Abstract: An arm locking system for a vertical banner supporting column having horizontally disposed arms. The tubular column internally receives a nut having resilient fingers permitting unilateral installation of the nut adjacent an arm extending through holes formed in the column. A screw within the nut bears upon the arm forcing the arm against the edges of the associated column holes frictionally positioning the arm and column. A single nut and screw may be used to position a plurality of arms upon the arms being so related that the screw causes engagement of the arms portion's within the column to engage in a frictional relationship forcing the arms into contact with their associated hole edges.

Abstract: A display stand for flags or banners adapted to be supported by the weight of a vehicle. The stand comprises a tubular piece of metal having a U-shaped configuration at one end including an arcuate portion and a pair of spaced legs extending in a common direction therefrom which form a base for receiving a vehicle's tire rolled thereupon to stabilize the stand. One of the legs extends beyond the length of the other leg away from the associated vehicle and includes an outer end deflected upwardly from the base having an inner diameter adapted to releasably receive one end of a flag pole to which the flag or banner to be displayed is attached.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a banner consisting of an elongated flexible strip upon which indicia is located wherein the indicia is formed by computer-controlled apparatus. A masking material is directly laminated to the banner face and, preferably, the lateral edge regions of the banner are provided with drive and orientation holes cooperating with drive structure of a computer-controlled cutting machine through which the laminated banner and mask are fed. The computer-controlled cutter slits only the masking material to define the desired indicia and the unwanted portions of the masking material are then peeled from the banner face. The remaining masking material may form the indicia itself, but in the preferred embodiment, the exposed banner face is coated, as with paint, and after drying, the remaining masking material is removed from the banner face to produce a long-lasting banner having painted indicia defined thereon.

Abstract: A trailer for supporting aerial apparatus having a boxlike frame defining a receptacle for receiving counterweight material such as cement or steel shot. Reinforcing partitions within the frame define a torque box highly resistant to frame twisting.

Abstract: A heavy duty vehicle characterized by its high traction wherein the vehicle includes a frame consisting of a heavy metal plate of a length substantially equal to the vehicle length. The frame includes laterally extending portions substantially equal to the vehicle width, and the frame may be used to define vehicle fender supports and front and rear bumpers. The frame comprises a significant portion of the vehicle net weight, and in many instances may constitute substantially one half of the vehicle weight.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a propeller pocket for reducing the draft of propeller driven marine craft, and the propeller pocket of the invention utilizes an increasing vertical dimension in the direction of the craft stern, the pocket being defined by planar surfaces, and the water within the pocket being "gathered" as the water approaches the stern to minimize cavitation at the propeller. The pocket is advantageous for use with either inboard, inboard/outboard or outboard driven installations and provides increased drive efficiencies with a reduction in hull draft.

Abstract: A playground swing crossbar comprises a tubular extrusion having an upper portion, preferably of polygonal transverse cross section, and a lower portion of reduced dimension which is notched at its lowermost end to receive swing hangers. A rod received within a cavity defined in the lower portion pivotally supports the hangers, and caps located at the crossbar ends restrain the rod from longitudinal displacement. Recessed flat surfaces defined on the upper portion permit leg column sockets to be readily positioned and welded to the upper portion, and an embodiment of the crossbar permits spacers to be interposed between crossbars in a swing utilizing double crossbars.