Abstract: An apparatus for grouping electronic price labels (EPLs) to form an electronic sign. The apparatus primarily includes a frame member which defines a plurality of bays arranged in a single line for containing the EPLs. The apparatus additionally includes a product description sheet mounted to the frame member including apertures for exposing displays within the EPLs. Optionally included are a product description sheet holder which mounts to the frame member for retaining the product description sheet against the frame member and a base for supporting the frame member on a flat surface. A method of grouping EPLs includes the steps of providing a frame member defining a plurality of bays arranged in a line for containing the EPLs, retaining the EPLs within the bays, placing a product description sheet adjacent to the frame member, and orienting apertures in the product description sheet to expose displays within the EPLs.

Abstract: An apparatus for grouping electronic price labels (EPLs) which facilitates installation of electronic price labels in signs and promotional displays rather than standard shelf edges. The apparatus primarily includes a frame member for mounting the EPLs including a plurality of bays arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. The apparatus additionally includes a product description sheet mounted to the frame member including apertures for exposing displays within the EPLs. Optionally included are a product description sheet holder which mounts to the frame member for retaining the product description sheet against the front surface and a base for supporting the frame member on a flat surface.

Abstract: An extruded plastic label holder for placement on the flat front surface of a product display shelf. The label holder includes a clear front panel joined along its bottom edge with a second panel. The second panel is adhesively mounted on the shelf front surface, either directly or by means of a third panel flexibly joined with the second panel along upper edges of both. A short, rigid fulcrum rib is formed integrally with one of the second or (if employed) third panels, slightly above the bottom edge of the second panel and extending generally at right angles thereto. When the bottom edge of the label holder is pressed, the second panel flexes about the fulcrum rib, opening a gap at the upper portion of the label holder for placement or removal of paper labels. The use of a third panel helps to isolate the forces applied in flexing the second panel from the adhesive attachment, enabling less aggressive adhesives to be effectively utilized.

Abstract: By providing any desired stationery product with a movable plate or arm member which cooperates with the surface or body of the stationery product, a unique indicia retaining and displaying system is realized. Preferably, the plate or arm member is movably mounted to the stationery product for ease of insertion of an indicia bearing member and secure retention thereof when the plate or arm member is returned to its original position. In addition, the plate or arm member preferably comprises a transparent zone, in order to enable the indicia bearing member to be easily viewed.

Abstract: A packaging wrapper or container and a process for the production thereof, providing that the wrapper or container is made up of a first film of transparent material which is partially covered by a sheet having advertising messages, and superimposed on the first layer of transparent material and the sheet containing the advertising messages is a second layer of transparent film, which film, on the side towards the sheet having the advertising messages and towards the first film of transparent material, receives an adhesive coating.

Abstract: A holder for receiving a placard with indicia, comprising a unitary upper member having a backing and a front face, at least a portion of which is transparent, the placard to be positioned therebetween. The front face and backing each have a lower edge portion oppositely positioned. An outwardly-directed protuberance extends above, and generally the length of, each of the lower edge portions. Each protuberance can have an eave. A recessed top portion of a support member receives and engages the lower edge portions. The engagement of the upper member to the support can be by way of sliding or downward snap- or press-fit engagement. The lower edge portions may inwardly dovetail (whether to the point of releasable interlock). A first vertical-side of the backing can be sealed along a first vertical-side of the front face and the recessed top can have open and closed ends.

Abstract: A three-dimensional rotating cup includes an exterior fixed cup, an interior fixed cup and a middle rotating layer. The middle rotating layer is inside the exterior fixed cup. The interior fixed cup is inside the middle rotating layer and a transparent fluid is filled inside the clearance between the interior fixed cup and the exterior fixed cup. Furthermore, extending outwardly from the edge of the interior fixed cup is a protruding flange. The bottom of the protruding flange is joined to the top of the edge of the exterior fixed cup. The inside and outside walls of the exterior fixed cup and middle rotating layer and the outside wall of the interior fixed cup include figure paintings.

Abstract: A display and method for holding printed material, such as advertising, are described for hanging on the back of a vehicle seat with its contents easily visible and accessible to a passenger. A transparent backboard having rear and front surfaces define transparent pockets for holding the advertising. A pair of hook and loop straps and pads secure the display to the back of the seat.

Abstract: Display apparatus is removably attached to the filler gun of a fuel pump, the filler gun including in series connection a gun nozzle having a forward discharge end and a rear end, a gun head having both a forward end portion which connects with the rear end of the gun nozzle and a rearward handle portion whose forward end connects to the rear of the gun nozzle and a rearward handle portion whose forward end connects to the rear end of said gun head.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting indicia with a rail comprising a receptacle enclosing a predetermined length of the rail and indicia supported by the receptacle adjacent the rail for viewing.

Abstract: A card display system of the present invention includes a transparent first shell part and a transparent second shell part. The first shell part has a perimeter that includes a flange that extends outwardly of the inner surface of the first shell part. The second shell part has a perimeter that is sized to matingly engage the flange of the first shell part. The inner surface of the second shell part includes a card holding depression positioned within the perimeter of the second shell part. A transparent card holding sleeve having substantially the same dimensions as the card holding depression is positionable within the card holding depression. The first and second shell parts are sealed together to encase a card.

Abstract: A locket for a hang tag is disclosed. The locket includes a first plastic face having a first peripheral edge and a second plastic face having a second peripheral edge. The locket has a through-hole of sufficient size to permit extension of a lanyard therethrough while preventing retraction of a hang tag enclosed therein when the locket is in the closed position. The second face is connectable to the first face.

Abstract: An information display panel has a plastic frame surrounding two transparent foils (4, 5), that form an envelope. The frame (1) is formed from two halves interconnected by locking couplings so that peripherally welded seams are eliminated.

Abstract: A transparent sheet material sign holder having upper and lower reverted flaps to slidably receive a paper, cardboard or plastic sign behind a transparent main body panel. The upper flap is adapted for engagement between the upper and lower lips of a C-channel on the front of a merchandise shelf. Independent portions of the upper flap are of a reduced height so as to retain the upper edge portions of the sign in the event the sign holder is flexed forwardly at its bottom edge. The C-channel-engaging flap portions can be centrally located, with independent side portions of a smaller height. Alternatively, the sign-retaining portions of a smaller height can be simply defined by a U-shaped cut in the upper flap. Similar sign-retaining portions can be provided on upper and lower flaps of different dimensions so that the sign holder can be inverted for engagement in C-channel of different heights while independently retaining a sign in the sign holder.

Abstract: A selectively transparent map system, for use by a driver in an automobile having an automobile windshield, comprising a map having map indicia printed thereupon. The map is selectively transparent so that when the map is held against the windshield in front of the driver, and the map is viewed at a first angle, the driver can read the map indicia while simultaneously watching the road by looking directly through the map. However, when the map is viewed at a second angle, the driver can read the map indicia, but cannot see through the map. The map thus includes a selective transparency means which preferably includes a grating having a plurality of blocking members which allow light and images to be easily transmitted through the map at the first angle, but substantially block light from being transmitted through the map at the second angle.

Abstract: A protective tag holder for receiving, protecting and retaining a tag in its original condition. The protective tag holder includes a first piece of material having an edge extending therearound, the edge forming a shape substantially matching a shape of the tag to be protected and a second piece of material having an edge extending therearound, the edge forming a shape substantially similar to the shape of the first piece of material. The second piece of material also includes a tab extending from at least a portion of the edge. A seal is formed between at least a portion of the edge of the first piece of material and the edge of the second piece of material forming a pocket therebetween. The seal extends around a portion of the edge of the second piece of material opposite the tab to thereby form an entrance to the pocket, the entrance having a size large enough to insert the tag therethrough.

Abstract: A plastic T card holder formed from molded plastic pieces permanently united face to face and defining between them a pocket which will snugly receive a thin rectangular card. The pocket has a long upper opening through which a card may be introduced and a narrow lower opening through which a knife blade, a stiff card or the like can be inserted to dislodge the card upwardly. The card holder has considerable advantages of economy of manufacture and provides improved protection of the card and is resistant to breakage as compared with the conventional card holders.

Abstract: A shop front display comprises a base member in the form of a thin sheet which can be applied to a member such as a shop shelf or an exhibition case by a first adhesion layer, a transparent cover disposed in overlapping relationship with the front surface of the base member, and a second adhesion layer formed on either one of the base member and the cover. The respective adhesion layers are formed to allow a repeated application or removal. The first adhesion layer permits the shop front display to be applied to a shop shelf or an exhibition case. When the cover is applied to the base member, an intermediate sheet can be maintained therebetween or characters inscribed on the base member can be protected. Instead of inscribing characters, display sheets may be applied to the base member and the cover may be dispensed with. In this manner, the shop front display is resistant to marring or damage and easily handled while suppressing the cost involved.

Abstract: A transparent plastic sign holder is designed to fit in C-channels of different heights along the front edges of merchandise display shelves. The sign holder is a plastic sheet with a backwardly folded, downwardly depending, first flap integrally connected to the upper edge of the main body panel of the sign holder, and a backwardly folded, upwardly extending second flap integrally connected to the lower edge of the main body panel. A sign can be slidingly engaged behind the transparent main body panel in the bights formed at the connection with the first and second flaps. The second flap has yet another or third backwardly folded, downwardly depending, flap integrally connected to its upper edge. The first and third flaps each have freely extending lower edge portions and have different heights corresponding to the heights of two different C-channels with which the sign holder is to be used.

Abstract: A removable tag protector is provided for releasably enclosing a generally planar tag having a predetermine shape with a fold line that separates the tag into front and back sides. The tag protector comprises a base shaped generally as the unfolded tag. The base has an inside face with a front half and a back half so that the tag, when in its unfolded position, can overlie the front and back halves of the base, respectively. The protector further comprises a fold section dividing the front and back halves of the base so that the front and back halves of the base can be folded into an overlapping position when the base is folded along the fold section. A front wall section is located along an outside edge of the front half of the base, and a rear wall section is located along an outside edge of the back half of the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of manufacturing a metal foil card having a metal surface by integrally attaching a transparent plastic laminating sheet to one side of the metal foil card as thin as 0.01 mm to 1 mm to form a plastic supporting layer, so that the tactile impression of the metal can be retained. Moreover, the metal foil is supported and reinforced by a plastic supporting layer so as to reduce the thickness of the expensive metal while providing better flexibility. The metal foil card is more easier to be cut or folded than a metal having the same thickness.

Abstract: An identification document and a method of placing personalized data (variable text and color image) directly on the identification document having a data receiving page. The method includes the steps of: printing personalized data directly onto a silicone release coat of a release sheet; positioning the release sheet with the side containing fused toner adjacent to the adhesive of an adhesive side of a security laminate; passing the release sheet and the security laminate through a laminator to transfer the personalized data to the adhesive of the security laminate; removing the release sheet leaving the personalized data on the security laminate; and passing the security laminate and the data receiving page through a laminator to seal personalized data between the security laminate and the data receiving page.

Abstract: A protective repository for a tag having a first portion defining a cavity having an inwardly facing sidewall and a bottom wall and conforming to the shape of the tag. A second portion defines a raised area having an outwardly facing sidewall and a top wall. The outwardly facing sidewall is shaped to fit matingly the inwardly facing sidewall surface so that the top wall is adjacent to the bottom wall thereby retaining the tag.

Abstract: A transparent plastic envelope made up of a front panel and a back panel secured together by parallel sealing lines around the periphery, and a line of mounting holes between the lines for receiving a mounting tie. The back panel is made up of two sections to form an opening for insertion of a sign element into the envelope. A plastic sealing zipper is secured to the meeting edges of the two sections.

Abstract: An information holder for an information slip has a receiver part and a sliding compartment. The receiver part has a transparent front portion and a back portion, with an elongated recess extending from a top end of the receiver part to a bottom end of the receiver part, allowing the holder to be mounted to a pole or other device. The sliding compartment has an upwardly bent bottom portion to hold the information slip and configured to shield the slip from water. Drainage holes extend from the lower portion of the sliding compartment through the bottom end of the receiver part to allow water to drain from the holder. An eaves-like overhang on the sliding compartment is configured to protect the information slip from water entering through the top of the holder. Two slanted side portions allow water to run off the sides of the holder.

Abstract: By providing any desired stationery product with a movable plate or arm member which cooperates with the surface or body of the stationery product, a unique indicia retaining and displaying system is realized. Preferably, the plate or arm member is movably mounted to the stationery product for ease of insertion of an indicia bearing member and secure retention thereof when the plate or arm member is returned to its original position. In addition, the plate or arm member preferably comprises a transparent zone, in order to enable the indicia bearing member to be easily viewed.

Abstract: A prelaminate has a plurality of layers intended for collective insertion in a mutually fixed spatial relation into the pinch between optionally heated, co-acting pressure rollers. The prelaminate includes a carrier layer, a first glue layer arranged thereon and adhered thereto, a cover foil, for instance of transparent material, such as PET, PVC or the like, and a second glue layer arranged thereon and adhered thereto. The two glue layers are directed toward each other. The layer have straight leading edges which are positioned above each other and are held in this registered position by a registering device. A rejecting device is used to prevent mutual adhesion between the two glue layers.

Abstract: A decorative laminate for articles of elastomeric material in which a layer of pigments is sandwiched between an adhesive covering and a protective vering. The two coverings are produced from aqueous emulsions of at least one homopolymer or a copolymer having a base of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic, methacrylic and vinyl esters, and having a glass transition temperature less than 0.degree. C.

Abstract: A message display element, and a message display jacket utilizable with the element (and a plurality of identical or similar elements) allows a message to be effectively displayed, yet the message changed in a simple and effective manner. A message display element comprises a piece of sheet material (such as polyvinyl chloride or polyolefin having a thickness of between about 8-20 mils) that may be more easily folded than conventional constructions even when made of stiffer material, and which lays flatter when folded. The message display element is particularly suited for displaying pricing information, and positioning and orientation indicia may be provided on individual panels of the element to facilitate proper location within the jacket.

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

Abstract: A transparent vehicle license plate cover member having an outwardly projecting curved shape is described exhibiting distinctive performance advantages when mounted on the vehicle. The mounted cover enhances aerodynamic operation of the vehicle while reducing glare when viewing the covered license plate.

Abstract: A display and method for holding printed material, such as advertising, are described for hanging on the back of a vehicle seat with its contents easily visible and accessible to a passenger. A transparent backboard having rear and front surfaces define transparent pockets for holding the advertising. A pair of hook and loop straps and pads secure the display to the back of the seat.

Abstract: A label holder which is formed by an exterior portion having a label holding envelope and an attached disk of metal (such as within a sealed envelope). The label holder is secured to the user's clothing through magnetic forces which are exerted by a magnet placed on the inner surface of the clothing. The metal disk is attracted to the magnet and is held to the clothing without the need of pins or other fasteners which pierce the clothing and can cause damage thereto.

Abstract: A rigid panel has projecting from the planar face thereof an elongate, transparent housing open at opposite ends and having an elongate slot in the underside thereof. Mounted in the housing is an elongate, transparent, flexible retainer comprising a strip of flexible, transparent acetate material which is generally U-shaped in cross section, and which has a portion thereof urged resiliently and removably against the face of the panel. The upper edge of a document may be inserted through the slot in the housing and between the panel face and the overlying portion of the retainer strip which retains the document removably and permits all information thereon to be observed through the transparent housing and retainer strip.

Abstract: A convertible folder is formed from a single blank and includes a pair of folder panels hingedly connected along a fold line. A pocket defining panel is folded against one of the folder panels and cooperates therewith to form a pocket for containing documents.A small tab supporting panel is secured to and folded against the pocket defining panel in the preferred embodiment. An identifying tab is movably secured to the tab defining panel and is moveable between a display position and an out-of-the-way position to allow delivery/presentation folder to be readily converted to a conventional file folder.

Abstract: An object, such as a dried and pressed flower, is to be mounted between a transparent electrostatic vinyl sheet and a cover film with the object being tightly sealed therebetween. The electrical properties of the electrostatic vinyl film are to permit the resulting sealed ornament to be applied onto a clean, flat, non-porous surface with the static electricity of the electrostatic vinyl film fixing the sealed ornament in position.

Abstract: A retail checkout divider is provided as a transparent fixture having a hollow interior. The interior of the fixture has holders forming slots adapted to receive strips with indicia displayed thereon. The strips are held within the slots by either flexible cylinders or end caps. The present invention provides for a checkout divider where display strips can be easily and conveniently changed.

Abstract: A new pillow with photograph displays for displaying favorite photographs on a pillow for viewing. The inventive device includes removable cover for receiving a foam rubber padding within an open end thereof. A plurality of clear pockets are secured to a front surface of the removable cover. The pockets each have a clear front window and peripheral side walls and a bottom wall. The pockets each have an open upper end for receiving photographs therethrough for displaying through the clear front window.

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

Abstract: A license plate holder provided with a flat backing plate to which a transparent cover is hinged at the base thereof and which may be readily removable from the backing plate at the top thereof.

Abstract: A print holder has two molded transparent plastic pieces united together each with an upright portion and a base having an inclined flank extending downwardly outwardly from a lower portion of the upright portion. A central portion of the upright portion of one or both pieces is recessed inwardly to define a pocket having an upper opening, for holding print material. The base portions together form a hollow base for capturing an inverted V-shaped printed information carrier that has wings extending adjacent the inclining flanks of the base. This allows display of information through the inclined flanks without requiring printing on the plastic.

Abstract: A protective repository for a tag having a first portion defining a cavity having an inwardly facing sidewall and a bottom wall and conforming to the shape of the tag. A second portion defines a raised area having an outwardly facing sidewall and a top wall. The outwardly facing sidewall is shaped to fit matingly the inwardly facing sidewall surface so that the top wall is adjacent to the bottom wall thereby retaining the tag.

Abstract: A shelf divider, label and sign holder system comprising an elongated universal support element formed with a relatively rigid channel-shaped shell adapted to be adhesively mounted on a vertically or horizontally extending surface. The support element includes an extended cover portion with flexible fingers co-extruded therewith and adapted to engage the mounting surface itself to removably capture therebetween portions of an item to be supported by the support element. When used as a vertical surface sign holder system, the support element is generally horizontally secured to the vertical surface, with the channel opening downwardly and a paper, cardboard or plastic indicia-containing label or sign securely held at its upper edges between the flexible fingers and the vertical mounting surface. The same support element may be adhesively secured to the undersurface of a shelf juxtapositioned to the front edge thereof, for reception of a perpendicular mounting flange of an adhesive or non-adhesive label holder.

Abstract: A direction-indicating holder for an informational sign for use in directing people to a location associated with information on the sign. In one embodiment the holder includes top and bottom panels secured together to form a sign-receiving envelope between the panels. The holder has two converging side edges that indicate a direction, such that the holder can be oriented with the converging side edges indicating a direction toward a location associated with the information on a sign in the envelope. In another embodiment, the holder includes a flat, flexible panel the edge margins of the underside of the panel having an adhesive thereon for removably securing the panel over a sign onto a surface. According to the method of providing directional information of this invention, an informational sign is placed in a direction-indicating sign holder for indicating a direction associated with information on the sign.

Abstract: An ornamental ball includes a spherical body consisting of two semi-spherical half bodies, and an inner ornamental member contained in the ball. The inner ornamental member is fixed inside the ball, having an axis shorter than the diameter of the ball and having two ends of the axis fixed at non-diametrical locations of an inner surface of the ball. Consequently, the ball rotates irregularly owning to the gravitational impact of the ornamental member.

Abstract: An illuminated display. The illuminated display comprises a cylindrical hollow housing capable of passing illumination therethrough that has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is open and the lower end is closed, and a cylindrical wall which forms the open upper end and is also connected to the closed lower end. The housing wall has an outer surface and an inner surface. Additionally, the housing wall has at least one opening disposed between the upper end and the lower end. At least one light source is located inside the housing and is operatively connected to the opening. There is also a cap that has a top and a bottom. The cap bottom is adapted to fit inside the housing upper end. A substantially cylindrical sleeve capable of passing illumination therethrough is adapted to closely fit about the outer surface of the wall.

Abstract: A plastic number plate cover that can be installed from the exterior of the housing faceplate of a public telephone and which is resistant to tampering. The cover includes an envelope-shaped pocket into which a number plate or card is inserted, and opposed cantilever arms each terminating in a tab having a beveled edge. The cover is inserted into a rectangular-shaped recess on the faceplate when the tabs are brought into contact with a recess edge, causing the arms to flex and allowing the beveled edges to slide past the recess edge. The cover may be fixed or removable once installed within the faceplate, depending on the structure of the tabs.

Abstract: An identification wristband is fabricated from transparent synthetic plastic and has a flattened central area wherein the inner surfaces of the central area are relatively close to each other and opposite edges communicating with the central area, which are substantially semi-circular in cross section, provide a receptacle for an information card or tag inserted in the band and the flattened area of the band facilitates the viewing of the information on the card. A connector is provided which is of substantially elliptical configuration in cross section and includes an abutment intermediate its extremities. The opposite extremities of the connector are receivable in the opposite extremities of the band body and, when inserted in the band body, distend the extremities to correspond to the elliptical configuration of the connector, thus causing a frictional grip to be exerted upon the extremities of the band body.

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