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.

Abstract: An inflatable billboard is described which comprises an inflatable frame with an advertising face mounted thereon. The advertising face is mounted to the frame by both releasable and detachable mounting means. As a result of this arrangement, the inflatable billboard is incurs only minimal damage even in high winds.

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.

Abstract: A flag holder for use on a sign stand which includes a support member and a spring member so configure to releasably secure a plurality of flags. The support member includes a mounting surface adaptable to secure the flag holder to the sign stand, a guide pocket or flange extending from the mounting surface, and a base flange extending from the mounting surface to support the end of the staff. The spring member of the flag holder is secured to the support member and engages the flag staff. The spring member applies enough force on the flag staff to prevent displacement of the flag, yet allows the staff to be easily inserted and removed.

Abstract: What is disclosed herein are display devices, especially graphic display devices, which are economical to manufacture, are convenient to assemble and disassemble for creating multiple display systems, for example, for creating a tradeshow back wall or background.

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.

Abstract: A dynamic collapsible and revolving toy includes a base with a gear seat fixedly disposed inside. A gear plate mounted on the gear seat is driven to rotate by a gearbox with a power outputting gear through engagements of a transmission gear, a reduction gear and an internal gear. There are an interior tube set and an exterior tube set disposed above the gear plate and protruded out the base. The innermost tube of the exterior tube set is connected to the innermost tube of the interior tube set and the outermost tube of the exterior tube set is mounted on the gear plate. Further a retractable strip coiled on the ring slot of the gear plate is connected to the innermost tube so that the interior tube set and the exterior tube set can rotate upon the gear plate. A plurality of collars are mounted outside the exterior tube set for hanging decorative articles. A control circuit inside the gear seat makes the gearbox capable of providing the clockwise or counter-clockwise and accelerated or decelerated rotation.

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.

Abstract: The system includes a plurality of parallel vertically disposed end support structures. Each support structure comprises two vertically disposed support legs. The upper and lower ends of the support legs are connected respectively to each other by upper and lower connecting members that can be extended or collapsed. When the connecting members are both extended the support structure forms a frame support structure and when collapsed, the support legs are in close proximity and parallel to each other, suitable for storage and/or transport. Channel members are removably mounted to the upper and lower ends of the support legs to connect the end support structures to each other when the connecting members of the support legs are extended. A sign panel is mounted between the upper and lower channel members. Optionally, the sign support system has vertically disposed parallel end support members removably mounted to the upper ends of the vertically disposed support legs.

Abstract: A hub assembly for pivotally connecting the ends of support rods of a portable self-supporting display structure configured for a collapsed storage position and an expanded display position. The hub assembly may include first and second members and a connector. The first and second members are mated to provide bearing surfaces and to accommodate pivot pins affixed to the support rods. The connector secures the mated first and second members together by being extended through bores in the mated first and second members.

Abstract: A foldable warning triangle for a vehicle is provided which includes an upper panel shaped as the upper half of a triangle; and a lower panel shaped as the lower half of a triangle, the upper panel being rotatably connected to one side of the lower panel via a pivot pin. The foldable warning triangle according to the present invention can be folded such that the triangle can be mounted in a relatively small trunk lid.

Abstract: A foldable safety sign includes a base and a sign member. The sign member can either be fold and slide when mounted on the base or detached from the base. Accordingly, the store length of the foldable safety sign is much shorter.

Abstract: A display assembly constructed primarily of fluted plastic material comprising two triangular vertical end columns, a center wall between the columns, and a header extending between the tops of the two end columns to provide lateral stability and additional display area. If desired, one or more middle columns may be added to widen the display area. The display is manufactured to be delivered to the user in a flat knocked-down folded condition. The display is designed to be easily assembled by the user at the point of use without any tools or connectors other than those that are a part of and integral to the fluted plastic panels which are assembled to form the display. Fabric may or may not be laminated to the vertical end and/or middle columns; if not, use of translucent plastic materials for such columns permits internal backlights to be used. Optional extension columns may also be attached to the end columns to widen the display area.

Abstract: There is provided a visual display device that has a holding member, a cassette that can be removably inserted into and removed from the holding member and an arrangement for displaying a banner, photomural display panel or other display media. There is also provided a mechanism in the cassette for holding the banner, photomural display panel or other visual display media.

Abstract: An inflatable indoor/outdoor three-dimensional display figure. It is made to be freestanding by using a base comprising an inflatable base portion and a pocket therebelow. A weight may be positioned in the pocket to further secure it in place for indoor use. For outdoor use the base has attached uninflated tabs around its perimeter. Using mounting fasteners that pass therethrough, the inflatable display figure can be mounted to the ground. The display figure may comprise fasteners for attaching an optional display area for a written message.

Abstract: A warning sign for cautioning pedestrians away from spillages or wet floor areas is formed of a pair of swing legs connected at upper ends so that they can be spread apart form self-support. An extension member can be pulled upwardly from between the legs to enhance the visual warning effect. A catch in the hinge area selectively locks the extension member to an extended position when the legs are spread apart and allows the extension member to be lowered when the legs are swung together.

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: Apparatus is provided for displaying advertising information. The apparatus includes a rigid base and an upright receptacle having an inner and an outer member rigidly attached to the base. The apparatus further includes a upright mast pivotally engaging the receptacle between the inner and outer member and a relatively rigid panel adapted to display the advertising information flexibly coupled to the upright mast.

Abstract: Collapsible decorative figures comprising multiple interconnected sections. Locking and folding provisions are provided on each decorative figure so that no disassembly is required to collapse the figures. Several embodiments collapse into a box for storage when not in use. One embodiment is a multiple figure display wherein one of the figures collapses into a box in which the other decorative figures of the display, when collapsed, are stored.

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: A lighted real estate sign having at least one translucent face with indicia to convey marketing information pertaining to a parcel of real estate. An internal light illuminates the translucent face and clearly displays the indicia at night. The sign is powered by a battery, and controlled by a control circuit in response to inputs from a solar panel used to recharge the battery, a photocell used to detect appropriate light conditions to illuminate the internal light, and a timer to turn off the light. The real estate sign is attached to a mounting bracket, which, in turn, is anchored to the parcel of real estate. The sign is locked to the mounting bracket to prevent theft and to rigidly maintain the sign and position.

Abstract: A channel bar assembly is provided for use with a modular display system. The modular display system can have a display frame that is made up of a plurality of legs that are coupled to a plurality of hubs. The channel bar assembly includes a first channel bar and a second channel bar, each channel bar having a first end and a second end, and a hub connector having a first end hingedly coupled to the second end of the first channel bar, and a second end hingedly coupled to the first end of the second channel bar. The hub connector is connected to one of the plurality of hubs.

Abstract: A dynamic collapsible and revolving toy, comprising an interior sleeve set and an exterior sleeve set that are installed at the center inside a base, said interior sleeve set involves a winding strip and driven by a piece of extension/retraction driving motor, the exterior sleeve set covers the outside of the interior sleeve set, which innermost sleeve is linked to the innermost sleeve of the interior sleeve set, and is able of extending/retracting functions when driven by the extension/retraction driving motor, on the upper rim of each sleeve of the exterior sleeve set are inserted a decorative article suited to the theme of the toy, to the base of the outermost sleeve is linked a gear which is toothed with and driven by a rotation driving motor, when the user turns on the power switch on one side of the base, the extension/retraction driving motor is started to drive a winding strip to push out the interior and exterior sleeve sets from the base, so they are erected right above the base, then the gear on th

Abstract: A modular, mobile sign assembly which has the appearance of a permanent installation including a base module formed of a frame with a set of height-adjustable support posts and a pair of wheels on an axle for movement of the unit between locations, and a display module mounted on the base module providing a lighted sign with display panels having a battery of fluorescent lighting tubes within the sign and a message formed of letters or tiles through which the light projects, and an electrical source, either self-contained by the use of batteries or solar panels or by connection to a remote electrical source. The base module is provided with an appearance of permanence by the use of fascia support panels which are mounted to depend from the upper edge of the base frame to adjacent the ground and removable horizontal panel sections which cover the upper surface of the base module and form seating thereon.

Abstract: An information carrier for receiving at least one information data. The information carrier includes an inflatable hollow body made of a flexible, foldable material and a blower for blowing an air flow into the inner part of the hollow body. The blower is arranged in or on the hollow body in such a way that the air flow produced by the blower builds up an overpressure within the hollow body whereby the hollow body adopts a stationary and stable rectangular frame shape over which the information banner may be fastened, more particularly removably fastened, while at least partly covering the open space within the frame.

Abstract: A folding convertible screen/display made from rigid, structural material, comprising a floor and three walls, positionable and free-standing on a support surface without formal assembly at the point of usage, is disclosed. An optional continuous top provides additional structural integrity and definition to the space delineated by the screen/display, without adding complexity. Being of unit construction, the screen/display is simple to manufacture, decorate, set up, use and fold for compact transport and storage.

Abstract: A soft sandwich board is disclosed, being formed utilizing a standard traffic cone. An ultraviolet stabilized nylon shroud is employed to simulate the two sides of a standard A-Stand sign system. The shroud is double sided, with an opening at its top for connection to the cone, and a concentric larger opening at its base for slipping over a square shaped cone weight connected adjacent the base of the cone. A Tee Cone Adapter and crossbar at the top of the cone provides for shaping the shroud into a pair of identical square or rectangularly shaped panels on which warning signs are imprinted, and reflecting strips are attached. Possible damage to vehicles or persons due to collision with these soft sandwich boards, or due to violent weather conditions blowing them about, is minimized.

Abstract: A marker suitable for use in a golf fairway having a base portion suitable for installation in a ground hole, and a hollow upper body portion fixed to the upper end of the base portion which includes a dome formed of resilient material. The dome has a normal, unstressed raised condition in which it protrudes above ground level, to be readily visible to golfers, and has a depressed condition in which it is close to ground level and in which the material is stressed such that it tends to move to the normal, raised condition. A generally closed chamber beneath the dome has one-way valve means which allows air to be rapidly expelled from the chamber when the dome is depressed but restricts air flow into the chamber to delay recovery from the depressed condition.

Abstract: A releasable coupling assembly for support ribs associated with sign panels, and the like elongated support members. Force generated by a knob and threaded shaft is applied to a pressure plate through a lever arm. The lever arm is arranged so as to provide a reduced mechanical advantage which limits applied force to the rib. The lever arm may also be made resilient to limit force applied to a rib being clamped.

Abstract: A collapsible double image poster which utilizes a sheet material base which is formed of a series of pleats. Observing of the front surface of the poster in one oblique direction gives the appearance of a first single intact image and observing of the poster in a second oblique direction, which is at a right angle to the first oblique direction, gives the appearance of a second single intact image. The base is collapsible with the pleats go located in an abutting position. The base is also expandable with the pleats located in an expanded or spaced apart position. When in an expanded position, a crossed elongated member arrangement is mounted on the back side of the poster to retain the poster in the expanded position.

Abstract: A retractable flag hand held unit for permitting a user to selectively deploy a hand held flag to signal another. The retractable flag hand held unit includes a tubular housing with an opening therein at a distal end. A proximal end of an elongate rod is extended into the housing through the opening of the distal end of the housing. A back plate is disposed in the housing and coupled to the proximal end of the rod. The housing has a longitudinal slot in a side wall of the housing. A slide plate is disposed in the housing adjacent the longitudinal slot and is coupled to the back plate. A thumb slide has a slide extent extending through the longitudinal slot of the housing into the housing and which is coupled to the slide plate. A flag is coupled to the rod adjacent a distal end of the rod. The rod has a spaced apart plurality of constrictions adjacent the distal end of the rod. The rod comprises a resiliently flexible material so that the rod may be resiliently folded at each of the constrictions.

Abstract: A system for displaying a message, which includes a base portion, which is mounted on wheels and securable to a movable vehicle such as an automobile; an inflatable balloon mounted to a supporting circular base member configured to engage the constricted portion of the balloon, the circular base member further having a diameter and a height emanating from the base portion; a blower positioned within the base portion for blowing air through the circular base member and into the lower opening of the balloon and inflating the balloon to a point above the circular base member; a light mounted on the base portion, and within the circular base member within the opening in the lower end of the balloon for providing light into the interior of the inflated balloon and the light, in turn, lighting the exterior of the balloon; Velcro strips positioned on an outer surface of the inflated balloon, so that a message display banner may be mounted to the Velcro strips for displaying messages on the inflated lighted balloon,

Abstract: Each display panel of a free-standing, foldable floor sign includes an integrally formed handle portion and male and female hinge projections. The male and female hinge projections snap together into interlocking engagement with each other in response to simultaneous axial compression. The male coupling member includes a resilient finger portion and a latching head, and the female coupling member includes a cylindrical collar having a latch pocket and a radially stepped, inwardly projecting retainer. The resilient finger portion is radially deflectable in response to sliding engagement of the latching head against the retainer to permit the latching head to clear the retainer and enter the latch pocket. The display panels are stabilized in a spread-apart service position by a locking arm that is pivotally coupled to the display panels for folding movement within longitudinal slots formed along side edges of the display panels.

Abstract: A portable and compact retroreflective sign system includes a base, a winding mechanism roller attached to the base, and a retroreflective roll-up sheeting having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the roller and the sign is wound about the roller. A sign support is attached to the base for supporting the roll-up sign in an unrolled position, wherein the sign support is extendible from the base. An attachment means is present at the second end of the retroreflective roll-up sheeting for attaching the sheeting to the sign support.

Abstract: A modular display sign having a base section with a base support rail secured to the base section. A first display section is removably attached to the base support rail in a plane perpendicular to the base section. At least one second display section is removably attached to the first display section in a plane perpendicular to the base section. This arrangement enables the vertical stacking of display sections thereby increasing the display area and adjusting the height of the display sign.

Abstract: A remotely controlled, portable, automated flagman includes a shaft rotatably supported by a housing containing the drive mechanism and control electronics to selectively turn the shaft such that a "stop" or a "slow" sign is displayed at the option of a user. The user controls the display of the "stop" and "slow" signs by a remote control unit. A tripod or other type of support structure is attached to the housing so as to support the traffic control sign at the proper height above the ground. The automated flagman of the present invention can take the place of a human flagman with a handheld sign in zones where temporary traffic control is needed.

Abstract: A plastic barricade assembly including 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 being separately blow molded. 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.

Abstract: A device and method for marking a location with a marker stake. An elongate wire-like rod is partially inserted in the ground at a location to be marked, and the rod is received in a pre-sized panel having a pair of flag faces and an open-ended longitudinal channel, the channel being dimensioned to receive the rod in friction fit. The flag faces are separated by a plurality of spacers in generally parallel orientation to each other, with the spacers defining the plurality of channels, and the panel has two longitudinal ends each having a sighting notch. While inserting the rod into the ground, the panel may be disposed at the ground to serve as a guide to retain the rod against deflection. Two or more panels and rods may be joined together to produce a larger marker stake, and the panels may be oriented at right angles to each other to give the marker stake a greater three-dimensional profile.

Abstract: When a large number of bar-shaped display elements are installed at a site in any of various situations, even if the distances between the bar-shaped display elements are not necessarily fixed, an image of an aspect ratio which is correct over an entire screen can be displayed without distorting the displayed image. Data distribution means includes means for storing a standard value set corresponding to a standard arrangement distance of the bar-shaped display elements Bi as an interval control variable, and means for storing a correction value set for a particular bar-shaped display element B8 arranged in a displaced condition from the standard arrangement distance, and selectively extracts image data for one column to be distributed to each of the bar-shaped display elements B1 to B10 based on the standard value and the correction value.

Abstract: A display arrangement device for displaying information about items being offered to the public includes a generally box-shaped main body, and at least one formation secured to and extending along one of the top, bottom, and side portions of the main body. This formation includes a front wall having a front surface carrying information to be brought to the attention of the observer, and a bracing wall connected to the main body at a back wall and extending therefrom to the front wall to hold the front wall, in a deployed condition of the formation, in substantial parallelism with a vertical plane to present the information to the observer's view. The bracing wall includes two sections and a hinge portion connecting the two sections to one another for folding into juxtaposition with one another in response to the application of external collapsing forces. A shipping container that holds the main body in its entirety has a wall that confines the collapsed formation between itself and the main body.

Abstract: A display/screen system which is positionable upon a floor and is cooperable with a vertical support surface, such as a wall, includes a sheet of flexible material having an edge and a collapsible frame from which the sheet of material is suspended in a spread condition for use. The frame includes a horizontally-disposable section having two opposite ends and a pair of leg sections which are connectable to the horizontally-disposable section at the opposite ends thereof so as to depend generally downwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A warning light is provided to be coupled to a stop sign. The warning light includes a main unit, a holder for cooperating with the main unit to couple to the stop sign, a solar cell for converting solar energy into electrical energy, a light emitting element disposed in the main unit, an energy storage device coupled to the solar cell for storing the electrical energy, and a charge control circuit coupled to the solar cell, energy storage device and light emitting element. The charge control circuit selectively directs electrical energy from the solar cell to energy storage device, or from the energy storage device to the light emitting element.

Abstract: A modular display sign having a base section with a base support rail secured to the base section. A first display section is removably attached to the base support rail in a plane perpendicular to the base section. At least one second display section is removably attached to the first display section in a plane perpendicular to the base section. This arrangement enables the vertical stacking of display sections thereby increasing the display area and adjusting the height of the display sign.

Abstract: An outdoor sign construction comprising an inverted U-shaped wire frame and a rectangular corrugated plastic face panel. The sign face panel is retained on a horizontal header section of the frame between vertical frame legs by a resilient extruded plastic channel assembled around the header and out the top edge of the panel. The panel can be allowed to swing on the frame header or can be fixed against such movement by optional brackets. A secondary header and auxiliary sign panel can be assembled on the frame.

Abstract: A floor sign device for use on wet, newly waxed, and painted floors to warn and caution pedestrians travelling on the floor of the surface conditions. The device includes first and second panels pivotally coupled together along their top edges. An elongate light tower extends from the top edges of the panels with a light source mounted to the upper end of the light tower. A sound recording and playing device is provided in the light tower. The sound recording and playing device has a microphone and a speaker on the light tower. A motion detecting sensor for detecting motion from a nearby pedestrian is also provided on the light tower. The motion detecting sensor is electrically connected to light source and the sound recording and playing device. The light source is activated to illuminate and the sound recording and playing device is activated to project an audible prerecorded warning when the motion detecting sensor detects motion from a nearby pedestrian.

Abstract: A collapsible sign comprises at least one flexible sheet with a first message bearing side and a second side which has at least one horizontal support member attached to the second side of the sheet. At least one vertical support member is received free of interconnection with the horizontal support members by a pocket attached to the second side of the sheet. The sign includes a fastening device detachably interconnecting the vertical support member to the pocket. After the vertical support member is removed from the pocket, the sheet may be rolled up or rolled around the vertical support member for compact storage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stand-alone display device (100, 200) with one integral configuration capable of obtaining a flat configuration for efficient shipping and capable, without assembly, of achieving a deployed three-dimensional configuration. In the flat configuration, the display device (100, 200) is formed from two folded sheets adhesively secured or sandwiched between two unfolded sheets. To achieve the deployed configuration, the folded sheets are articulated (unfolded), resulting in folds in the previously unfolded sheets. In the deployed configuration, the display device is capable of supporting itself. The display device may be mass manufactured using printing press and inline finishing equipment, including plow folding stations, multiple glue application systems, a rotary cutter, and a delivery system.

Abstract: A control barrier is provided having a barrier wall with one or two support legs attached thereto. The barrier wall has a front face with a display recess formed therein and an internal cavity for selective filling with a ballast material. Each of the support legs are hingedly mounted to the back face of the barrier wall so as to selectively fold flat. Each support leg has an interior surface defining an internal chamber for selective filling with a ballast material.

Abstract: A method for displaying a book using a book display that is easily transported, and involving a cord with stops at each end.

Abstract: A lightweight assembly (1) suitable for displaying a poster (2) and erected without the use of tools by assembling a set (J) of members. The assembly includes two side members (3), a transverse base member (4), two crossbar members (5), four flexible upright members (6), a central member (7), a device (8) for assembling an H-shaped base, and a substantially X-shaped upright structure (6, 7) erected on the base (3, 4) and curved inwards towards the poster. The crossbar members (5) are arranged between the legs (3) of the base and between the flexible members (6).