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.

Abstract: A system for covering or cladding poles and columns. A pair of vertically-oriented frame members are attached to a supporting bracket mechanism on the column or pole. Semi-circular panel members are positioned around the pole or column and secured at their edges to the frame members. Top cap members are provided adjacent canopy or ceiling structures to allow for thermal expansion and contraction. The panel and cap members are shipped and packaged in flat condition and bent into their final semi-circular shapes at the installation site. Retainer clip members are attached to the edges of the panel members in order to hold them securely in place in the frame members. In alternate embodiments, trim cap members can be provided to cover the frame members, and a universal supporting bracket system can be utilized to attach the cladding system to various poles or columns.

Abstract: A non-sliding spring mechanism for picture and poster frames. A flat metal spring biasing member having a pair of opposed sawtooth or irregular edges is positioned between a rotating cover member and a stationary base member in each section of the frame device. The projections on the irregular edges of the spring members are preferably pointed and embed in the metal channels of the cover and base members and dig grooves therein, preventing the cover member and base member from sliding longitudinally relative to one another. Various configurations of toothed and pointed members can be utilized on the opposed irregular edges of the spring biasing member. Preferably, the irregular edges have one or more flat areas in order to prevent the spring members from embedding too deeply in the channels in the cover and base members.

Abstract: A system for covering or cladding poles and columns. A pair of vertically-oriented frame members are attached to a supporting bracket mechanism on the column or pole. Semi-circular panel members are positioned around the pole or column and secured at their edges to the frame members. 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 are attached to the edges of the panel members in order to hold them securely in place in the frame members. In alternate embodiments, trim cap members can be provided to cover the frame members, and a universal supporting bracket system can be utilized to attach the cladding system to various poles or columns.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members can be adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. Releasable securing members are provided on the frame structure to secure the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.

Abstract: A portable sign stand with rollers and an adjustable weighted base. 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. 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. The axle member for the wheels is held in place on the base member by a bracket member which also helps secure the sign member to the base member. A pair of springs of the like can be used to connect the sign member to the base in order to provide a better wind-resistant sign stand.

Abstract: A portable sign stand with rollers and an adjustable weighted base. 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. 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. The axle member for the wheels is held in place on the base member by a bracket member which also helps secure the sign member to the base member. A pair of springs, resilient members, or the like can be used to connect the sign member to the base in order to provide a better wind-resistant sign stand.

Abstract: A collapsible sign member is attached to a collapsible base member and the two members can be disassembled and folded-up into a compact package for storage and transport. Horizontal cross-brace members for the sign member are connected to a central bracket member which is releasably attached to a vertical upright member in the base member. Another cross-brace member is slidably received in the vertical upright member. A sign panel is connected to the ends of horizontal and vertical cross-brace members and the vertical upright member in order to be fully displayed for viewing by passing motorists and pedestrians. A foldable flag mechanism is used to display a set of warning flags. The flag mechanism is pivotally attached to the vertical cross-brace member. The combination sign and sign stand assembly can be quickly and readily assembled to its display condition and, correspondingly, disassembled and folded-up to its storage and transport condition.

Abstract: A poster display device for holding and displaying posters and advertising materials, particular in outdoor environments. A plurality of frame sections are positioned around the periphery of a backing member. The frame sections have rotating cover members which are biased by resilient members to be held in open and closed positions. A transparent protective sheet member is used to cover and protect the poster and advertising materials, and a sealing member is utilized to seal around the edges of the protective sheet member and prevent moisture and other environmental elements from coming into contact with the advertising materials and posters. The sealing members are positioned in slots, recesses, or channels in the frame sections and the force of the resilient members on the cover members holds the protective sheet materials tightly in place against the sealing members.

Abstract: A rear illuminated light box device for mounting on a surface is disclosed. The device has a support structure comprising support brackets, top and bottom edge frame members, and corner members which hold in place a front translucent sheet material or panel member. The front member can be flexible and stretched in place, or rigid panels. Metal halide lights are used to illuminate the front member. A flat or curved light dispersion member is positioned between the lights and the translucent material to uniformly distribute and disperse the light on the front member. Access members in the apparatus allow convenient changes of the lights.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by a pair of collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members is adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. A plurality of clamping members are provided on the frame structure to lock the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.

Abstract: A corner member for a front-loading poster or picture frame is disclosed. The corner members are assembled between adjacent frame sections which have rotating cover members hingedly attached to base members. One or more raised protrusions or ridges are provided on the surfaces of the corner members adjacent the frame sections in order to provide improved manufacturing, assembly and operation of the frame. The raised ridges keep the cover members centered between the corner members and eliminate binding during opening and closing of the frame sections.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members can be adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. Releasable securing members are provided on the frame structure to secure the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.

Abstract: Adapter bracket mechanisms for securing various roll-up signs to a sign stand. The bracket mechanisms are positioned vertically upright from the base of a sign stand. The adapter bracket mechanisms hold the lower end of the vertical cross brace of the roll-up sign. The mechanisms include a U-shaped channel and either a slide bar or pivoting lever arm member for enclosing the cross brace within the channel. A threaded turn-lock member securely holds the sign in the adapter bracket mechanism. If desired, a protector member can be used to help hold the vertical cross brace in the bracket mechanism and protect the cross brace from possible damage. Another embodiment utilizes a threaded knob to wedge the vertical cross brace in the channel.

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: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by a pair of collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members is adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. A plurality of clamping members are provided on the frame structure to lock the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.

Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing. A plurality of displays 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. An air gap is provided between the door member and the housing in order to allow air circulation inside the door panel and prevent condensation and fogging. A second area 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.

Abstract: A rigid sign member with a changeable protective plastic overlay is disclosed. The overlay member can contain a wide variety of various messages and display indicia thus allowing the rigid sign backing member to be used for numerous different situations. Holder members on the rigid sign member hold the overlay member in place. One of the holder members can be removable for removal and placement of the overlay member. Preferably, the front surface of the rigid sign member has a reflective surface and the overlay member is made from a clear or transparent material.

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.