Abstract: An internally lit address sign for mounting near the street for easy viewing by passing vehicles, and for comprising an aesthetically pleasing, fixture-like appearance which enhances the overall landscape or architecture of the residence or business which it identifies. The sign has two angled front faces facing the street for an angled display of the address to vehicles approaching from either side. The sign is preferably formed with the appearance of an elongated, upright post with the address located near the top of the sign. The sign may additionally include an emergency flashing light which can be selectively actuated by an alarm or the occupants of the residence of business.

Abstract: A warning light is provided to be coupled to a stop sign. The warning light includes a main unit, a holder for cooperating with the main unit to couple to the stop sign, a solar cell for converting solar energy into electrical energy, a light emitting element disposed in the main unit, an energy storage device coupled to the solar cell for storing the electrical energy, and a charge control circuit coupled to the solar cell, energy storage device and light emitting element. The charge control circuit selectively directs electrical energy from the solar cell to energy storage device, or from the energy storage device to the light emitting element.

Abstract: A school bus is equipped with a stop sign mechanism that includes a sealed electrical actuator assembly and bezel that are mounted on the street side of the school bus and an illuminated sign assembly having integral arms that are hinged on the actuator assembly for pivotal movement. Illuminated sign assemblies of two general types are disclosed. In one, light emitting diodes (LEDs) are disposed in hollow letter shaped embossments of a translucent lens to illuminate the word stop. In the other lamp assemblies are disposed above and below the word stop.

Abstract: A traffic sign including a base member, a mounting post of an elastic weather-resistant material, a jacket, and a sign portion of elastic weather-resistant material displaying traffic indicia. The jacket has first and second halves provided with a space therebetween. Each of the halves has an outwardly curved outer surface integrally formed with a protective frame. The sign portion is disposed on the outwardly curved outer surface of at least the first of the halves. The protective frame has an edge having an elevation that extends outwardly beyond an outer periphery of the sign portion whereby to protect the outer periphery. Each of the outer surfaces is made of a pliable, elastic material.

Abstract: Two sheets having geometric perforations formed in a regular pattern are mounted such that they are spaced apart in parallel planes and the geometric perforations are congruent. The pair of sheets may be used either for the decoration of the facade of a building or as an interior structural building component.

Abstract: A sign box includes a light permeable box body of V-shaped cross section, a locating block securely fastened to one side of the flat box body, a circuit board securely mounted on the locating block, the circuit board having a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) respectively inserted into respective through holes at the locating block, a control circuit mounted on the circuit board to control the operation of the LEDs, a cover covered on the control circuit, the circuit board and the locating block, and a mounting frame securely mounted on the cover for securing the sign box to a support.

Abstract: An advertising display for use above the roof of a vehicle comprises a rigid elongated and enclosed advertising member, which is of substantially triangular cross section and which can be reversibly mounted on a metallic roof with the use of magnets affixed within receptacles in the base of the display. Apparatus is provided for storing a plurality of the advertising members in a space-conserving fashion.

Abstract: A sign (10) includes a sign housing (16) having a pair of extension arms (102) extending therefrom for mounting purposes. The sign housing (16) includes light elements (28) to illuminate at least a portion of the sign (10). The sign housing (16) and extension arms (102) include channels therethrough to allow power conductors (52) to extend from the light element internal the sign housing (16) through the extension arms (102) to power source. The extension arm also receives and supports a hollow, L-shaped bushing (112) through which the power conductors extend. The bushings (112) are received in a mounting housing (122) which in turn secured to a support structure, such as a bus (12). The mounting housing (112) includes an actuator connected to the bushing (112) to pivot the sign (10).

Abstract: An illuminating sign assembly includes a sign housing for receiving and supporting a sign, and a bulb located within the housing which automatically activates to illuminate the sign at night. A rechargeable battery is connected to the bulb for supplying an operating electrical current to the bulb. A solar cell is connected to the battery, and operates to convert light to electrical energy to be stored in the battery for discharge to the bulb.

Abstract: A sign (10') includes a sign housing (16') defining an internal cavity (32'). The sign housing (16') includes front and rear faces (18', 20') having indicia or an instruction thereon, and includes flashing lights (58) above and below the indicia. A recessed flange (86) defines an opening in the faces (18, 20), and a lens (87) is secured over the opening and to the flange (86) so that it is flush or planar with the faces (18', 20'). Light elements (28') are positioned within the sign housing (16') behind the lens (87). The sign housing (16') is sealed to protect the light element (28').

Abstract: A display device in the form of a sign having spaced frame construction whereas one or more C-Channel shaped periphery edge frames are secured in a back-to-back relation such that the display faces attached to the outer portion of each frame is viewable from the exterior position relative to the device. The peripheral edge frame if single sided or the peripheral edge frames if the device is multiple sided are secured thereto by a plurality of pairs of cross members attached in an interconnecting relation to each frame such that the space between the bars is determined by the configuration of the interior support member(s) or it is determined by the architectural style and strength required by the designer. A cover in the form of a sheet is positioned around the outside periphery of the device to at least partially enclose the interior thereof.

Abstract: An outdoor enclosure for housing electronic display equipment constructed of a plurality of extrusions welded to side plates and top and bottom plates which allows easy access to the electronics through a tethered bottom door. The enclosure can house one or more electronic display faces. The front and rear surfaces can be glass, polycarbonate or metal and are held in place by an elastic cord. The enclosure is sealed on the ends by the use of gasketing between the main housing body and the end panels. The design of the enclosure discourages birds from roosting on the front and rear edges. Internally the enclosure provides for the electronics to be mounted on an easily removable plate which incorporates a unique continuous hook. The electronic sub-assembly plate is held in place by a simple elastic hose retainer. Installation and removal of the electronics sub-assembly requires no tools.

Abstract: A billboard comprising a main body in which a lamp set is secured. The main body is rotatably fastened with a bottom seat and further fastened with two transparent pieces capable of enhancing the glittering effect of a neon lamp tube of the lamp set. The neon lamp tube can be bent to form a desired word or mark for a specific advertising purpose. The main body, to which the lamp set is attached, can be rotated in a desired direction in relation to the bottom seat.

Abstract: A sign (10) includes a sign housing (16) defining an internal cavity (32). The sign housing (16) includes front and rear faces (18, 20) having indicia or an instruction thereon and slotted apertures (22) defining the indicia. A lens housing (60) is secured within the cavity (32) and includes raised surface portions (26) which protrude through the slotted apertures (22). Light emitting diodes (28) are positioned within the lens 15 housing (60) to illuminate the indicia. The sign housing (16) and lens housing (60) are sealed to protect the LEDs (28).

Abstract: An internally illuminated sign in which a luminaire mounted on the border or periphery of the sign uniformly illuminates the face and/or faces of the sign thereby eliminating any necessity for providing human access to the interior of the sign for maintenance and relamping.

Abstract: A decorative art glass grid system is intended for use in a double window pane unit. The unit itself fits into a window frame. The grid system comprises at least two notched elongated members to form a grid, a set of holding feet slidably positioned in the terminuses of the elongated members and, optionally, a set of resting pads positioned in the elongated members. Each notched elongated member has a first groove extending along one wall of the member to receive an edge of an art glass pane, a second groove extending along an opposite wall of the member to receive an edge of another art glass pane, an interior channel, and a notch in a third wall of the member. The notch is configured to have a dove tail-shaped receiving section and a centered recessed section to receive another notched elongated member in a locked and substantially wobble-free manner.

Abstract: An optical display apparatus includes a plurality of optical elements of acrylic material and an additive. Each optical element is shaped into cylindrical body with a first convex end and a second convex end to improve light receiving and transmitting efficiency of the optical element. By activation of a fluorescent lamp, the optical elements can emit ultra-bright color light. A light reflective chamber encloses the fluorescent lamp and the optical elements. Through a panel of the chamber and the optical elements mounted on the panel via apertures of the panel, various desired display patterns may be accomplished. The additive may be fluorescent color dyes or bleaching power. The optical display apparatus further includes a convex lens, a color disc and a motor. The motor drives the color disc to rotate so that light rays focus by the convex lens have variable colors.

Abstract: A simple, yet well-constructed illuminated display has characters appearing as glistening ice chunks. The illuminated display includes a light source which is partially surrounded by a diffusion member. This illuminated display includes a generally opaque sign panel with raised transparent characters having a chiseled ice-like configuration whereby the light from the light source, following multiple diffusion passes through the raised transparent characters to form a lighted display with features which appear as if they were chiseled from blocks of ice.

Abstract: A fastening system which may be used for fastening boards, particularly illuminated advertising signs, by the opposite edge thereof to a frame structure. In the fastening system, the fastenable edge of a board are (15, 16) are fitted with a fastening profile (8) having a substantially H-shaped cross-section. The fastening system includes a cross-sectionally substantially C-shaped locking profile (9) as well as fastener (10) for fixing the C-profile (9) to a tubular member (2), included in the frame structure and cooperating with the C-profile. The fastening of board edges (15, 16) to a frame structure can be effected by placing a leg (9a) of C-profile (9) in a groove between the legs (8a) of H-profile (8) extending away from the board in a manner that the H-profile settles against the tubular member (2). Thereafter, upon fixing C-profile (9) to tubular member (2) with fastener (10), the H-profile (8) is locked through the action of friction between the leg (9a) of C-profile (9) and the tubular member (2).

Abstract: An internally illuminated sign in which a luminaire mounted on the border or periphery of the sign uniformly illuminates the face and/or faces of the sign thereby eliminating any necessity for providing human access to the interior of the sign for maintenance and relamping.

Abstract: An illuminated sign device is disclosed includes a triangular housing with pper and lower surfaces between which is coupled a back surface, a front left surface, and front right surface. A light bulb provides illumination and is positioned within the housing. A mesh and ventilation holes are integral with the upper and lower surfaces respectively for allowing heat transfer from the illumination source by convection to occur through the lower surface, within the housing, and out through the upper surface. A double glass pane within the front left and front right surface allows the sign to be protected on both sides of an at least semi-opaque sign and positions the sign within the front left and front right surfaces such that the sign is at least partially viewable from any approach angle.

Abstract: An internally illuminated sign in which a luminaire mounted on the border or periphery of the sign uniformly illuminates the face and/or face of the sign thereby eliminating any necessity for providing human access to the interior of the sign for maintenance and reclamping.

Abstract: A gas discharge display apparatus in the form of an electroluminescent gas filled panel adapted for quickly and inexpensively making a durable and robust luminous sign using image patterns transferred to the panel by painting, silkscreening, stencilling, lithography, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a pair of substantially parallel spaced apart rigid plates, or sheets, enclosing an electroluminescent gas, and having variously located and kinds of conductive elements, such as surface coatings, used as electrodes for energizing the enclosed electroluminescent gas.

Abstract: In a double-sided display device, a case includes a case body formed integrally. The case body has a pair of opposed, but spaced first and second walls and an intermediate wall connecting the first and second walls to each other. The first and second walls are provided with a first pair of opposed parallel channels which are located adjacent a front opening, and a second pair of opposed parallel channels which are located adjacent a rear opening. A third pair of opposed parallel channels are provided such that a plane including a third pair of channels is located between the first and second pairs of channels. Each of a pair of display units has a display assembly of dot-matrix type mounted on a circuit board. The circuit boards of the respective display units are inserted respectively into the first and second pairs of channels. A drive unit has a drive controller mounted on a circuit board, for driving the display assemblies to cause them to effect their respective displays.

Abstract: An illuminated sign which has a body (20) of extruded metal, which is rectangular in shape and held together at mitered corners with brackets (28) engaged into integral grooves (24). A pair of hinged sides are pivotally mounted onto the body, each consisting of an extruded casing (30) and a truncated translucent face (48) held in place by a plurality of retaining copings (56). The face contains raised or recessed indica which may be colored differently than the balance of the face. Lights are supplied inside the sign to allow illumination for visualization at night. The sides are so formed as to hinge on the top, as they are rotatably contained into the body with the other edges held into a locked position with an extended pointed lip (36) making the sign accessible inside and openable without external fastening devices, simplifying construction and service.

Abstract: A colorful illuminated sign construction utilizing plurality of fluorescent lamp covered by colored transparent plastic thin wall tubing which is tightly enclosed by a diffusion panel sleeve so that neighboring colors can be melted each other on the diffusing panel, and it forms a colorful stipes to attract attention. The fluorescent lamps and color sleeves are held by openings installed on side frame posts at the both end of fluorescent lamp whereby heat generated at the both end of fluorescent lamp can escape to surrounded air, and the side frame posts are connected to horizontal conduit and connecting bar which forms a structural frame of sign. Side frame post covers are protecting electrical wiring therein.

Abstract: Existing illuminated signs required skilled workers to replace or change the sign face. The present sign system allows the illuminated faces to be rapidly and easily changed by non-skilled workers. Transparent or translucent plastic envelopes are used to support color transparencies which form the sign faces. The envelopes are easily slipped into and out of the display position. The sign system is particularly suited for use as point-of-purchase advertising in grocery store aisle markers.

Abstract: A portable changeable sign is provided. The sign includes a base and a removably attached folded screen element constructed of translucent material. A source of light is disposed within the base to emit light to and through the screen element for illuminating a message disposed on an outer surface of the screen element.

Abstract: An illuminated sign with an opaque sign plaque employs a light source overlying the sign plaque embraced by a concave downward facing reflector, and a flat lower reflector underlying the sign plaque, providing both direct and reflected illumination over the face of the sign plaque. In its preferred form, the concave reflector is compoundly curved over the ends of the sign plaque and the flat lower reflector is tilted toward the sign plaque.

Abstract: A device for facilitating non-verbal communications between individuals. The device includes a two-sided panel containing a plurality of message blocks which are selectively illuminated by the individuals in a variety of modes. In a first mode, the message blocks are sequentially scanned in one of two patterns, with scan direction and termination being controlled by actuating a switch. In a second mode, a transparent, direct select keyboard is placed over the message blocks and individual message blocks are selected by touching the keyboard in front of the block to be selected. Finally, the position of the illuminated message block may be controlled by a job stick. The message blocks on the panel are printed on removable overlays which are specially adapted for various situations. The overlays carry identifying markings which are automatically read by the device so that the messages on the overlay, which are stored in non-volatile memory, can be correlated to their position on the panel.

Abstract: An outdoor sign and housing assembly is provided which is formed of aluminum extrusions, or the like, and which define, in the embodiment to be described, a housing for a plurality of illuminating elements, such as fluorescent lamps, and their associated ballasts and other electrical components; and which also form one or two frames which may be hinged to one or two sides of the housing, and which are constructed to support either a rigid or flexible translucent sign. The flexible sign is supported on its frame by a plurality of specially constructed clamps, and a special tool is provided for tensioning the flexible sign into a taut condition on the frame, after which the clamps are applied. The frames, and the signs supported thereon, may be individually swung open about a hinge axis to permit access to the interior of the housing, and may be individually removable to facilitate the installation of the signs on the frames and of the internal components in the housing.

Abstract: A frame construction for an illuminated sign comprises a metal sheathing on both top and bottom frame members of the frame, the sheathing being bent at its longitudinal edges to form longitudinally extending grooves, wherein both the top and the bottom frame members having longitudinally extending flanges inserted in the sheathing, while the longitudinal grooves of the sheathing are employed for mounting partly translucent front sheets, end frame members of the frame including tongues extending perpendicular thereto which are insertable into cavities formed by the longitudinal bent portions of the sheathing.

Abstract: A fabric is stretched across a sign framework to serve as a display face. Forming the framework are upper, lower and respective side support elements. Depending upon the particular version, a hinge or saddle is affixed to one or more of the support elements. A hinge pin tensioner has limited rotation and is coupled to a marginal portion of the farbric. In some versions, such hinge assemblies are included along more than one side of the framework. In others, different fasteners are employed along some of the support elements. In one particular approach, the fabric is stretched directly across a separate frame that, in turn, is hinged along a support element of the main framework, so that the frame may be swung away for the purpose of obtaining access to the interior of the main framework that usually encloses a source of illumination.

Abstract: The light box of the present invention comprises a peripheral wall which has opposite peripheral edges, a back wall adjacent one of those peripheral edges and a rigid one piece molded frame adjacent the other peripheral edge, the frame defining one side of the light box. The frame comprises front and rear faces and inner and outer side faces, gripping means comprised by a rearwardly opening channel on the frame which clampingly receives the aforementioned peripheral edge of the peripheral wall, that channel extending inwardly from the rear face towards the front face of the frame and being defined by a pair of opposed flanges each of which defines a respective one of the inner and outer side faces of the frame.

Abstract: An illuminated display means is shown having, in combination, a support and a double faced sign frame. The structure includes a support having rigid arms for holding the sign frame in a generally vertical position for display of both of the faces thereof. The sign frame is formed of an extruded aluminum strip that is shaped to have protruding flange means adapted to slide into engagement with rigid arms on the support to permit easy and quick assembly of the sign frame on its support means. Preferably, a vertical support post is provided having the rigid arms extending horizontally therefrom on both sides of the post to provide a balanced multiple sign display.

Abstract: A low energy sign contruction is illustrated for illumination of signs of the type having translucent illuminated faces. An opaque sign border is bridged by a reflector extending generally parallel to the illuminated face and having a truncated sawtooth profile. For single sided signs, one set of sawtooth points is truncated; for dual sided signs, both set of sawtooth points are truncated.Bayonet mounted lighting sockets are mounted at apertures in the respective truncations and utilize the metallic reflective surface as one side of a low voltage (10.5-volt) AC circuit. The reflector forms a cooled heat sink mounting the bulbs as well as a supporting matrix. The lamps, as mounted to this supporting matrix, are typically spaced at distances which do not exceed twice the distance of the lamp filament to the translucent face. By the expedient of using 14-volt lamps, prolonged lamp life with low energy illumination results.

Abstract: A three-dimensional sign character is formed with improved circumscribing opaque metal sheet strip siding. The sign, typically having an interior light source, includes a translucent plastic face circumscribed by opaque sheet metal strip siding. The sheet metal strip siding includes a plastic strip bonded directly by gluing to a freshly abraded band on the sheet metal strip. Convolute folds are formed on either side of the sheet metal strip. One convolute fold is formed adjacent an edge of the plastic strip so as to extend angularly above and abut the plastic stripping to function as a light stop. The secured plastic strip serves as the bonding point to the translucent face of the sign.

Abstract: An indicator for a taxi-cab, the indicator having a plurality of different displays to be shown through a window, there being control means in the vehicle to control which display is visible through the window.