Abstract: An advertisement light box is disclosed. The light box comprises a main frame, a panel, a light guiding structure, a light guiding source positioning device. The inner side of the panel is provided with a locking hole and the four sides of the panel can be lifted or the entire panel can be lifted by means of the fastening of connection plate, and the light box is provided with a clip for easy mounting of an advertisement material, and the four lateral sides of the light guiding structure are provided with a light guiding source fastener which is an inverted U-shaped board directly mounted to the edge of the light guiding structure so as to prevent the light guiding board to deform or to prevent the light to leak, the interior of the inverted U-shaped board is provided with light tubes, and the inner wall of the U-shaped board is coated with a silver or the like material to provide good reflection of light.

Abstract: A trailer hitch display apparatus having readily attachable/detachable display panels. Generally comprising a housing, a display panel and a connecting assembly. The housing generally carries a left turn signal, a right turn signal, a left tail light, a right tail light, a brake light, a protective cover and the display panel, wherein the turn signals, the tail lights and the brake light are electrically connected to the wiring of the vehicle to allow another rearwardly traveling vehicle to observe through the trailer hitch display apparatus any traffic signals or tail lights. The connecting assembly comprises a trailer-hitch attaching member dimensioned to be received within the receiving trailer-hitch member of the vehicle. A plurality of throughholes is provided in the trailer-hitch attaching member for inserting a retention pin to secure the two members together.

Abstract: A sign has an enclosure including a transparent forward panel. Behind the transparent forward panel are upper and lower tracks for receiving a replaceable partially transparent panel having advertising material printed thereon. The enclosure has a removeable panel through which the replaceable panel of advertising material can be inserted or removed from the tracks. In another embodiment, the panel with advertising material is formed as a cartridge having a mounting portion to which a flexible panel of having advertising material thereon can be attached.

Abstract: An illuminated address display comprising (1) a housing having the following surfaces, a top, a slanted back, a front with a beveled rectangular opening, a transparent front panel, a removable top, a right, and a left side, also a bottom (2) an interior partition to divide viewing area and wiring section, (3) a pair of slots, of which are attached to the left side interior surface, and left side of interior partition surface with a slot across the bottom interior which joins said slots behind front interior surface, and complementarity aligned so that the slots are parallel to each other, (4) a transparent front panel having two side edges and bottom each of which slides into the first set of slots, and rests in the bottom slot.

Abstract: An illuminated box with a front loading display panel (18) having a rectangular retaining frame defining an enclosure and a front rectangular opening. The light box structure is comprised of a display housing (10), two side caps (14), a translucent panel (16), a changeable sign panel (18), and low voltage electrical lights (20). The light box uses low voltage lights (20) which are retained by openings (12) in rear side of the light box housing (10). The lights (20) project light beams through the front translucent panel (16) to illuminate the text, graphics, outlines, or photographs that are on the changeable display panel (18). The light box operates for the purpose of decorating and commemorating numerous holidays and special events by simply inserting and removing interchangeable display panels (18).

Abstract: A device for displaying signs, posters and the like for promotional and informational purposes. More particularly, adjustable display devices for holding and displaying changing signs for showing merchandise information in business establishments.

Abstract: A lighted display device for use with a vehicle includes a pair of transparent spaced apart panes held by a frame member having opposed side walls and a bottom wall. The upper edges of the panes define an opening for the insertion or removal of a sign member having indicia indicative of the experience level or age of a driver or other message. The display device further includes a plurality of light assemblies having a light bulb in a front portion and a magnet in a rear portion for removably attaching the device to the metallic surface of a vehicle. A spring loaded button member protrudes from each rear portion and includes a battery that energizes a respective light bulb when the button member is depressed as the rear portion is magnetically coupled to a metallic surface.

Abstract: A message display device for selectively displaying a variety of different messages from the rear of a vehicle. The message display device includes a message box that has a message plate with an inscribed message removably mounted thereon. The message box is secured on top of an adjustable bracket or a fixed bracket that is mounted to a vehicle surface. The message box is preferably mounted just inside the rear window, facing outward. The message display device is connected to the fuse box and is provided with a control switch that is mounted on the dash board of the vehicle to allow the driver to activate the message display device to illuminate the message plate.

Abstract: A system or kit for creating readily changeable messages is provided. The system includes a plurality of letter boxes, a plurality of removably mountable and interchangeable letter panels and a plurality of lights. Each letter box has an opening for receiving a light such that when the panel is attached thereto, the panel is backlit so that an image imprinted on the panel will be visually perceptible. The letter boxes can be arranged in any order to create any desired design or message. The message can be easily changed simply by moving the panel and replacing it with another panel having a different image thereon and/or adding or removing other letter boxes. The letter boxes are nestable within one another such that a kit including a plurality of letter boxes, lights and letter panels can be placed in a single package for shipping, sale and/or storage purposes.

Abstract: A printed display sign particularly for use with a light box reverse printed on its rear face with information, typically a menu for a fast food outlet. The information includes product names and aligned with each product name is a rectangular transparent window area where the sign is not printed. The rear of the sign is painted with a white diffusing layer which covers the entire rear surface of the sign apart from the windows and the areas bordering the windows which are not coated with the diffusing layer so as to leave a rectangular dark border or frame around each window. Labels having a size larger than that of the window but preferably smaller than that of the outer edge of the border can then be located essentially within the window using the outer edge of the border as a guide. The front of the label is printed with price indicia and if the label is correctly applied to the window, which can be checked by reference to the border, the price indicia should align correctly with the product name indicia.

Abstract: A system or kit for creating readily changeable messages is provided. The system includes a plurality of letter boxes, a plurality of removably mountable and interchangeable letter panels and a plurality of lights. Each letter box has an opening for receiving a light such that when the panel is attached thereto, the panel is backlit so that an image imprinted on the panel will be visually perceptible. The letter boxes can be arranged in any order to create any desired design or message. The message can be easily changed simply by moving the panel and replacing it with another panel having a different image thereon and/or adding or removing other letter boxes. The letter boxes are nestable within one another such that a kit including a plurality of letter boxes, lights and letter panels can be placed in a single package for shipping, sale and/or storage purposes.

Abstract: A channel letter has a rear surface for mounting against a raceway, wall, or a structure for supporting the signage, and sides defining the figuration of the letter or shape to be depicted. A lighting element is positioned against the rear surface of the enclosure. To retain the lens to the open front of the enclosure, a shoulder is provided along the inner surface of the sides thereof where the shoulder defines a plane parallel to the outer ends of the sides but is recessed therefrom. A planar transparent lens having an outer edge which is in the shape of the letter and sized to fit within the sides of the enclosure is retained against the shoulder by a suitable retaining means such as screws.

Abstract: A portable lightweight illuminated sign assembly for either carrying on one's person or placing on a window for advertisement and the like. The plastic housing is rectangular in shape to support a rectangular transparent plastic face plate which carries a message illuminated by at least one fluorescent light source and energized by either a D.C. source when portable and by either D.C. or A.C. current when affixed to a window. Suction cups attachable to loops or hooks are provided on the housing adjacent to the face plate for affixing to a window. A hook element positioned on the housing on both sides and centered between the attachment loops or hooks enables the use of body straps for supporting the portable sign assembly on one's torso.

Abstract: An internally illuminated sign is capable of being mounted on a lighting track. The sign includes an adapter for mechanical and electrical connection to the lighting track. A display housing is connected to the adapter. The housing has a substantially vertical face with a message window in the face. A translucent message assembly is removably mounted in the housing adjacent to the window. The housing has a movable section selectively relocateable relative to the message window to provide access to the interior of the housing for selective insertion into or removal from the housing said message assembly. An illumination source is mounted in the housing adjacent to the side of the translucent message assembly positioned away from the window to enhance visibility of a message on the message assembly through the message window.

Abstract: A locator sign system for identifying a house, office or other location, mounted in a window, inside the location. The system comprising a light box display housing with a front panel; a sign panel; a sash clip; a hanging cord; and a lighting assembly panel. The light box uses 125 volt AC house current to power low voltage miniature lights, which are mounted by clips on the panel. The lights projecting light beams from the top of the housing, and projecting light through any one of translucent pre-printed sign panels of varying messages for identifying the location at increased distances therefrom. Typically, the illuminated sign system can be operated in ON, OFF or BLINK modes by a three position switch and blinker bulb which can be automated by addition of a 125 volt AC house timer. The system operates for the purpose of attracting attention to the location for deliveries, emergencies, house number, messages, greetings, advertisements, decoration and the like.

Abstract: An internally illuminated sign includes an adapter for mechanical and electrical connection to a lighting track. A display housing is connected to the adapter. The display housing has a face with a message window in the face. A translucent message assembly is removably mounted in the housing adjacent to the window. An illumination source is mounted in the housing adjacent to the side of the translucent message assembly positioned away from the window to enhance visibility of a message in the message assembly. The display housing has a separable portion selectively relocatable relative to the remainder of the housing. Relocation of the separable portion away from the remainder of the housing provides access to the interior of the housing for selective insertion into or removal from the housing the message assembly. A lock releasably secures the separable portion to the remainder of the housing.

Abstract: A modular light box comprises a rectangular frame defining an enclosure and a front rectangular opening. The frame is formed of a pair of side panels, a bottom panel and a top panel, each of which is provided with a substantially flat, rectangular outer surface and an electrical wiring port extending from within the enclosure out through an opening in the outer surface of the panel. A translucent display panel bearing one or more decorative or informational images is mounted within the opening defined by the frame. Another such display panel may optionally mounted in the rear opening in the frame. One or more lamps are mounted within the enclosure to provide backlighting for the front, and optionally the rear, display panel. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more of the panels forming the frame of the modular light box is constructed with a rectangular core of foamed plastic having a rigid support frame about its periphery and a plastic layer adhered to each of the major surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A vending machine face has a number of modules that are mechanically fastened to an underlying frame. These modules can be easily removed and replaced in the field so that the appearance of a vending machine can be changed with promotions, new interactive pieces can be added, the location of the vend selection buttons can be changed, recessed display compartments can be used and/or different light boxes with various graphics can be inserted and removed. This arrangement will provide for the ability to completely change the appearance of the vending machine on site. The vending machine can be customized for specific account location and can be switched from one promotion to another relatively easily. A frame for holding the modules is provided. The frame and modules be a door for the vending machine. This door can be flat or have a contoured, undulating outer face. Also, the door can be rectangular or have other shapes as desired.

Abstract: A display sign and system having a plurality of support strips removably attached to a back panel where the support strips have channels in opposite sides thereof, where the channels and sign members disposed in the channels overlap one another, and where the outside walls of the support strips are coterminous with the bottom walls of the channels. The sign members engage the channels of adjacent support strips at an inclined angle. Display adapters sized to engage the channels provide support for pictorial displays parallel to the back panel. Arms depend from the support strips and extending to the adjacent support strip to block light from escaping the display sign. Rows of vertically-spaced holes in the back panel and corresponding hooks on the strips provide means for uniform and rapid assembly.

Abstract: A display sign includes a translucent, planar back panel attached to a front, open portion of a generally rectangular housing which contains a light source. Disposed on a front surface of the back panel in a vertically spaced manner are a first plurality of parallel, linear, horizontally aligned tracks, or rails. The display sign further includes a plurality of front panels each having a respective second plurality of horizontally aligned, vertically spaced, linear tracks on an aft surface thereon. Each of the second tracks is adapted to engage a respective one of the first tracks on the front of the sign's back panel for securely and removably attaching the front panels to the back panel. The depth of each of the second tracks, or the extent each of the second tracks extends outwardly from the aft surface of a front panel, is the same for all tracks on a given front panel, with the depth of the tracks on adjacent panels being different.

Abstract: This curved front construction for a merchandiser (10) includes a door (22) having opposed side framing members (30) upper and lower framing members (31) and (32) and a flat glass panel (48) held in place by said members. Each of the side members (30) has retainer flanges (50) and each of the upper and lower framing members (31) and (32) is provided with arcuate retainer members (160) and (161) for retaining an outwardly disposed clear arcuate plastic sheet (52) in overlapping relation. The construction also includes an arcuate display panel disposed (24) above the door (22) and an arcuate grill panel (26) disposed below the door.

Abstract: A sign for selectively displaying a variety of information in a viewing window includes a web extending between a pair of spaced rollers and moveable by rolling and unrolling on the rollers. A base panel is releasably secured to a surface of the web. The base panel has an outer surface and an inner surface facing the web. Pockets are provided on the inner surface of the base panel for receiving the ends of display panels containing the information to be displayed in a viewing area of the sign. The pockets retain the display panels on the base panel while permitting relative movement therebetween as the web is rolled up and unrolled. The attachment of the base panels to the web also permits such relative movement.

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 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: A changeable scrolling web sign for selectively displaying a variety of menu items and pricing information in a viewing window includes a scrolling web adapted to receive interchangeable information panels. The mounts for mounting the information panels on the web permits the information panels to move relative to the web in a direction substantially parallel to the scrolling direction of the web for permitting the web and panels to be wound on and paid out from cylindrical take-up rolls. A cover is placed over the information panel when positioned in the viewing window of the menu board for maintaining the information panel in a flat, planar viewing position. The sliding movement permitted between the information panel and the web accommodates the varying radii created as the web and information panel are wound on and unwound from the web take-up rolls. The scrolling web sign is adapted to be backlighted to enhance the aesthetics of the display.

Abstract: A neon light box which uses a C.C.F.L. and a light guide to provide a more uniform and brighter light source than in prior art devices. The neon light box has ferro-metallic bars on the window and the top cover, to which a transparent cover with magnetic bars fixed thereon is attached to provide a space for displaying an advertisement slide. The light box uses metal bars mounted to a top cover and window to compensate for the height difference between the top cover and the window, so as to create a smooth surface when used in conjunction with a transparent cover.

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: Lightweight snap-together multi-sided hanging display signs which include upper and lower frames, each including at least three panel clamps which are interconnected at their ends with interlocking bracket and clip components in which the ends of pairs of vertical clamps are also seated.

Abstract: A sign or menu board has a pair of parallel vertical side rails with opposite end portions of upper and lower cross rails joined to the upper and lower end portions of the side rails to form a carrier frame. Each side rail has a track coextensive with its length. Grid modules make up modular grid units. Each unit, which may contain only one module, is comprised of cross bars that are joined at their opposite ends by tie-bars which together with the cross bars define a window opening. The cross bars are provided with lengthwise grooves for slidably accepting an information strip between them. The grid units slide into the carrier frame along the tracks and are constructed such that the information strips can be slid into or out of a grid without withdrawing the grid from the carrier frame. Pictorial assembly retainer bars are also constructed for sliding into the frame on the side rails.

Abstract: This panel assembly (30) for a merchandiser (10) includes frame assembly (34) includes attached to the merchandiser and wall (22) and an aracuate translucent sheet (34). The frame assembly (34) includes opposed side retaining rails (36) receiving the flexed arcuate sheet (34) in retained relation, a lower base member (46) having an arcuate front wall (52), and an upper cap member (56) having an arcuate front wall (62). The panel assembly (30) includes a back-lighting assembly (80) for illuminating the translucent sheet (34).

Abstract: A sign panel assembly for use in conjunction with an illuminated sign panel on a merchandise cabinet, such as a vending machine or refrigerated display case includes two elongated transparent framing strips, pieces of double-face tape on the distal ends of each strip, and a flexible sign panel with graphics or artwork therein insertable between the strips and a back surface of the illuminated sign. The sign panels may be easily interchanged in order to display different graphics or artwork as desired.

Abstract: A solar powered display device comprising a housing, a generally transparent cover, a solar panel disposed within the housing in planar parallel position with respect to the transparent cover, a battery disposed within the housing and electrically interconnected with the solar panel so as to facilitate charging of the battery via the solar panel, and an illuminator disposed within the housing so as to illuminate display indicia, the illuminator being in electrical communication with the solar panel and the battery so as to receive electrical power therefrom. The display indicia are formed upon plates removably disposed within the housing in planar parallel position with respect to the transparent cover, each plate preferably having a character or the like formed thereupon. A rack is configured to hold plates of a plurality of different sizes.

Abstract: A changeable scrolling web sign for selectively displaying a variety of menu items and pricing information in a viewing window includes a scrolling web adapted to receive interchangeable information panels. The mounts for mounting the information panels on the web permits the information panels to move relative to the web in a direction substantially parallel to the scrolling direction of the web for permitting the web and panels to be wound on and paid out from cylindrical take-up rolls. A cover is placed over the information panel when positioned in the viewing window of the menu board for maintaining the information panel in a flat, planar viewing position. The sliding movement permitted between the information panel and the web accommodates the varying radii created as the web and information panel are wound on and unwound from the web take-up rolls. The scrolling web sign is adapted to be backlighted to enhance the aesthetics of the display.

Abstract: A lattice type carrier for separate product identification labels and package size/price labels. The carrier is secured to the back of a vandal resistant front selection panel having one or more transparent windows for the labels mounted on the carrier. The carrier, moreover, includes an arrangement of generally rectangular frame type openings wherein translucent product identification labels are mounted and back lighted. Also, the package size/price labels may either be mounted in relatively smaller frame type openings in the carrier above the respective product identification labels or adhesively mounted to the front surface of the carrier or above the product identification areas.

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 outdoor advertising bench to be used as a medium upon which advertising indicia may be displayed and be clearly visible during the day and night, including a bench having a pair of spaced support members, a seating platform supportably disposed therebetween, and a seat back assembly supportably disposed between the support members, the seat back assembly having a pair of opposite side panels, and a back panel, mid panel, and front panel, disposed between the side panels. The front panel is transparent so as to make an exposed face of the mid panel visible therethrough, the exposed face of the mid panel having advertising indicia and high visibility lights thereon to draw attention to the advertising indicia and to provide an attractive appearance.

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: A flashing advertising sign is provided for indoor use. The sign is of box-like transparent construction having parallel front and rear panels and elongated upper and lower panels having facing retaining channels which slidably secure a flat placard. Photovoltaic cells positioned in the upper panel supply energy to a rechargeable storage battery. A timing circuit periodically directs electrical current from the battery to light-emitting diodes which illuminate the placard.

Abstract: A replaceable sign face used in vending machines for operating instructions, advertising purposes and the like. A front panel having optically transparent regions and a curved surface and constructed from a sturdy, solid material serves as a permanent protective cover to deter attempts at tampering and breaking in for food or money. A replaceable inner panel bearing advertising media is disposed directly behind the front panel. The inner panel is formed from a thin, resilient and inexpensive material which is configured for frequent replacement with minimum effort. The transparent front panel and replaceable inner panel bearing instructional and advertising media (hereinafter sometimes referred to as visual displays) are securely held within retainers disposed at either end of the front face of the vending machine.

Abstract: An illuminated sign assembly is provided, of the type that includes illuminated alphanumeric characters lying on a dark background, wherein the characters and/or color can be readily changed at low cost. The sign includes a thick rigid structural plate (26, FIG. 3) of colorless translucent material which can be readily placed in a lightbox that shines light through the plate. A thin color sheet (30) which passes light of a selected color, lies on the front face of the translucent plate, and an opaque character sheet (34) which has apertures (20) defining alphanumeric characters, lies on the front face of the color sheet. The color and character sheets are each thin, so new color and character sheets can be provided at low cost for mounting on the plate. The color and character sheets each have a layer of water-soluble adhesive so a water spray (62, FIG. 11) can be applied to greatly reduce the adhesive viscosity to enable squeegeeing (at Z) of each sheet to remove air bubbles.

Abstract: A display system comprising a transparent display face, a frame detail surrounding the display face, a concealed hinge for internally hinging the display case to the frame detail, a concealed magnetic catch for securing the display face to the frame detail in a closed position, and a plurality of spaced apart compression springs mounted within the frame detail for pressing a sheet to be displayed flush against the display face at a plurality of pressure points.

Abstract: An illuminated, box-type telephone sign having an integral display box supported by a rigid member at only one end of the box. The support member is in the form of a rectangular trough made of resin formed by a cold casting process. The display box have five sides and an open end that fits over and is secured to edges of the supporting member. Support for electrical lamps such as concentric fluorescent bulbs and other electrical components is provided by a bracket connected to the support member and without any connection to the display box. A U-shaped sleeve that slides over front, back, and end faces of the box is also disclosed. The structure avoids the use of a peripheral metal frame for the box and braces connected to such frame, thus providing easier installation and more ready access for maintenance. The lack of a peripheral frame also makes additional faces of the sign available for graphics.

Abstract: A device for illuminating residence information. More specifically, it relates to a device which can be quickly and easily installed on a new or existing vertical lamppost and connected to a power supply for illuminating the resident's name and/or street number.

Abstract: A collapsible, illuminated, graphic display device designed to display graphic advertising messages which may be interchanged. In addition to holding the messages, the front panel contains pockets to hold materials such as brochures and business cards for distribution. It further contains a slotted arrangement to receive messages or business cards. The device may be employed for a tabletop display and has triangular sides to hold the viewing panel at an optimum angle for observation.

Abstract: A film strip holder for use in backlighted message displays is an extrusion having longitudinally extending, light opaque upper and lower portions and a longitudinally extending light translucent center portion such that a film strip placed between the upper and lower portions is in light transmissive relation to a light source within the display, the holder being engagable in substantially light-tight tongue and groove relationship with adjacent holders.

Abstract: A suspension and power connector for illuminated house number signs includes an apertured mount plate which receives and is supported by a power connector body. An apertured anchor plate receives the body and bears against the mount plate. Suspension brackets underlie the anchor plate with fasteners connecting the brackets and anchor plate to the mount plate. The body at one end includes a threaded connector adapted for support, assembly into an electrified socket on a porch ceiling. The body at its other end has an electric socket adapted to receive an incandescent bulb. A housing for a house number sign has a transparent front wall and an open top which extends over the bulb, engages the anchor plate and is secure thereto by the brackets.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sign holder comprising a housing including a back wall, opposed and spaced side walls extending from the back wall and opposed and spaced top and bottom walls extending from the back wall and from the opposed side walls, a first panel of light transmitting plastic removably supported by the housing and providing a second panel of light transmitting plastic removably supported by the housing in closely adjacent but rearwardly spaced relation to the first panel and in forwardly spaced relation from the rear wall to provide an illumination space, an indicia on the second panel preventing light transmittal there-through, and a light bulb in the housing rearwardly of the second panel for illuminating the space between the second panel and the rear wall, whereby the indicia on the second panel is visually observable by being outlined by illumination.

Abstract: A system for identifying a house includes a display unit mounted outside the house, the display unit housing a plurality of bulbs for back lighting a translucent panel, with numbers affixed thereto. A combined control module/power pack within the house and in electrical communication with the display unit. The power pack includes an electronic control circuit for selectively providing a plurality of modes of operation, including an automatic operation (e.g. the display unit goes on at dusk and off at dawn), manual operation, blinking white display, and blinking red display, plus an override in any mode, including an off mode. The blinking display signals an emergency condition. A separate status display enables a home owner to give a status signal to a person outside the house to give warning of such thing as the presence of a home invader, for example.

Abstract: A apparatus for providing a motorist advisory function similar to that of a flashing illuminated advisory sign, the apparatus having an electrically operable optical shutter positioned by means of a frame between one or more message signs and a viewing region. The optical shutter is made of a liquid crystal plastic material having a substantially opaque state, in which the message sign is not visible from a viewing region, and a transparent state in which the sign is visible over a relatively wide viewing angle. The state of the optical shutter is controlled by a flashing power supply circuit, the transparent state being achieved when power is applied to the optical shutter and the substantially opaque state being achieved when no power is applied. Several embodiments show use of the invention with conventional stationary message signs, a moveable message sign, and an embedded highway marker.

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.