Collapsible Patents (Class 40/610)
  • Patent number: 6761000
    Abstract: An infoboard having at least one board part intended for an imprint, the infoboard comprising a frame carrying the at least one board part, the frame near an underside being firmly connected with the base, which base has such a weight that the infoboard is only movable by means of a lifting crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Bordbusters B.V. i.o.
    Inventors: Eric Cornelis Johannes Hendrikus Heijting, Jan Kemperman, Alexander Richardus Maria Hubers, Theodorus Hermanus Klaassen
  • Publication number: 20040128888
    Abstract: An alert device is provided that includes a light producing surface, The alert device has a stored configuration in which the light producing surface is compacted and the visible area of the light producing surface is decreased. The alert device also has a deployed configuration in which the visible area of the light producing surface is increased. A microprocessor is used to control light producing elements on the light producing surface to produce desired symbols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Ruben Payan, Ricardo C. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6758354
    Abstract: A collapsible three dimensional framework includes a plurality of tubular rods (10) connected to each other by means of articulation joints. Each of the joints consists of a block divided into two matching pieces (28, 30). The block has a plurality of cavities (18a, 18b) each of which is open on a respective side face and on a back face of the block. The ends of respective rods (10) are inserted in the cavities (18a, 18b) and are connected to the block by transverse pivot pins (24). Each of the cavities has articulation seats (32) which received the pivot pins (24) When the two pieces (28, 30) of the block are secured to each other, the pivot pins (24) are entrapped in respective seats (32). The two pieces (28, 30) of the block are clamped together by releasable fastening means such as a screw (40) and a nut (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: SMART s.n.c. di Carletti Ottavio & C.
    Inventor: Ottavio Carletti
  • Patent number: 6758003
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6755715
    Abstract: This invention relates to a dynamic toy device, which can extend and shrink vertically, turn horizontally, and can be used as a framework of a Christmas tree model. It includes a bottom basin, a drive part in the bottom basin, and a dynamic part on the drive part. The dynamic part includes an inner sleeve group in the center and an outer sleeve group outside the inner sleeve group. The outer sleeve group is composed of several outer sleeves coupling one another. A circle protruding inward is set on the inner side at the top of the outer sleeve. A circle protrudes outwardly and is positioned at the outer side at the bottom of the outer sleeve. On the side of the circle at the top of the outer sleeve, there is a protruding block, while on the outer side of the outer sleeve, there is positioned a rising groove of a curve shape. The block on the outside outer sleeve lies in the groove on the abutting inside outer sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Yin Fong Wong
  • Publication number: 20040107619
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sign that can be folded. The folding sign includes a flexible cover having at least one surface for displaying information, such as hazard symbols or words. The flexible cover is supported by a supporting device that is configured to move between a closed or folded position to an open position. The support device also enables the folding sign to move to a collapsed position. The folding sign additionally includes connecting mechanisms that enable the flexible cover to release as the folding sign moves into the collapsed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Rubbermaid Commercial Products LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Perelli, Eric Bennett, Kevin Fitzpatrick
  • Publication number: 20040074123
    Abstract: 1. Display apparatus comprising a support frame having frame members extending between nodes of the frame and elongated members for spanning the nodes to receive display panels on at least a front of the frame, characterised in that the elongated members are in the form of tapes withdrawable from reels carried by the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Adrian Pritchard
  • Patent number: 6722068
    Abstract: A method and system of placarding wherein at least one sheet of corrugated cardboard is provided with printed matter on at least one side. The sheet is also provided with at least one score crossing the sheet. The sheet is foldable into an easily transportable unit. At a placarding site, the sheet is unfolded and inserted into a holder. The holder retains the sheet such that at least one part of an edge area of the sheet is enclosed by the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: SCA Packaging Sweden AB
    Inventor: Jan Ohlsson
  • Patent number: 6718669
    Abstract: A portable exhibit system including a graphic panel and collapsible frame is provided that overcomes the shortcoming associated with traditional display systems by being inexpensive, downwardly modular, and easily assembled and disassembled. The graphic panel includes a display surface having a pole pocket within which is inserted a connected set of poles that are also attached to one another by at least one resilient cord which aids in the collapsibility and portability of the graphic panel. The collapsible frame includes a set of base supports that are respectively connected to a set of support hubs, where the support hubs horizontally support a base support pole and each support hub vertically supports an upright pole. Each upright pole has a first end coupled to each support hub and a second end used to support the connected set of poles associated with the graphic panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Bannerbooth.Com
    Inventor: Paul H. Hayes
  • Patent number: 6718670
    Abstract: A triangular warning sign for traffic safety having a structural shape of inner and outer equilateral triangles. The sign has a counterweighed supporting place which provides for stability. The sign can also be folded and stored in a box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: S.G. New Technology Development Company Tianjin
    Inventor: Wencai Wang
  • Publication number: 20040055195
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Gwendoline Doris Hailo
  • Patent number: 6705796
    Abstract: Versatile multi-function legs can have different end portions to have either a shorter or a longer length but can otherwise be of identical form. In saw-horse structures, the two lengths, together with panels of different heights and connections between legs and panels, allow a variety of configurations. For folding of such structures, sturdy and reliable pivotal connections are provided through engagement of bearing surfaces of knuckle projections on adjacent legs. For A-frame structures, the legs can provide vertical posts that have openings receiving two lower beams and supporting a third beam at a higher elevation. The legs can also provide horizontal sand rails in A-frame structures. Legs of both lengths can be molded using common sets of tools and allowing a change between lengths to be readily made during a press run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Cortina Tool & Molding Co.
    Inventor: John Iver Lund
  • Publication number: 20040035034
    Abstract: Apparatus for displaying a visual image includes a device (10) having an inflatable main body (14) and a base portion (12). The main body (14) is formed from tubular members (17) which define a predetermined shape when inflated, providing at least one display face for displaying a visual image. The base portion (12) stabilises the device (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: William Patrick Quade
  • Publication number: 20040020090
    Abstract: A segmented wagon wheel design, formed of a series of segments incorporating a part of a felloe, one or more, but preferably, a pair of spokes, and a segment of a hub, molded as an integral structure, which when formed through the interconnection of a series of the segments together, into the shape of a wagon wheel, forms a segmented wagon wheel that appears to be seamless of design, and yet highly structured for implanting or resting upon the front lawn or business, for displaying other indicia such as the homeowner's name, an address, and other seasonal displays, as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Harold M. Lueddecke
  • Publication number: 20040016158
    Abstract: A mobile advertisement apparatus for vehicle is disclosed. The mobile advertisement apparatus for vehicle includes a container package for protecting inside of the container package; a plural of bridges for controlling height and parallel of the container package; a power generator for supplying the power; a rotator for rotating the mobile advertisement apparatus; a lift for performing raising and falling operations; an electronic display board for displaying images of advertisement by having a plurality of emitting objects on one side; an attachable tire; a supporter for bedding the container package to a ground. The present invention can increase an effectiveness of advertisement and economic efficiency by operating the mobile advertisement apparatus independently to the vehicle used as carrying the mobile advertisement apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jae-eul Kim
  • Publication number: 20040003527
    Abstract: A display device includes an inflatable frame which is connected to an inlet valve and an outlet valve so as to inflate the frame within a short period of time. A plurality of and fixtures are connected to the inflatable frame so as to position the inflatable frame. A base board is enclosed by the inflatable frame and a plurality of support members are connected to the base board so as to position light bulbs. A display sheet is sandwiched between the base board and a transparent protection board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Yeong-Nian Suen
  • Patent number: 6668474
    Abstract: A novel outdoor sign apparatus for mounting to a ground surface, e.g. a real estate sign. The outdoor sign apparatus comprises a pair of horizontally spaced footings for a support base, a movable support frame that holds the sign, a plurality of stakes for mounting, and support elements. The support frame is supported by each of the footings and has a first position substantially perpendicular to the footings for display and a second position substantially parallel to the footings for transport. Support elements such as chains (or other similar means such as cables, rigid bars, etc.) connect between the support frame and the footings to selectively hold the support frame vertically upright in the first position. The support elements can be disconnected to release and lower the support frame to the lowered position for transport. The stakes are driven downward into the ground at an outwardly extending angle relative to the vertically upright support frame and sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventors: Dean Winterton, Porter J. Martin
  • Patent number: 6668475
    Abstract: An inflatable billboard has an inflatable frame with an advertising frame mounted onto the frame. The advertising frame is mounted to the frame by both releasable connectors which secure the advertising face to the frame and must be manually released and detachable connectors which release a portion of the advertising face from the frame in response to winds above a threshold level. As a result of this arrangement, the inflatable billboard incurs only minimal damage even in high winds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Edward F. Carolan
  • Patent number: 6659159
    Abstract: A screen mounting apparatus for mounting a graphic display screen for use with display stands or booths, such as those used in trade shows and other exhibitions. The apparatus is designed to receive, generally by adhesive affixation, a display graphics screen such that generally the entire length of one of the screen edges is affixed to the apparatus, with the length of the screen edge and the apparatus generally equaling that of the corresponding display frame segment. Additionally, the screen mounting apparatus includes an elastic portion which permits a limited degree of resilient movement when force is placed upon the screen at assembly and disassembly. The tension force required to mount the apparatus and the affixed screen to a display frame is thus distributed along the entire surface of the apparatus and screen, and not at isolated fastening points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fritsche, Dan Berg, Jason Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030217496
    Abstract: The invention provides a portable, collapsible sign stand assembly in which a sign is suspended from a support tube. The support tube is connected to a support base through a connecting member which includes a plurality of weakening members which cause the connecting member to fail upon impact. In other embodiments, the support tube is weakened by weakening members so as to fail upon impact. In one embodiment, the weakened portions are placed under tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Applicant: DICKE TOOL COMPANY
    Inventors: Grant D. Dicke, James G. Kokenas, Donald E. Hans
  • Patent number: 6651367
    Abstract: An emergency message sign device for vehicles for drawing attention to a disabled vehicle to receive assistance. The device includes a sign holder for supporting interchangeable signs. The sign holder comprises a front panel having upper and lower ends, and a rear panel having upper and lower ends. The upper ends of the panels are pivotally connected together for permitting pivot movement of the front panel with respect to the rear panel, so that the front and rear panels are pivotally movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The sign holder includes a pocket being formed on a front of the front panel. The pocket has a closed end positioned adjacent the lower end of the front panel and an opening located intermediate the upper and lower ends of the front panel. A plurality of signs is removably insertable into the pocket. Each of the signs has a front surface with indicia marked thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Demetrio Barragan
  • Publication number: 20030208937
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6643966
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony J. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6637904
    Abstract: A wireless quick release lighting system with portable tripod support powered by either disposable or rechargeable batteries. The tripod is easily collapsed and stored with the light, mounts and accessories and includes a quick release connection for attaching brackets that support a plurality of accessories which include various light designs, gun support, gun mount, window mount, and magnetic mount. The tripod includes reflectors attached to the legs, and lighting accessories attachable to one or more of the tripod legs. The light designs may include flashing or blinking emergency lights and/or strobes for emergency scene use, utility lights, spotlights, flashing spotlight, text and warning lights. The accessories attachable to the mounting brackets include gun barrel support and gun mount for hunting purposes law enforcement, military, in combination with a binocular support, night vision scope or spotting scope mount and light for target practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Refugio E. Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20030196360
    Abstract: A collapsible traffic control sign in the form of an arrow board for providing an alert warning to approaching traffic includes a collapsible frame including first, second and third frame members and four cooperating link members. Each link member is connected at opposite ends with a pivotal connection to a different one of the frame members. In a closed condition, the traffic control sign orients each of the three frame members in a substantially parallel and contiguous arrangement. When opened, the frame members are spaced apart and extending between each pair of frame members are two link members. The link members are oriented such that each pair creates the shape of a pointed arrow. Three light subassemblies are assembled to each of the four link members and the lights are illuminated by battery power from a vehicle by means of a cigarette lighter adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy C. Colip
  • Publication number: 20030196361
    Abstract: A triangular warning sign presents a structural shape of inner and outer equilateral triangles, the inner equilateral triangle is a fluorescent shining surface, and the outer equilateral triangle is a plastic optical light-reflecting surface. Said sign includes: a triangular frame (3); six plastic optical fully-reflecting strips (1) secured on the front and back faces of three edges of triangular frame (3) by ultrasonic welding; three fluorescent plates (2) inserted into the slots on the inner side of triangular frame (3) to form double-faced fluorescent shining surfaces of an inner triangle; a counterweighed supporting plate (6) positioned below the triangular frame (3); four supporting legs (9) hinged at the two ends of counterweighed supporting plate (6) respectively; a narrow positioning insert block (4) at the middle of counterweighed supporting plate (6) is inserted in a supporting legs fixed seat (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Wencai Wang
  • Patent number: 6625912
    Abstract: The invention provides a portable, collapsible sign stand assembly in which a sign is suspended from a support tube. The support tube is connected to a support base through a connecting member which includes a plurality of weakening members which cause the connecting member to fail upon impact. In other embodiments, the support tube is weakened by weakening members so as to fail upon impact. In one embodiment, the weakened portions are placed under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Dicke Tool Company
    Inventors: Grant D. Dicke, James G. Kokenas, Donald E. Hans
  • Patent number: 6622408
    Abstract: The invention provides a portable, collapsible sign stand assembly in which a sign is suspended from a support tube. The support tube is connected to a support base through a connecting member which includes a plurality of weakening members which cause the connecting member to fail upon impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Dicke Tool Company
    Inventors: Grant D. Dicke, James J. Kokenas, Donald E. Hans
  • Patent number: 6622409
    Abstract: A safety sign is provided which includes a collapsible tripod base that removably supports a hollow tube therein. The hollow tube stores a foldable fabric sign therein which includes pockets at the upper, left and right corners thereof and defines a mast for the sign. The sign is supported on the base by a vertical support rod and includes a horizontal cross member. The horizontal cross member is twistable independently of the base and mast wherein this free-floating arrangement facilitates assembly of the sign while also permitting the sign to twist during windy conditions and allow the wind to spill around the sign in order to prevent the sign from toppling over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Edward J. Dorstewitz
  • Patent number: 6615523
    Abstract: A display sign having a frame with a jointed hinge which allows the two display boards to be rotated 360 degrees to double the usable display area, the display boards can be removed and replaced, providing an unlimited array of sign combinations. The frames are opened via geared hinges until retainer straps are fully extended, this allows display boards to be viewed in an upright position, a strap socket is removed from a strap pivot post, and one frame is rotated approximately 360 degrees via a geared hinge. The retainer straps are then reattached to strap pivot posts, additional stability can be obtained by replacing end caps with ballast holders and ballast rods, alternately, the device can be mounted firmly atop a car via suction cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventors: Adrian Curbelo, Roberto Curbelo
  • Patent number: 6606809
    Abstract: A sign stand is provided having a foldable support mechanism for quickly and conveniently manipulating the sign panel from a deployed state to a folded state. The fold-up sign panel assembly includes a foldable support mechanism having a hinge assembly coupling the upper and lower vertical brace members. The horizontal brace members are pivotally secured to the hinge assembly. A latch mechanism is operable for releasably retaining the foldable support mechanism in the deployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20030145499
    Abstract: A stand-alone folding sign configured to adapt a stabilizer for providing additional stability against external forces, such as wind or human contacts, is disclosed. The folding sign includes a pair of interlocking legs positioned proximate a lower portion of the sign. The position of the interlocking legs allows a suitable stabilizer to be associated with the legs. The stabilizer may be a weighted object, such as a brick or a container filled with water or sand, or a fixing member that can anchor the sign to the standing surface. A detachable display panel may be created from the sheet forming the sign and displayed in a desirable location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: The HILLMAN GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Tarter, Mark Yeary
  • Patent number: 6598840
    Abstract: A presentation device (1) includes a base (5), with bars (3) plugged together for a flexible stand (2), the stand being connected to the base (5) via a plug connection, and with transverse bars (9, 10) as a holding device for a presentation carrier (6) for connecting the latter to the base (5) and the stand (2). For a quick and easy set-up or dismantling, the base (5) is designed with four elongate foldable feet (14 to 17) which are articulated on an elongate crossmember (11) and are capable of being pivoted out of a folded-up position of rest parallel to the crossmember (11) into an operation position at least essentially at right angles to the crossmember (11) and back again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: BS-Ausstellungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Siegl
  • Publication number: 20030115783
    Abstract: A portable wet floor powered drier and attention getting warning devise that includes a power driven fan mounted on the lower end of housing and having a chute directing the flow of air therefrom in a curtain along the adjacent wet floor surface. Audible and/or visual signaling devices can be mounted on the device and can be activated by a motion sensor and the circuits therefore may include timer, delay and/or sequencing switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Kregg D. Woosley
  • Patent number: 6581313
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6564489
    Abstract: A collapsible support frame for a sign, having a base, a main hollow vertical tube, and a support assembly. The support assembly consists of a pair of vertical supports, a lower horizontal support, and an upper horizontal support, which together define a rectangular frame. When assembled, the support assembly holds the sign in place. The base is attached to the bottom of the tube and lends stability to the support frame. The frame may be collapsed, for easy storage, with the support assembly fitting fully within the hollow vertical tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Winston Bader
  • Patent number: 6561120
    Abstract: A plastic barricade assembly and a method of constructing it. The assembly includes two leg and panel units pivotally interconnected. Each leg and panel unit comprises first and second leg members and a plurality of panel members. The members are separately blow molded of plastic. The first leg members of each leg and panel unit are identical to each other and, at the same time, different than the second leg members of each leg and panel unit which are, in turn, identical to each other. Each leg and panel unit is assembled by bolting a first and second leg member together with a plurality of panel members. The leg and panel members of each unit are bolted together in interlocking relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Plasticide Products Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey M. Glass, Wayne J. Brocka, Douglas C. Madsen
  • Patent number: 6553698
    Abstract: Described herein is a portable display system including a collapsible frame comprised of a plurality of box units defined by spaced hubs with pivotable members extending therebetween. In one aspect of the invention, a locking feature is provided between the members and the hub. In another aspect of the invention, a hook-type mounting between the members and the hub is described. More than one of these display systems can be mounted one to another with a clip that is provided between adjacent outward-most hubs of two different systems. A cage also is described, which permits assembly and disassembly of the collapsible unit into two separate packageable parts. A button also is disclosed which permits two parts of the display to be mounted removably to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Mathias D. Kemeny
  • Patent number: 6546654
    Abstract: A stand displaying a member of the cucurbitaceae family includes a support for holding the member of the cucurbitaceae family. A figure associated with the support cooperates with the member of the cucurbitaceae family to complete a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Color Garden, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Henson
  • Patent number: 6543165
    Abstract: A folding traffic-warning device includes an enclosure and enclosure base define first and second ballast compartments, which may be filed with sand, liquid or other material to provide stability during use. A circuit and a battery holder are carried between the first and second ballast compartments. The circuit provides power to a plurality of LEDs carried by a stationary light bar and first and second folding light bars. The folding light bars may be moved between an operational position and a storage position. An axle passing through the enclosure has an upper end attached to the stationary light bar and a lower end attached to a stabilizer bar. In an in-use or operational position, the stabilize bar is oriented perpendicular to the enclosure. In a storage position, the stabilizer bar is oriented parallel to the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventors: Paul V Youseph, Michael D. Small
  • Patent number: 6523288
    Abstract: A foldable display panel wherein a plurality of individual panels, each panel being small enough to be easily transportable and storable, are hingably connected in such a manner that in a folded state, the individual panels will fold into a single stack wherein the frontal surface area will be that of an individual panel and, in an unfolded state, the individual panels will unfold into a large flat panel wherein the frontal surface area will be substantially equal to the sum of the frontal surface areas of the individual panels. In the unfolded state, binders temporarily join the individual panels into a single, rigid panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Gayle A. Sackett
  • Publication number: 20030033743
    Abstract: A sign stand is provided having a foldable support mechanism for quickly and conveniently manipulating the sign panel from a deployed state to a folded state. The fold-up sign panel assembly includes a foldable support mechanism having a hinge assembly coupling the upper and lower vertical brace members. The horizontal brace members are pivotally secured to the hinge assembly. A latch mechanism is operable for releasably retaining the foldable support mechanism in the deployed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20030029067
    Abstract: A safety sign is provided which includes a collapsible tripod base that removably supports a hollow tube therein. The hollow tube stores a foldable fabric sign therein which includes pockets at the upper, left and right corners thereof and defines a mast for the sign. The sign is supported on the base by a vertical support rod and includes a horizontal cross member. The horizontal cross member is twistable independently of the base and mast wherein this free-floating arrangement facilitates assembly of the sign while also permitting the sign to twist during windy conditions and allow the wind to spill around the sign in order to prevent the sign from toppling over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Edward J. Dorstewitz
  • Patent number: 6508023
    Abstract: An easel is attachable to the rear surface of an image board to form a composite device. The easel maintains the latter in an upstanding position when erected. It is made of a single board material having a designed pattern stamped therein and having all the components which may be unfolded to form the easel. The erected easel has two mutually parallel vertical side panels and a plurality of horizontal transverse brace members which may be manually unfolded to support the easel in the erected position or tie members may be provided to retained the side panels and the transverse brace members in the unfolded position. The easel and the image board may be folded along a plurality of transverse lines to a compact package for ease in shipping and storage. The image board and the easel are self-erecting when elastic tie members are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventors: Geoffrey Alan Moss, David Brian Minister
  • Patent number: 6502340
    Abstract: A portable sign, easily insertable into the ground without the aid of any tools and bilaterally stabile, composed of a display inserted into and upheld by a rectangular frame that includes two spaced apart parallel horizontal bars and two spaced apart parallel vertical bars. The sign also includes two spaced apart depending posts connected to the frame and insertable into the ground, each post has at least one symmetrical stabilizer that also facilitates insertion, thereby allowing a person to easily and quickly insert and stabilize the sign. The combined functions of stabilization and insertion facilitator into one element make the sign of lighter weight and more easily manageable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventors: M. Steve Stone, Tony R. Stone
  • Patent number: 6474693
    Abstract: A novelty item in which pages can be rotated about a fastener to form an integrated image on one side of the pages while forming independent pages of text and/or graphics on the other side. Such an item can be used as a combination comic book and poster. By including at least one die-cut hole, the combination comic book and poster can be hung on the wall using the nail or hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Jude Gregory Nitsche
  • Patent number: 6463687
    Abstract: A safety sign is provided which includes a collapsible tripod base that removably supports a hollow tube therein. The hollow tube stores a foldable fabric sign therein which includes pockets at the upper, left and right corners thereof and defines a mast for the sign. The sign is supported on the base by a vertical support rod and includes a horizontal cross member. The horizontal cross member is twistable independently of the base and mast wherein this free-floating arrangement facilitates assembly of the sign while also permitting the sign to twist during windy conditions and allow the wind to spill around the sign in order to prevent the sign from toppling over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Edward J. Dorstewitz
  • Patent number: 6457684
    Abstract: A support stand is provided for the presentation of banners in a free standing and substantially vertical orientation, wherein the stand comprises a base portion of preferably two spaced apart elongate support members joined by a connecting member which maintains the support members in a spaced apart relationship, each support member having means for accepting the end of a flexible support rod, each accepting means being spaced from one end of the respective support member, means for attaching an elongate banner to one end of each support member so that it extends substantially vertically therefrom, said banner being held in said vertical orientation by two flexible rods, one end of each rod engaging said accepting means, the other end of each rod being attached to a top edge of the banner, so that the rods are curved and in tension. The flexible support rods arc preferably composed of two or three interconnecting rods, and the connecting member is optionally fitted with suction cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony James McKendry
  • Publication number: 20020133989
    Abstract: A sign system that is suitable for temporary use. A plurality of frame assemblies are provided which are secured at a desired site. A banner bearing a predetermined image to be displayed is securable to a number of frame assemblies and is erectable to a display position with respect to the frame assemblies. The system may be secured at an outside or inside site for temporary use for an event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Luther Kenneth Alexander, Lamar Merck, Ricky T. Holder
  • Publication number: 20020121036
    Abstract: The invention provides a portable, collapsible sign stand assembly in which a sign is suspended from a support tube. The support tube is connected to a support base through a connecting member which includes a plurality of weakening members which cause the connecting member to fail upon impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: Dicke Tool Company
    Inventors: Grant D. Dicke, James J. Kokenas, Donald E. Hans