Abstract: An apparatus and system for tensioning and securing the edges of a flexible sign panel to a frame or housing. Clip mechanisms formed from a pair of interlocking clip members are secured to the sign panel along its edges. The clip members include an insertion member and a mating generally "U" or "C"-shaped securing member. The clip mechanisms are hooked to the frame or housing by mating elongated ridge members. A clamping tool is used to mate the ridge member on the clip mechanisms with the ridge member on the frame members. Edge trim cap members clip onto the frame extensions and clip mechanisms to finish the edges of the sign assembly.

Abstract: Method for installing an illuminated sign on a structure, such as a service station canopy, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of installing a plurality of light sources on the structure, installing a plurality of support members on said structure, assembling a frame structure on said support members, positioning light dispersion members in front of each of the light sources, securing a translucent panel member on said frame structure, and installing access doors in line with the light sources in order to permit exchange of the lights from the ground.

Abstract: A rear illuminated fascia apparatus for mounting on a surface is disclosed. The apparatus has a support structure comprising support brackets, top and bottom edge frame members, and corner members which tension and hold in place a flexible, translucent sheet material. Metal halide lights are used to illuminate the sheet material. A light dispersion member is positioned between the lights and the sheet material to uniformly distribute and disperse the light through the sheet material. Access members in the apparatus and access openings in the light dispersion member allow convenient changes of the lights.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for covering the open end of a sign stand upright extrusion and for releasably locking a roll-up sign in place in the upright. A cap member covers the end of the extrusion. The cap member has a slanted surface for ease of entry of the sign into the upright extrusion, and a locking pin member for releasably locking said sign in place. The locking pin is adapted to be manually manipulated and has a pointed leading end for mating with an opening or recess in the sign cross brace member. A stop is also provided in the upright extrusion for holding the sign at the required height.

Abstract: A mechanism for improving the installation and access to the interior of large illuminated signs and lightboxes is disclosed. A plurality of rotatable arm members are connected between light modules mounted on a building or wall surface and a removable front panel module. Mating pairs of brackets hold the two modules together when they are coupled. In order to gain access to the interior of the lightbox, the brackets are disconnected and the front panel module is rotated via the arm members to another position adjacent the light module.

Abstract: Free standing and wall mounted poster and sign displays are disclosed. Each of these devices comprise a sign frame with similar top and bottom curved extrusions, similar side frame extrusion members, and a backing member. The upper and lower frame extrusion members include elongated slots which are used to hold the display indicia in place by the "lift and fall" principle. The side frame members contain spring biased cover members which clamp the sign materials in place against the backing member. A clear protective covering member is hooked in place in the slot in the upper frame extrusion member. Unique corner connecting members are used to secure and connect together the frame members around the backing member forming the sign devices. The corner connecting members comprise cap members which cover the open ends of the upper and lower frame extrusion members, as well as insert members which fit within the open ends of the side frame extrusion members.

Abstract: A bracket mounting system for mounting banners, posters and the like on posts, walls and other structures is disclosed. A pair of U-shaped channel brackets are fastened to the structure, such as by conventional fasteners or gear clamps. A banner with elongated tubular support members on each end is mounted in the brackets. A button or post in the support member or on the bracket mates with a corresponding opening in the other to hold the banner in the bracket.

Abstract: A display device for removably displaying signs, posters and other advertising displays at varying viewing angles. The display device includes a base member having a cavity therein, a holder member positionable within said cavity, and an attachment member for attaching an insert to the holder. The display device also includes a frictional orientation mechanism for adjusting the pivotal relationship of the base member and holder member, so that the viewing angle of the insert may be adjusted.

Abstract: A rear illuminated fascia apparatus for mounting on a surface is disclosed. The apparatus has a support structure comprising support brackets, top and bottom edge frame members, and corner members which tension and hold in place a flexible, translucent sheet material. Metal halide lights are used to illuminate the sheet material. A light dispersion member is positioned between the lights and the sheet material to uniformly distribute and disperse the light through the sheet material. Access members in the apparatus and access openings in the light dispersion member allow convenient changes of the lights.

Abstract: A release mechanism for a locking, pivotable leg for an assembly to allow an individual to use his foot to disengage the locking element which locks the pivotable leg into its operative position in which a plurality of such legs engage a supporting surface. The release mechanism includes a release pin having an enlarged head and transmission means to transmit movement of the release pin to the locking element moving it from its operative locking position. Where the locking element is of a type including a locking pin which is biased into a locking pin hole in a base bracket by biasing means such as a leaf spring, the transmission means of the present invention includes a release pin spring shoulder, a locking pin spring groove and a pin slot in the leaf spring disposed to engage these two components.

Abstract: A front-loading poster frame assembly is disclosed with molded corner frame members positioned between adjacent frame sections. The corner frame members securely attach together the base portions of adjacent frame sections. The cover portions are mitered at the corners and hinged to the base portions. Interference members are situated in openings in the hinge pintle members on the base portions and prevent the cover portions from relative longitudinal movement.

Abstract: An anchoring apparatus for anchoring and tensioning a sheet material on a panel structure, such as a billboard. A preferred channel-shaped base member is secured to the rear of the panel structure and includes a clip member slidably interconnected with the base member. The clip member is selectively biased to tension the sheet material, or disengaged to release or relax the sheet material, preferably by way of a spring member, and by way of actuation of a preferred built-in anchoring handle mechanism, thus greatly facilitating the ease and speed of erection, anchoring, tensioning and removal of the sheet material.

Abstract: An improved display apparatus includes at least two elongated frame members arranged with ends thereof disposed generally adjacent one another in order to define an angulated frame corner configuration. Such frame members include elongated channel portions thereon, and an improved corner assembly according to the present invention includes a corner insert insertable between the generally adjacent ends of the frame members, and a corner key member for reinforcing and securely supporting the corner insert. The corner insert is attached to the corner key member, and the corner key member is attached to the frame members. The corner key member is preferably a continuous member, having a pair of corner legs disposed at an angulated relationship with one another, with each of the corner legs being receivable within the channel portion on one of the frame members and extending longitudinally therein.

Abstract: An improved extension shield for a manhole is disclosed. The shield seals around an open manhole frame protecting the instruments and men working inside from rain, snow, surface water and other elements. The shield is adapted to be installed in four differently sized openings and is constructed to preferably seal inside the lip of the manhole frame rather than on top of the lip. The shield is made of a durable molded plastic material and is stackable to create higher shields or for storage.

Abstract: A frame device (12) for securely holding and hanging banners (14) and the like from buildings and surfaces. The frame has a base portion (16) which is attached to the building or surface and a spring loaded rotating cover portion (18) which covers a channel (52) in the base. A plurality of inner slidingly adjustable hook members (60) and a pair of outer clip lock members (80) positioned in the channel hold the banner in place. The banner has a plurality of mating holes or apertures (74) along one edge and hangs from the hook and lock members in the frame device. Once the banner is positioned on the hooks, the cover portion is closed securely retaining the banner in place.

Abstract: A construction or emergency sign with a changeable message on its front surface. The sign has a diamond shape or a square shape and one or more flaps are secured along the central diagonal of the sign. The flaps are adapted to be releasably fastened to either of two opposite corners of the sign and have messages on both sides. When the flaps are secured in one corner, a first message is presented and when the flaps are secured in the other corner, a second message is presented. A pair of cross-braces hold the sign in a taut planar configuration. The sign is also adapted to be collapsed into a small, compact package for transport and storage. One embodiment of the sign has two or more flaps thus allowing three or more different messages to be presented. Another embodiment has an additional cross-brace allowing the sign to be used to present either diamond or square-shaped messages.

Abstract: An improved poster frame and display holder for replaceable posters and similar advertising material is disclosed. The sides of the frame include sets of interconnected, and preferably pivotably engaged, extruded metal, molded plastic, or other front and back frame members. A spring member biases the front and back members together for releasably holding a poster or similar display. Interlocking portions of, or attachments to, the front or back members substantially prevent relative longitudinal movement therebetween, while still allowing relative pivotal movement therebetween.

Abstract: An improved poster frame and display holder for replaceable posters and similar advertising material is disclosed. The sides of the frame include sets of pivotably engaged extruded metal, molded plastic, or other front and back frame members. Improved leaf-type springs bias together the front and back members of each side of the frame for releasably holding a poster or similar display. Interlocking portions of the front and back members substantially prevent relative longitudinal movement therebetween.