Abstract: An easy to install, reliable, and portable assistance summoning device that displays a need for assistance through interchangeable reflective symbols and letters, and more particularly to a banner like device that is temporarily attachable to vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, campers, and aircraft. The banner like device is made of a light weight, flexible, and foldable sheet of material to allow compact storage of the device. The sheet of material having at least two support rods to maintain the banner in an unfurled position. The support rods may also be made of magnetic material to allow attachment of said banner to metallic surfaces. Each support rod having a durable elastic band attached to each respective end thereof, whereby said elastic bands may be attached to protruding elements of a surface to maintain the device in an extended position.

Abstract: A protective liner for a truck bed of a pickup truck. The liner includes a front wall having an indicia mounting portion. The indicia mounting portion includes a frame surrounding the mounting surface dimensioned for mounting of a conventional sized license plate. The mounting surface may include graphics or lettering which is formed to protrude inwardly towards the cab of the vehicle to facilitate mounting. The liner also includes friction strips positioned between the ribs of the floor to provide friction to keep cargo from sliding about the floor. Finally, a molding for attaching the tailgate panel to the tailgate has a pair of arms for slidably receiving the panel and a flange to protect an adhesive strip from contamination.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a display system with at least one interchangeable substantially planar display, a resilient support made of resilient sheet material to support the planar display, and a support for holding the resilient support against a support surface. A resilient rod is preferably used with the system. The resilient rod can be used to cooperate with the resilient support to allow mounting of the planar display at a distance from the rod.

Abstract: An antenna ball identification system comprising first and second outer shells, with each shell having a hollow interior and a substantially planar perimeter edge. Each shell has an interior protrusion disposed inwardly from the perimeter edge which is structured to have a substantially hour glass shaped cavity, with each cavity extending out into the outer perimeter edge. The first shell is hingedly attached to the second shell such that the respective perimeter edges abut each other to form a structure having a substantially solid outer surface. The interior protrusions are positioned such that the cavities are positioned next to each other when the first and second shells are closed, with the cavities forming a hollow receptacle having a neck and extending inwardly from an opening formed by the cavities in the exterior of the structure.

Abstract: A vehicle billboard which permits the removable attachment of a sign-bearing billboard to the existing license plate frame of a vehicle. The billboard is fixedly mounted to a supporting frame and has a flat surface upon which a design may be affixed, drawn or otherwise displayed. A pair of brackets join the supporting frame and billboard to a license plate frame via screws or rivets. The billboard and supporting frame may be interchanged with other billboards and the entire apparatus including the mounting brackets may be easily attached to or removed from a vehicle.

Abstract: A business card dispenser, mountable on an exterior surface of a vehicle used by a business person, stores business cards or other promotional materials and is accessible to prospective customers located in the vicinity of the vehicle so as to permit the prospective customers to remove promotional materials from the business card dispenser. The business card dispenser preferably includes 1) a base mountable on the vehicle, e.g, by adhesive strips and 2) a card holder mounted on the base and receiving the promotional materials. The card holder is preferably removably mounted on the base to permit its removal, thus preventing theft or damage to the card holder. The card holder also incorporates measures to protect the cards from the elements. Indicia preferably are provided on the vehicle in the vicinity of the business card dispenser to draw prospective customers' attention to the business card dispenser.

Abstract: A sign for indicating that assistance is required by a person in a vehicle. The sign has a body attachable to the exterior of the vehicle by a person inside the vehicle. The sign body contains an electric light connected by electrical wiring to an electrical plug insertable into an electrical socket in the vehicle. The electrical wiring includes an electrical flasher connected thereto, and the sign body has a message thereon. When the plug is inserted into the socket and the sign body is attached to the exterior of the vehicle, the light within the sign body flashes to cause the message to be readily visible to passers-by.

Abstract: A sign (10) includes a sign housing (16) having a pair of extension arms (102) extending therefrom for mounting purposes. The sign housing (16) includes light elements (28) to illuminate at least a portion of the sign (10). The sign housing (16) and extension arms (102) include channels therethrough to allow power conductors (52) to extend from the light element internal the sign housing (16) through the extension arms (102) to power source. The extension arm also receives and supports a hollow, L-shaped bushing (112) through which the power conductors extend. The bushings (112) are received in a mounting housing (122) which in turn secured to a support structure, such as a bus (12). The mounting housing (112) includes an actuator connected to the bushing (112) to pivot the sign (10).

Abstract: A display assembly is provided which will display a brightly lit message or design. The display assembly is particularly appropriate to show support for athletic teams. The display assembly is comprised of a frame which supports a message unit. The message unit is internally coated with a highly reflective material and includes a light source, a translucent colored lens imprinted with an image or design, and a clear lens cover to protect display assembly from moisture and road dirt. Both the clear protective lens cover and the colored transparent lens may be easily removed to allow the light source to be changed and the colored translucent lens to be exchanged.

Abstract: An antenna-mounted pennant comprising a flag attached to a body, and a pin. The body comprises two mutually parallel bores: a pin bore and an antenna bore. The pin bore communicates with the antenna bore. The pin bore is sized to frictionally admit the pin. The antenna bore is sized to admit an upper extreme of a standard tapered automotive or boat antenna. Once installed on a tapered antenna, the antenna-mounted pennant is entrapped between the antenna tip and the increasing diameter of the antenna. Where the antenna-mounted pennant is slid downwards on the antenna, the increasing diameter of the tapered antenna shaft renders the fit between the antenna shaft and the antenna bore frictional, whereby the antenna-mounted pennant is immobilized on the antenna shaft.

Abstract: A mechanical animated display assembly is attached to an automobile wiper arm assembly. The display assembly includes a displayed article and a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a clamp mechanism to be attached to the automobile wiper arm assembly. An article holder mechanism is integral with the mounting bracket for carrying the displayed article. A retainer retains the displayed article on the mounting bracket whereby the display assembly, in combination with oscillation of automobile wiper arm, effectuates an animated visual effect of the article being carried by and manipulated by a human arm in a waving motion.

Abstract: A unitary flexible information presentation board having self-suction is disclosed. The board comprises a unitary flexible sheet having an exterior convex surface, an interior concave surface and a beveled periphery. Each surface is uniquely tapered to allow the interior concave surface, when placed against a substrate, to form a vacuum seal against said substrate, upon application of pressure from the exterior convex surface and thereby adhere to the substrate by self-suction action, without the need for an extraneous suction cup member. It thereby resembles an oversized suction plate upon which information can be prominently displayed. The board can be removed, attached and reattached to substrates without damaging these substrates. The board can be lifted off the attached substrate by lifting of the beveled periphery of the board. Lifting of the periphery of the board releases the vacuum seal formed.

Abstract: An improved golf cart display panel comprises an elongated plastic body forming a frame through which a color graphic representation of holes on a golf course can be viewed. The plastic body is sized to be mounted to the golf cart extending between the upstanding roof support posts on the front of the cart with the graphic display being presented to a golfer in the cart. The graphic display includes areas for advertising copy allowing sponsors to advertise their products and services to golfers riding in the cart.

Abstract: A vehicle window-mounted advertising sign for secure attachment of the advertising sign solely to the window and not requiring interface or support from the vehicle window frame. An upper window attachment includes an inner window surface mount arm which extends over the vehicle window and terminates in an inner window surface interface, combined with an outer window surface arm terminating in an outer surface interface, which when mounted on the vehicle window, impart both an inward and an outward force on the respective window surfaces, thereby securing the advertising sign to the window. Further in combination therewith is an angular adjustment feature which allows the angle of the advertising sign relative to the vehicle to be easily adjusted in an articulating manner to maintain optimum visibility and angle of the advertising sign.

Abstract: A sign (10') includes a sign housing (16') defining an internal cavity (32'). The sign housing (16') includes front and rear faces (18', 20') having indicia or an instruction thereon, and includes flashing lights (58) above and below the indicia. A recessed flange (86) defines an opening in the faces (18, 20), and a lens (87) is secured over the opening and to the flange (86) so that it is flush or planar with the faces (18', 20'). Light elements (28') are positioned within the sign housing (16') behind the lens (87). The sign housing (16') is sealed to protect the light element (28').

Abstract: A sign system wherein surface mounted signs and sign frames on truck bodies are protected from damage by the use of a protective beveled molding mounted on the outside of the frame of the sign.

Abstract: A combined blanket, sun screen and weather shield is formed having a comfort material on one side and a waterproof material on an opposite side thereof. The printed indicia is arranged on both sides for displaying advertising logos and the like. The blanket finds application at the beach as well as a sun screen and weather shield on the windshields of automobiles, vans and trucks.

Abstract: A vehicle antenna accessory includes a main body for fitting on top of an antenna. A display panel with graphics arranged thereon is pivotally attached to the main body. A wing is attached orthogonally to the display panel. When the vehicle is parked, the display panel provides an easily visible identification for the owner looking for his or her vehicle among many other cars. When the vehicle is in forward motion, wind pushing against the wing causes the display panel to "fly" to a horizontal position to provide an eye-catching effect.

Abstract: Rapid mount advertising panels for motor vehicles, such as trucks, are disclosed comprising a plurality of panels which are removably attached to the side of a trailer in such a manner, that as a group they form a large bill board surface. The display panels are constructed and designed to resist sagging and distortion of said panels due to the effect of heat, wind, etc. when the truck is moving.

Abstract: A vehicle brake light device and system for use with a vehicle having a brake light assembly including a lens and a source of illumination directed toward the lens. The device comprises a background lens having a reverse side facing the source of illumination. The background lens transmits light emitted from the source of illumination towards an observer and includes at least one template of a predetermined shape. At least one indicia is included that has an obverse side also facing the observer and a reverse side facing the source of illumination. The indicia is also capable of transmitting light toward the observer. The indicia each have a predetermined shape corresponding to a template wherein the indicia are mounted within a corresponding template. The indicia are intended to convey a message to the observer when the device is in an active state. A seal is preferably mounted between the indicia and its corresponding template to provide a water tight seal therebetween.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted advertising system attachable to a vehicle having non-planar sidewalls that pivot with respect to the vehicle's chassis such as a dump truck. The advertising system comprises a rigid frame member, a first surface member for displaying advertising indica, a sign surface member, and a border member. The rigid frame member defines an interior area closed over by the frame member and includes a mechanical connection for attaching the frame member against the non-planar, vehicle sidewall. The first surface member is attached to the frame member in a manner such that the interior area is substantially covered and bridged over by the first surface member. The border member is in mechanical connection with the frame member in a manner such that the perimeter of the sign surface member is covered by the border member.

Abstract: A lighted display field for writing, symbols or the like, is provided on a wall part, for example, a door entrance strip of a vehicle. The wall part includes openings forming the writing or the symbols. A luminous foil is mounted on the covered side of the wall part and is visible through the openings.

Abstract: An identification device for mounting on the antenna of a transport vehicle. The device is tubular and resilient, and has a central cavity for receiving the antenna. A series of spaced apart external grooves selectively accept a tie constricting the tubular device about the antenna. The device has hook and loop material attached thereto, and a corresponding patch of hook and loop material. The corresponding patch is mounted to the vehicle, for temporary stowage of the identification device when not in use. The identification device has one or more distinctive bright colors, for being conspicuous at a distance. The device is preferably employed when parking a vehicle amidst many similar vehicles, thereby enabling an owner or operator to identify the vehicle.

Abstract: A selective coloring system comprising a hollow transparent panel. A plurality of separate different colored materials are provided. A facility is for forcing one of the separate different colored materials into and ut of the hollow transparent panel, so as to change the appearance of the hollow transparent panel for aesthetic reasons when the need arises.

Abstract: A message display sign apparatus includes a display panel having front and rear faces, a multiplicity of light emitting elements disposed on the front face of the display panel for displaying a built-in message on the display panel being defined by groups thereof being arranged to form the letters of the two words, a mounting panel having upper and lower faces, and a hinge pivotally interconnecting an edge of the display panel to an edge of the mounting panel such that the display panel and mounting panel can undergo pivotal movement relative to one another between a message display position in which the rear face of the display panel is angularly displaced away from the upper face of the mounting panel and a storage position in which the rear face of the display panel is disposed adjacent to the upper face of the mounting panel.

Abstract: A removable car sign is provided for temporary installation on the inside face of the window of a car. A pneumatic bulb is placed conveniently near the driver's console. When the bulb is squeezed by the car driver it causes the sign to extend to an open position in which a message is visible from the outside of the car. When the bulb is released the sign returns to its closed position in which the message is not viewable. The message surfaces may be easily removed and replaced as one may desire.

Abstract: A bumper device and method provide a hassle-free system for mounting and replacing bumper stickers. The device includes a clear, trimmable mounting sheet which can receive a bumper sticker and then be attached to the bumper of an automobile. In a preferred embodiment, the device is attached to the bumper using Velcro strips. Once the device is attached to the bumper, it is virtually undetectable to the casual viewer, thus reducing the potential for theft of the sticker and giving the appearance that the sticker is permanently affixed to the bumper.

Abstract: A device for marking a vehicle is provided having a base for attaching the device to the vehicle. A cantilevered support rod is pivotally connected with the base to permit pivotal movement and positioning of the rod relative to the base. A hollow marking sleeve having an outer transparent tube and an inner fluorescent liner disposed within the tube slidably mounts onto the support rod for marking the vehicle. The sleeve engages the support rod with sufficient contact force to retain the sleeve in position on the support rod. The sleeve is slidably removable from the support rod so that the sleeve may be pulled from the support rod.

Abstract: The ornamental cover is installed on a rectangular, tubular trailer hitch socket for substantially covering or concealing the otherwise undecorated opening of the hitch socket. The cover is configured to be quickly and easily installed over and partly within the opening of any standard frame-mounted hitch socket, thereby improving the aesthetic appeal of the rear of a vehicle so equipped.In the preferred embodiment, the cover includes a plate that includes an outer surface bearing user-selected ornamentation and an insert extending from the center of the inner surface of the plate. The insert is dimensioned for insertion into a standard rectangular hitch socket. An ear extends from the insert and away from the plate for securing the cover partly within the socket. The ear is offset from the center of the insert so that when the cover is installed the ear extends substantially parallel to and adjacent an interior wall of the socket.

Abstract: A funeral procession motorcade safety flag assembly including a flag containing predetermined wording thereon to identify a motor vehicle in the motorcade as being in a funeral procession and to alert drivers of other motor vehicles using the same road of this fact; and a member fastened to a predetermined edge of the flag to enable properly displaying the predetermined wording and to detachably secure the flag to an existing radio antenna of the motor vehicle in the motorcade.

Abstract: A device for temporarily mounting a billboard to an exterior surface on a vehicle utilizes a rectangular frame for supporting the billboard and a pair of vacuum cups for attaching the frame to the side of the vehicle. The vacuum cups are provided with a pumping mechanism for creating a substantially leak-proof seal against the surface of the vehicle and for thus preventing unintended detachment of the sign from the surface.

Abstract: An anti-theft ornament apparatus allowing a hood ornament to be either spring mounted or securely fastened to the hood and allowing the ornament to be easily removed and remounted to the hood is disclosed. A tubular housing is attached to the ornament mounting base. A sliding disk that slides up and down within the housing is attached by a connecting rod to the ornament mounting loop. A spring surrounding the connecting rod keeps the ornament in place on the ornament base through spring tension in normal use. When the ornament is removed a disk magnet above the sliding disk serves to actuate a magnetic locking arm to hold the connecting rod and sliding disk in a raised position. When the ornament is replaced an upward movement disengages the locking arm, allowing the ornament and sliding disk to return to the lower ornament mounted position. A locking plunger will firmly secure the ornament in the mounted position.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for engaging a lattice-like structure, which includes a plurality of substantially horizontally oriented and vertically oriented components, and wherein the fastener assembly includes a first portion, a second portion which matingly interfits with the second portion thereby forming an assembled unit and which further includes individual portions which interact with at least one of the components of the lattice; an object of interest borne by the assembled unit and operable to be releasably secured on the assembled unit; and a fastener operable to engage the assembled unit and the object of interest thereby securing the assembled unit and the object of interest on the lattice-like structure.

Abstract: A roadside emergency kit that is compact, simple to store, reusable and readily available in times of emergency, for use in a motor vehicle. The kit incorporates a brightly coloured signalling banner with a compact storage device and a device for cleaning the windows of the vehicle. The signalling banner is foldable and may be mounted on the interior of a vehicle window. It can be stored easily in the storage device. The storage device is incorporated in a device that may also be used for cleaning the window, such as an ice scraper. The signalling banner can be made highly visible in less than ideal weather conditions by utilizing the cleaning device to clean the outer side of the vehicle window.

Abstract: A car-used distress sign which is normally in a horizontally linear pattern and can be immediately changed into a triangular pattern by the driver in case the car breaks down without getting out of the car. The distress sign includes a base, a left warning member, a central warning member and a right warning member. The base is disposed with two pivot seats at two ends. A latch hook and a first resilient member are pivotally connected with each pivot seat. Two electromagnetic pulling members are disposed on the base. The latch hooks are connected with the pulling members by driving strings. The left and right warning members are disposed with latch pins for engaging with the latch hooks. A second resilient member is disposed on the central warning member and two pairs of third resilient members are disposed at two ends of the base. Two pushing blocks are disposed at two ends of the second resilient member to pivotally connect with the left and right warning members respectively.

Abstract: An ornamental device is mounted on a vehicle for displaying a fan's sports team preference. A first embodiment includes a molded cap replica of a sports team official cap. A first means for attaching the cap to the vehicle comprises a magnet. A second means for attaching the molded cap to the vehicle is through use of a cord. The cord and magnet may also both be used. The cord is connected to one end of the outer diameter of the molded cap, and subsequently is stretched across the top of the roof, through the interior of the car, then secured to the opposite side of the molded cap. Sports fans can appreciate the simple device which is, easily seen by others, and yet quickly and easily removable. In a second embodiment, a fabric cap is placed over a molded cap and secured to the molded cap.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for engaging a lattice-like structure. The fastener assembly includes a main body having individual portions which interact with a vertical component of the lattice. An object of interest, having a plate upon which an emblem or decorative ornament may be mounted, is borne by the main body and operable to be releasably secured on it. The object of interest may be fastened or otherwise fixed to the main body by a fastener which is operable to engage the main body and the object of interest thus securing the main body and the object of interest on the lattice-like structure.

Abstract: A sign for temporary attachment to a stranded vehicle includes a framework having upright tubular members through which elastic cords may be extracted for the purpose of sign attachment to a vehicle. Looped segments of the cords permit adjustment of cord lengths to accommodate a wide range of vehicle sizes while cord locks limit the passage of the looped cords through the upright frame members. The cords additionally serve to couple the upright frame members to horizontal frame members. A collection of sign panels are swingably supported on a horizontal frame member to permit display of the appropriate message.

Abstract: An illuminated sign for application to a support surface includes a planar back panel, an electroluminescent lamp disposed over the back panel, and a transparent front panel disposed over a side of the lamp opposite the back panel with the back and front panels being secured together in alignment to form a laminate encapsulating the lamp. Indicia defined by an illuminated portion of the lamp visible through the front panel is formed by an indicia defining member that can be separate from or part of the laminate. A fixation surface having adhesive properties is disposed along a forward surface of the sign for adhesively securing the sign to the support surface by contact with the fixation surface. A power supply for the sign includes a housing for receiving a conductor of the lamp with the housing being flush with a peripheral edge of the laminate.

Abstract: A method of producing an image onto a surface of a one-way vision display panel of the type which is constructed as a perforated membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface and whereby the image is clearly visible when viewing the display panel from one direction and wherein the perforated membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the display panel from a second, opposite direction. The method substantially eliminates the corona effect of the image while viewing the display panel in the through-viewing direction, the corona effect being the result of stray ink which has traveled from the image layer into the through-holes of the perforated membrane during the image printing process.

Abstract: A pennant construction (10) for a vehicle antennae (100) comprising a pennant member (20) fabricated from a very thin, lightweight, and strong material (21) formed into a generally triangular configuration and having an adhesive strip (24) formed on one side and adjacent one edge of the pennant member (20) for adhesively securing the pennant member (20) both to the antennae (100) and itself.

Abstract: A flexible true color day-night graphic display particularly suited to providing high color quality graphics during both day and night on the sides of commercial vehicles includes an image-carrying translucent flexible substrate, a flexible electroluminescent lamp and a durable flexible optically transparent adhesive. The display is flexibly adhered to the sidewalls of cargo trailers or other support surfaces and supplied at night with electrical current to energize the light-emitting electroluminescent panel. The night visible graphics not only satisfy advertising demands for color fidelity without compromising daytime effectiveness, but also increase the overall visibility of the graphic-carrying vehicle to enhance highway safety.

Abstract: A sign for alerting passing motorists to the operational condition of a vehicle. The inventive device includes a mounting assembly securable to an exterior surface of the vehicle. An adjustable support post is removably coupled to the mounting assembly so as to extend from the vehicle. A sign is removably coupled to the support post and includes distress signals printed thereon for alerting the passing motorists. The sign can be supported by a pair of support assemblies and may be either rectangular or triangular in shape.

Abstract: A method of communication between vehicle operators. The invention employs common display LEDs, the segments of which when appropriately turned on issue desired messages on the reader board for the operators of other vehicles. To issue a message the operator of a vehicle simply depresses a button on the control box, the operator of a vehicle behind sees the message for a length of time set by a monostable timmer.

Abstract: An improved illuminated sign for adhesive bonding to the inner surface of a pane of transparent material such as the glass of an automotive window comprises a backing panel, a planar electroluminescent lamp, and an indicia-bearing member. The indicia-bearing member is smaller in planar extent than an assembly of the backing panel and the lamp. Strips of double-sided adhesive tape are applied to the border of the backing panel. The second adhesive surface of the tape is used to bond the assembly of the backing panel, the lamp and the indicia-bearing member to the inner surface of an automobile window or the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for customizing vehicles with decorative and useful embellishments by modifying standard vehicles with unique lighting through the provision of openings, or orifices, in the form of letters, logos or designs in portions of the vehicle, particularly the rear bumper thereof, to provide enhanced design and safety features. Elements of the invention may be contained in a display-light kit comprised of an assemblage, or package, of light bulb(s), socket(s), wire(s) and reflective lens, along with suitable instructions for guiding a do-it-yourself person in practicing the invention in accordance with the method of equipping a vehicle with the unique display-light and safety signal.

Abstract: A wheel cover for mounting on a wheel rim comprising a base member having a disc member rotatably mounted thereto to display an indicia thereon, the base member and disc member each includes stabilizing structure configured to mate with each other to maintain concentric alignment and restrict oscillation of the disc member relative to the base member and a counterweight attached to the disc member such that as the base member rotates with the wheel rim the disc member does not rotate relative to the vehicle so that the indicia on the disc member can be viewed as the vehicle translates over the supporting surface.

Abstract: An adhesive form assembly for mounting a detachable form to a surface such as a car window. One version of a form assembly includes a two-sided form, an attachment strip surrounding the two-sided form, and a liner strip substantially coextensive with at least part of the attachment strip. The two-sided form may have one or two sheets, comprising a porous material such as paper suitable for type or hand-writing on both sides. To adhere the two-sided form to a surface, the liner strip is removed to expose the adhesive layer of the attachment strip and then the exposed adhesive is placed against the surface. In a preferred embodiment, the two-sided form is detached from the attachment strip without damage because the two-sided form is removably attached to the attachment strip by a perforation. Information may be added to the two-sided form while attached to or separate from a surface. The form assembly also includes a cover sheet for creating duplicate copies of the form.

Abstract: An improved illuminated sign for adhesive bonding to the inner surface of a pane of transparent material such as the glass of an automotive window comprises a backing panel, a planar electroluminescent lamp, and an indicia-bearing member. The indicia-bearing member is smaller in planar extent than an assembly of the backing panel and the lamp. Strips of double-sided adhesive tape are applied to the border of the backing panel. The second adhesive surface of the tape is used to bond the assembly of the backing panel, the lamp and the indicia-bearing member to the inner surface of an automobile window or the like.

Abstract: A mount for displaying an item, such as a flag, message, slogan and the like, on a surface, such as a hood or trunk of an automobile includes a clip portion and an integrally formed wall having a shaped cavity therein. The clip has a first leg integrally formed with a second leg. The shaped cavity accepts the item therein, and projects outwardly from the first leg of the clip. The cavity extends through the first leg of the clip so that the item may be released from the mount upon removal of the mount from the surface.