Three-dimensional Letter Patents (Class 40/596)
  • Patent number: 9611757
    Abstract: An air bearing assembly includes a split bearing with a first portion and a second portion configured to join and form a female tapered section with distal ends of a larger diameter than a joining central portion. A shaft with a male section including distal ends of a larger diameter than a central portion mates with the female tapered section formed by the joined split bearing. In order to provide adequate lubrication, support, and cooling, one or more an passages in the split bearing fluidly communicates a supply of pressurized air to the shaft. The air pressure provides a cushion of air for the shaft to float on during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Jason P Everts
  • Patent number: 8839537
    Abstract: A support component comprises a tab configured to be coupled to a bar (as comprises a part of an item to be suspended), the tab including a plurality of openings disposed therethrough and configured to receive an overhead support interface (such as a corresponding flexible link) to thereby provide overhead support to the bar. These openings can be laterally offset from one another to facilitate selecting a particular pitch orientation for the bar. The tab can have a non-circular hole disposed therethrough sized and configured to receive the bar. This hole can include a surface that is configured to key with respect to a corresponding bar surface to thereby prevent the bar from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: ILight Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Glenn Kirschner, Sean Edward Callahan, Mark Joseph Cleaver, Qiusheng Chen, Zhiping Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140144054
    Abstract: The invention relates to an advertising device that includes: a base having a lower support surface and a longitudinal channel in the upper part thereof for mounting and attaching an advertising poster, three-dimensional advertising designs made of a flexible shape-memory material, a means of attaching the advertising poster to the base, and a means of attaching the base to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: ADNETGOAL, S.L.
    Inventor: Ignacio Iriarte Sanllehi
  • Publication number: 20130326921
    Abstract: The present application relates to the field of advertising lamp, in particular to a three-dimensional metallic character and the manufacturing method thereof. The three-dimensional metallic character includes: each stroke of the three-dimensional metallic character is made up by two planes which are intersecting to present a shape of mountain ridge; the ridge portion the mountain ridge constitutes the font; the ridge surface forming the mountain ridge has holes thereon; the bottom of the ridge surface forming the mountain ridge is longitudinally connected to a side surface. The three-dimensional metallic character and the manufacturing method thereof provided by the present application are novel in character structure and durable in use. When electrified in the night, the character provided herein presents eye-catching and artistic visual effect, and meanwhile beautifies urban night scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: WU JIANG YU XING METAL ART DECORATION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xinghua Shen
  • Patent number: 8549879
    Abstract: One or more ornaments for eyeglasses are disclosed. The ornaments include an attachment portion and an ornamentation portion. The attachment portion is configured so that it fits onto a temple of eyeglasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hot Filament Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy Ellen Mellinger, Tess Audrey Mellinger
  • Publication number: 20130255119
    Abstract: A channel letter has a rear surface for mounting against a raceway, wall, or a structure for supporting the signage, and sheet metal sides defining the figuration of the letter or shape to be depicted. A lighting element is positioned against the rear surface of the enclosure, and a lens is retained to the open front of the enclosure. The lens is retained by a plurality of retainer clips. Each of the retainer clips has a first and a second side extending from an arched back with the sides spaced a distance sufficient for the sides to fit around the end of the walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Clyde H. Boyer
  • Patent number: 8261475
    Abstract: The invention relates to a figurative print for a plane print carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the figurative print comprises a primary, a secondary, and a tertiary figurative element. Each of the three elements shows an angular displacement of between 0° and 90° in relation to a perpendicular view of the figurative print on the plane print carrier so that the figurative print appears with a special effect, when the print is viewed from an oblique position relative to a perpendicular viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Erik Brogaard Thomsen
  • Patent number: 7506464
    Abstract: A character display system and method making the same are disclosed. In the system, the display is provided on a display surface. In one embodiment, the system includes at least one display character and a fastener for mounting the at least one display character to the display surface. The fastener includes a front engaging portion, a rear engaging portion, and a spacer portion located between the front engaging portion and the rear engaging portion. The spacer portion is configured, upon assembly, to raise the at least one display character a predetermined distance above the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Tarter, David Musil, James Huss
  • Patent number: 7493716
    Abstract: A signage system includes an alpha-numeric character with angled front walls defining a peaked internal cavity and having perimeter flanges extending along edges of the front walls. A mount plate fits into and is hidden by the character. Connectors releasably attach the character to the mount plate. Features on the mount plate and character inter-engage to center and align the character on the mount plate. The connectors can be snap-attach, hook-and-loop, or magnetic. Alternatively, adhesive can be used to attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Whitehall Products, LLC
    Inventors: Lee S. Brown, Jamie S. Hossink, Paul Franklyn
  • Patent number: 7428793
    Abstract: A personalized item comprising a frame member, character engagement areas, character blocks and inserts is described. The frame member has a substantially rectangular area therethrough or a rectangular recessed area formed therein. The character engagement areas each include a first character placement template formed therein and each character engagement area is adjacent an elongated side of the rectangular area. Each character block has a first template engaging member, a second template engaging member, and a character retained therebetween. The first template engaging member is configured to engage the first character placement template, and the second template engaging member is configured to engage the second character placement template. The plurality of inserts are configured for insertion into the frame member to substantially cover the character engagement areas and the template engaging members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventor: Michael H. Dwyer
  • Publication number: 20080141569
    Abstract: The present invention is a structure having a new and improved wrap for structures formed from a flexible film that increases the awareness and impact of the wrap. The wrap comprises a background and one or more design elements. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the design element is a three-dimensional design element that extends in a direction outwardly away from the surface of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Mark T. Reyland
  • Patent number: 7311956
    Abstract: A laminate for use in decorating a receptor surface (e.g., a window) comprising a piece of decorative sheet material with a layer of aggressive pressure sensitive adhesive on its rear surface and a release liner over that layer of adhesive; and a flexible, temporary support tape comprising a backing and a layer of repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive on a second surface of the backing. A longitudinally extending part of the layer of repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive of the support tape is adhered to a front surface of the decorative strip, and an elongate portion of the support tape projects transversely away from a first edge surface of the decorative sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: James F. Pitzen
  • Patent number: 7257913
    Abstract: A signage system comprising a prism-shaped tri-panel louver having a slot at each corner into which can be slid a clip. The clip is generally V-shaped with a pair of opposing sides joined at one end to form an apex. At the apex end is a pair of opposing fingers which are generally parallel to the clip sides. The fingers form a slot on each side. The clip is slid and retained by a friction fit within the slot such that when three clips are installed the fingers and slots formed therein can hold the sign graphics strip. The clip can flex somewhat to allow for insertion in a slot in the louver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Ad-Tech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Heller, Richard Wanser, Dewey Pitts
  • Patent number: 7087132
    Abstract: A decoratively embossed panel of a molded form includes an exterior design that preferably reflects some aspect of the services advertisement. For example, a bricklayer may choose an embossed panel having a three-dimensional brick design in addition to a logo, service and/or trademark and other pertinent information to aid potential customers in understanding the services provided in conjunction with the servicemark and contact information. The embossed panel is removably attachable to any portion of a vehicle by any attaching mechanism such as double stick foam tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: R&B Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Krey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6785992
    Abstract: An emergency exit sign is incorporated directly into the floor adjacent an emergency exit door. The emergency exit sign includes visual and tactile properties that allow the sign to be read on a day to day basis by those walking through the doorway. The tactile properties of the sign also allow the sign to be read by those on the floor in an emergency situation such as when the room or hallway is filled with smoke. The tactile properties of the sign may also be used by those trying to find the doorway in a dark room. Further, the tactile properties of the sign are used on a day to day basis as people walk over the sign to reinforce the person's memory of the location of the emergency exit door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Orlando G. Chiarucci
  • Publication number: 20040093780
    Abstract: The invention applies about the method and sign figures, which find application for three-D indication. It can to use in multifarious plays and for display of information with indicative, demonstrative, advertising and other type of character. The Method and sign figures for three-D indication increase on possibilities of indication and to utilize fully distinguishing function of the three-D in the space. Every sign figure involves some alike on the form sign frame, which make letters, numerals, drawings and combinations from them or others components of figures. With the purpose to increase on possibilities of indication and to utilize fully distinguishing function on three-D in the space the sign figures is trilateral or multilateral synonymous. The sign figure involves three or more sign frames, which compose one structure and are connect sedentary in one or some points in common, and sides or from part from the format by it. On size sign frames are equal or deferent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Nikolay Pavlov Atanasov
  • Publication number: 20030115784
    Abstract: The invention relates to a figurative print for a plane print carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the figurative print comprises a primary, a secondary, and a tertiary figurative element. Each of the three elements shows an angular displacement of between 0° and 90° in to a perpendicular view of the figurative print on the plane print carrier so that the figurative print appears with a special effect, when the print is viewed from an oblique position relative to a perpendicular viewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Erik Brogaard Thomsen
  • Patent number: 6524412
    Abstract: A method for forming and applying a roadside display system is disclosed. Character-shaped are formed in a thermoplastic polymer resin material with a highly reflective face. A readily available sheet cutting die press allows the characters, numerals or letters, to be cut on site with a minimum of effort. Typically, a matching set of character-shaped inserts are cut from a second sheet of thermoplastic polymer resin material with a different color, contrast and reflectance. The inserts are placed in the corresponding character-shaped apertures cut in the first sheet and then a reactant, in the form of contact cement, is used to adhere the sign to a roadside curb. An exothermic reaction occurs between the reactant and thermoplastic polymer resin material which adheres the thermoplastic polymer resin material to the curbside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Phillip L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6461712
    Abstract: A foam sign made from a laminated substrate and several cuts outs die cut from the substrate. The laminated substrate contains a foam layer with a thickness of from about 0.5 to about 3.0 inches, wherein the foam has a density of from about 1.2 to about 2.0 pounds per square foot; the substrate also contains plastic sheets adhesively joined to the top and the bottom of the foam layers, wherein the plastic sheets have a thickness of from about 0.007 to about 0.03 inches; and the laminated substrate also has several cavities designed to receive the cut outs. The cut outs are disposed within such cavities such that the top surfaces of the cut outs are either above or below the top surfaces of the laminated substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Storeimage Programs Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian W. Pynenburg, Martin S. Cross
  • Patent number: 6385840
    Abstract: A method of applying a sign comprising of raised characters to a surface using a template or pattern which provides a precise orientation and alignment of the characters. The method renders it unnecessary to separately align each character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Michael L. Scarfia
  • Patent number: 6322866
    Abstract: An applique for garments is provided having multiple layers, and a decoratively shaped perimeter and relief pattern having a relatively high profile and side wall being substantially perpendicular to the plain in which the raised and lowered portions lie. Methods for manufacturing are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Printmark Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Sloot
  • Patent number: 6233857
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a sign consisting of an alloy substrate encapsulated in a porcelain coating which can be selectively applied to different areas of the substrate. The coating provides a smooth transitional region on graphic indicia of the sign to make the sign impervious to vandalism, fire and dirt. There is also provided a process of selectively applying a second coat of porcelain to the existing coating to only those elevated portions elevated or Braille portions of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Photo-Cut Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Wyckoff, John Hampton
  • Patent number: 6129969
    Abstract: A foam sign made from a laminated substrate and several cuts outs die cut from the substrate. The laminated substrate contains a foam layer with a thickness of from about 0.5 to about 3.0 inches, wherein the foam has a density of from about 1.2 to about 2.0 pounds per square foot; the substrate also contains a plastic sheet adhesively joined to the foam layer, wherein the plastic sheet has a thickness of from about 0.007 to about 0.03 inches; and the laminated substrate also has several cavities designed to receive the cut outs. The cut outs are disposed within such cavities such that the top surfaces of the cut outs are either above or below the top surfaces of the laminated substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Storeimage Programs Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian W. Pynenburg, Gary S. Pasternak, Martin S. Cross
  • Patent number: 5810597
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Robert H. Allen, Jr.
    Inventors: Robert H. Allen, Jr., Frank Lapietra
  • Patent number: 5665446
    Abstract: Known laminates can be used to apply graphics to glass panels to present an etched or sand-blasted appearance. Such graphics, which have been cut from a decorative polymeric film of a laminate, can be applied more easily, quickly, and with greater precision when the cover sheet of the laminate is a vented transparent polymeric sheet which bears a layer of vented removable pressure-sensitive adhesive that has been pressed against the graphics. Coextensive with each of the graphics is a layer of aggressive pressure-sensitive adhesive by which the graphics can be applied to a glass panel while wet with a detergent/alcohol/water solution that permits them to be repositioned by a user who can see the graphics through the vented transparent sheet. Positioning is enhanced when the vents are perforations arranged in an orderly pattern such as a rectangular grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Douglas C. Sundet
  • Patent number: 5575099
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Gerber Scientific Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang M. Strobel, Barrett C. Gray, Sanjay V. Sohoni
  • Patent number: 5536545
    Abstract: A 3-D graphic sign construction is provided comprising: (a) a conformed laminate comprising a sign face layer, one or more visual characters, a background color layer, and (b) one or more 3-D characters positioned in register with the visual characters and a method of make the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert R. Condon, Daniel P. Pohl, Frank T. Sher
  • Patent number: 5389413
    Abstract: A 3-D graphic sign construction is provided comprising: (a) a conformed laminate comprising a sign face layer, one or more visual characters, a background color layer, and (b) one or more 3-D characters positioned in register with the visual characters and a method of make the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert R. Condon, Daniel P. Pohl, Frank T. Sher
  • Patent number: 5263262
    Abstract: Markers particularly adapted for golf courses have a base with numerical indicia formed thereon. The indicia are preferably raised above the base and have a color that contrasts with the color of the base. In one embodiment the base and the numerical indicia both have upstanding fibril members which resemble the grass surface surrounding the yardage marker. The markers are formed in a mold wherein a fusible material, which may be a vinyl plastisol, having the color desired for the numerical indicia is introduced into the indicia-forming cavities in the mold and gelled. The fusible material having the color desired for the base is then poured into the base-forming cavity. An anchoring fitting is inserted into the base-forming cavity so that a portion thereof will be encapsulated in the material forming the base. After all the components of the marker are received within the mold, it is heated to fuse the fusible material within the mold into an integral whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Frank W. Steere, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5246757
    Abstract: A raised graphic sign comprising (a) a substrate; (b) a base layer adhesively fastened to an upper surface of the substrate; (c) one or more alphanumeric characters, optionally adhesively fastened to the base layer; and (d) an overlay film conformably and adhesively fastened to the upper surface of the base layer and covering the alphanumeric characters is provided, as well as a method to make the raised graphic sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert R. Condon, Daniel P. Pohl, Frank T. Sher
  • Patent number: 5223316
    Abstract: A support frame (10) for a plurality of predetermined characters (24A-24G) removably mounted in openings (22A-22G) of associated holders (20A-20G). The holders (20A-20G) are press fitted within a generally rectangular opening (14) of an outer frame member (12). Tongue and groove combinations (21, 26) retain holders (20A-20G) within the outer frame member (12). The characters (24A-24G) may comprise alphabetical letters, numerals, or various symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Centro Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: William K. Nemzin, Brenda R. Nemzin
  • Patent number: 5065537
    Abstract: A changeable letter sign system including a plurality of panels, each bearing a letter, character or other suitable indicia and combinable on an overhead readerboard to display a message thereon, each of the panels having magnetically attractive material carried on the normally front face thereof, in complete contiguous arrangement with the peripheral inner and outer edges of the indicia on the panel, and including a tool having a magnet presenting a pair of feet for engagement with said magnetically attractive material to permit holding of the panels for placement on or removal from suitable retaining means on the wall of the readerboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Americraft Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond J. Bailey
  • Patent number: 4722158
    Abstract: A system of individual modules, which can be fitted together for the formation of decorative or artistic panels is disclosed. The individual modules have geometrical figures in high relief, therefore defining two different planes, the first determined by the high relief geometrical figures and the second by the lower plane which constitutes the pictorial background of the total composition. The resulting combination formed by joining together the geometrical figures of the modules, as well as the combination of colors and textures, having similar or different hues, of product and substances of different origin, applied by means of casting or adherence, upon a plane or in both, results in the formation of artistic or decorative figures displayed upon the panel integrated by the modules fitted together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Inventor: Enrique A. Urdaneta
  • Patent number: 4714581
    Abstract: A relatively thin thermoplastic sheet material, vacuum molded to form a sign letter base including hollow wall members and hollow light-fixture supports upstanding from a single-thickness horizontal bottom member. The base inverted forms a mold itself for receiving a flexible plastic foam inserted to a suitable height and disposed within the vertical walls and fixture supports for providing compressible elasticity to the thin molded sheet in predetermined locations for enabling cooperative interaction of the same with retainer members used to secure a display sign face and gas filled lighting tube structures in proper location onto the base. A rigid polyester resin is cast as a ring encircling the letter walls, located and supported by the flexible foam to stabilize and support the thin nature of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: Colite Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank A. Witt
  • Patent number: 4702786
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a sign or similar article by providing a wooden substrate having an upper surface; providing a laminate formed by several plies including a ply of sandblast-resistant material, an adhesive, a ply of vinyl, another adhesive and a carrier ply; cutting the laminate to form a template of a desired configuration and applying the template to the upper surface of the substrate, sandblasting the upper surface of the substrate which removes an upper surface strata thereof which is exposed to the sandblast material while unexposed surface strata is uneffected, and thereafter removing the sandblast-resistant ply from the vinyl ply forms a permanent upper covering/indicia/design atop the selected area of the substrate unaffected by the sandblast material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Inventor: Gary C. Tallman
  • Patent number: 4532579
    Abstract: An illuminated module connectable with similar modules to form an illuminated sign, especially an address or like location sign, comprises an enclosure for an illumination source having an indicia-bearing surface and a plurality of electrical and mechanical interconnecting means on at least two surfaces to permit the assembly of adjacent modules into different configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Inventor: Bill Merryman
  • Patent number: 4450640
    Abstract: An illuminated sign letter structure made up of an extruded plastic strip having a metal foil encased therein. One end of the strip is enlarged and has a ledge projecting outwardly from the strip. The opposite sides of the ledge are parallel and smooth for receiving the edges of a letter-form. The extruded plastic strip is formed into a letter shape and a letter-form of the letter shape is fixed in the frame to engage either the inner or the outer parallel, smooth ledge side. The metal foil may be straight or the end of the foil at the enlarged end of the extruded strip may be bent inwardly into the enlarged end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Inventors: Jay B. Shapiro, Willaim Bank
  • Patent number: 4442618
    Abstract: An indicium for a rubber article having at least one narrow groove therein, the indicium being made of a rubber of a first color such that the narrow groove is perceived as a narrow line of a contrasting color and a method for making same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Thomas F. Minter, Lawrence G. Jansen, Richard H. Springford
  • Patent number: 4387521
    Abstract: An arrangement of alpha numeric character sets comprising a plurality of alpha numeric characters of graduated sizes graphically layered in two or three dimensional form. The characters are arranged in a superimposed fashion with the sizes of the characters uniformly graduating in size as one views each set of characters. The characters thus arranged appear to be arranged in a stacked form over a common center point or axis. Such an arrangement is particularly adapted to provide a representation of a calendar date but can, when desirable, be utilized to spell a word such as a person's name.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Inventor: Donald C. Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 4202123
    Abstract: A relatively thin thermoplastic sheet material, vacuum molded to form a sign letter base including hollow wall members and hollow light-fixture supports upstanding from a single-thickness horizontal bottom member. The base inverted forms a mold itself for receiving a flexible plastic foam inserted to a suitable height and disposed within the vertical walls and fixture supports for providing compressible elasticity to the thin molded sheet in predetermined locations for enabling cooperative interaction of the same with retainer members used to secure a display sign face and gas filled lighting tube structures in proper location onto the base. A rigid polyester resin is cast as a ring encircling the letter walls, located and supported by the flexible foam to stabilize and support the thin nature of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1980
    Assignee: Colite Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank A. Witt
  • Patent number: 4155185
    Abstract: Constructions are provided in molded indicia such as letters and numbers which may be easily assembled together to form words and other formations. Individual moldings in the shape of alphabetical and/or numerical characters are each provided with a plurality of through openings extending in either the horizontal or vertical directions permitting the moldings to be assembled against a rod, wire or elongated flexible member or members to form assemblies representative of words or other intelligence.In a preferred form, each molding is composed of two half parts or formations which, when properly assembled, represent a particular alphabetical or numerical character. The formations frictionally or otherwise assembled together to form the character are each shaped with a rim which either snap assembles over a rod, tube, strip or string or contains indented portions along the rim which compressibly engage said rod, strip, tube or string to retain the molding against that portion thereof which it engages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1979
    Inventor: Jerome H. Lemelson
  • Patent number: 4140405
    Abstract: A sign letter structure for use in an illuminated sign and a composite extruded thermoplastic strip conforming to the periphery of a generally flat letter-form making up the sign, the extruded strip having parallel longitudinally extending spaced opaque sections with a transparent thermoplastic section therebetween, the perimetrical edging of the strip extending inwardly of the frame with the front surface of the edge in contact with the front surface of the letter-form, the transparent section having a convex outer surface and a ridged inner surface for picking up light rays and for diffusing such light rays after they have passed through the transparent section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1979
    Assignee: Anchor Plastics Company Inc.
    Inventors: Jay B. Shapiro, William Bank
  • Patent number: 4132020
    Abstract: A sign structure having a copy board which is movable across the face of the structure and which releasably mounts display symbols such as numeric and alphabetic charactrers. The copy board comprises a frame which is mounted to the sign structure via rollers and may be positioned at will along the length of the sign structure adjacent to, overlapping, or removed from a vignette, etc., displayed on the sign face. Retainer bars extend between opposite sides of the copy board frame and are adapted for releasably mounting symbols by engaging slots formed in the symbols. Great flexibility is provided in positioning the symbols, for the copy board frame can be positioned at will along the sign, the retainer bars can be positioned substantially anywhere along the copy board frame in the direction perpendicular to their length, and the symbols can be positioned at will along the length of the retainer bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1979
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James G. Nidelkoff
  • Patent number: 4122616
    Abstract: A relatively thin thermoplastic sheet material, vacuum molded to form a sign letter base including hollow wall members and hollow light-fixture supports upstanding from a single-thickness horizontal bottom member. The base inverted forms a mold itself for receiving a flexible plastic foam inserted to a suitable height and disposed within the vertical walls and fixture supports for providing compressible elasticity to the thin molded sheet in predetermined locations for enabling cooperative interaction of the same with retainer members used to secure a display sign face and gas filled lighting tube structures in proper location onto the base. A rigid polyester resin is cast as a ring encircling the letter walls, located and supported by the flexible foam to stabilize and support the thin nature of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1978
    Assignee: Colite Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank A. Witt