Abstract: An apparatus and method for building signs combining tile and wood, such as but not limited to nameplates, is disclosed. The nameplates are produced in several steps, including woodworking, sanding, tile-cutting, stencil-applying, sandblasting, and polishing.

Abstract: A method of warning of a hazard includes placing a container containing a plurality of mats, having cautionary information thereon, in an area prone to hazards. In addition, the method contemplates that a first person who notices a hazard will remove a mat from the container and place it over the hazard to warn a subsequent passerby of the existence of the hazard. Finally, the method provides leaving the mat over the hazard until a second person removes the hazard. In addition, the method may include providing on the mats a liquid impermeable cover and a padded portion. The padded portion may aid the second person in eliminating a hazard involving sharp objects. Further, the padded portion may be absorbent to aid in eliminating a liquid hazard. Moreover, the mat or the cover may be brightly colored to attract the eye of passersby to aid in warning them of the hazard.

Abstract: A selection room display facilitates a casket selection by a customer of a funeral home. The display includes a vertical back wall and a pair of vertical, spaced apart wing walls cooperating with the back wall to form an alcove. A plurality of casket portions are displayed in the alcove. A vertical signage column may be positioned in the alcove. Information modules are also displayed in the alcove. The modules correspond to the casket portions. The casket portions are supported on shelves which are removably secured to the back wall. The information modules are similarly removably secured to the back wall. The display may incorporate “themes” to feature the various casket choices. The theme technique may also be utilized in the funeral home viewing room.

Abstract: A beach mat for maintaining a beach towel in a flat deployed position provides a barrier to the movement of sand onto the towel surface and comprises spaced side members interconnected at their ends by spaced end members and having an inner periphery defining a generally rectangular central opening. In one embodiment, the frame is filled with self-inflating resilient foam and has an air valve for allowing expulsion of air during compaction of the frame and maintenance of the frame in compacted condition for transportation and storage. In another embodiment the foam frame is folded for transportation and storage. Handles and a cup holder are provided. The frame provides a large upper surface for placement of advertising or other indicia for display.

Abstract: A tax stamp perforator and notcher applies a diagonal line of spaced apart perforations on a tax stamp for subsequent application to a cigarette pack. The stamp is glued or otherwise applied to the cigarette pack normally across the back of the pack and one of the sides thereof. When the cigarette pack is opened the tax stamp is torn along the line of perforations. In order to facilitate rapid application of tax stamps to a production line of cigarette packs, notches in the form of lines of increased densification are applied to each stamp in the area where the stamp is bent around the side of the cigarette pack. These lines of increased densification are arranged parallel to the edge of the cigarette pack, and preferably one of the lines lies along the edge of the cigarette pack to thereby reduce the ability of the tax stamp to spring back away from the pack when glued to the pack. This feature enables the stamps to be applied to the packs at high production rates.

Abstract: Architecturally aesthetic signage having a sufficient hardness that upon interaction with an etchent results in a plurality of smooth tiers or terraces resulting in both visual and tactile indicia for communication with an observer is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the tactile and visual indicia comply with the requirements of the Americans for Disabilities Act. The signage is preferably formed by an etcher system including: an etchent delivery; an etchent; a substrate holder; a substrate having sufficient hardness that upon interaction with the etchent produces the visual indicia for communication with an observer; and a controller for controlling the delivery of the etchent onto the substrate to form the signage.

Abstract: An advertising method utilizes a person's body, such as the skin of the person's upper back and shoulder region, which is ideally exposed, broad and planar. The advertisement may be displayed during a sporting/entertainment event which is broadcast to a large audience through visual media such as television. In one embodiment, the event is a boxing match and the advertisement affixed on the boxer's back promotes an on-line wagering service. The advertised service can be employed or accessed during the boxing match or immediately after the advertisement is seen by the consumer. The advertisement is sufficiently large to be legible and comprehensible by the viewing audience. The advertisement may be formed of a suitable dye, ink or paint that can be removed after the match, but which is resistant to smudging from physical contact and/or perspiration.

Abstract: A pallet guard includes a plurality of modular pallet guard sections. Each pallet guard section comprises a connecting piece and a wall. The connecting pieces are adjustable. The walls are matable with another pallet guard section so that the pallet guard is adjustable to accommodate varying size pallets and/or spill-over merchandise on the pallet. Each connecting piece may be moveable between a first position, wherein the connecting piece is straight, and a second angled position where the pallet connecting piece forms a corner.

Abstract: “Painted, flexible, temporary decorative surface, intended in particular to be exposed in a stretched state, out of doors, such as decorations outside buildings and signs” Surface comprising a substrate of a nonwoven material a decoration produced on the substrate by automatic projection of ink.

Abstract: A door for automatic vending machine in which a door structure having an item sample display unit is improved according to the invention. In the door for the automatic vending machine, a concave portion 5 of a large door 2 made by one press molding is available for an item sample display unit 3 in which the item samples 6 are displayed on each of three stairs, four fluorescent lamps 7 illuminating the item samples 6 and an advertisement 8 provided under the item samples 6 are installed, each of three lamps being provided on lower portion of the item samples 6 and the other one of the lamps being provided on uppermost portion of the item sample display unit 3, and circumference of the item sample display unit 3 is covered with a small door 4 made by a transparent material 10 and having a frame 9.

Abstract: Pennants of high quality have first and second exposed layers preferably with a stiffener layer disposed therebetween and bonded thereto. Appliqués are applied to the first layer, the appliqués being in the form of embroidered images of graphic art works or photographs. Direct embroidery is also applied to the first layer. In an embodiment of the invention the embroidered images are embroidered reproductions of photographs which may be applied to the first layer with the pennant either having or not having other layers. The pennant may be mounted in a rigid frame having a triangular shape or rectangular shape.

Abstract: A sign is formed from an indicia donor element and an indicia recipient base element. The recipient base has a first color; and signage indicia is removed therefrom to cause the recipient element to be stencil-like. The donor element has a second color; and signage indicia is removed therefrom and installed into the stencil-like openings in the recipient element, to form the sign having one color of background and a second color of signage integral therein. Preferably, the donor and recipient elements are of the same baseboard material, except for color; and the donor signage is snap fit into the recipient base. The preferred orientation for this sign is vertical, just above floor level. Visual recognition of the signage can be enhanced by phosphorescence or glitter treatment. Tactile signage sensing can be enabled by texture difference between donor and recipient materials.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for displaying advertising information. The apparatus includes a rigid base and an upright receptacle having an inner and an outer member rigidly attached to the base. The apparatus further includes a upright mast pivotally engaging the receptacle between the inner and outer member and a relatively rigid panel adapted to display the advertising information flexibly coupled to the upright mast.

Abstract: An address plate is fitted over a building wall having a stepped profile configuration established by overlapped courses of shingles or clapboards. The address plate includes a generally flat display panel for displaying indicia pertaining to the address of the building and tongues inserted between the overlapped courses to hold the display panel in juxtaposition with a selected course. Tabs are placed at steps between the overlapped courses for fasteners which secure the address plate in place.

Abstract: A novel method for advertising in space missions is provided. The method includes providing a spacecraft with an advertisement location on an external portion of the spacecraft (e.g., on a surface of a solar sail), creating an advertisement of an entity that sells goods or services to the general public, and placing the advertisement of the entity on the advertisement location. The present invention provides significant advantages over existing methods of advertising in relation to space missions, increasing revenues generated therein and enhancing development of space missions and technology.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an audio sign adapted to provide an aural message once the sign is tactilely actuated. The invention typically includes a graphical information section, a tactile information section, and a self contained audio section configured to provide aural information once tactilely actuated.

Abstract: A road surface condition determination system for an automotive vehicle comprises wheel-speed sensors, and a control unit being configured to be electrically connected to the wheel-speed sensors for data-processing a wheel-speed data signal. The control unit calculates a wheel-speed fluctuation of each of the road wheels on the basis of a previous value of the wheel-speed data signal and a current value of the wheel-speed data signal, and calculates an absolute value of the wheel-speed fluctuation of each of the road wheels. A integration circuit is provided to produce a first integrated value of the absolute values of the wheel-speed fluctuations of the road wheels. A smoothing circuit is provided to make a smoothing operation to the integrated value to produce a smoothed value. A road-surface condition determining section is also provided to determine a road surface condition on the basis of the smoothed value.

Abstract: A multi-piece ornament includes an outer frame, a design piece and a negative. The design piece, negative, and frame are cut from a flat blank of material in nested, preferably concentric fashion so there is little or no waste in material. The design piece is cut from within the negative and removed therefrom to define an ornamental design cutout in the negative. The three pieces may be arranged separately or in different combinations to form a hanging ornament, for example wherein the design piece is suspended within the frame and the negative and the frame are suspended one from the other. The three pieces may alternatively be affixed to a plaque or other display surface with the design piece within and surrounded by the frame, and the negative outside of and adjacent the frame.

Abstract: “Painted, flexible, temporary decorative surface, intended in particular to be exposed in a stretched state, out of doors, such as decorations outside buildings and signs” Surface comprising a substrate of a nonwoven material a decoration produced on the substrate by automatic projection of ink.

Abstract: An indicator device includes a support member formed by two coupled flat panels made of metal or synthetic material, a plurality of holes formed in the exposed panel according to the pattern of Braille writing according to the characters to be represented; the holes are engaged by pins made of synthetic material which is resistant to abrasion and to rubbing-induced wear, so that their dome-shaped rounded ends protrude from the exposed panel.

Abstract: A process of fabricating weather resistant signage by screen printing indicia on a UV-treated impregnated polyester protective film using a Cellosolve acetate-based ink. The resulting sign is extremely resistant to solar UV, thus preserving the indicia brightness and clarity for a very long period of time even under the most extreme conditions. The screen printing process of the preferred embodiment comprises the steps of first preparing a film image, then preparing a fabric mesh ranging from 125 to 230 mesh for black and white images and ranging from 355 to 425 mesh for halftone color images. The fabric mesh is attached to a stencil and the film image is attached to the stencil. The combination is placed into a vacuum frame for exposure to high intensity light, after which the stencil is washed with pressurized water, dried by fan, taped and touched up for pinholes or other blemishes.

Abstract: A sign plate for an illuminated sign having a light source includes an opaque reflective layer on its face that receives light from the light source. The opaque reflective layer is broken by zones corresponding to a configuration of text, figures, and/or art design to be communicated to a viewer. The zones are covered with a light diffusion layer on the side of the light source, and the surface of the sign plate facing the viewer and opposite the light source includes a layer of reflective material in a corresponding configuration that is in general register with the configuration defined by the zones and covered by the light diffusion layer on the side of the light source.

Abstract: An advertising display for displaying advertising messages on a telephone booth has a pair of side mounts pivotally attached to the telephone booth and a bottom mount attached to the telephone booth. Each side mount and the bottom are comprised of a pair of generally coextensive panels either hingedly or non-hingedly attached to one another with the front panel being transparent. The advertising can be placed directly on the rear panel or an appropriate insert positioned between coextensive panels.

Abstract: An advertising system for displaying images on a series of offset stationary vertical surfaces is disclosed. The advertising system includes a plurality of substrates, each having a layer of printed indicia on a surface thereof in combination with the series of offset stationary vertical surfaces to provide a desired overall visual image.

Abstract: The instant invention is a navigation aid for use in depicting the buoyage system for navigable waters. The device has a support base that is secured to the helm of the vessel having a rotatable faceplate with daymark indicia placed thereon. The device provides a reminder to the vessel operator of the buoyage system and the position of the vessel in relation to the buoyage system. The device may be illuminated for nighttime usage by either direct or indirect illumination. A method of incorporating the positioning indicia in combination with a chart plotter is provided.

Abstract: An advertising display for displaying advertising messages on a telephone booth is comprised of a pair of side mounts pivotally attached to the telephone booth and a bottom mount attached to the telephone booth. Each side mount and the bottom are comprised of a pair of generally coextensive panels either hingedly or non-hingedly attached to one another with the front panel being transparent. The advertising can be placed directly on the rear panel or an appropriate insert positioned between coextensive panels.

Abstract: A marker for placement adjacent an evidence item at a crime scene having upstanding panels connected to form a freestanding unit. A base panel extends from the lower edge of the upstanding panels and is imprinted with reference indicia such as suitable scales and a photographic target. The base panel may have a cut-out so the item of evidence may be positioned within the cut-out for better reference. The surfaces of the panels carry indicia such as numbers or letters for identification. The markers may be placed on a horizontal surface or suspended by use of a fastener from a vertical surface. The markers are provided to law enforcement personnel in kits containing multiple sequentially imprinted markers which are nestable and stackable.

Abstract: Display apparatus connected to a filler gun of a fuel dispensing station. A carrying body on a prominent part of the filler gun supports a detachable display surface carrier which in turn supports an inflatable balloon shaped element. The balloon shaped element carries an advertising message which is viewable when the balloon shaped element is inflated. A valve on the filler gun is connected to a source of inflation air and to the balloon shaped element. The valve is actuated by the fuel dispensing trigger on the filler gun. During fueling an inflation gas is supplied to the balloon shaped element which in the inflated state prominently displays the advertising message.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an audio sign adapted to provide an aural message once the sign is tactilely actuated. The invention typically includes a graphical information section, a tactile information section, and a self contained audio section configured to provide aural information once tactilely actuated.

Abstract: A marker for placement adjacent an evidence item at a crime scene having upstanding panels connected to form a freestanding unit. A base panel extends from the lower edge of the upstanding panels and is imprinted with reference indicia such as suitable scales and a photographic target. The surfaces of all panels carry alphanumeric indicia. The markers may be placed on a horizontal surface or suspended by use of a fastener from a vertical surface. The markers are provided to law enforcement personnel in kits containing multiple sequentially imprinted markers.

Abstract: An article includes a base substrate having an outer surface, a visible marking placed on the outer surface, a coating of transparent synthetic diamond material bonded to the outer surface and over the visible marking.

Abstract: A sign plate for an illuminated sign having a light source includes an opaque reflective layer on its face that receives light from the light source. The opaque reflective layer is broken by zones corresponding to a configuration of text, figures, and/or art design to be communicated to a viewer. The zones are covered with a light diffusion layer on the side of the light source, and the surface of the sign plate facing the viewer and opposite the light source includes a layer of reflective material in a corresponding configuration that is in general register with the configuration defined by the zones and covered by the light diffusion layer on the side of the light source.

Abstract: A grid structure having openings of various shapes are utilized in a display using balloons. Balloons are inserted in openings in the grid structure and inflated. The pneumatic pressure of the inflated balloon holds the balloon in the grid opening. The balloons may arrayed to produce designs of animate and inanimate objects. The displays may be in a single two dimensional plane, or the grid structure may be bent and twisted in a desired shape to provide a three dimensional display.

Abstract: Signs which include a sheet including plastic stiff enough to resist fracture and flexible enough to maintain surface flatness in use without being put under tension, and such sheets.

Abstract: A decorative window well shield for placement along an inner wall of a window well. The window well includes an upright wall structure set into ground opposite a window on an outer side of a building. The decorative window well shield includes a semi-flexible wall panel, the wall panel is sized to conform to an inner wall of a window well, and decorative indicia. The decorative indicia is carried on an exterior surface of the wall panel whereby the decorative window well shield can be placed along an inner wall of a window well with the decorative design facing a window providing a decorative visual display to a person viewing from a position inside a building through the window.

Abstract: A ground marker is provided for displaying distance and advertising information on a golf course. The marker has a body that is dimensioned to fit entirely within a predetermined size hole defined in the ground. The body has a top portion and a base that are generally cylindrical and coaxial. The top portion has a transparent top face that is positioned generally flush with the ground surface, and a protruding lip that is dimensioned to bear against the side of the hole. The top face is formed from a clear plastic filler positioned over a card containing markings. The filler has a hardness comparable to the hardness of a grassy fairway. The lip of the marker has a bottom surface that abuts with a tool for permitting easy removal of the marker from the hole. A method of marking distances on a golf course is provided by arranging a plurality of markers at spaced intervals along concentric radii measured from the golf green.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing signs having raised, prismatic graphic images such as letters, numbers and other graphic images. Initial values for the graphic images are provided, and includes information defining an initial graphic representation for the graphic images, and may also include a return, which is the measure of distance by which the graphic images are raised relative to a background of a sign. A cutting tool is provided and has a radius and a cutting angle. One tool path is determined using the initial graphic representation. Tool passes and depths for the other passes are determined using the initial graphic representation, the cutting angle, and a distance which is not greater than the tool radius. A controller generates signals indicative of the tool paths and respective depths, and presents the signals to operate an automatic cutting machine and cutting tool to selectively remove material from a sheet material to produce the graphic images.

Abstract: A display is constructed from translucent fluorescent plastic sheet material providing an ambient light capturing and intensifying light conduit. Area dimensions are selected appropriate to a sign or other display and a thickness is selected for structural support of the display and for capturing, intensifying and conducting ambient light along the thickness of the light conduit to intensify captured light as in a wave guide. A substantially opaque reflective layer is formed on one side of the light conduit. A decorative layer is formed over the reflective layer and is selected to provide a desired sign decor. Grooves are formed in the light conduit through the reflective decorative coating in the pattern of the selected display. The grooves are formed to a depth to intercept light captured in the light conduit. The grooves provide angled surfaces which refract, capture and illuminate light out of the light conduit.

Abstract: A three-dimensional balloon display comprising a grid array comprised of at least one set of grid members, each set of grid members having a front side and a back side. The grid members are each shaped to form a compartment for receipt of at least one inflated balloon. The compartments have an interior side and an exterior side. An inflated balloon is maintained in the compartment by the pneumatic pressure within the inflated balloon exerted against the interior side of the compartment to create the three-dimensional display. In an alternative embodiment, a second set of grid members is aligned with the first set of grid members to create a three-dimensional compartment for receipt of the inflated balloon.

Abstract: Enclosure sign device for unavoidable viewing of a sign before manipulation f an entryway opening device. An enclosure of an entryway opening device includes at least one side surface extending out at least as far as the entryway opening device, a back surface coupled to the side surface to accommodate the entryway opening device through the back surface, and a front surface releasably coupled to the side surface which can be releasably opened or closed over the entryway opening device. The enclosure is coupled to a surrounding surface of the entryway opening device and includes a display for releasably holding a sign attached to the outside surface of the front surface so that sign viewable when the front surface is closed. Access is obtained to an entryway opening device by releasably opening the latching so that there is unavoidable viewing of a sign before manipulation of the entryway opening device.

Abstract: An interior building sign for assisting sighted and visually impaired or blind persons to locate an escape route from point A to point B includes a first planar sheet printed in a first color with a floor plan corresponding to a building floor on which the sign is to be posted. The floor plan is also printed with two dimensional marks in a contrasting color indicating a route from point A to point B. A second planar sheet of substantially transparent material overlies the first planar sheet, the second planar sheet having three dimensional marks machined or routed thereon in substantially overlying relationship with the two dimensional marks to thereby provide a tactile representation of the route. Signs of similar construction have application in non-emergency situations and in other environments including, for example, convention centers, parks and the like.

Abstract: A sign plate for an illuminated sign having a light source includes an opaque reflective layer on its face that receives light from the light source. The opaque reflective layer is broken by zones corresponding to a configuration of text, figures, and/or art design to be communicated to a viewer. The zones are covered with a light diffusion layer on the side of the light source, and the surface of the sign plate facing the viewer and opposite the light source includes a layer of reflective material in a corresponding configuration that is in general register with the configuration defined by the zones and covered by the light diffusion layer on the side of the light source.

Abstract: Self-laminating data-tags having a polyester substrate coated with a pencil receptive writing surface and a non-conducting reinforcer are obtained. Provisions are made for protecting the writing surface, replicating the data and removing the data-tag. Such data-tags are particularly useful as warning tags for utility equipment and in severe environmental conditions.

Abstract: An inflatable and deflatable support for a sign having advertising indicia thereon including an air inflatable, cylindrical member having an upper, inflatable, cylindrical cross member spanning a pair of upstanding inflatable legs which depend from opposite ends thereof. The legs are each open at the lower end and are sealed to a hollow cylindrical ballast plug. Mechanism is coupled to one of the legs and cylinders for admitting air under pressure to the cylindrical ballast plug to inflate and deflate the cylinder.

Abstract: A novelty item is disclosed comprising a solid block of material having an slug having a first and second finger. The slug is surrounded by the block and adapted to be retained by the block. The first finger has divergent walls cut at a first angle to the top surface of the block. The second finger has convergent walls cut at a second angle to the top surface of the block and the remainder of the slug has walls cut at substantially right angles to the top surface freeing the slug from the block, whereby the thickness of the cut is less than the ratio of the thickness of the block to the tangent of the greater of the first and second angle.

Abstract: Netting, consisting of threads (3) of wires for fences and/or sporting activities, as an information carrier, being coated each on one of the two viewing sides I and III, in which instance the coating (6) of each thread (3) or wire extends up to an imaginary center plane (7) of the netting as a maximum, splitting said netting into two halves of the threads (3) or wires, rendering visible each half from one side only.

Abstract: In an exit sign, a canopy bracket has a pair of resilient spring fingers which are inserted through a central circular opening of a mounting plate mounted to a standard electrical box located in a wall or ceiling. The spring fingers temporarily secure the canopy bracket to the mounting plate thus allowing an electrician to easily align and secure screws to the mounting plate, thereby greatly facilitating installation. The wires from the electrical box are extended through mounting plate and the canopy prior to securing the canopy to the mounting plate. Once secured, the user simply fits a hub portion of the canopy bracket telescopically within an opening with the exit sign housing. Spring capture barb members of the hub engage the housing to fixedly secure the exit sign to the wall or ceiling. Then the user connects the wires extending from the canopy bracket to those in the exit sign.

Abstract: A panel which comprises a substrate of transparent or translucent material having applied to one or both sides a design superimposed on, or forming part of, an opaque pattern so that the design on one side of the panel cannot be seen from the other side. This is a Reissue of a Patent which was the subject of a Reexamination Certificate No. B1 4,673,609, dated Jul. 25, 1995, Request No. 90/003,201, Sep. 21, 1993.

Abstract: A sign and process of making a sign which comprises applying vinyl graphics to a backside of a substrate by use of high pressure rollers laminating machine or squeegee and covering the back side of the substrate and graphics by a backing sheet. The graphics and backing sheet may be applied by a laminating machine or squeegee and secured in place by a self-adhesive. Applying the laminated film on the reverse side has a protection quality that a silk screened or spray painted face does not have since the vinyl protects the rear side of the face against scratching during installation of the face and/or transportation of the sign.