the display; and illumination varying circuitry for varying the brightness of light generated by the display in response to brightness detected by the sensor. In some embodiments the vehicles carries a publicly visible display formed by ganging together a plurality of displays, each having at least 640×480 pixels; and video drive circuitry for causing images to be shown on the ganged display with different portions of individual images being shown on each of the individual displays. In some embodiments the vehicle has an automotive electrical system and carries a publicly visible high-bright display, capable of providing over 1000 NITS illumination and having 640 by 480 or greater pixel resolution; and video drive circuitry causing images to be shown on the display.

Abstract: The Flag Mag is a magnetic based flag holder. The heavy duty magnetic base will adhere to any metal surface without damage. The staff then displays any flag, sign, logo, etc. Use is for any vehicle, truck, file cab, etc. wanting to display team flags, corporate logo, school, or national flag. The current flag display for vehicles is window mount; the Flag Mag is deck, hood, top, etc. mount.

Abstract: An illuminated vehicle sign for signaling following motorists. The illuminated vehicle sign includes a housing, electrical power device, activating device and illuminating device. The housing has a face plate, back plate, signal receiver, integrated timer circuit and peripheral wall which extends between and is integrally coupled to the faceplate and backplate. The signal receiver and integrated timer circuit are mounted between the face plate and back plate. The face plate has illuminated Alpha-numeric characters which are illuminated upon activation of the activating device. The illumination of the Alpha-numeric characters is activated from a portable transmitter through a receiver and integrated timer circuit which subsequently activates the illuminating Alpha-numeric characters. The illumination of the Alpha-numeric characters can be powered by either battery or by means of the vehicular electrical system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic message unit that is mounted at the rear of a vehicle that will display messages directed to a driver behind the vehicle. The messages displayed on the message unit are controlled by the driver of the vehicle in front.

Abstract: A signal device for attachment to a vehicle having a housing with a plurality of signal members carried therein. The signal members are pivotally connected within an interior compartment of the housing and may be individually pivoted out of the compartment through an opening provided in the housing. An attachment device is connected to the housing and provides that the housing may be attached to a vehicle window in such a manner that the housing projects generally perpendicularly outwardly with the respect to the vehicle window, with one or more preselected signal members being exposed and hanging downwardly from the housing for alerting passersby.

Abstract: A digital message and display device for use on a vehicle having an interior and an external appearance comprises a processing unit including a memory storage device for location in the vehicle. A power connector connects the processing unit to a source of power. A data input mechanism is provided for inputting data comprising text and/or images to the memory storage device. A display screen located on or in the vehicle then displays the text and/or images received from the processing unit such that the text and/or images are formed and can be observed as part of the external appearance of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle license plate holder assembly with roadside assistance request mechanism that includes a vehicle mountable housing assembly having a back lighted “HELP” sign and a pivoting license plate bracket having two pivoting arms each pivotally connected at a housing connection end to the vehicle mountable housing assembly. The license plate support plate is moveable between a “HELP” sign covering position and a “HELP” sign revealing position. The back lighted “HELP” sign includes a light source operable in either a continuous or a blinking mode.

Abstract: A tailgate advertising assembly includes a tailgate and a billboard. The tailgate is for attachment to a rear of a vehicle so as to be moved between a closed position and an open position as for loading and unloading, and has an upper extremity, a lower extremity, opposing side extremities, an inner face, and an outer face. The billboard is engaged to the tailgate, and overlies the outer face of the tailgate. The billboard supports advertising indicia.

Abstract: A system for conveying the driver's intent to park his/her vehicle consisting of a sign which is mounted on the vehicle and the means of operating the said sign from the driver's position. The said sign contains a message, which clearly indicates the driver's intent to park.

Abstract: A device for and method of displaying messages is provided which includes a portable control cabinet having electric power supplied externally. A timing device is provided which controls opening and closing of a hinged member, for example a car hood. The hinged member is attached with a visual display. A lifting device elevates the hinged member away from a lower surface to stretchably reveal display. A method of displaying a message is also provided.

Abstract: A placard holder apparatus and method is provided. The apparatus includes a bracket mounted to a vehicle that is operative to transport a hazardous material. The bracket is operative to slidingly receive and engage with a placard holder. A placard clip may be mounted to the vehicle to prevent the placard holder from exiting the bracket. The placard holder includes a tray with a cavity of sufficient depth to hold a stack of adhesively mounted placards. For each shipment of a hazardous material in the vehicle, a placard with indicia representative of a hazard classification corresponding to the hazardous material may be adhesively mounted in the cavity of the tray. Once the cavity is filled with placards, the placard holder may be removed and replaced with an empty or less full placard holder. The full placard holder may be discarded or recycled to remove the adhesively mounted placards therein.

Abstract: A portable display manufacture (15) for viewing a display (19) positioned on its leaf (18) between a support panel (20) and a transparent panel (17) and which is mountable upon a vehicle's sidewall (46) or its rearwall or tailgate (111). Hinges (27) provide for open and closed modes of manufacture (15). Suction cup members (44, 45) and telescopic arms (50) with their strap assemblies (83) connect manufacture (15) to sidewall (46) and rack bar members (84, 85), respectively, on the roof (86) of vehicle (16). Strap assemblies (83) are rotatable so that they can be connected to either a rack bar member (84) or rack bar member (85). Foldable braces (63) lock in extended position for arms (50) and strap assemblies (83) to operate and fold to provide a collapsed mode for manufacture (15).

Abstract: A portable display manufacture (15) for viewing a display (19) positioned on its leaf (18) between a support panel (20) and a transparent panel (17) and which is mountable upon a vehicle's sidewall (46) or its rearwall or tailgate (111). Hinges (27) provide for open and closed modes of manufacture (15). Suction cup members (44, 45) and telescopic arms (50) with their strap assemblies (83) connect manufacture (15) to sidewall (46) and rack bar members (84, 85), respectively, on the roof (86) of vehicle (16). Strap assemblies (83) are rotatable so that they can be connected to either a rack bar member (84) or rack bar member (85). Foldable braces (63) lock in extended position for arms (50) and strap assemblies (83) to operate and fold to provide a collapsed mode for manufacture (15).

Abstract: A wind-actuated, spinning novelty device enabling a user to quickly, easily and interchangeably mount and transport a dual-head rotational device on a vehicle and to enjoy an active display along with coincident display of a selected logo, mascot depiction, design and/or vocal, thereby enabling a user to demonstrate patriotism, support for a sports team or to display any other personal interest capable of visual and/or audible expression by providing a dynamic showcase for individual interests and/or beliefs through the incorporation of effects such as, for exemplary purposes only, holographic images, reflective ornamentation, distinctive coloration, lights, insignias, licensed characters, other special visual effects and/or other notable styles or features.

Abstract: A motor vehicle designed to carry a foldable warning triangle that can be removed from the vehicle. The vehicle has an opening defined by a boundary edge and covered by a hatch such as a trunk or hood. The hatch is arranged so that it can be moved between a closed position and an open position. The fold-up warning triangle is secured in an edge portion of the hatch that bears against the boundary edge of the opening when the hatch is in the closed position. A warning surface of the warning triangle is visible to other traffic when the hatch is opened. In a preferred embodiment, the fold-up warning triangle is releasably placed in a recess in the edge portion of the hatch. The recess has a wall interrupted by at least one hole through which the warning surface is visible to other traffic when the hatch is open.

Abstract: A mounting display device for a flag, a banner or a pennant for detachably mounting to a vehicle or other metal structures. The mounting display device includes a flag, a banner or a pennant being referred to as a flag and having a mounting section. The mounting section includes a first mounting side and a second mounting side. The mounting display device further includes a first magnetic member for magnetically attaching to a metal surface of the vehicle or metal surface having a first contact surface and a second contact surface; and a second magnetic member for magnetically attaching to a metal surface of the vehicle or metal structure having a first contact surface and a second contact surface.

Abstract: A novelty device for mounting on an elongated support member such as a vehicle antenna which comprises a shaft having a hollow portion at a first end to receive the support member, the inner diameter of the hollow portion of said shaft being greater than the greater diameter of the top portion of the support member and smaller than the diameter of the top end of the support member, said shaft having two or more resilient members disposed at a second end thereof. The novelty device includes one or more display members having indicia or an image disposed thereon, which are received with the two or more resilient members and projecting therefrom. The novelty device further includes a bearing insert, which is received with the hollow portion of the shaft, and has a longitudinal channel defined therein for receiving a portion of the elongated support member. The novelty further includes a cap adapted for pressing onto the second end of the shaft to detachably secure the display members to the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus, consisting primarily of colored, dyed stretchable materials arranged solely to form display indicia, is constructed to fit onto, and substantially conform to the complex three-dimensional curvilinear shape of, a mirror housing of a motor vehicle exterior mirror. The colored, dyed stretchable material, upon installation, forms display indicia facing the front of the vehicle without obstructing the view of the mirror surface facing the rear of the vehicle. Preferred embodiments provide for removal of the apparatus without harm to the mirror housing.

Abstract: In a method of advertising using a delivery truck the present invention, a water-base ink image reception layer is formed on a surface of signboard materials (1 (1) to 1 (3)) constituted of cardboard or the like, desired advertising information is printed thereon using an inkjet printer and the printed surface is protected by a surface protection layer to thereby manufacture advertising signboards (10 (1) to 10 (3)). Next, the advertising signboards are removably attached to a side surface (14) of a van body (13) of a delivery truck (12). The use of the inkjet printer eliminates initial costs for items such as printing plate charges that in the prior art are essential items. Also, by using substrate treatment agents and surface treatment agents and the like, it is possible to produce advertising signboards using low-cost materials such as cardboard.

Abstract: A system and method of incorporating a vehicle license plate into a larger, final message by attaching one or more message panels to all exterior of a motor vehicle, such as the bumper, in combination with a license plate of the motor vehicle. At least one message panel is attached to the exterior of the motor vehicle adjacent to a license plate. File message panels may be in sign, sticker, or magnet form and may be place before, alter above, and/or below the license plate. The message panels may have message panel background designs or additional text that continues the license plate background design and/or message. For example, a first message panel stating a global computer network address prefix, e.g., “www.”, may be placed before a license plate while a second message panel stating a global computer network address suffix, e.g., “.com”, may be placed after the license plate to convey a global computer network address to a viewer.

Abstract: A tailgate cover includes a flexible panel having a first side, a second side, a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge. The first and second edges are positioned opposite of each other. A bisecting line extends through the first and second edges and divides the panel into a first portion and a second portion. Each of a first elongated strap and a second elongated strap is attached to and extends along a length of a respective one of the first and second edges such that a respective first portion and a second portion of the first and second straps is defined. The first side of the panel is positionable on a tailgate. A securing assembly releasably secures the first and second portions of the first strap together and the first and second portions of the second strap together.