Abstract: A device having movable slats for visual display of a plurality of indicia, such as numbers, letters and/or symbols. The internal slat supporting structure is secured to prevent movement of portions thereof when struck or jostled. In some embodiments, the indicia are associated with the downs in a football game.

Abstract: A down marker for use in a football game includes a vertical support and a display panel that extends from the vertical support. This display panel carries an array of solid state lighting devices configured to optically display a down number. The array of solid state lighting devices is selectively controlled by a controller that is carried by the down marker, in response to an external input.

Abstract: A self supporting resilient sign is assembled as a prism form a collapsed flat transport position and comprises pair of rectangular blanks of white, exterior grade pvc joined by a series of parallel, welded seams. The seams divide the blanks into a pair of panel pockets and a pair of weight pockets. The panel pockets each contain a squab made of plastic foam. The weight pockets house a strip of mdf This is sufficiently dense to prevent wind forces moving the signs. Strips of hook and pile fasteners line the obverse and reverse spaces of the plastic so that in the erected mode they overlap. Eyelets permit anchorage by a ground pin. The display faces lie at 70° to the horizontal and are directly printed with advertising material. The separation between these surfaces is about 100.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports hoarding having at least one contact sensor and at least one actuator with the actuator initiating an advertising message when the sensor produces a signal as a result of an impacting body.

Abstract: A fixed or self-redressing delineator pole comprising a lower portion for insertion into a support structure and an upper portion which serves as a marker such as for a slalom gate, a parking lot, a field, or a road. The delineator pole uses an impact absorbing material over a rigid or semi-rigid inner tube to create a cushioned extended surface which absorbs impact. Ski racing, for example, involves full contact between skiers travelling at high rates of speed and the slalom poles resulting in numerous injuries to the skier and damage to the pole. This delineator pole reduces injury to the pole and other objects resulting from objects colliding with the pole.

Abstract: A device for measuring the position of a football on a football playing field has a base member adapted to be placed in juxtaposition on a yard line on the football playing field. A first elongated member to determine the distance the football is positioned relative to the base. A second elongated member visually indicates the location of the base. First pivotal mounting is used to pivotally connect the first elongated member to the base to permit the first elongated member to be selectively rotated into engagement with the second elongated member and into a measuring position. Second pivotal mounting apparatus may be used to pivotally connect the second elongated member to the base so that the base remains substantially in juxtaposition with the line on the field when the first and second members are moved relative to the base when marking the position of the football on the field.

Abstract: A modular marking system for permanently marking the playing field on an athletic field with removable upright visible markers containing a variable diameter spring means for attaching an above ground, upright visible marker to a ground anchor. The variable diameter spring means comprises heavy gauge coiled steel having a large diameter coil section disposed within the ground anchor and a small diameter coil section secured within the upright visible marker, where the intermediate diameter reduction area is approximate to ground level to facilitate bending at ground level upon impact from any direction. The ground anchors permanently mark critical intersecting points of playing field lines, where the ground anchors can be used for aligning and visible marking playing field lines and subsequently for supporting the upright visible markers. The modular marking system is particularly useful for permanently marking different playing fields on the sme athletic field.

Abstract: A portable impact-resistant athletic numerical indicator display produces highly visible numerals for observation by athletic participants and spectators. The display is provided with a series of shiftable component numeral panels which are connected to a selector lever by a coupling device including a stationary, slotted bar and yoke. The desired numeral to be displayed is presented behind a transparent face in the body by shifting the corresponding selector lever from a first position to a second position to compose the numeral to be displayed from the component panels. The display is conventionally used in contact sports such as football and is constructed to withstand impact with a player or the ground. The display is preferably mounted on a pole and is provided with a layer of padding to protect the playes from injury.

Abstract: A numerical display especially for use as a down marker in football games. The numbers which are displayed are painted on sets of slats which slide up and down by operation of finger levers connected to the slats by a special linkage. The slats slide behind other slats in a concealed position and are visible in an exposed position through transparent windows of a padded housing which encloses the operating components. A frictional detent retains the levers in place to prevent inadvertent slipping of the number which is displayed.