Abstract: A convertible sign mechanism is provided which comprises a convertible sign member that is rotatable about an axis. The convertible sign member is capable of rotating at a variable velocity. A motor is operatively connected to a drive shaft, which is connected to a cam follower. The cam follower is slidably connected to a member receiving the cam follower, with the receiving member being connected to an output gear. The output gear is connected to a drive gear, which together provide a reduction ratio of at least 2:1.

Abstract: There is disclosed a light diffusing device that includes a transparent base layer with a diffuser layer over it. The diffuser layer is formed of multiple light diffusing elements. These elements are preferably diamond-like in shape and are substantially in alignment. The diffusing elements, arranged in this manner serve to uniformly diffuse light, typically as emitted from fluorescent tubes, to which the device or devices is/are typically attached, such that areas of greater intensity, known as “hot spots” and areas of lesser intensity, known as “shadows” are eliminated, and viewers have difficulty determining the direction of the fluorescent tubes. The device can be flat, and when combined with adhesive forms a tape, that may include a backing member, inert to the adhesive, for storage. Tubular devices are also permissible.

Abstract: There is disclosed a socket adapter for a receiving a socket, the socket designed to receive fluorescent tubes. The socket adapter is of a configuration that can receive a portion of the socket in a manner such that the distance between center of the socket, as taken from a second socket portion where the fluorescent tube attaches to the edge of housing, where the socket is mounted to a surface, is minimized. This socket adapter structure contributes to reducing the distance between the rear wall of the cabinet and the center of the socket (or center of the bulb, e.g., fluorescent tube, when the bulb is electrically connected in the socket), when compared to the prior art "tombstone" sockets, assisting in and allowing for the creation of "low profile " signs.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl acetate-based composition which can be applied to a cured rubber surface, such as the white sidewall of a tire, to provide a protective coating against staining and scuffing. Preferably, the aqueous composition includes a polysiloxane agent for increasing the scuff resistance and high humidity resistance.

Abstract: A removable masking tape suitable for protecting a surface on a substrate that has irregular curvatures and contours, the masking tape containing a polymeric tape that is flexible and deformable to conforming to the contour, or curvature of the surface. After the masking tape has been applied to the surface of the substrate, the masking tape is capable of maintaining the contour and the curvature in the position it is applied over time without departure.

Abstract: A variable speed drive mechanism (4) is disclosed for use in conjunction with multi-sided prismatic convertible sign elements (22). A drive gear (32) driven at constant speed causes a mounting gear (23) to rotate at an angular velocity both slower than the angular velocity of the drive gear (32) and at a varying angular velocity. An idler gear (38) guides a flexible tension supporting element (31) as it travels between an equalizer gear (35) and the drive gear (32). A series of the drive trains (21) may be mounted adjacent to each other so as to permit a plurality of prismatic sign elements (22, 47, 48) to create a convertible sign.

Abstract: Recoverable, peelable masking films prepared from an aqueous emulsion of polyvinyl acetate resins are disclosed. The aqueous composition is an admixture about 70 to 80 wt-% an aqueous vehicle; about 20 to 30 wt-% of a polyvinyl acetate film-forming resin; about 0.1 to 5 wt-% of a plasticizer; about 0.1 to 5 wt-% of a water soluble polysaccharide gum; less than about 1 wt-% of an emulsifiable thickening agent; about 0.01 to 1 wt-% of a release agent to render a film formed from the aqueous composition peelable from a substrate; and about 0.1 to 1 wt-% of a defoaming agent. The composition can then be dried to form a peelable film consisting essentially of a single layer comprising about 70 to 99 wt-% of polyvinyl acetate resin; about 0.1 to 15 wt-% a water soluble polysaccharide gum; about 0.1 to 15 wt-% of a emulsifiable thickening agent; and about 0.01 to 5 wt-% of a release agent to render a film formed from an aqueous composition peelable from a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible sign assembly that includes a frame having a front edge which defines a sign area. A flexible sign material, having a front side and a back side, has a sign body that approximately spans the sign area, and a sign periphery that is releasably secured to the frame. The sign periphery is wrapped around the perimeter of a retaining member with the front side of the flexible sign material contacting the retaining member. An L-shaped extension of a tensioning member is configured to engage a U-shaped channel on the retaining member, thereby capturing a part of the sign periphery therebetween. The tensioning member has a catch that mates with each of a series of ridges on the frame, which ridges are substantially parallel to the front edge of the frame.