Suction Cup Mounting Means Patents (Class 40/597)
  • Patent number: 6136392
    Abstract: Improved vacuum actuated display ornaments which adhere to surfaces by self-suction are improved by a wall thickness at the center of mass thicker than their peripheral wall thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventors: Douglas M. Sheffield, Jr., Tamara K. Sheffield
  • Patent number: 6095331
    Abstract: In its broadest context, the packaging arrangement includes a rectangular container with an aperture within its upper surface. An arrow, with a message attached to its intermediate extent, can then be inserted into the container. A suction cup can also be secured to the shaft of the arrow. Thus, the arrow can be taken out of the container and the suction cup secured to its lower extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen C. Cressman
  • Patent number: 5960572
    Abstract: A toll pass holder (10) comprising a housing (12) having an open top compartment (14) with a large open from window (16), so as to receive an electronic toll pass (18) inserted therein. A structure (20) is for temporarily retaining the housing (12) to an interior surface (22) of a windshield (24) in a motor vehicle (26). The large open front window (16) in the housing (12) faces the interior surface (22) of the windshield (24), so that the electronic toll pass (18) can operate therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph A DeVito
  • Patent number: 5918395
    Abstract: A plurality of paper sheets, such as children's artwork, is displayed and stored by providing a display surface including a display opening; exposing sections of an elongated web in the opening; attaching individual sheets to the exposed web section; winding the web sections and attached artwork around a storage roller while pulling another web section beneath the opening; and placing the storage roller, web and attached artwork into a storage container after all of the web has been wound onto the storage roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald G. Hesmer
  • Patent number: 5901721
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically unfolding and for displaying a road map for use by a driver or a passenger is provided. The road map is preferably made from a resilient fabric or similar material which is stretched over an umbrella-like mechanism that is attached to a shaft, such that when the mechanism is activated, the road map is automatically unfolded by the mechanism to a position perpendicular to the shaft. When the mechanism is inactive the road map is substantially conically folded about the shaft forming a generally cylindrical assembly. The mechanism may be returned to its inactive state automatically, by use of a return mechanism, or manually by the user. A device for attaching the apparatus to an area within a vehicle cabin is also provided. Preferably, the device enables the apparatus to be positioned by the user so as to provide the best viewing position for the user while driving the vehicle. The device is preferably freely detachable from the area to which it may be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Sahba Sadeghvaziri
  • Patent number: 5885398
    Abstract: Permanent care label fabric is coated with a water-based acrylic or acrylic/urethane coating. The coating is dried and the coated fabric is fed into a standard laser printer. The permanent care instructions are laser printed on the coated fabric and the print meets the AATCC test methods 143-1992 and 61-1993.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Worthen Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Poirier, Vincent J. Piemonte, Robert F. Worthen
  • Patent number: 5881481
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventors: Thomas P. Bashaw, Jr., William M. Bashaw
  • Patent number: 5822900
    Abstract: The vehicle signalling device 2 comprises a frame 10, a rotating drum 40 having multiple sides 46 mounted to the frame 10 for displaying predetermined messages, a pivoting shutter 100 mounted to the frame 10 that shields an observable view of the drum 40 as the drum 40 rotates to the desired message for display and a hand-held trigger grip 206 operatively and independently connected to the drum 40 and the shutter 100 for selective activation. The drum 40 rotates by activating an index arm 64 and a first pawl 74 assembly engaging a first ratchet wheel 56 mounted to a drum first end wall 42. The drum 40 and the shutter 100 are activated by either transferring a force supplied by an operator's hand, or by activating electric first and second motors 278 and 288, respectively. Also, the drum 40 can be illuminated by a lamp 318 mounted within the drum 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: William C. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 5714215
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventors: Douglas Sheffield, Tamara K. Sheffield
  • Patent number: 5588237
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Chase, Joseph L. Chase
  • Patent number: 5566030
    Abstract: A multi-stage adjustable mirror support in a car has a sucker covered by a sucker cover and a post on the sucker. The post passes through the sucker cover. A press body which is on the sucker cover connects the post pivitedly. The front of the sucker cover receives a gear seat. The gear seat has a chamber to receive a gear, a hole and a recess. A lower link has two parallel side plates to receive the front of the sucker cover. The upper end of the lower link receives the lower end of the middle link pivitedly. An upper link has two parallel side plates to receive the upper end of the middle link pivitedly. The interspace between the upper ends of the spaced side plates receives two arms of a swivel. The swivel has a ball end and two parallel arms. Each arm has a central hole. The interspace between two parallel arms receives a gear seat. The gear seat has a chamber to receive a gear, a hole and a recess. The upper link, the gear seat and the swivel are connected pivotedly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Chin-Chuan Yue
  • Patent number: 5502909
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Vladimir G. Rabkin
  • Patent number: 5486044
    Abstract: A cooler door display rack includes an elongated support shelf of a shape for supporting a plurality of beverage containers generally in a row, the shelf having front and back edges. An advertisement display device is operatively associated with the support shelf for removably and replaceably receiving and supporting advertising indicia in upright relation adjacent the front edge of the support shelf. The advertisement display device is of a size and shape such that advertising indicia supported therein substantially span the length of the shelf. A retention device operatively associated with the support shelf retains beverage containers on the support shelf and obstructs sliding movement of beverage containers off of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: James L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5483916
    Abstract: A flag display device for mounting a flag or pennant to the exterior surface of a vehicle, such as a windshield, window, or roof includes a flag staff having a flag affixed at one end and an annular base member at the opposite end. A suction cup depends from the base member for securing the flag display device to the surface. The base member also has a plurality of flexible legs radially extending from the annular ring to the surface which engage the surface at individual, separate and distinctly spaced contact points adjacent an outer perimeter of the suction cup when the suction cup is depressed, so that a force applied to the flag staff is transferred to the surface through the individual leg contact points and the suction cup and the flag staff remains stable even when wind forces are applied to the flag and flag staff. The flag display device further includes a mounting member for securing the flag staff to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: A. Rifkin Co.
    Inventors: Albert Kolvites, Robert J. Cohn, Paul J. Angeloni
  • Patent number: 5467545
    Abstract: An assembly to determine the state of conditions comprising a sign having a lower portion, an essentially triangular upper portion, a hole through the center of the triangular portion, and writing on one side of the sign with a first word and writing on another side of the sign with a second word; a suction cup having an inboard segment and an outboard segment, the inboard segment being generally hemispheric in configuration with a periphery adapted to contact a recipient surface and when pressed thereagainst to be held by suction thereto, the outboard segment having a cylindrical exterior cross-section with a central cylindrical recess; and a wire eyelet having an interior portion and an exterior portion, the interior portion being generally linear in extent with a prong at its inboard end positionable within the recess of the suction cup, the exterior portion of the eyelet being formed in a generally circular loop extended within the hole on the sign and positioned in a vertical plane, whereby the sign may
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: Jospeh W. Zillner
  • Patent number: 5430965
    Abstract: A message display board includes: a writing board embedded on a base plate mounted on a fixing object such as a car, a pen clamped on a pen-holding portion formed on the base plate for writing purpose, a plurality of suction cups which are attached by vacuum on a wall such as a wind shield of a car to present the writing board outwardly to display message written on the writing board, a lamp secured on the base plate for illuminating the writing board to be visible at night time or in dark place, and an eraser detachably embedded in the base plate and being withdrawn from the base plate for erasing the message written on the board to prepare for the next use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventor: Shih-Wang Lai
  • Patent number: 5429700
    Abstract: A sealed aperture is formed in a laminated assembly by prepunching a central sheet such as a paper art print to form a first aperture and then laminating the art print between two sheets of laminating film to form a laminated assembly in which the two films are fused together in the aperture to form a single film in the form of a disc. A second aperture is then punched through the disc having a smaller diameter than the film aperture such that a sealed border remains between the second aperture and the first aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: The Splash Art Company
    Inventor: Robert L. Hudson
  • Patent number: 5423140
    Abstract: A two-sided display for changeably displaying identical indicia, such as letters or numbers, on each side of the display. Two or more rolls of indicia are located in a housing, the housing having openings on each side for display of the numbers or characters. The rolls vary in width, and the smallest roll bears the left-most information to be displayed. Succeeding rolls have their printed information straddling the next preceding roll so that information appears serially and identically on both sides of the display. Due to use of rolls, changing of the indicia on one side of the display automatically changes the indicia identically on the other side of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Robert Nielsen & Associates
    Inventor: Stephan Nuspl
  • Patent number: 5392549
    Abstract: A device in combination with a driving station of a vehicle for displaying and storing a flexible web containing information wound in two cylinder members that provide sufficient slag in the web to form a loop that holds a weighting member. The weighting member is pulled away from the first two cylinders either by gravity or spring action and the web is exposed by turning at least one of the two cylinder members. The two cylinder members an be manually or electrically actuated. A user thereby views a specific area of the map or information contained in the web. An electric bulb is provided to illuminate the web from inside the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Jose L. Castro
  • Patent number: 5339551
    Abstract: A rigid aerodynamic advertising member is removably mounted to either the tailgate or vertical side of the bed of a pick-up truck with a mounting bracket coupled to rigid braces attached to the advertising member, with the dimension between the braces being sufficient to insure rigidity while the truck is underway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: William A. Elmer
  • Patent number: 5330261
    Abstract: A cooler door display rack for a cooler having a transparent door pivotally mounted thereon and storage racks arranged in the cooler in spaced relation from the door to define a cooling air flow zone therebetween. The cooler door display rack forms an open top box having a bottom, front, rear and two sides. The display rack is secured to the inside surface of the cooler door such that the front side is located adjacent the transparent door interior face and such that the display rack extends into the cooling air flow zone when the transparent door is closed. The display rack is adapted to receive advertising or promotional messages viewable by the consuming public through the cooler doors. An electronic message boards may also be secured to the rack for electronic display of messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: James L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5325279
    Abstract: A portable personnel locating safety device for use in multiple-storied or high-rise buildings for attachment to a window to allow ground observers to determine in which rooms occupants are trapped, especially during a fire. The device is adhered to a window and has an aperture with an illuminating flashing light attached therethrough. The kit contains internal compartments which house rolls of tape that can be used by trapped occupants to seal cracks around doors to reduce the intake of smoke until help arrives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignees: Anthony K. Freelove, Shandal Von Wood, Mark Freelove, Martin Freelove
    Inventors: Martin Freelove, Mark Freelove
  • Patent number: 5313722
    Abstract: A woman's calendar comprises a markable, erasable surface delineated into an array of boxes representing the months and days of the calendar year, and a marker or markers for representing periodic events of interest on the day of their actual or anticipated occurrence. Events recorded on the calendar, according to a prescribed legend, are transcribed monthly or annually to a permanent archive record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Susan Ackerman
  • Patent number: 5241768
    Abstract: A message holder for use in vehicles or home or other building windows or the like provides for the display of a message inserted therein. The holder is formed of at least one sheet of transparent material and contains a central space in which a message, such as a bumper sticker, may be temporarily installed for display. Suspension rods are pivotally attached to opposite ends of the holder and have suction cups to provide for the attachment of the holder to any suitable surface. The suspension rods may be locked at any desired angle in order to allow a message displayed within the holder to be seen clearly even through a sloped window, as in the rear window of many vehicles. The holder provides for the temporary display of a bumper sticker or other message as desired without the need to adhesively secure the sticker to a surface and the resulting difficulty of subsequent removal and possible marring of the finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: James A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5237764
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a solar driven novelty device including a frame having a first side and a second side; a solar panel attached to the frame and in an adjustable relationship thereto; a rotatable disk disposed on the frame; a motor in operative connection with the solar panel and also in operative connection with the disk, wherein the motor causes the disk to rotate in response to electricity generated by the solar panel and transmitted to the motor; and suction cups for attaching the frame to the surface, the suction cups being adjustable to permit either the first side of the frame or the second side of the frame to be adjacent to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: Jay C. Gray
  • Patent number: 5235768
    Abstract: A double faced changeable sign having a sliding panel to conceal or reveal messages, wherein the sign is removably mounted to a transparent window or other clear surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Diversified Advertising, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Eder
  • Patent number: 5162696
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is an outer light transmissive envelope consisting of transparent rubber-like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) containing light emitting diode (LED) display panels comprised of a plurality of LED elements arranged in matrix formation. Aforementioned apparatus will have flexibility characteristics giving it the ability to conform to curved vertical surfaces that are flat and non-porous. Suction cup devices made of PVC will be bonded to the light transmissive envelope thus enabling the LED apparatus to be attached to vertical surfaces, making the unit self-supporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: Frederick S. Goodrich
  • Patent number: 5137453
    Abstract: A product comprising a waterproof note pad having a surface which may be written upon when wet and which may be erased by the use of a wet, soapy sponge or cloth. A pocket removably attached to the front surface of the pad for holding an appropriate grease pencil or other instrument, and suction cup fasteners mounted on the rear surface of the note pad to hold the product in the shower or on the bathroom wall adjacent to the bathtub. The pocket may be in the form of a sponge and which may be removably attached to the front surface so that the sponge may be used for erasing the writings from the note pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: Robert L. Hudson
  • Patent number: 5131177
    Abstract: A portable and reversible lightweight sticker display system is disclosed for stickers and the like. Each of the various embodiments includes a display board of various configurations each defining slots for capturing a support device along each side edge, and stiffening rods for high temperature and windy applications. In each embodiment the mounting devices can be reversed so that the display board can be mounted on the inside of a window so that the sticker is visible through the window or on the outside of a surface. Simply reverse the position of the display board and the suction cups to display a sticker on the other side of the display board. The sticker display system can also be utilized as a sun visor to cover the open area of the windshield of an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Enrique M. Sy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5099594
    Abstract: A dry-erase message board that can be vertically displayed on the interior surface of vehicle windows utilizing suction cups to initially secure the board to the vehicle window and having hook and pile pads between the board and the suction cups enabling the message board to be temporarily detached from the suction cups so that any desired message can be written, displayed, erased, or changed on the board and then reattached via the hook and pile pads to the suction cups still attached to the vehicle window. On the backside of the dry-erase board are additional hook and pile strips securing several dry-erase markers of different colors and a dry-erase board eraser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventors: John H. Reas, Marianne Mardesich
  • Patent number: 5084994
    Abstract: An advertising display for use above the roof of a vehicle comprises a rigid aerodynamic member, which tapers rearwardly to a trailing edge with an upstanding brace extending into the aerodynamic member and with a window mount fixed to the brace and having a lateral hook portion dimensioned to pass across the top of one of the vehicle's windows. At least one surface of the aerodynamic member defines an area to which an advertising medium can be affixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Inventor: William A. Elmer
  • Patent number: 5080941
    Abstract: A display ornament for attachment for example to the window of an automobile includes a sheet of foam of the thickness of the order of 1/2 inch which is cut in the form of a circle or a football shape. The foam sheet is attached to a window by a suction cup of the type having a head on one side, a short shank and a frusto-conical suction member. The thickness of the foam cooperates with the suction cup member to countersink the suction cup within the body of the foam material so that when attached to the window the front surface of the foam material is drawn tight against the window surface. Both surfaces of the foam can carry a suitable logo for advertising or display purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: Robert J. Kosowan
  • Patent number: 5075991
    Abstract: A frame (10) has an integral outer margin (24) and a back plate (26). A display item (28) such as a picture, photograph, certificate, document, or the like is front-loaded into the frame (10) by insertion of the corners of the display item (28) into slots (50). The display item (28) is thus held against the back plate (26) and bounded by the outer margin (24). A flexible transparent sheet (30) fits over the top of the display item (28) and is inserted into the slots (50) in like manner. The frame (10) has a bracket (44) such that the frame (10) may be mounted upon a horizontal surface such as a table, desk, counter or the like. The bracket may be inserted into different sockets (36), (38), (40), and (42) to change the orientation of the display item (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Uniek Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Wenkman, Ferdinand F. Salzmann
  • Patent number: 5062380
    Abstract: An automobile distress signal for attaching to the side window of an automobile where said distress signal is L-shaped with a short leg and a long leg, the shorter leg having a window mounting attachment. In the primary embodiment the mounting attachment is a pair of suction cups. In other embodiments hook and loop connectors are used, as well as a hook mounting attachment for hooking over the top edge of a window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventor: Billy D. Chestnutt
  • Patent number: 5042418
    Abstract: A flag display device adapted to be mounted on the exterior of a vehicle or other object on which a flag may be displayed. The flag display device has a base, a plurality of spaced apart suction cups carried the base which are adapted to grip an exterior surface of the vehicle; a flagstaff; clips for attaching the flag to the flagstaff; and a mount for mounting the flag staff on the base and adjusting the angle of the flagstaff relative to the base so that the flag may be positioned at a desired angular attitude. The mount has a first toothed member integrally formed with the base which extends upwardly therefrom and having its teeth arranged on one side and projecting outwardly in a direction generally parallel to the base. A second toothed member is integrally formed with the lower end of the flagstaff so that its teeth intermesh with the teeth of the first toothed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Prideflags, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Hoover, Danny R. Lockman, Michael E. Newton
  • Patent number: 5029406
    Abstract: A desirable sign structure can be formed using a hollow, integral, self-supporting thermoplastic polymer body shaped so as to include a hollow border or peripheral frame carrying front and back walls of the sign structure. Grooves adapted to carry extensions on interchangeable letters may be provided in the front wall. When such grooves are used, the back wall preferably includes grooves or furrows reinforcing the front wall. A slot can be provided in the front and back walls in such a manner as to separate the front and back walls into two panels or panel sections. When such a slot is used, guides or tracks are preferably employed so as to mount a shutter in the slots, the shutter being capable of movement in order to cover or uncover one of the panels or panel sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Eldon Industries
    Inventor: James A. Hofman
  • Patent number: 4979323
    Abstract: A frame (10) has an integral outer margin (24) and a back plate (26). A display item (28) such as a picture, photograph, certificate, document, or the like is front-loaded into the frame (10) by insertion of the corners of the display item (28) into slots (50). The display item (28) is thus held against the back plate (26) and bounded by the outer margin (24). A flexible transparent sheet (30) fits over the top of the display item (28) and is inserted into the slots (50) in like manner. The frame (10) has a bracket (44) such that the frame (10) may be mounted upon a horizontal surface such as a table, desk, counter or the like. The bracket may be inserted into different sockets (36), (38), (40), and (42) to change the orientation of the display item (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Uniek Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Wenkman, Ferdinand F. Salzmann
  • Patent number: 4953315
    Abstract: A display device for automobiles and other vehicles alternately displays two different messages in an interesting manner calculated to attract attention. The device comprises an outer case having a plurality of spaced windows and, mounted within the case, a slide having a plurality of spaced indicia spelling out the two messages. Windows and indicia are positioned in such a manner that upon relative movement of slide and case, produced by inertial, centrifugal or gravitational forces generated by the vehicle movement, the slide alternates between two positions within the case, thereby alternately spelling out the two messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Richard A. Romaine
  • Patent number: 4860476
    Abstract: An internally illuminated message display apparatus for an automobile. The apparatus comprises a housing, a perforated display board, and a plurality of light transmitting indicia elements insertable into the display board perforations. A transparent lens is positioned in front of the display board and its indicia elements, and the housing is provided with a reflective back surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Lite Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony R. Hall
  • Patent number: 4667428
    Abstract: An advertising sign holder for attachment to a vehicle roof is molded from a translucent plastic sheet. A triangular base flange has a hollow truncated pyramid with a triangular base integral therewith. The pyramid includes an integral top. Suction cups are attached to the corners of the base flange for the dual function of attaching the sign to a vehicle roof and maintaining separation of a plurality of signs nested together for storage. An electric light disposed within the pyramid portion provides illumination of the sign holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Inventor: William A. Elmer
  • Patent number: 4471873
    Abstract: A kit for motorists in distress comprises a container which includes one or more furled distress signal flags, a flag staff, including one or more suction cups, journalled on a terminal portion of the staff, and rotatable from an inwardly-directed storage position to an outwardly-directed position for attachment to an external vehicle surface. An instruction sheet is enclosed to show how the flags are assembled; and an identification tag and writing instrument are enclosed for attachment to the flag in use. Each of the distress flags bears a different insignia, indicating that the car is disabled or out-of-gas, or that medical assistance is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Thomas-Pond Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Cole G. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4426723
    Abstract: An X-ray marker device. The device comprises a body member and a single suction cup attached to the bottom of the body member. X-ray opaque indicia are formed on the face of the body member. The suction cup temporarily secures the body member to a substantially flat surface, such as an X-ray film holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1984
    Inventor: James S. Rouse
  • Patent number: 4392316
    Abstract: A ceiling suspended product display is shown for advertising sale product. The ceiling suspended product display a plurality of display panels suspended from a ceiling hook by suspension attachments. The display panels are interconnected by flexible hinges which permit the display panels to be folded into a compact package for storage and shipment. Upon arrival to the place of sale, the display panels may be unfolded to form a display and secured by twist ties. The ceiling hook is designed to be suspended from the rib of a false ceiling. A cord extends downwardly from the ceiling hook to a swivel. Three equal length chains are connected from the lower portion of the swivel and each of the chains are connected to eyelets in the display panels. The swivel permits the display panel to rotate under the influence of drafts in the store to attract the attention of the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Inventor: Paul D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4171584
    Abstract: Sign assembly which can be readily set up and changed to display different information. The assembly includes a generally planar body with suction cups for securing the assembly to a mounting surface. Indicia carrying sign cards are removably mounted in slots formed by ribs on the body, and in one preferred embodiment the assembly is packaged as a kit with a number of different sign cards arranged in perforated sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1979
    Assignee: Wells Fargo and Company
    Inventor: Frank C. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 4127774
    Abstract: Plastic, color-coded X-ray marker with a cavity containing mercury. The cavity has deeper central portion and shallower branches, relative to the face of the marker. An X-ray negative shows the mercury in the central portion if the X-ray film was flat when exposed and shows the mercury in one or more branches indicating up and down direction if the X-ray film was upright when exposed. The cavity preferably has an asterisk shape whereby the mercury forms an arrow shape indicating up direction on the negative when the film was upright when exposed. Lead indicia indicated right or left and operator's initials. Markers are secured to film holders by a multiplicity of suction cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1978
    Inventor: Jerry Gillen