Abstract: A picture frame for providing three dimensional visual effects to pictures. The picture frame includes a base stand including a base portion and upright end portions having ends which are disposed parallel to the base portion. A box member has side walls, a back wall, a front wall having an opening therethrough. The box member is pivotally mounted to the base stand. Mirrors are mounted upon the side, bottom and top walls in the box member. A light-emitting assembly is attached to the box member for illuminating inside the box member. A window securely disposed in the opening in the front wall. A picture stand which includes a base member having slots therein and which is securely mounted upon the bottom wall of the box member. A picture which is removably supported in the slots in the base member and faces the window and is visible through the window.

Abstract: A device for suspending posters comprises a poster web that can be driven back and forth between two rolls with longitudinal tensioning in the direction of transport. The rolls are arranged one on top of the other. Each of the lateral longitudinal edges of the web extend in the transport direction. To avoid annoying fluttering of the poster web in wind and weather, a holding device is associated as a lateral guide for the web between the rolls.

Abstract: A readerboard signage system which allows signage characters to be easily changed within a pair of parallel extending tracks. In the illustrative embodiments, the system includes an optically transparent character protective viewing panel that is placed over the sequence of characters held in place within the pair of parallel extending tracks. The panel includes a lip portion which cooperates with the lower character holding track, to prevent rain, ice, and snow from entering the tracks, while the viewing panel itself protects the underlying characters from such natural elements and vandalism, without detracting from the utility and aesthetic appearance of the system.

Abstract: A modular bulkhead display system containing a first end panel, a first intermediate panel, and a second end panel, each of which is an aluminum extrusion. Within the aluminum extrusion there is a first external channel, a second external channel, and a center channel. A decor panel is removably disposed within said external channel, and another decor panel may be disposed within the second external channel. End caps are removably connected to the assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a continuous animated display of one or more images within a single display frame space utilizing sequenced illumination patterns or arrays of groups of optical fibers for illuminating each of a plurality of sub-frame images in a pre-programmed, timed sequence to achieve one or more animation techniques imparting continuous animated motion to the one or more images for producing the desired animated motion on a planar surface.

Abstract: An image display and viewer assembly for providing a slide viewer incorporated into a displayed image. The image display and viewer assembly includes a main structure for holding and displaying an image. A slide viewer assembly is incorporated into the image to permit viewing of a backlit slide when one looks through the slide viewer assembly.

Abstract: A repositional and reusable automobile advertising banner, for attachment at the top exterior surface of the automobile windshield. The banner contains disclosure information to facilitate the sale of the car, including areas for entry of additional and varying information. When installed, the banner allows an unencumbered view of the entire width of the windshield, allowing the car to be test-driven without removal of the banner. Methods for use of the banner are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lottery card reader is disclosed. The lottery card reader comprises (A) a clip that can be releaseably attached to any position along an edge of a lottery card and (B) a transparent flap attached to the clip that extends over at least one game on a lottery card when the clip is attached to a lottery card. Also disclosed is a method of checking a lottery card for winning numbers using the lottery card reader. Further disclosed is an assembly of the lottery card reader and a lottery card, a writing instrument, and/or an envelope into which lottery cards can be placed.

Abstract: A printed article including text and/or depictive elements includes an insert that is supported by an elastic thread that is substantially invisible to human vision. This provides the appearance that the insert is suspended or floating when pages of the printed article are opened.

Abstract: A safety sign is provided which includes a collapsible tripod base that removably supports a hollow tube therein. The hollow tube stores a foldable fabric sign therein which includes pockets at the upper, left and right corners thereof and defines a mast for the sign. The sign is supported on the base by a vertical support rod and includes a horizontal cross member. The horizontal cross member is twistable independently of the base and mast wherein this free-floating arrangement facilitates assembly of the sign while also permitting the sign to twist during windy conditions and allow the wind to spill around the sign in order to prevent the sign from toppling over.

Abstract: A reading machine is provided comprising a carriage for temporarily receiving and retaining a publication such as a book, magazine or printed sheet, which carriage is slidably inserted into tracks supported by the main body of the reading machine so as to allow horizontal movement of the carriage relative to the main body of the reading machine. A continuous belt is supported by roller bearings disposed about the main body of the reading machine such that the belt covers the carriage when the carriage is attached to the reading machine. The belt includes a horizontal member having an opening therein, which opening extends through the belt itself and being of substantially the same size of a line of text such that the opening and belt may be used to isolate individual lines of text. The machine includes a control device for manually or automatically controlling the vertical displacement of the belt and the horizontal member by an electric motor or by a knob or handle.

Abstract: Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), associated devices and methods of use, and more specifically, exit signs, traffic signals, informational and other signage and lighting devices utilizing CCFL-type devices are provided with novel connectors, mounting brackets, housings, associated electronics and other accessories to provide new and unique lighting devices and methods of using them, all of which offer significant savings in cost, operating expense, power consumption and retrofit convenience.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly is provided having a simulated fuel bed, a light source, and a screen having a partially reflective front surface disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for reflecting an image of the simulated fuel bed and for transmitting light from the light source through the partially reflective front surface so that an image of flames is transmitted through the partially reflective front surface. The flame simulating assembly also includes a static reflector disposed in front of the simulated fuel bed and having an inner surface disposed opposite an outer surface. The inner surface is disposed adjacent to the simulated fuel bed and has a static reflective surface thereon. The static reflective surface is positioned for reflecting light from the light source onto the simulated fuel bed to simulate burning embers.

Abstract: A beverage bauble comprising: (a) a glassware engaging member associable with a piece of beverage glassware, wherein the glassware engaging member comprises: (1) a primary aperture, wherein the primary aperture is releasably securable around a portion of the piece of beverage glassware; and (2) at least one structural configuration which releasably secures the glassware engaging member to the piece of beverage glassware; and (b) a primary identifier, wherein the primary identifier includes a connector which secures the primary identifier to the glassware engaging member.

Abstract: A mailer for transmission from a sender to a recipient includes a front sheet having a perimeter and inner and outer opposed faces. The outer face of the front sheet is adapter to receive the address of the recipient. The front sheet is disposed in a first plane. The mailer includes a back sheet having a perimeter and inner and outer opposed faces. The back sheet is disposed in a second plane, which is spaced apart from and parallel to the first plane. A graphic display is disposed between the front sheet and the back sheet and adjacent to the inner face of the front sheet and adjacent to the inner face of the back sheet. The graphic display is disposed in a third plane parallel to the first and second planes. The graphic display includes projections extending within the third plane and outside the perimeter of the front sheet and outside the perimeter of the back sheet. The graphic display includes a plurality of irregularly shaped interlocking components.

Abstract: By providing any desired stationery product with a movable or removable panel member which cooperates with the surface or body of the stationery product, a unique indicia retaining and displaying system is realized. Preferably, the panel member is movably or removably mounted to the stationery product for ease of insertion of an indicia bearing member and secure retention thereof when the panel member is returned to its original position. In addition, the panel member preferably comprises a transparent zone, in order to enable the indicia bearing member to be easily viewed.

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.

Abstract: Picture frame member comprising a first support flange for an edge portion of a picture and a second flange which encloses a dihedral angle with the first flange to laterally hold the edge portion, the second flange being pivotally connected—adjacent its end turned away from the first flange—a press strip which is movable from an inoperative position outside the dihedral angle towards an operative position within the dihedral angle. The second flange is in the form of a rectangular box, where the outer upstanding wall is extended—in a direction turned away from the first flange—by a flange portion that has its free longitudinal edge connected to the press strip. The press strip is provided with a snap engagement that engages—in the operative press position of the press strip—a complementary snap engagement on the inner side of the flange portion.

Abstract: A bidirectional album for the storage of photographs and the like in which typically rectangular photographs may be retained in either a latitudinal or longitudinal vertical orientation. Each page of an album leaf is partially covered by a transparent sheet attached along several of its edges to a leaf page. Additional lines of attachment between the transparent sheet and leaf page are disposed and oriented so as to permit horizontal storage of photos and the like between the attachment lines. Photos and the like can also be stored in a vertical orientation under the sheet adjacent the storage lines.

Abstract: A decorative and durable vehicle license plate cover is a flat, rigid, relatively thick, mar-resistant plate of optically transparent stable plastic, such as acrylic plastic. The plate has a solid body, with a front surface, a rear surface and sides interconnecting the front and rear surfaces. At least one and preferably all of the sides slope at about 30-60 degrees forwardly from the larger area rear surface to the smaller area front surface. The sloped sides are smooth and light reflective to enhance the appearance of the cover. Spaced holes are drilled or otherwise formed in the perimeter of the front surface and extend to the rear surface for attaching the cover to a vehicle license plate. The plate includes at least one of laser etching or engraving and printed indicia. The laser etching is disposed on the front and/or rear surface and/or interior of the plate.