Abstract: A trim strip has a bar of an at least partially transparent plastic having parallel inner and outer faces, an opaque decor layer laminated to the inner face, and a layer of adhesive on the opaque decor layer. The trim strip is adhered to a board edge with the decor layer against the board edge and the outer face directed away therefrom, and edges of the trim strip at the outer face are machined with removal of material so that the decor layer is left exposed through the bar at the machined edges.

Abstract: A car cap including a magnetic base and a cap body attached to the magnetic base, the cap body having a cap bill having a cap bill aerodynamic taper.

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: The advertising support consists of a stowage space (3) with an opening top and an inflatable advertising support (11) stowed inside it which, when the top of the stowage space (3) is opened, can be inflated upwards from it. In the stowage space (3) there is a scissors structure (7,17) which can be erected by a motor and forms a stable-sided parallelogram which is free-standing and, in the expanded position, extends along the internal height of the inflated advertising support (11). It ensures that, when the scissors structure (7,17) is retracted and the advertising support (11) is deflated at the same time, said advertising support (11) is substantially folded down onto its original base area and prevented from tipping sideways by the lateral stability of the scissors structure.

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: Disclosed herein is a street address display designed to provide easier identification of property. The street address display is especially effective at night. The street address display includes a housing with transparent viewing faces, anchoring platforms attached to the housing, figures, and a background used as a mounting surface for the figures. The figures and the background are of contrasting coloration so that the figures can be seen by day as well as by night. The street address display is designed to be mounted directly to a mounting surface, such as a vehicle entranceway, using an anchoring means. The street address display is mounted on the mounting surface proximate to a roadway so that the street address display can be easily seen by oncoming traffic. The placement of the street address display near an adjacent roadway, along with the low profile of the street address display, allows for the street address display to be readily visible in an automobile's low beam headlights.

Abstract: An ornamental device is mounted on a vehicle for displaying a fan's sports team preference. A first embodiment includes a molded cap replica of a sports team official cap. A first means for attaching the cap to the vehicle comprises a magnet. A second means for attaching the molded cap to the vehicle is through use of a cord. The cord and magnet may also both be used. The cord is connected to one end of the outer diameter of the molded cap, and subsequently is stretched across the top of the roof, through the interior of the car, then secured to the opposite side of the molded cap. Sports fans can appreciate the simple device which is, easily seen by others, and yet quickly and easily removable. In a second embodiment, a fabric cap is placed over a molded cap and secured to the molded cap.

Abstract: A kit to outfit a stock motor vehicle with decorative features related to a sports team. Embodiments of the kit include one to accommodate any motor vehicle and make or model, a second tailored to a specific manufacturer's make and model of vehicle, a third to provide an after-market customizing kit. Each of the kit items are coordinated to display the colors, identifying features, mascots, playing implements, or other indicia related to a sports team or sports figure. Items include a wide adhesive tape decorated with a plurality of stripes for application to the exterior of a motor vehicle; a decorative hood ornament; wheel cover decals; stickers and signs displaying a team name or logo, for both permanent and temporary application; a string of decorative mini-lights; sunvisor decals; decorative floor mats; decorative seat covers; a decorative gear shift lever knob; and a decorative clock.

Abstract: A road sign having a message displayed on a soft reflective plastics material which is attached to a net fabric, preferable a PVC plastics. The net material is attached to a frame structure including a first bar connected at one end of the net and a second bar connected at an opposite end of the net. The net is wound around a roller proximate one of the bars. The bars are biased apart by spring biased folding arms. The device thereby can be raised to an open position by the spring force. Further, a hand crank, or a motor, and also a remote control, can be included for manipulation of the sign, such as to a closed position.

Abstract: A vehicularly-mountable message board that can be automatically maneuvered between an upright message-displaying position and a retracted position by utilizing a side-mounted actuating motor and side-mounted moment arm. The vehicularly-mountable message board achieves the benefits of high-profile visibility of the message board in the upright position without obstruction by the actuating motor or the moment arm, while at the same time achieving the benefits of the location of the side-mounted actuating motor and side-mounted moment arm to achieve a low profile for the message board in the retracted configuration.

Abstract: A display sign for use on vehicles such as taxis and the like, includes dispensing and takeup rollers containing a strip of material having a series of advertising and/or other messages thereon. The housing for the device has a three dimensional planform, with the advertising display strip being installed immediately within the transparent peripheral sides of the device and thereby providing for the omnidirectional display of messages on the display strip. At least one motor provides power for the takeup and dispensing reels, allowing the device to display a series of messages from one end of the rolled display strip to the other, before being reversed. An automated timer device may be included to cause the display strip to pause intermittently, thereby allowing a message displayed thereon to be communicated to viewers. The device may include internal illumination and a translucent display strip to provide for the backlighting of the messages.

Abstract: A device is removably mounted on the exterior roof surface of an automotive vehicle, for locating the vehicle while parked in a crowded parking lot. The locator device comprises a magnetic base attachable to the vehicle roof, a mast extending upwardly from the base, and a pennant extending laterally from the mast. The pennant is preferably formed of a stiff plastic sheet, so as to have a large surface area presented for viewing by the motorist when he returns to the parking lot seeking his vehicle. The magnetic base has three hundred sixty (360) degree adjustability around the mast axis, so that the stiff plastic sheet can face in any desired compass direction.

Abstract: A display supported on the roof comprising a case and a flexible panel. House number indicia is on the panel. The case is connected to the roof of a house structure and the panel is movable from a storage position wherein the panel is disposed in the case to a display position wherein the panel extends a distance from the space so that the house number indicia is observable or visible from a position above the roof.

Abstract: A water borne billboard is provided in the form of a marine vessel designed to accommodate a billboard for display along heavily populated coastlines. The billboard is two-sided, both side being visible to observers on the coastline by either rotating the pivotally mounted billboard while the vessel is moving or reversing the direction of the vessel. The vessel is operated by one or more operators and may be designed to conceal the operators from view by the observers. The vessel is propelled by conventional means such as an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.

Abstract: The invention features a system for displaying information upon a vehicle. An electronic display is connected to a processor which generates character and graphics information. A power supply is connected to the electronic display and to the processor for providing operative power thereto. A programming device is connected to the processor for providing routines, which contain different messages for the electronic display. The screen of the display is mounted on the vehicle by means of an adjustably slidable mounting bracket. The display comprises a variable information section and a fixed information section. The fixed information section is mounted to the top of the variable information section.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle body is provided by piercing the roof of a general purpose passenger vehicle with an aperture of the type employed to receive a conventional sun roof and selectively providing a warning equipment module or a closure panel removably sealingly engaged in the roof aperture. The warning equipment module has upper and lower subassemblies connected through the aperture, providing an electrical conduit path spaced from the seal between the subassemblies.

Abstract: An emergency-identifying apparatus for motor vehicles for displaying highly visible messages to approaching motorists. The apparatus includes a housing having an opening positioned in at least one side thereof, a rotatable member supported within the housing and having a plurlaity of message plates thereon, each of the message plates bearing a different message indicia thereon, means coupled to the rotatable member and positioned externally of the housing to position a selected message plate in alignment with the opening, a light source for illuminating the selected message plate from behind to render the desired message indicia thereon readily visible, and means for supporting the housing at a desired location to permit the message indicia on the selected message plate to be readily visible to oncoming motorists or the like. The apparatus can be easily and quickly set-up and operated by one person and can readily be stored in a vehicle trunk or other convenient location when not in use.

Abstract: A stranded motorist distress sign assembly includes a thin substantially flat, semi-flexible base member having one or more bosses or protrusions extending from one surface thereof, and a thin, substantially flat, semi-flexible sign plate having letters forming a message embossed thereon. The sign plate is mounted and held on the base member by mating hook and loop strips of material mounted on the protrusions and on the back of the sign plate. The bottom of the base member has magnetic members mounted thereon for attaching the assembly to a vehicle body.

Abstract: For emergency use on a highway there is provided a kit containing a collection of parts in disassembled state but ready for assembly within the confines of a small space no larger than the interior of a conventional automobile and then mounted for visual inspection on the exterior. The kit is one comprising a post for supporting a relatively large signboard. The signboard in turn is provided with aligned spaces for reception of individual letters and numbers selected from a reservoir of multiple letters and numbers to spell out a message visible by passerby.

Abstract: A lighting system for a translucent plastic car top sign having three side panels forming a truncated triangular pyramid and a top is disclosed. A convex reflector surface depends from the top and has three electric lamps oriented to be aligned with the apexes of the triangular pyramid such that each panel is illuminated by overlapping of direct and reflected light from the lamps. A translucent diffuser dome may be disposed over the reflector and lamps.

Abstract: A light sign comprising an illuminant (1) provided with substantially parallel channels (2) for discharge tubes (3), at least one translucent sign panel as a support or holder for sign message and a frame (9) which peripherally defines the light sign. The object of the invention is to form a light sign specially intended to be used in such connections where a re-signing often occurs, e.g. on taxi-cabs and where the sign should be very narrow for having as little air resistance as possible, where re-signing should be done with a few manipulations of the sign and without weakening the frame construction of the sign. The light sign should further by simple means be connectible to attachment of different kinds, so that several light signs can be connected with each other forming a continuous unit, e.g., for providing screen walls for exhibition purposes.

Abstract: A roller-type map or shade holder is provided which is operated by an electric motor. In one embodiment, a simple drive clutch arrangement decouples the motor drive shaft from the map roller when the map is fully unwound or rewound.

Abstract: A portable sign for removable mounting on the roof of a vehicle. The sign includes a rigid body formed of first, second and third side walls formed into a rigid triangular structure, a top structure including a triangular top wall and a frame fitting over the top wall and including a downturned flange extending around the laterally outer triangular perimeter of the top wall, and a bottom structure including a triangular bottom wall and a bottom frame including an upturned flange extending totally around the laterally outer perimeter of the bottom wall. The upper edge portion of the triangular body structure is positioned contiguously within and attached to the downturned flange of the top structure and the lower edge portion of the triangular body structure is positioned contiguously within and attached to the upturned flange of the bottom structure. An alarm assembly is also provided within the rigid body.

Abstract: A sign having a light with a flasher therein is stored beneath the seat of an automobile. If the motorist is in distress, the sign may be retrieved and plugged into the cigarette lighter of the automobile. Legs on the sign may be unfolded. With the window of the automobile rolled down, the motorist may place the sign on top of the automobile without unlocking the door of the automobile.

Abstract: A message dome for a roof of an automotive vehicle in which the message portion of the dome is attached to a base and the base is independently attached to the roof. The base includes four corner support sections having a first plurality of bores for providing removable securement of the base to the roof of the automotive vehicle and a second plurality of threaded bores separate from the first plurality of bores; a first plurality of bolts extending through the first plurality of bores to secure the base to the roof; a cover including a third plurality of bores operatively associated with the second plurality of bores when the cover is fit on the base; and a second plurality of bolts extending through the third plurality of bores and threadedly engaged within the second plurality of bores for removably securing the cover to the base, whereby to permit removal of the cover from the base without removing the base from the roof.

Abstract: A portable sign mountable upon the roof of a vehicle. The portable sign is in the form of a hollow body having three side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall interconnected in a triangular form. The forwardmost edge of the interconnected side walls is positionable towards the front end of the vehicle for reduced wind resistance. Suction cups are mounted on the bottom wall of the body and in conjunction with strap members also mounted on the bottom wall of the body and connectable to the vehicle to provide for secure and removable attachment of the sign body on the roof of the vehicle. Detachable cover members carrying printed indicia are attachable on the side walls of the body to change the printed indicia on the sign. An illumination source is mounted within the body for illuminating the printed indicia formed on the side walls of the body.

Abstract: An advertising sign holder for attachment to a vehicle roof is molded from a translucent plastic sheet. A triangular base flange has a hollow truncated pyramid with a triangular base integral therewith. The pyramid includes an integral top. Suction cups are attached to the corners of the base flange for the dual function of attaching the sign to a vehicle roof and maintaining separation of a plurality of signs nested together for storage. An electric light disposed within the pyramid portion provides illumination of the sign holder.

Abstract: A foldable sign capable of being mounted on the roof of a vehicle. The foldable sign has a sign plate pivotally mounted upon a base which may be removably or fixedly secured to the roof of the vehicle. Interconnected between the sign plate and the base is a latching mechanism capable of securely locking the sign plate at two portions thereof in either an upright (unfolded) position or a horizontal (folded) position with respect to the base. The latching mechanism includes a movable rod which enables an individual with a single sliding movement of the rod to simultaneously disengage the latching mechanism from both portions of the sign plate. In so doing, it is possible to maintain a positive locking of the sign plate in either the upright or retracted positions while enabling a quick release of the locking action to be effected when desired.

Abstract: The sign carrier structure includes a frame forming a space adapted to accept a sign therein. A pair of legs extend downwardly from the opposite sides of the frame. An inverted U-shaped bracket is coupled to the top edge of a car window. In use, the bracket is sandwiched between the window and the socket for the window. One leg is coupled to the bracket, and the other leg rests on the top of a vehicle, thereby displaying the sign through the space.

Abstract: A device for supporting a display board above a vehicle. The device includes a channel shaped formation which is sandwiched between an upper edge of a side window of the vehicle and the window surround and a spigot which is pivotal relatively to the formation and which is insertable into a downwardly facing socket at one side of the display board. Two of the devices are used to support the board, the devices being positioned at opposed sides of the board.

Abstract: A portable, temporary, emergency distress signal capable of being collapsed and carried in the dash compartment of an automobile or quickly erected and placed on the outside of a stranded vehicle includes a telescopable, rod type staff, a magnet base and a fabric flag. The flag is rollable into a small roll, but held outstretched in use by a three section, pivot jointed, rod fitted into the edge seams. The telescopable staff is pivoted to the magnet base so that the staff may be vertical on top of the vehicle or at right angles, on the side of the vehicle. A sleeve lock slides over the pivot to hold the staff vertical, a sleeve lock stop holds the sleeve lock out of the way when the staff is at right angles to the magnet and the sleeve lock is threadedly secured.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag-reducing air deflector adapted to be mounted on a truck serving to display indicia illuminated from the rear comprising a planar clear plastic-like member on which is screened in reverse the indicia and which is formed to aerodynamic shape, said rear being further coated with a translucent coating. Another embodiment utilized for quick indicia interchangeability has a clear dome and a member carrying the indicia insertable behind the dome and easily replaced with another member with different indicia. In a further embodiment the dome may be mounted on a housing.

Abstract: A retractable roof top sign for automotive vehicles including a generally rectangular low profile frame for attachment to the roof of the vehicle and a sign structure transversely spanning the frame in pivotal attachment at a lower end between a pair of longitudinal side rails of the frame, a small gear motor being provided in driving connection to the sign in a manner so as to permit the sign to be selectively moved between a retracted position within the confines of the frame and a vertically erect position by operation of appropriate electric control switches mounted in the operator's compartment of the vehicle. For use in police cruisers or the like, an attention getting light flasher bar extends across the top width of the sign, and front an rear lights mounted within the confines of the frame are directed respectively on front and back messages displayed on the sign.

Abstract: By providing a wind deflecting panel with illuminating devices mounted thereto and an information bearing overlay positioned in spaced juxtaposition to said illuminating devices, an illuminated drag reducer is provided. In this manner, advertising messages or warnings can be provided on the overlay for both daytime and nighttime visibility.

Abstract: A vehicle-top sign display assembly which is constructed to support a pair of signs in arched back-to-back relation. The assembly includes a pair of corner supports which accommodate opposite vertical edges of the signs in sandwich relation with a pair of wedge-shaped members interposed internally between the signs. A pair of spreaders are disposed transversely across the top and bottom of the assembly to maintain the centers of the signs spaced apart. Each of these includes two pairs of grippers which accommodate the upper and lower horizontal edges of the signs.

Abstract: A plurality of elongated generally rectangular panel members are provided and include first and second sets of corresponding ends. A pivot fastener is secured through and pivotally joins one set of corresponding ends of the panel members together for relative angular displacement of the panel members. The panel members are swingable from a compact position with the panel members in full registry with each other and positions with at least one of the panel members angularly displaced relative to the remaining panel members. A spacing and friction washer is disposed between each pair of adjacent panel members and about the pivot fastener whereby the panel members may be frictionally retained in relatively angularly displaced positions. Each panel member is white in color and has word defining letters formed on its opposite sides with light reflective material of a color other than white.