Abstract: Sign frame system and components of sign frame systems for bag signs and fold-over signs are described. The sign frame system can comprise a plurality of frame sections with at least one frame section connected to at least one other frame section by a sleeve connector having a connector outer sleeve and a connector inner sleeve axially aligned with the connector outer sleeve and a connector dimple formed therein. The sign frame system also can comprise a first frame section connected to a second frame section with each of the first and second frame sections comprising a tenon projecting from an end shoulder aligned at an end of the respective frame section, wherein the first and second frame sections mate by the alignment of the tenons.

Abstract: An umbrella base for supporting an umbrella within a pool, poolside, or other outdoor areas. The umbrella base apparatus includes a base assembly having a base tube that can removably receive the umbrella therein. The base assembly includes a plate that can rest on a flat surface, one or more support arms extending from a central area outward from the plate, and a collar that is generally positioned at the central area of the plate. Each support arm interlocks with the collar. One or more weighted housings engage with a support arm and collar for providing mass to the umbrella base apparatus during use. The weighted housings are removable during transport or during submerged use. The plate and support arms have apertures that allow water to pass through during movement through water.

Abstract: A modular target having a support pole and a head. The head is preferably removable. The head is configured for removable attachment of a target. The head has a rail onto which a sleeve of a target is attached. The rail is preferably cylindrical. The target is configured with a sleeve that slides over the rail. Preferably a shooting face extends from the sleeve. Further, the shooting face is configured such that a moment arm allows the shooting face to hang at a 5-20 degree angle from vertical, with the preferred angle being 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment the modular target utilizes a removably head configured with a neck that attaches to a vertical support pole. The vertical support pole preferably has a slide hammer attached that allows for easier placement of the target in the ground. Preferably the support pole has a fin that serves to resist rotation of the support pole when the target is hit by a projectile fired by a firearm.

Abstract: A system is disclosed herein comprising a stake with a first end portion configured to support a top component, a second end portion configured to be positioned at least partially underground, an anti-twist device formed on the second end portion, and a stabilizing component formed on the second end portion between the anti-twist device and the first end portion. The system also includes a shell with a longitudinal opening configured to receive at least part of the first end portion of the stake. The shell has a lower end that is configured to contact the ground when the system is in use. Corresponding devices and methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: A quick release projector screen includes a rectangular frame; two folding posts secured to a rear end of the frame using a plurality of first screws; and a screen attached to a front end of the frame using the first screws. There are further provided two first folding mechanisms disposed on each of top and bottom of the frame, two second folding mechanisms disposed on either side of the frame respectively, and two third folding mechanisms disposed on either post.

Abstract: A portable, self-illuminating traffic sign having a sign face with two opposite sides. One side indicates a first traffic signal, and the other side indicates a second traffic signal. Light assemblies are attached to each side of the sign. The light assemblies emit light that may match the predominant color of one of the sides of the sign. A battery may be disposed in a pole that connects to the sign. A handlegrip allows for the sign to be held and provides a switch to allow for the lights to be selectively turned on and off. The light assemblies are disposed within collar assemblies so as to reduce, or prevent, light emitted from the light assemblies reflecting off of the sign faces.

Abstract: A clamp assembly is provided that includes a body member having a cavity therethrough configured to receive a fixture. The cavity has a longitudinal axis through a center thereof. The body has a clamping portion configured to apply a compressive force to the fixture and thereby releasably secure the body member to the fixture. A ring member is secured to the body member in a manner such that the ring member is capable of 360-degree rotation about the longitudinal axis of the cavity of the body member while the body member remains in a fixed position. The ring member has a flange extending outwardly from a side thereof and the flange has a through hole with a central axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body member.

Abstract: A structure of a sign pole is provided. The sign pole includes a tubular member that has a predetermined outer diameter, a predetermined inner diameter, and a predetermined thickness. In a state in which the sign pole is embedded in a ground, the sign pole includes a reinforcement portion having a thickness different from the predetermined thickness while maintaining the predetermined outer diameter in a first range from a first position equal to or lower than a level of a ground surface to a second position located a predetermined distance above the level of the ground surface. The reinforcement portion has a thickness larger than the predetermined thickness.

Abstract: A lockable bollard to be anchored into the ground includes a substantially vertical post that is rectangular in cross section, with a base having a base fastening structure extending downwardly to be anchored into the ground to which the post is to be anchored. A control shaft extends substantially the entire length of the post, the control shaft having an operating handle adjacent a top end and having a lower engagement feature adjacent a bottom end designed to selectively engage the base when the shaft is in a predetermined position. A closure is disposed adjacent the top of the post to permit selective access to the operating handle.

Abstract: A post foundation system is provided. The system has a shaft with a helical disk attached to one end and a post support attached to the other end. The helical disk drives the shaft into the ground as a rotational force is applied to the shaft. A fin section is rotatably coupled about the shaft between its first and second ends. The fin section can have one or more fins extending outwardly from the shaft. The fin section engages the ground to stabilize the post foundation system as the shaft of the post foundation system is driven into the ground.

Abstract: A structure of a sign pole is provided. The sign pole includes a tubular member that has a predetermined outer diameter, a predetermined inner diameter, and a predetermined thickness. In a state in which the sign pole is embedded in a ground, the sign pole includes a reinforcement portion having a thickness different from the predetermined thickness while maintaining the predetermined outer diameter in a first range from a first position equal to or lower than a level of a ground surface to a second position located a predetermined distance above the level of the ground surface. The reinforcement portion has a thickness larger than the predetermined thickness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic poster holder unit, where a v- or u-shaped magnet clip in the bottom is provided with a magnet. According to the invention, the magnet clip is in the top, on the outer side, designed with notches, whereby the magnet clip can be clicked into a hanging profile, which has an inner shape, which corresponds to the outer shape of the magnet clip, such that the magnet clip's notch by insertion in the hanging profile can provide a mechanical locking and thereby fixation between the magnet clip and the hanging profile. The invention also relates to a method for detachable hanging of poster of flat, flexible length material along a poster edge, where the poster edge includes magnetic items and where the poster edge's magnetic items are brought to contact against a magnet clip containing corresponding magnetic items.

Abstract: An illuminated road sign has reflective lettering on each side, a plurality of illumination devices, and a battery-powered controller. The illumination devices are arranged along the perimeter of each face of the sign, are powered by the battery or with solar cell in an alternate embodiment, and are controlled by switches located on the handle of the sign assembly. The sign may be supported by a tripod structure portion that enables the sign to be utilized in a stand-alone state.

Abstract: A flexible display member displays variable attributes of a user when the user is outdoors, such as at the beach or camping. The flexible display member is coupled to elongate grounding members that each having a bottom end for inserting into the ground (for example, with a corkscrew shape). The mounting members guide the user to mount the display member at the appropriate height to remain standing in the outdoor environment, and may convert the display member into a flag in some applications.

Abstract: A multipurpose sign base suitable for supporting temporary signs includes an upstanding mast supportable atop a support surface by a substantially horizontally extending, elongate, support member connected to a lower region of the mast, and by a plurality of elongate leg members of adjustable length each having an upper portion movably connected to a central region of the mast, and each having a lower portion movably connected to a different foot adapted to engage a different area of the support surface at locations arrayed about the mast. An upper region of the mast is connectable to a sign to support and display the sign. The legs and feet have retracted positions near the mast. A rearwardly extending formation of the horizontal support member can be coupled to a vehicle hitch so the sign base also can be supported on a vehicle for transport while displaying a sign.

Abstract: A collapsible and deployable indoor-outdoor sign assembly that can easily and quickly be installed, taken down, and transported, and still have excellent stability, strength, and longevity.

Abstract: A sign holder in the form of individual parts which, upon assembly, provides for the support and display of signage in a plurality of orientations. The sign holder includes a base configured to receive and support a first end to the stem, the stem having a first end and second end, the first end configured to be releasably retained by the base and the second end configured to retain a sign frame. The second end of the stem is provided with a C-shaped extremity sized to frictionally capture the sign frame such that the sign frame is releasable from the stem by providing a lateral force to the frame.

Abstract: A road sign mounting apparatus for displaying a road sign attached to a mounting bracket. The road sign mounting apparatus is adapted for being carried by a circular base having an open interior and a rim, and an upper profile and lower profile. The road sign mounting apparatus comprises a body and a plurality of legs carried by and extending outward from the body. Each of the plurality of legs is intended for being carried by the circular base. A road sign support is pivotally carried by the body and has a first position wherein the road sign support is carried beneath the upper profile of the circular base when carried by the circular base and a second position wherein the road sign support extends in a general vertical direction intersecting the plane defined by the upper profile of the circular base. The road sign support includes a locking mechanism for locking the road sign support in the second position. The road sign mounting apparatus may be carried by a tire having reflective surface.

Abstract: A banner stand having an upright display mode and a collapsed transport mode, the banner stand comprising a banner presenting graphics thereon, a base and a post extending upwardly from the base, a support member selectively operably coupleable with the post to support the banner in an upright display mode, feet selectively changeable from a transport position to a operative position have an exposed alignment surface that cooperates with another such alignment surface on an adjacent banner stand to angularly and positionally control the respective banner stands to position as desired the respective banners. Tops of the banner stands may be coupled, such as by magnets, to further support and control the spacing and positioning of the banners.

Abstract: A sign holder in the form of individual parts which, upon assembly, provides for the support and display of signage in a plurality of orientations. The sign holder includes a base configured to receive and support a first end to the stem, the stem having a first end and second end, the first end configured to be releasably retained by the base and the second end configured to retain a sign frame. The second end of the stem is provided with a C-shaped extremity sized to frictionally capture the sign frame such that the sign frame is releaseable from the stem by providing a lateral force to the frame.

Abstract: A bollard assembly having a post and a sleeve. The post has a cylindrical post wall forming a cavity, an insert included with in the cavity and a longitudinal passage in the post wall. The insert has a helical wedge at its lower end with a gap in the wedge. The sleeve has a cylindrical sleeve wall forming a cavity and a latch pin that is attached to the sleeve wall and extends into the cavity. The sleeve is adapted to receive the post such that the latch pin travels through the passage in the post wall and the gap in the wedge of the insert wherein the insert can then be rotated such that the latch pin and gap are no longer aligned and the latch pin prevents upward movement of the insert and post.

Abstract: A three-sided channel coupler for connecting the upper and lower portions of a U-shaped sign post, the coupler comprising two U-shaped elements, an outer three-sided, U-shaped element and an inner, three-sided U-shaped element, the three sides of each element comprising a transverse face and two lateral legs, the inner element being smaller than the outer element, a plurality of cross-braces attached to the two lateral legs of each element to hold the two elements together and a plurality of vertical ribs on the inner surface of the outer element and on the outer surface of the inner element.

Abstract: A sign holder in the form of individual parts which, upon assembly, provides for the support and display of signage in a plurality of orientations. The sign holder includes a base configured to receive and support a first end to the stem, the stem having a first end and second end, the first end configured to be releasably retained by the base and the second end configured to retain a sign frame. The second end of the stem is provided with a C-shaped extremity sized to frictionally capture the sign frame such that the sign frame is releaseable from the stem by providing a lateral force to the frame.

Abstract: A sign holder device for the support and display of signage. The device includes a base, sign holder and a stem, the stem having a first end appended to the base and a second end supporting the sign holder. The stem has a length defined by the distance between its first and second ends, the length being adjustable to vary the distance between the base and sign holder.

Abstract: A display apparatus is disclosed that includes a screen and a frame system positioned to support the screen. The frame system includes a plurality of frame members, a hinge that couples the frame members together, and a lock that blocks relative movement of the frame members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display means comprising a stand adapted to secure a screen. The stand comprises a first part which supports against an underlying supportive surface and comprises a bobbin enclosed in a cavity in the first part, wherein the screen can be wounded onto and withdrawn from the bobbin. The stand also comprises a pole means, and a coupling means arranged at a first end of the pole means, and operable to secure the screen when it is at least partly withdrawn from the bobbin. The first part is provided with a recess operable to receive a part of the pole means. The stand also comprises an adjustment means arranged at the first part, and operable to adjust the pole means, and consequently the screen in relation to the first part.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling for use with a ground-installed road sign such as a stop sign typically located at the side of a road. The coupling interfaces between a conventional hollow ground stake and a hollow sign post. The coupling can be used with newly installed stop signs, as well as with currently installed stop signs, without modification to either the post of the ground stake. When the sign post is struck by an automobile, the coupling shears along a preformed score section generally aligned with the bottom of the post such that the post and sign break completely from the ground stake and are propelled away from the automobile.

Abstract: A banner stand having an upright display mode and a collapsed transport mode, the banner stand comprising a banner presenting graphics thereon, a base and a post extending upwardly from the base, a support member selectively operably coupleable with the post to support the banner in an upright display mode, feet selectively changeable from a transport position to a operative position have an exposed alignment surface that cooperates with another such alignment surface on an adjacent banner stand to angularly and positionally control the respective banner stands to position as desired the respective banners. Tops of the banner stands may be coupled, such as by magnets, to further support and control the spacing and positioning of the banners.

Abstract: A cable marker pole system is described for marking the location of buried utility cabling. The cable marker pole system includes a base for embedding in earth or concrete, and a two-part pole assembly that couples with the base. The two-part pole assembly includes a spring coupling the two pole members to allow the pole assembly to flex if struck. A sign is attached to the top of the pole assembly to indicate what is buried.

Abstract: At least two upright subassemblies, each with a base, radial positioning members; an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member slidably received in the outer tubular member; a plunger for selective engagement with aperture(s) in the outer tubular member, upper and lower horizontal bars secured to the radial positioning members, and a flexible display secured to each set of upper and lower horizontal bars, the radial positioning members for selective positioning between selected convex, concave, in-line and right angle positions.

Abstract: A preferably weather resistant multi-section upright stanchion assembly for a construction site document storage apparatus, a real estate display sign and the like. The stanchion assembly includes a plurality of elongated substantially similar stanchion sections and a ground-engaging tip. Each stanchion section includes an elongated body having a hollow first end thereof and a second end thereof sized for slidable, releasable, lockable engagement into said first end of the next adjacent stanchion section to facilitate ease of height adjustment of the stanchion assembly. The stanchion assembly releasably connects at one end into a mating support cavity formed between the front and back panels of the inner frame of the storage apparatus. A single or two spaced upright stanchion assemblies support two horizontal spaced display panel support arms which, in turn, support a preferably multi-panel display sign.

Abstract: The advertising display stand includes a planar base with two opposed mounting brackets secured on an upper surface of the base. A collapsible support post of a rectangular configuration is secured atop the base due to engagement with the brackets. The collapsible support post in a non-collapsed state includes opposed slots that receive and engage upwardly extending portions of the mounting brackets. An advertising media is provided on or supported by the support post. In one embodiment the support post is formed from stacked elements of a known segmented wall advertising system.

Abstract: A collapsible easel with foldable legs adapted to support a display device comprising a combination display panel and folded legs. In one embodiment, a three-leg assembly is pivotally connected to the display panel. The portions of each leg are connected by a linearly flexible strap. The linearly flexible strap allows the upper and lower portion of each leg to be pulled in opposite directions relative to each upper and lower portion of each leg, enabling one portion of each leg to be folded over the other portion. In another embodiment of the easel, a channel is connected to each of at least three legs and the channels allow the legs to be individually nested in contact with the rear side of the display panel. Each front leg is connected to the rear leg by a hinge assembly that comprises two struts pivotally connected near a center of the hinge assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a knock down signpost comprising a post member (6) and a lower body member (10) held together by a spring (3) having a preload when the post is vertical, acting two flat surfaces (8) creating an initial resistance to motion off the horizontal. Two steel cables (114) transmit the force of the spring and are spaced apart which allows the cables to act as a non rotation mechanism. Two round protrusions (16) in the post member (6) locate into two matching clearance holes (14) in the lower body for post alignment. A shock tube (4) is fitted over the cable and internal to the spring to prevent over compression and provides a mechanical stop. As the top assembly is rotated chamfered edges (15) of the post member (6) engage and interlock into an annular groove (13) to act as a pseudo-hinge.

Abstract: A bollard assembly having a post and a sleeve. The post has a cylindrical post wall forming a cavity and a passage in the post wall. The passage has a first section that extends longitudinally along the post wall and a second section that intersects the first section and extends crosswise to the first section. The sleeve has a cylindrical sleeve wall forming a cavity and a latch pin that is attached to the sleeve wall and extends into the cavity. The sleeve is adapted to receive the post such that the latch pin travels through the passage in the post wall.

Abstract: A warning plate assembly for indicating the excess width of a tractor, in particular an agricultural tractor. The assembly comprises a holder having a fixing part (1) attached to the vehicle and a deployable arm (3) carrying the warning plate (9). The deployable arm (3) is swivellable about a vertical swivel axis (2a) of the fixing part between a lockable deployed position, in which the deployable arm and the warning plate are disposed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a lockable retracted position in which the deployable arm is disposed substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The length of the deployable arm (3) is adjustable (6,7) to cater for different widths of vehicle. The warning plate may be in two halves (10,11) hinged about a vertical axis so that the halves can be folded one over the over for storage.

Abstract: A television broadcasting system and methods that manages the insertion of targeted advertisements and other messages into live satellite or Internet broadcasts or other types of broadcasts into out-of-home locations such as health clubs. The insertion of targeted advertisement and other messages are accomplished by a satellite service provider purchasing live network broadcasting feeds with a license to strip out existing commercial advertisements and replace them with targeted advertisements to match the demographics of the viewing audience at health clubs and other non-home locations nationally, regionally and locally where the viewer is unable to change or delete the targeted advertisements while viewing the live broadcast programming from the networks.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a central support shaft that has an elongated shape provided with axially opposed ends. Rectilinear legs have opposed ends conjoined to the bottom support shaft end and extending outwardly therefrom at an oblique angle. The legs are pivotal between compressed and expanded positions. Auxiliary support shafts have elongated shapes provided with opposed medial and lateral ends. The auxiliary shafts are pivotally conjoined to the brackets and pivotal about the medial ends, such that the auxiliary shafts can be independently biased between vertical and horizontal positions. Brackets are attached to the central support shaft and spaced along a longitudinal length thereof. Clamps are positional along the auxiliary shafts. Each clamp is adaptable between open and closed positions for releasing and gripping the window blind. The window blind is centrally registered between the auxiliary support shafts during cleaning operations.

Abstract: A foldable traffic sign system comprises a relatively rigid sign panel and a plurality of folding lines disposed in the sign panel, for permitting ready folding of the sign panel into a substantially smaller configuration. In a preferred embodiment, at least one cut is disposed partially along a dimension of the sign panel, to further facilitate ready folding of the sign panel. One of the folding lines is disposed substantially horizontally across a center region of the sign panel, and at least one of the folding lines is disposed substantially vertically on the sign panel, and intersects with the horizontal folding line. The plurality of folding lines creates a plurality of sign sections, preferably six, defined by a combination of the folding lines and cuts in the sign panel. The sign system further comprises a folding sign stand, and a tote for containing both the sign panel and sign stand.

Abstract: There is provided a knock down signpost comprising a post member (6) and a lower body member (10) held together by a spring (3) having a preload when the post is vertical, acting two flat surfaces (8) creating an initial resistance to motion off the horizontal. Two steel cables (114) transmit the force of the spring and are spaced apart which allows the cables to act as a non rotation mechanism. Two round protrusions (16) in the post member (6) locate into two matching clearance holes (14) in the lower body for post alignment. A shock tube (4) is fitted over the cable and internal to the spring to prevent over compression and provides a mechanical stop. As the top assembly is rotated chamfered edges (15) of the post member (6) engage and interlock into an annular groove (13) to act as a pseudo-hinge.

Abstract: A pair of sign support frames connected to a sign with upright member has upright reinforcement bars secured to arch or base members. The bars are associated with the upright members to reinforce the upright and arch members in motor vehicle impact areas above the arch members. When the upright members are hit with a motor vehicle the sign support frames move upwardly and rearwardly into engagement with the bumper or front frame of the motor vehicle to limit rearward movement of the sign toward the motor vehicle and reduce bending and breaking forces on the upright members and sign support frames.

Abstract: A display device having a support structure and display panel is provided. The support structure generally includes a cross bar horizontally supported by first and second leg assemblies. A coupling is provided at each end of the cross bar to receive the corresponding leg assemblies. A plurality of locking mechanisms are provided for independently and releasably connecting the cross bar and the leg assemblies to the coupling without requiring the use of tools.

Abstract: A banner is displayed about a tower structure, such as a water tower, by a system that enables ready substitution or replacement of the banner, without the use of high-lift equipment. The fabric banner is segmented, of wind permeable stretchable fabric, and mounted on rings that are carried on cables, suspended from a capstan atop the tower. Cable guidance pulleys, mounted on trolleys that run on a peripheral track about the top of the tower, enable the banner to be reoriented about the tower. The capstan and trolleys may be remotely controlled.

Abstract: The ceiling fan display comprises a stand having a vertical support with a horizontal support base extending from the bottom of the vertical support, and a horizontal support arm extending from the top of the vertical support. The ceiling fan is disposed at the distal end of the horizontal support arm. The horizontal support base is comprised of structural members that extend outward from the vertical support to form a “T” shaped outline. Boxes of the displayed ceiling fans may be stacked on the horizontal support base as a part of the sales display.

Abstract: An improved sign post assembly (10) for roadway use is provided wherein a sign post (12) includes a lower section (16) adapted for anchoring to the earth, a mating upper section (20) and a magnetic coupling assembly (24) for maintaining the sections during normal use while permitting breakaway of the upper section (20) when the host (10) is struck by a vehicle. Preferably, the coupling assembly (24) includes a magnetic body (26) and a corresponding component (28) which is magnetically attracted to the body (26). In order to cause breakaway in a predetermined direction, the coupling assembly (24) has mating surfaces for the body (26) and component (28) which are in a stairstep configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a length adjustable pole display system. The pole display system includes a display unit for displaying information, a base placed on a floor, and a pole unit connecting between the display having an upper end attached to the display unit, a lower pole having a lower end attached to the base and an adjustment member meshed with an outer surface of the lower pole into which a lower end of the upper pole is inserted. The adjustment member tightens an upper inner surface of the lower pole against a lower outer surface of the upper pole when locked. The poll connecting between the display unit and the base can be adjusted in length freely and simply to flexibly vary the whole length of the pole display system, thereby improving user convenience.

Abstract: A pair of sign support frames connected to a sign with upright member has upright reinforcement bars secured to arch or base members. The bars are associated with the upright members to reinforce the upright and arch members in motor vehicle impact areas above the arch members. When the upright members are hit with a motor vehicle the sign support frames move upwardly and rearwardly into engagement with the bumper or front frame of the motor vehicle to limit rearward movement of the sign toward the motor vehicle and reduce bending and breaking forces on the upright members and sign support frames.

Abstract: A sign system is provided. The sign system has a hoisting mechanism for moving a sign between an access or servicing position near ground level and an elevated display position. The sign system includes a first set of guide members and a second set of guide members and a drive system. Each guide member is generally tubular. The guide members of each set are connected together for telescopic movement. Each set of guide members includes an outermost guide member and an innermost guide member, one of which serves as an anchor guide member and the other of which serves as a sign supporting guide member. The sign supporting guide member includes at least one connector for connecting the sign thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a sign post assembly including a stabilizing post member, an outer tubular post and a horizontal post member. The stabilizing post member includes a spike portion and an inner post portion with a blocking portion coupled to the post member above the spike portion. The outer tubular post defines a post bore substantially extending through a length of the outer tubular post with at least a lower open end. The outer tubular post is configured to mate with the inner post portion to substantially extend within the post bore of the outer tubular post. The horizontal post member includes a horizontal post portion and a post coupling portion. The post coupling portion is configured to operatively couple with the inner post portion of the stabilizing post member so that the horizontal post portion extends transverse to the stabilizing post member to hang a sign thereto.

Abstract: A collapsible signaling device bearing a pair of opposed message panels is convertible between a display configuration and a compact linear storage configuration. The message panels are joined together at spaced apart points along their periphery using spacers to form a pocket having an internal cavity. A mast is insertable within the pocket and is joined to the panel members at its upper end. A pair of struts of spring material are joined at one end to the upper end of the mast and are joined at their lower ends to a slider member which is slidably movable with respect to the mast. As the slider member is advanced toward the upper end of the mast, the struts are outwardly bowed imparting outwardly directed tension to the periphery of the message panels.