Abstract: Provided is a banner or picture support and display method and apparatus capable of displaying a banner, picture or other like object to the custom requirements of the object to be displayed or the user's requirements. The apparatus' design allows for it, and that which is to be displayed thereby, to be free standing, self contained and /or mounted to a “permannt” location as the user may determine. The banner support and display method and apparatus allows for the display of a banner or picture-whereby only the banner and not the display apparatus nest be visible.

Abstract: A mesh spectator safety netting with provision for advertising at a sporting event generally comprises a protective net provided with an applique for the conveyance of a commercial message. In order that the spectators at a sporting venue may be presented with a marketing communication without obstruction of their view of the athletic field, the applique generally comprises a mesh of only slightly less dimension than has the mesh of the protective net. Reflective borders may be added about the applique and or colored fibers may be used in forming the mesh in order to enhance the ability to view the advertising message from the spectator stands.

Abstract: A support pole for raising and lowering a supported object between a lower position and an elevated position is disclosed. The support pole includes an elongate pole and a carriage mounted for translational movement up and down the pole. Carriage locks at the top of the pole engage the carriage in the elevated position to prevent vibration of the supported object, and a stabilizer frame within the channel minimizes vibration during carriage transport.

Abstract: A banner stand for displaying banners or signs is disclosed. The banner stand is lightweight, portable, and easy to assembly while utilizing a minimum of parts. The banner stand includes a base tube with a flat, external portion against which two flat feet are secured. The feet may be rotated to extend laterally when the banner stand is erected and longitudinally when the banner stand is collapsed and stored. The base tube is substantially hollow providing a storage compartment for a pole assembly, the storage compartment being closed by end caps. The pole assembly is a multi-pole assembly that may collapse to the length of the longest pole, and each piece is connected by an elastic cord which also serves to hold the assembly together when the banner stand is erected. Between two of the poles of the pole assembly is a spring. In order to erect the stand, this spring is temporarily compressed and, upon returning to its original size, places the sign or banner under tension.

Abstract: An improved banner holder and method for exchangeable signs, flags, and other banners with extreme structural simplicity and a minimum moving parts. The banner holder comprises a support, at least one mounting members, an interchangeable brace to hold the banner, and an apparatus to automatically reduce wind loads on the banner. The banner is mounted on a brace. The brace engages one or more unique mounting members in such fashion as to make the brace, and the banner mounted on it, easily mountable, removable, and replaceable. The apparatus further protects the banner and banner holder from wind damage by automatically reducing the effective area of a banner in response to wind loading.

Abstract: A display sign mounting system allows quick and easy mounting and tensioning of a display sign. The display sign has a substantially planar surface to which support members are mounted to form a perimeter frame. Bracket assemblies are attached to the support members. The bracket assemblies retain the substrate and allow for selective tensioning of the substrate to create a taut display as desired. A bracket assembly may have rotatable members to facilitate installation of the substrate. The substrate is wound on a spool assembly to facilitate transporting the substrate to and from a display sign location.

Abstract: A collapsible object is provided having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. A pole coupled to the panel to support the panel.

Abstract: A support system for vertically hanging a flexible banner, the system including two horizontally extending arms for supporting a banner tautly. A dampener is connected at an inner end of each respective arm, the dampener including: a) a movable first element on which is fixed a respective horizontally extending arm; b) a fixed bracket second element for securement to a vertical support surface; and c) an intermediary elastic member mounted between the first and second elements.

Abstract: A support pole for raising and lowering a supported object between a lower position and an elevated position is disclosed. The support pole includes an elongate pole and a carriage mounted for translational movement up and down the pole. Carriage locks at the top of the pole engage the carriage in the elevated position to prevent vibration of the supported object, and a stabilizer frame within the channel minimizes vibration during carriage transport.

Abstract: A mounting for a sheet that has a bead about its periphery includes frame members forming a rectangle with each frame member including mutually parallel multiple engagement surfaces defined on ribs. An elongate retainer includes an elongate flange with an interlocking surface which can selectively interlock with any one of the engagement surfaces on the frame. The frame also has a frame rail having a rail surface that faces away from a retainer rail surface on a rail of the retainer. A tool including pinch rollers squeeze the rail surfaces toward one another to place the sheet material held by the retainer in tension while the interlocking surface is engaged with the appropriate engagement surface.

Abstract: A display system, including a frame member having a lower end with a threaded bore therein, a banner supported by the frame member, and a mount for mounting the frame member onto a surface, the mount including a suction cup having a force cup opposite a blind bore, a threaded bolt having a head configured for being received within the blind bore of the suction cup, and a connector, the connector having internal threads configured for receiving the threads of the bolt and external threads configured for being received by the threaded bore of the lower end of the frame member.

Abstract: The banner material is comprised of flexible polyester fabric which comes in a rolled elongated sheet. A number of grommets are placed along the top and bottom edges. The grommets along the top edge are aligned with the grommets along the bottom edge and are placed along the top and bottom edges of the banner material alternately a first distance apart and a second substantially smaller distance apart. The user of the banner can customize the length of the banner by cutting from top edge to bottom edge between the grommets, preferably between the grommets spaced the second substantially smaller distance apart in order to avoid wasting any excess banner material.

Abstract: A container is provided having at least two separate container elements attached by means of a flexible banner bearing a message or artwork. Each of the containers has an opening in the top thereof for storage and transportation of a variety of goods. The flexible banner is attached to each container element at one edge thereof such that the edges of attachment are adjacent to each other when the container is in the closed position. The container elements are adapted to fit adjacent to each other to form a large container, this large container being bordered on all sides by the flexible banner when in the closed position. When the container elements are rotated in opposite directions relative to each other, a message imprinted on the inner surface of the flexible banner is made visible. Alternatively, the container elements may be permanently sealed for display of such unique items such as liquid sculptures or other artwork.

Abstract: An improved banner holder and method for exchangeable signs, flags, and other banners with extreme structural simplicity and a minimum moving parts. The banner holder comprises a support, at least one mounting members, an interchangeable brace to hold the banner, and an apparatus to automatically reduce wind loads on the banner. The banner is mounted on a brace. The brace engages one or more unique mounting members in such fashion as to make the brace, and the banner mounted on it, easily mountable, removable, and replaceable. The invention further provides an apparatus to protect the banner and banner holder from wind damage by automatically reducing the effective area of a banner in response to wind loading.

Abstract: A weather resistant flag is provided which includes a flagstaff, a flag cloth mountable on the flagstaff, solar cells mounted on at least one of the flag cloth and the flagstaff, and an energy storage device for storing energy generated by the solar cells. The solar cells can be in the form of solar cell strips and can be transparent in the event that they are mounted over business advertising symbols that may be provided on the flag.

Abstract: A banner stand for displaying banners or signs is disclosed. The banner stand is lightweight, portable, and easy to assembly while utilizing a minimum of parts. The banner stand includes a base tube with a flat, external portion against which two flat feet are secured. The feet may be rotated to extend laterally when the banner stand is erected and longitudinally when the banner stand is collapsed and stored. The base tube is substantially hollow providing a storage compartment for a pole assembly, the storage compartment being closed by end caps. The pole assembly is a multi-pole assembly that may collapse to the length of the longest pole, and each piece is connected by an elastic cord which also serves to hold the assembly together when the banner stand is erected. Between two of the poles of the pole assembly is a spring. In order to erect the stand, this spring is temporarily compressed and, upon returning to its original size, places the sign or banner under tension.

Abstract: A suspended flexible sound absorbing banner includes a large rectangular flexible sound absorbing material, preferably made of fiberglass or other low density porous sound absorptive material, and covered with a porous, perforated or non-perforated, impermeable membrane such as NYLON sailcloth or commercial plastic membranes capable of providing for sound absorption in a desired frequency range and structural integrity sufficient to support tension required without damage while permitting application of suitable graphics for desired visual effect. Opposed edges of the banner are clamped between pairs of elongated U-shaped cross-section spreader bars. Each opposed edge is clamped by bending the edge of the banner through four 90° turns. A smaller dimensioned U-shaped spreader bar is receivable within a larger dimensioned U-shaped spreader bar and the two spreader bars may be clamped together with the edge of the banner clamped between them.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a banner, comprising an arm and a base. The arm includes a proximal portion, a distal portion adapted for holding the banner, and a spring portion connecting the proximal portion to the distal portion. The base is adapted for attaching the proximal portion of the arm to a structure. The apparatus may be used in a banner hanging system, comprising at least two arms adapted for holding a banner and a set of two bases. One of the arms is adapted for holding a top end of the banner and the other of the arms is adapted for holding a bottom end of the banner. Each of the two bases may include two opposing receiver portions, each receiver portion being adapted for receiving and being attached to the proximal end of one of the arms. The opposing receiver portions are constructed and arranged to extend banners on opposing sides of the structure.

Abstract: A portable indicating and protective structure for underground utilities is provided. The portable structure is designed to be erected about a utility located at ground level on a construction site, to permit construction workers to avoid inadvertent damage to such a utility. Such damage occurs when the utility is impacted by construction machinery, delivery trucks, and other vehicles on the construction site. The portable structure is a protective barrier which would enclose or encircle the utility. The sidewall elements may be secured in place by stakes or the like. The sidewall may be cylindrical, rectangular, or some other geometric configuration. The top portion and the lower portion would be open to permit access to the utility. Two poles will be affixed proximal the sidewall and will extend vertically several times the height of the sidewall. These pole elements may secure the sidewall in place by passing vertically through a plurality of ring elements which are connected to the sidewall.

Abstract: A banner display system including a system and method for the improved display of banners and other advertisements is provided. The banner display system includes a top banner cap, a bottom banner cap, and a banner wherein said banner includes a top sock for receiving a dowel and a bottom sock for receiving a dowel, said top sock resting against said top banner cap end stops and said bottom sock resting against said bottom banner cap end stops. The present invention provides stability and proper display for the banner as well as easy replacebility.

Abstract: A panel display having a stretchable structure made of articulated, tubular elements collapsible together with an internal elastic cord. The elements are articulated on a central assembling support for mounting. Some relatively rigid elements are fixed on the support while obliquely diverging away from it so as to form feet with a ground footprint shaped as a regular polygon. Other elements form relatively flexible bows each of which will respectively support at its free end a suspendible panel in its middle.

Abstract: A minimum visibility seam tape and method of joining at least two substrates with the tape. The substrates joined typically are sign faces or awnings comprising a composite of thermoplastics and a woven scrim. The seam tape is a woven or nonwoven scrim embedded in or coated with a thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A mounting for a sheet that has a bead about its periphery includes frame members forming a rectangle with each frame member including mutually parallel multiple engagement surfaces defined on ribs. An elongate retainer includes an elongate flange with an interlocking surface which can selectively interlock with any one of the engagement surfaces on the frame. The frame also has a frame rail having a rail surface that faces away from a retainer rail surface on a rail of the retainer. A tool including pinch rollers squeeze the rail surfaces toward one another to place the sheet material held by the retainer in tension while the interlocking surface is engaged with the appropriate engagement surface.

Abstract: A collapsible object is provided having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. A pole is coupled to the panel to support the panel.

Abstract: The present invention is a retractable display apparatus comprising at least one upright support having at least one retractable cord able to extend generally perpendicular to the stanchion, said cord able to attach to an object or preferably a matching stanchion. Preferably, each stanchion is a T-shape, but may be other shapes, for example, an inverted L shape, which has a riser plus one horizontally-extending side arm at or near the top of the riser. Retractor mechanisms and locking mechanisms are preferably included for each cord, for easy and neat handling of the cord, preferably by winding the cord on a rotating member (“spool”). The apparatus is adapted so that the cord(s) support one or more signs or banners or other items that might be decorative or functional for a retailer, warehouse, flea market, or other business.

Abstract: A container is provided having at least two separate container elements attached by a banner bearing a message, said container elements and banner being formed from a single flexible sheet or paper. Each of the containers has an opening in the top thereof for storage and transportation of a variety of goods. The flexible banner and container elements are formed such that the container elements are adapted to fit adjacent to each other to form a large container. This large container being bordered on all sides by the flexible banner when in the closed position. When the container elements are rotated in opposite directions relative to each other, a message imprinted on the inner surface of the flexible banner is made visible.

Abstract: A method and product resulting from employing radio frequency electric energy for heat-sealing a thermoplastic pouch to a thermoplastic sheet or banner to provide a banner with an improved supplemental signage pocket affixed thereto. The components of the present invention are, no adhesives and tape free. The product is formed by utilizing a heating sheet heated by RF energy to seal the banner to the pocket. A barrier is placed in said pocket to protect one wall of the pocket from being sealed to the banner.

Abstract: A banner support assembly adapted to be mounted to an upstanding post including a pair of horizontally extending arms fixed in spaced relation to the post and first and second housing members adapted to receive an elongated banner's first and second slidingly engagable members. First and second housing members are adjustably secured to the extending arms through apertures whereby the banner is held taut in variable conditions.

Abstract: The device is used for accommodating a planiform advertising carrier (10) with two bars (3,4) arranged on top of each other and for keeping the advertising carrier (10) tenterable. The advertising carrier is laterally tenterable, for lateral tentering. Further the advertising carrier (10) is provided at least on one side with a tentering device which comprises a rail (20) which takes laterally hold of the advertising carrier and a tentering device (70) by means of which the rail (20) is movable for the lateral tentering of the advertising carrier, the advertising carrier (10) being held on the other side against the tentering direction.

Abstract: A minimum visibility seam tape and method of joining at least two substrates with the tape. The substrates joined typically are sign faces or awnings comprising a composite of thermoplastics and a woven scrim. The seam tape is a woven or nonwoven scrim embedded in or coated with a thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A banner material holder has a bar supported against loads by a support device. The bar has at a predetermined circumferential position a longitudinally disposed opening for holding one of the edges of the banner material. The bar is adapted to attach to the support device along a transverse axis that is angularly spaced from the predetermined circumferential position. After an edge of the banner material is secured along the bar at the predetermined circumferential position, a portion of the banner material is wound around the bar. Then the bar is supported along the transverse axis.

Abstract: A mount is disclosed for banners and signs having a pair of spaced-apart stands for attachment to a wall or roof parapet. A first stand of the pair includes a first transverse member for holding one end of the banner. The second stand of the pair includes a longitudinal telescopic member having a second transverse member attached thereto for holding the opposite end of the banner. A gross adjustment means in one of the stands positions the longitudinal telescopic member in a desired pre-selected position to suit the length of the banner, and a fine adjustment means moves the second transverse member to stretch and tension the banner.

Abstract: A casing for sign comprising a backing sheet and side members having each a lip along an edge of the backing sheet. The sign casing further comprises a crimp or a plurality of crimps in the lip of each side member and into the backing sheet for retaining the backing sheet to the side members. The lip of each side member is adjacent a first side of the backing sheet, and a lateral portion of each side member is adjacent a second side of the backing sheet. The lip and the lateral portion of each side member form a slot enclosing an edge of the backing sheet. The lateral portion of the side member further has a groove facing the lip, for receiving a swollen portion of the crimp. The casing is manufactured on a production table having a central top surface, a first side surface and a second side surface.

Abstract: A reusable, "tear-through" display banner is disclosed. The banner consists of fabric or a flexible sheet of material having multiple portions capable of being assembled into a unitary banner by the use of a releasable fastening means along the portion edges.

Abstract: A visual panel comprising a flexible sheet having swollen portions at upper and lower edge portions thereof, respectively, a sheet stretching apparatus for slidably accommodating the swollen portions at the opposing edge portions of the sheet and for stretching the sheet over a frame, and a tension adjusting mechanism for adjusting a tension applied to the sheet.

Abstract: A banner display comprising a flexible, stretchable banner, a fixed mounting bracket and a hinged mounting bracket. Rigid support tubes are inserted in hems formed at the ends of the banner. The rigid support tubes are attached to mounting rods in the fixed and hinged mounting brackets. The hinged mounting bracket includes a spring mechanism which tensions the banner as the hinged mounting bracket is closed. To mount the banner, the banner is first attached to the fixed mounting bracket. The other end is attached to the hinged mounting bracket which is in the open position. As the hinged mounting bracket is closed, the banner becomes taut. The spring mechanism maintains tension in the banner when the hinged bracket is closed. As the hinged mounting bracket is closed, the mechanical advantage increases allowing the banner to be mounted without additional tools or manpower.

Abstract: A sign for temporary attachment to a stranded vehicle includes a framework having upright tubular members through which elastic cords may be extracted for the purpose of sign attachment to a vehicle. Looped segments of the cords permit adjustment of cord lengths to accommodate a wide range of vehicle sizes while cord locks limit the passage of the looped cords through the upright frame members. The cords additionally serve to couple the upright frame members to horizontal frame members. A collection of sign panels are swingably supported on a horizontal frame member to permit display of the appropriate message.

Abstract: A banner construction for securing to an anchor. The construction comprises a banner made of a predetermined material of rectangular shape having four corners. A rigid plastic sheet having opposite faces is enveloped within the material at each corner. The opposite faces are secured to the material with adhesives so as to form an integral corner section. Aligned apertures through the material and sheet are provided at each corner. Resilient shock absorbers means are releasably securable to the apertures at each corner.

Abstract: A bracket mounting system for mounting banners, posters and the like on posts, walls and other structures is disclosed. A pair of U-shaped channel brackets are fastened to the structure, such as by conventional fasteners or gear clamps. A banner with elongated tubular support members on each end is mounted in the brackets. A button or post in the support member or on the bracket mates with a corresponding opening in the other to hold the banner in the bracket.

Abstract: One visual panel 1 is allotted to each of two lanes 3 in such a manner as to cover and conceal from a competitor a lifting device portion of an apparatus for automatically aligning and arranging bowling pins 4 at a distal end of the lane 3 in a bowling alley 2. The visual panels 1 are disposed in a series by being supported by columns 5 rotatably in the direction of A. Each visual panel 1 comprises a frame 6; a flexible sheet 11 having swollen portions 9 and 10 at opposite edge portions 7 and 8; sheet stretching device 12 for slidably accommodating the swollen portions 9 and 10 at the opposite edge portions 7 and 8; and tension adjusting device 13 for adjusting the tension applied to the sheet 11.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a warning device for vehicles that are stopped whereby there may be danger of collision with another moving vehicle and danger of personal injury of such a moving vehicle. The present invention relates to a safety banner device for use in combination with a vehicle or the elements of nature. The safety banner device according to this invention would contain:a) foldable material;b) at least one magnet embedded in the light weight material thereby allowing the material to be affixed to a metal surface;c) at least one warning symbol made of a reflective material whereby being visible to people when lights would shine on the banner, and whereind) the banner is capable of being folded up several times or rolled up whereby it is capable of being stored into a small container.

Abstract: Apparatus for suspending a flexible banner with respect to an upstanding post and including a pair of base plates that are fixed in spaced relation on the post, the base plates each having a pair of grooves extending longitudinally of the post adjacent the side edges of the base plate and a pair of swing plates having a pair of longitudinally extending lips that rest normally in the pairs of grooves in the base plates and each having means for fixing a banner supporting rod in the swing plate whereby the swing plates and the rods may be pivoted with respect to the base plate, and a spring between each of the swing plates and its respective base plate for yieldably restraining swinging movement of the swing plate and its rod.

Abstract: A flexible display banner functions to display visually perceived messages, of a changing nature, particularly a light emitting diode message display signboard and messages of an unchanging nature whereas the said messages are a physical part of said banner.The flexible display banner includes a containment pouch having four opaque panels and one transparent panel which houses said message signboard, which projects a plurality of messages which can be readily changed including many by remote control. The containment pouch also houses an alarm, particularly one sounding like a fire alarm, which will be activated by unauthorized tampering.

Abstract: A lightweight wind tube utilized for advertising, constructed of fabric with a constant diameter having annular sleeve at each end. The forward end sleeve being held in an open circle by flexible frame members with furled ends which are positioned in lateral openings in the forward end sleeve to provide attachment points for mounting yoke strings and access for disassembly. The wind tube further includes a rear sleeve formed in the exit end of the tube including a string for adjusting the choke in the exit end of the tube.

Abstract: A combat training, targeting, and signaling device generally rectangular and planar in shape and containing peripheral grommets allowing for the suspension of the device between two roughly vertical objects, one flat planar surface being a larger piece of brightly colored flexible fabric, to which is attached a smaller piece of a second type of flexible infrared reflective material. The second material is of a sharply contrasting color to its brightly colored background, is of a predetermined shape, and is a material which, without an independent source of power, reflects infrared wavelengths when observed through military sighting devices.

Abstract: A distress flag for a vehicle with the flag being made of foldable material. The distress flag is positionable in use over the top edge of a window of a vehicle so that it can hang downwardly, displaying a printed message. Magnetized weights are fixed to edges of the distress flag to pull it down to properly display the message in use. For storing the flag when not in use, a pocket is fixed to the distress flag so that the flag can be folded into a compact form and placed within the pocket.

Abstract: A vehicular display system that has two substantially vertical posts, housing two slidable sections, inserted into bases on either side of a motor vehicle and tilted at an angle for purposes of holding a display banner over said vehicle, and parallel fasteners for adjusting the height of the slidable sections, with a plurality of openings for the attachment by which banner is to be attached to the slidable sections.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an enamel paint receptive flexible laminate and its method of manufacture. The laminate is useful for making banners, flags, signs and the like that are decorated with enamel poster paints. The laminates of the present invention comprise a base fabric material, a first film coating of a plasticized polyvinyl chloride and a second coating of thermosetting vinyl acrylic copolymer. The thermosetting vinyl acrylic copolymer promotes increased adhesion and decreased drying time of poster paints and lettering enamel when they are applied to the coating.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting and displaying banners or like non-rigid media. The display apparatus employs at least three display frames which are rotatable about an illuminated central axis of rotation. Each of the display frames comprises a structure for mounting banners or other non-rigid display media formed to be received within the display frames. Receiving apertures are uniformly disposed about each display frame. The media to be displayed is stretched across the frame and secured to the receiving apertures in a manner which will place the banner under uniform tension across its entire surface. Each supporting element of the display frames is coupled to an independently pivoting cover member having a width sufficient to extend beyond and obscure the receiving apertures from view.

Abstract: A pair of parallel slalom posts connected by a flag, which flag is connected by an elastic strip with one of the posts, and the other post is provided with a tilting joint. Thus, if a skier touches the post with the tilting joint, the post can bend without damage to the flag.