Patents by Inventor David U. Hillstrom

David U. Hillstrom has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8104205
    Abstract: A portable sign stand with wheels or rollers, an adjustable weighted base member, and a sign display member. 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. The upper and lower surface members of the otherwise hollow base member are joined together at one or more locations where the sign display member is connected to the base member. The base member can be made by blow molding techniques. One or more wheels are provided on the base member in order to allow the sign stand to be rolled and easily moved to different positions. One or more resilient members can be used to connect the sign display member to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20110197482
    Abstract: A portable sign stand with wheels or rollers, an adjustable weighted base member, and a sign display member. 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. The upper and lower surface members of the otherwise hollow base member are joined together at one or more locations where the sign display member is connected to the base member. The base member can be made by blow molding techniques. One or more wheels are provided on the base member in order to allow the sign stand to be rolled and easily moved to different positions. One or more resilient members can be used to connect the sign display member to the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 7996980
    Abstract: A portable sign stand with wheels or rollers, an adjustable weighted base member, and a sign display member. 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. The upper and lower wall members of the otherwise hollow base member are joined together at one or more locations where the sign display member is connected to the base member. The base member can be made by blow molding techniques. 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. Axle members secure the wheels to the base member. One or more resilient members can be used to connect the sign display member to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 7941951
    Abstract: A portable sign stand with wheels or rollers, an adjustable weighted base member, and a sign display member. 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. The upper and lower wall members of the otherwise hollow base member are joined together at one or more locations where the sign display member is connected to the base member. The base member can be made by blow molding techniques. 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. Axle members secure the wheels to the base member. One or more resilient members can be used to connect the sign display member to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 7698843
    Abstract: A flexible mounting system for supporting a sign from a rigid structure for minimizing damage that might result from an impact force on the sign is disclosed. The flexible mounting system includes a flexible sign mount having a support bracket secured to a sign and a stationary bracket releasably securable to a rigid structure such a bollard. A flex element can be interposed between the support bracket and the stationary bracket to permit the sign to translate and rotate relative to the rigid support when the sign is subjected to an impact load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Alan J. Adilman, Thomas E. Pilarczyk
  • Publication number: 20090320341
    Abstract: A portable sign stand with wheels or rollers, an adjustable weighted base member, and a sign display member. 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. The upper and lower wall members of the otherwise hollow base member are joined together at one or more locations where the sign display member is connected to the base member. The base member can be made by blow molding techniques. 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. Axle members secure the wheels to the base member. One or more resilient members can be used to connect the sign display member to the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20090320266
    Abstract: A portable sign stand with wheels or rollers, an adjustable weighted base member, and a sign display member. 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. The upper and lower wall members of the otherwise hollow base member are joined together at one or more locations where the sign display member is connected to the base member. The base member can be made by blow molding techniques. 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. Axle members secure the wheels to the base member. One or more resilient members can be used to connect the sign display member to the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20090230266
    Abstract: A bracket for attaching an advertising unit to a support structure includes a metal plate having multiple cavities. A first bite member extends into a first cavity and is oriented to engage the support structure in a first bracket orientation when the support structure is received in the first cavity. A second bite member extends into a second cavity and is oriented parallel to the first bite member. The second bite member engages the support structure in the first bracket orientation when the support structure is also received in the second cavity. A third bite member extends into a third cavity and is oriented to engage the support structure in a second bracket orientation. A fourth bite member extends into the third cavity and is oriented parallel to and oppositely facing the third bite member. The third and fourth bite members engage the support structure in the second bracket orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Thomas Pilarczyk
  • Patent number: 7584563
    Abstract: A portable sign stand with wheels or rollers, an adjustable weighted base member, and a sign display member. 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. The upper and lower wall members of the otherwise hollow base member are joined together at one or more locations where the sign display member is connected to the base member. The base member can be made by blow molding techniques. 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. Axle members secure the wheels to the base member. One or more resilient members can be used to connect the sign display member to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20090084919
    Abstract: A mount for attaching a sign to a support structure includes a brace having a web and transversely extending first and second flanges each having a plurality of apertures, individual ones of the apertures of both the first and second flanges being coaxially aligned. A bracket includes a bracket web and transversely extending first and second bracket flanges. The first and second bracket flanges are slidably received between the first and second brace flanges. The first and second bracket flanges have elongated apertures with individual ones of the elongated apertures of both the first and second bracket flanges being coaxially aligned. A releasable mounting configuration includes a fastener inserted through individual ones of the elongated apertures which are coaxially aligned with individual apertures of both the first and second flanges. A flexible strap connected to the bracket fixedly connects the mount to a bollard post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Thomas Pilarczyk
  • Patent number: 7458554
    Abstract: A portable sign assembly is provided and includes a sign assembly that is selectively interconnected with a base assembly. The sign assembly includes a vertical brace extending therefrom that is in sliding engagement with an upright of the base assembly. A sign release mechanism is further provided and is disposed on the upright for releasably securing the sign and base assemblies. The release mechanism includes a lock-pin that is slidably disposed through the upright and is biased in a first position by a spring member disposed within the upright. The lock-pin selectively engages the vertical brace for prohibiting sliding motion between the vertical brace and the upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Yevgeniy M Levin, David U Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20080236005
    Abstract: An illuminated display device includes a cabinet containing at least one illumination lamp and at least first and second sides. Each of the sides includes a first door rotatably connected to the cabinet, and a second door rotatably connected to the cabinet and sharing a common rotation axis with the first door. The second door is positioned between the first door and the illumination lamp when both the first and second doors are oriented in a door closed position. A door frame of the second door has opposed frame members each including incrementally spaced slots positioned as opposed pairs of slots. The slots releasably receive divider members, proximate ones of the divider members being adapted to releasably retain a sign insert. The sign insert is illuminated by the lamp and is visible through the first door in the door closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Igor Isayev, David U. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20070214693
    Abstract: A flexible mounting system for supporting a sign from a rigid structure for minimizing damage that might result from an impact force on the sign is disclosed. The flexible mounting system includes a flexible sign mount having a support bracket secured to a sign and a stationary bracket releasably securable to a rigid structure such a bollard. A flex element can be interposed between the support bracket and the stationary bracket to permit the sign to translate and rotate relative to the rigid support when the sign is subjected to an impact load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Alan J. Adilman, Thomas E. Pilarczyk
  • Patent number: 7174663
    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 is 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: David U. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 6843011
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: David U. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 6755381
    Abstract: A portable sign assembly having a base assembly which includes a leg member pivotally interconnected with a base plate of the base assembly. A leg release mechanism is further provided for selectively locking a respective leg from pivoting relative to a respective base plate. The release mechanism includes a lock-pin that is slidably disposed through the leg and is biased in a first position by a biasing member disposed within the leg. The lock-pin selectively engages apertures of the base plate for prohibiting pivotal motion between the leg and the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Yevgeniy M. Levin, David U. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20040045200
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: David U. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 6631576
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: David U. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 6606809
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 6560906
    Abstract: A portable signpost assembly having a portable base structure and a frangible support post coupled to the portable base structure. The frangible support post includes a plurality of corners, wherein at least one of the corners, when viewed in cross section, includes a notch formed therein that promotes localized fracturing of the frangible support post upon contact from a motor vehicle. This enables the frangible support post to be broken away from the portable base structure upon impact from an errant vehicle to permit the sign and support post to travel over the vehicle without entering the passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: David U. Hillstrom