Patents Assigned to Marketing Display, Inc.
  • Patent number: 7404267
    Abstract: A display device having a support structure and display panel is provided. The support structure generally includes a cross bar horizontally supported by first and second leg assemblies. A coupling is provided at each end of the cross bar to receive the corresponding leg assemblies. A plurality of locking mechanisms are provided for independently and releasably connecting the cross bar and the leg assemblies to the coupling without requiring the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan C Evans, Brian J Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20070214693
    Abstract: A flexible mounting system for supporting a sign from a rigid structure for minimizing damage that might result from an impact force on the sign is disclosed. The flexible mounting system includes a flexible sign mount having a support bracket secured to a sign and a stationary bracket releasably securable to a rigid structure such a bollard. A flex element can be interposed between the support bracket and the stationary bracket to permit the sign to translate and rotate relative to the rigid support when the sign is subjected to an impact load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Alan J. Adilman, Thomas E. Pilarczyk
  • Publication number: 20070204501
    Abstract: A display frame having a divider for subdividing the display area. The display frame includes a plurality of frame sections forming a rectangular perimeter around a backing member. A divider is selectively located within the display area and releasbly secured by clamps on each end for subdividing the display area. The divider may be located in a horizontal, vertical or angular configuration. Alternately, the divider may be rotated substantially parallel with the frame section so as to be positioned in a stowed location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Isayev, Evan C. Evans
  • Patent number: 7174663
    Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a modular housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing—either horizontally or vertically. A plurality of display modules are positioned on the housing and backlit by the lights. A door member is pivotally connected along its upper edge to the housing covering the modules. A pair of gas-assisted spring members are provided between the door member and the housing. Air gaps or air vents are provided in order to allow air circulation in the housing. A second member above the door member is provided for holding and displaying posters and other advertising and promotional is materials. A plurality of clamping members hold the display materials in place. The second member can be illuminated or non-illuminated. Various modular units can be provided to increase the size and display space provided by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: David U. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 7117620
    Abstract: A banner mount for hanging a banner between first and second surfaces is provided. The banner mount utilizes a single rope to couple a banner having a pair of support brackets to the first and second surfaces. Disposed on the first and second surfaces as well as coupled to the brackets are a set of pulleys which, when used in conjunction with the single rope, allow for a centered stable mounting of the banner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Stefan N Tolna
  • Patent number: 7107714
    Abstract: A display device having a support structure and display panel is provided. The support structure generally includes a cross bar horizontally supported by first and second leg assemblies. A coupling is provided at each end of the cross bar to receive the corresponding leg assemblies. A plurality of locking mechanisms are provided for independently and releasably connecting the cross bar and the leg assemblies to the coupling without requiring the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan C Evans, Brian J Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20060117624
    Abstract: A portable sign stand with wheels or rollers, an adjustable weighted base member, and a sign display member. The base member has one or more compartments so that liquid or solid ballast can be added to stabilize the sign stand in windy conditions. The upper and lower wall members of the otherwise hollow base member are joined together at one or more locations where the sign display member is connected to the base member. The base member can be made by blow molding techniques. Wheels are provided on one edge of the base member in order to allow the sign stand to be rolled and easily moved to different positions. Axle members secure the wheels to the base member. One or more resilient members can be used to connect the sign display member to the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Applicant: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: David Hillstrom, Brian Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 6895705
    Abstract: A display device is provided comprising a transparent panel having a light receiving edge and a face. A plurality of laser etched grooves are formed in the face of the panel such that the grooves increase in depth as the grooves extend away from the light receiving edge of the panel. The grooves include a bottom surface having a contour that matches a contour of the face of the panel. The grooves also include a plurality of diffusive sections and a plurality of internally reflective sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Marketing Display, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Hillstrom, Robert Krohn
  • Patent number: 6843011
    Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a modular housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing—either horizontally or vertically. A plurality of display modules are positioned on the housing and backlit by the lights. A door member is pivotally connected along its upper edge to the housing covering the modules. A pair of gas-assisted spring members are provided between the door member and the housing. Air gaps or air vents are provided in order to allow air circulation in the housing. A second member above the door member is provided for holding and displaying posters and other advertising and promotional materials. A plurality of clamping members hold the display materials in place. The second member can be illuminated or non-illuminated. Various modular units can be provided to increase the size and display space provided by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: David U. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 6755381
    Abstract: A portable sign assembly having a base assembly which includes a leg member pivotally interconnected with a base plate of the base assembly. A leg release mechanism is further provided for selectively locking a respective leg from pivoting relative to a respective base plate. The release mechanism includes a lock-pin that is slidably disposed through the leg and is biased in a first position by a biasing member disposed within the leg. The lock-pin selectively engages apertures of the base plate for prohibiting pivotal motion between the leg and the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Yevgeniy M. Levin, David U. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 6631576
    Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a modular housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing—either horizontally or vertically. A plurality of display modules are positioned on the housing and backlit by the lights. A door member is pivotally connected along its upper edge to the housing covering the modules. A pair of gas-assisted spring members are provided between the door member and the housing. Air gaps or air vents are provided in order to allow air circulation in the housing. A second member above the door member is provided for holding and displaying posters and other advertising and promotional materials. A plurality of clamping members hold the display materials in place. The second member can be illuminated or non-illuminated. Various modular units can be provided to increase the size and display space provided by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: David U. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 6606809
    Abstract: A sign stand is provided having a foldable support mechanism for quickly and conveniently manipulating the sign panel from a deployed state to a folded state. The fold-up sign panel assembly includes a foldable support mechanism having a hinge assembly coupling the upper and lower vertical brace members. The horizontal brace members are pivotally secured to the hinge assembly. A latch mechanism is operable for releasably retaining the foldable support mechanism in the deployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 6560906
    Abstract: A portable signpost assembly having a portable base structure and a frangible support post coupled to the portable base structure. The frangible support post includes a plurality of corners, wherein at least one of the corners, when viewed in cross section, includes a notch formed therein that promotes localized fracturing of the frangible support post upon contact from a motor vehicle. This enables the frangible support post to be broken away from the portable base structure upon impact from an errant vehicle to permit the sign and support post to travel over the vehicle without entering the passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: David U. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 6546655
    Abstract: A latch assembly for use in a flip panel sign display is disclosed. The latch assembly includes a latch pin releasably coupled to the sign panel in a manner to prevent relative rotation therebetween. A latch is disposed an end of the latch pin. The latch pin includes a neck portion and an end portion, the neck portion having a particular cross-sectional configuration which prevents relative rotation in the side panel. The latch is rotatably supported on the end portion and capable of rotation between a locked position which retains the flip panels in a desired configuration and an unlocked position which permits relative positioning of the flip panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 6481054
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for operably coupling a flip panel display to a sign panel is disclosed. The hinge assembly includes pair of hinge clips having an interlocking feature formed thereon. The pair of hinge clips are assembled in an opposed facing relationship such that the interlocking features engage one another to secure the hinge assembly to the sign panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 6385939
    Abstract: A bullnose cladding system is provided which gives an outward appearance of a generally arcuate or semi-circular surface extending from an otherwise planar surface. The bullnose cladding system is constructed using a pair of parallel mounting rails which hold one or more outwardly bowed flexible plastic panels. The longitudinal edges of the plastic panels are folded under to create a hem which releasably secures the panel within the longitudinal rails. Various corner members and expansion joints may be utilized to provide a finished look to the bullnose cladding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffry B. Stout
  • Publication number: 20010032404
    Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a modular housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing—either horizontally or vertically. A plurality of display modules are positioned on the housing and backlit by the lights. A door member is pivotally connected along its upper edge to the housing covering the modules. A pair of gas-assisted spring members are provided between the door member and the housing. Air gaps or air vents are provided in order to allow air circulation in the housing. A second member above the door member is provided for holding and displaying posters and other advertising and promotional materials. A plurality of clamping members hold the display materials in place. The second member can be illuminated or non-illuminated. Various modular units can be provided to increase the size and display space provided by the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Applicant: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: David U. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 6298589
    Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a modular housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing—either horizontally or vertically. A plurality of display modules are positioned on the housing and backlit by the lights. A door member is pivotally connected along its upper edge to the housing covering the modules. A pair of gas-assisted spring members are provided between the door member and the housing. Air gaps or air vents are provided in order to allow air circulation in the housing. A second member above the door member is provided for holding and displaying posters and other advertising and promotional materials. A plurality of clamping members hold the display materials in place. The second member can be illuminated or non-illuminated. Various modular units can be provided to increase the size and display space provided by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: David U. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 6192646
    Abstract: System for covering or cladding poles, columns and utility structures. Pairs of vertically-oriented frame members are attached to a column or pole by a supporting bracket mechanism, or directly on a utility structure, such as a gasoline pump. Semi-circular panel members are positioned between adjacent frame members and/or around a pole or column. With column and pole cladding systems, top cap members can be provided adjacent canopy or ceiling structures to allow for thermal expansion and contraction. The panel members are shipped and packaged in flat condition and bent into their final semi-circular shapes at the installation site. Retainer clip members, tab members or pin members are attached to the edges of the panel members in order to hold them securely in place in the frame members. Trim cap members can be provided to cover the frame members and secure the edges of the panels securely in place in the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Grewe, Brian J. Hillstrom, Matthew Adams
  • Patent number: D509543
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Hillstrom, Yevgeniy M. Levin, Alfred J. Dobson