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 ratcheted clip member slidably connected to the base member. The clip member is conveniently ratcheted to tension the sheet material, or disengaged to release or relax the sheet material, using a screwdriver or other common lever-type tool, thus greatly facilitating the ease and speed of erection, anchoring, tensioning and removal of the sheet material.

Abstract: A cladding apparatus is adapted for substantially enclosing or covering at least a portion of a building component and includes at least a pair of spaced-apart elongated frame members extending generally along the structure. A number of cross members extend laterally between, and form an interconnection for, adjacent pairs of the corner frame members and are longitudinally spaced apart from one another. At least one cladding panel member is snapped onto the frame members to cover and laterally interconnect the frame members, extending longitudinally therealong in a spaced relationship with the building structure. The finished installation is accomplished with few or no visible fasteners and results in a neat and attractive appearance for new construction or for renovation work. The apparatus also preferably includes features for disposing the cladding system in various preselected offset relationships with the structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for displaying a sign, including a sign frame and one or more lights disposed on the frame, with each light including one or more electrical conductors for conducting electric current thereto from an electric power source. The display assembly includes an electrical conductor associated with the frame and connectable to the electric power source, a light socket interconnectable with the frame and having a socket opening for receiving the light inserted therein, a connector interconnectable with the light socket and having at least one electrical conductor disposed for electrical contact with the electrical conductor on the light when the light is inserted into the light socket and the light socket is interconnected with the conductor. The electrical conductor on the connector is interconnectable in electrical contact with the electrical conductor on the frame in order to establish electrical communication between the light and the electric power source.

Abstract: A preferred sign frame and poster display device holds a sign or poster securely on all edges and allows for expansion and contraction of the sign. The sign frame and poster display device preferably includes a plurality of elongated frame sections, each having a base member and a hinged cover member. At least one slide member is mounted inside the base member for slidable movement generally in a plane parallel to the sign and poster surface. Each of the slide members includes a post member adapted to be received within a corresponding aperture near the perimeter of the poster or sign panel. Preferably, a retainer member is pivotally interconnected with a portion of the slide member for movement into and out of interlocking engagement with the peg or post after the poster or sign panel has been installed thereon in order to reinforce the peg or post and to securely retain the poster or sign panel in place during installation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lightweight sign-support assembly for displaying and supporting a sign in a preselected display position. The sign-supporting assembly is especially adapted for ground-access removal, installation, or changing of signs or messages in elevated pole banner-type signs. The sign supporting assembly includes a track secured to a pole, a support assembly slidably secured in the track, and a locking mechanism for positioning and releasably securing the support assembly along the track.

Abstract: A sign stand assembly is disclosed for supporting a sign in a generally upright orientation relative to a base portion of the stand assembly. The assembly includes a resilient biasing apparatus for allowing the sign to pivotally deflect in the face of winds or other forces in order to avoid tipping over the sign and sign stand assembly. The resilient biasing apparatus includes an elastomeric member that is preferably preloaded and that is torsionally deflectable during service in order to provide for such sign deflection. Such preloading greatly contributes to the durability and long service life of the resilient biasing apparatus.

Abstract: The simulated pipeline construction gives the outward appearance of an actual plumbing pipeline but without the weight or expense. The pipeline is constructed using a pair of parallel mounting rails which hold one or more outwardly bowed flexible plastic panels. One-piece plastic corner members are used to simulate a pipeline extending around a corner of a building, and one-piece plastic end caps are used to simulate an actual plumbing end cap. The corner members and end caps are also inserted into the channels of the mounting rails.

Abstract: An improved warning sign and sign stand assembly is disclosed and includes apparatus for attaching and retaining the sign to a stand member of the assembly. The various embodiments of the assembly also include various mechanisms for permitting the sign panel to pivot or swing under side-directed loads in order to allow a resilient portion of the stand base to deflect generally along a predetermined plane, thereby substantially preventing the sign and stand assembly from tipping over. The various embodiments are applicable in sign and sign stand assemblies equipped with provisions for selectively collapsing the entire assemblies into compact and conveniently stored configurations, as well as being applicable in assemblies not so equipped.

Abstract: An adjustable, universal mounting bracket and system for securing signs and poster display devices to the top of gasoline pump fixtures without the need to drill holes or use adhesives. The mounting bracket may be readily assembled from selected components of a kit to fit many, if not all, popular makes and models of gas pumps. For economical merchandising, one kit fits all and the components of the kit are compactly stored and shipped disassembled. Unused components are thrown away.

Abstract: A roll-up type portable roadside sign of the type normally used with a resilient stand member. A novel warning flag mounting system is disclosed for such sign wherein the warning flags are retained in association with the sign such that they are collapsible with the roll-up sign cross members and remain attached thereto. Such mounting is achieved by pivotably attaching the warning flag poles to the substantially vertical cross member of the sign. A rotatable support bracket is also attached to the cross member and includes a pair of spaced curled ends which receive the warning flag poles such that they extend substantially upward and are disengageable therefrom in order to permit collapsing of the sign assembly. The support bracket is rotatable such that it assumes a position substantially collinear with the remainder of the sign components, enabling the entire assembly to be quickly and conveniently stored.

Abstract: An improved compact warning sign and stand are disclosed which include apparatus for attaching and retaining the sign to an upstanding frame member of the stand. The preferred attachment apparatus includes a pair of channels on each of opposite sides of the frame member into which a vertical cross-brace on the sign may be inserted. The preferred frame member also includes means for permitting the sign panel to laterally pivot or swing under side-wind loads in order to allow a resilient portion of the frame base to deflect generally along a predetermined plane, thereby substantially preventing the sign and stand assembly from tipping over.

Abstract: An adjustable, universal mounting bracket and system for securing signs and poster display devices to the top of gasoline pump fixtures without the need to drill holes or use adhesives. The mounting bracket may be readily assembled from selected components of a kit to fit many, if not all, popular makes and models of gas pumps. For economical merchandising, one kit fits all and the components of the kit are compactly stored and shipped disassembled. Unused components are thrown away.

Abstract: An improved sign and sign stand assembly is disclosed wherein the sign panel is mounted on a frame member of the stand. The frame member permits the sign assembly to laterally pivot or swing under side-wind loads in order to allow a resilient portion of the frame member to deflect generally along a predetermined plane, thereby substantially preventing the sign assembly and stand assembly from tipping over. The sign assembly further includes an improved attachment mechanism for releasably attaching the sign panel to its associated support members or cross-braces. One or more straps are attached to the sign panel and wrapped around a cross-member. Such improved attachment mechanism is especially advantageous in connection with flexible sign panels.

Abstract: A frame device for holding and displaying sign panels. The panels are held in tension along the edges by spring-biased slide means. The slide means along each side are all moved to prespecified positions for changing the sign panels when the covers of the frame device sections are opened. Similarly, all of the slide means are placed in tension simultaneously along each side when the covers are closed. Large sign panels are held in place without adverse buckling and tearing and the mounting and removal of them is faster, more convenient and more practical.

Abstract: An improved sign and sign stand assembly is disclosed wherein the sign stand includes means for mounting the sign on a frame member of the stand. The frame membr includes means for permitting the sign to laterally pivot or swing under side-wind loads in order to allow a resilient portion of the frame member to deflect generally along a predetermined plane, thereby substantially preventing the sign and stand assembly from tipping over. Means are also provided for displaying warning flags or other warning devices on said sign and stand assembly without restricting or impeding such laterally pivoting or swinging of the sign.

Abstract: An improved sign and sign stand assembly is disclosed wherein the sign stand includes means for mounting the sign on a frame member of the stand. The frame member includes means for permitting the sign to laterally pivot or swing under side-wind loads in order to allow a resilient portion of the frame member to deflect generally along a predetermined plane, thereby substantially preventing the sign and stand assembly from tipping over. Means are also provided for displaying warning flags or other warning devices on said sign and stand assembly without restricting or impeding such laterally pivoting or swinging of the sign.

Abstract: An improved sign and sign stand assembly is disclosed wherein the sign stand includes means for mounting the sign on a frame member of the stand. The frame member includes means for permitting the sign to laterally pivot or swing under side-wind loads in order to allow a resilient portion of the frame member to deflect generally along a predetermined plane, thereby substantially preventing the sign and stand assembly from tipping over.

Abstract: An improved compact warning sign and stand are disclosed which include apparatus for attaching and retaining the sign to an upstanding frame member of the stand. The preferred attachment apparatus includes a pair of channels on each of opposite sides of the frame member into which a vertical cross-brace on the sign may be inserted. The preferred frame member also includes means for permitting the sign panel to laterally pivot or swing under side-wind loads in order to allow a resilient portion of the frame base to deflect generally along a predetermined plane, thereby substantially preventing the sign and stand assembly from tipping over.

Abstract: An improved sign bracket is disclosed, which includes apparatus for mounting the bracket on a sign stand and mechanism for attaching and retaining the sign to the bracket. The preferred attachment mechanism includes at least one channel member and a resiliently pivotal latching member that cooperate to partially circumscribe a cross-brace on the sign. The pivotal latching member also preferably permits the sign to laterally pivot under side-wind loads so that a resilient portion of the sign stand deflects generally along a predetermined plane to substantially prevent the sign and stand assembly from tipping over.

Abstract: A preferred lightweight, portable sign and stand apparatus generally includes a plurality of ground-engaging legs secured to a longitudinally-extending elongated base assembly. The base assembly of the preferred apparatus includes clamping members for clampingly anchoring a thin, flat sign panel protruding generally upwardly therefrom. The sheet material of which the sign panel is composed is sufficiently rigid that the sign panel is self-supporting in its protruding relationship with the base assembly. The sign panel is sufficiently flexible and resilient, however, to bendably deflect in a generally lateral direction, without yielding, in response to transverse loads exerted thereon, thereby substantially preventing the sign and stand apparatus from tipping over. The sign and stand apparatus also preferably has a resultant or combined center of gravity that remains inboard of the engagement of the legs with the ground in order to further resist any tendency to tip over in high winds.