Abstract: Display information is revealed from behind a metal film that can be cleared upon effective contact with a clearing agent. The metal film, while opaque, is generally less than 1000 Angstroms thick and can be cleared by exposure to innocuous agents including food or other household products.

Abstract: A compact, and low maintenance back lit illuminated sign (10), especially such a back lit sign suitable for use on a vehicle. The shallow back lit illuminated sign (10) comprises a housing (12), a light source (30) suitable for supplying light to a light fiber (20), and at least one side-light emitting fiber (20). The housing (12) has a sign face (14) and an interior surface (16, 18) that includes a back surface (19). The sign face (14) has an illuminated area that diffusely transmits light. The back surface (19) is located at a depth from the sign face (14). One or more side-light emitting fibers (20) are connected so as to receive light from the light source (30) and are mounted within the housing (12) so as to limit the amount of emitted light, from the fiber(s) (20), that travels directly to the sign face (14).

Abstract: A mounting assembly for attaching lightweight articles to surfaces incorporating an article fixation region opposite and distal to a poly-fastening region. A poly-fastening region includes at least one selective adhesive region adjacent to at least one magnetic region. In one embodiment, a selective adhesive region includes an adhesive layer covering a magnetic region comprising a magnet with sufficient magnetic strength to magnetically attach an article to a surface. In another embodiment, a selective adhesive region includes an adhesive surface of an adhesive layer adjacent to and co-planar with a magnetic surface of a magnetic region. In an alternative embodiment, a selective adhesive region is capable of variable planar alignment with respect to an adjacent magnetic surface. The selective adhesive region of a mounting assembly has sufficient strength to adhesively attach an article and mounting assembly to a surface.

Abstract: A furniture ornament comprised of a plurality of parallel and spaced-apart double-layered planar sheets of transparent material, e.g. rigid plastic. The sheets contain designs usually having repeating patterns thereon wherein all of the designs on the sheets are visually superimposed on one another to create a composite design when looking perpendicularly at the sheets, and wherein a view from the side at an angle shows fewer of the sheets superimposed on one another, providing an unusual three-dimensional visual effect. In an embodiment for a ceiling lamp, the viewer looks up toward the light placed between the uppermost sheet and the ceiling and sees the superimposed designs as one design. Chains hanging from the ceiling maintain the sheets in spaced-apart relation to one another with attachment member Other embodiments include a design for a table and for the front of a door that may not have an independent source of light.

Abstract: A floor includes a substrate and an image, with the image being visible from above the floor. The image is formed on a carrier sheet that is embedded within a coating disposed upon an upper surface of the substrate. The coating is substantially translucent and is highly durable. The carrier sheet becomes substantially invisible when embedded in the coating such that the image remains visible from above the floor and appears to be embedded therein. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-adhesive bulletin board assembly includes a bulletin board with a surface coated with a first adhesive layer that is adapted to be attached to a support surface, and a transparent sheet with opposite first and second surfaces that are coated with second and third adhesive layers, respectively. The transparent sheet is sandwiched between first and second protecting sheets prior to attachment of the same to the bulletin board, and is capable of visually exposing the bulletin board when removed from the first and second protecting sheets and attached to the bulletin board by one of the second and third adhesive layers.

Abstract: A preferred artistic medium comprises a first translucent sheet having at least one first image presented thereon, a second translucent sheet having a least one second image presented thereon, the second image being substantially identical to the first image, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first and second sheets is textured in a substantially uncolored area of the image, and wherein the first and second sheets are positioned in proximity to one another and in a relative orientation such that the first and second images are in substantial registration with each other.

Abstract: A durable, long lasting, highly visible Curb Banner is provided that makes the address of a property easy to see and also allows a user to display graphics such as pictures or illustrations on their curb. One embodiment of the invention provides for an easy method of changing the graphics.

Abstract: An interlocking plastic display has a first member formed as a first shot of an injection molding process. The first member includes a submerged grid system which is formed only where necessary to connect otherwise unconnected portions of the top layer or to stabilize the top layer where openings may be relatively large. An array of spacers is formed beneath those portions of the top layer having material therein, to space the top layer from the bottom of the mold used during a second shot of injection molding. No spacers are formed beneath completely spaces of the top layer in which no material is disposed. The arrangement of the spacers provides an open area underneath the top layer, so that the second member may be formed in the second shot and allows the second shot material to flow around the spacers on the bottom of the mold to interlock the two members.

Abstract: A sign kit according to the invention includes a stiff backing in a predetermined size and a transparent cover sheet having dimensions sufficient to cover one face of the backing. Suitable means for mounting a sign, such as a built in stand or hanger, may be included along with a flexible sheet such as a sheet of paper printed on a front face thereof with sign information and adhered by a rear face thereof with an adhesive to a front face of the backing. The sign kit provides makes it possible to use desktop publishing, i.e., personal computers and software, to prepare professional quality signs in various sizes shapes and designs.

Abstract: An emblem (20, 20a, 20b) with encapsulated embossed 3-D graphics is provided by a substrate (22) having a first side (24) and an opposite second side (26), an ink pattern (28) printed on the second side and providing embossed 3-D graphics, and a transparent layer (30) molded on the first side and through which the graphics are viewable. The substrate is softer than the ink pattern and deforms therearound during molding of the transparent layer, to provide differing depths. A mold (36, 38) has a smooth nonembossed surface (42) engaging the second side of the substrate without a 3-D mold-insert.

Abstract: A raised surface sign with a Braille portion (8) has a reference notch (13) or elevation along its outside border to serve as a Braille locator. The visual presence of the notch or elevation is masked by an underlying colored layer (12) that spans the Braille locator and is of the same color as adjacent areas of the sign.

Abstract: A laminated plastic barrier type fence encapsulates a printed message or sign. The plastic fence is laminated. A message or sign which is printed on a portion of one side of a first sheet of plastic sheeting material. The first sheet is then laminated to a second sheet of plastic sheeting material. A regular array of apertures is made in the laminated sheet to either side of the printing.

Abstract: A laminate for use in computerized automated sign making machines and the method for making the same are disclosed. The laminate is formed by adhesively laminating a clear polyester sheet to any suitable decorative backing sheet. The polyester sheet has a release coating on a surface thereof which adhesively receives a decorative face sheet. When introduced to an automated sign making machine, a movable knife cuts only through the face sheet, allowing selected portions of the face sheet to be removed to provide a sign of two decorative features, one defined by the face sheet, and the other by the backing sheet.

Abstract: Sheeting material is disclosed that contains a retroreflective layer and a layer of luminescent material on the bottom or lower surface of the retroreflective layer. The sheeting material can be formed into signage or decorative articles that are highly visible under a variety of lighting conditions. A portion of the retroreflective layer is visible through the luminescent layer or through one or more openings in the luminescent layer which are in the form of slits, perforations, alphanumeric or other patterns. The luminescent layer can be imaged using analog or digital printing processes. The sheeting material can be made from materials that are suitable for back-lit illumination. Adhesives or other conventional attachment means can be employed to anchor the signs in interior or exterior environments.

Abstract: An apparatus for display of information in a work environment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a display board having a substantially solid core and defining a first side having a first surface and a second side opposite of the first side having a second surface. A first surface treatment may include a reusable adhesive and a clear film cover over the reusable adhesive. The display board may have a generally rectangular shape and may include a plurality of corner members and a mounting structure. A mounting structure for at least one display board is also disclosed. The mounting structure may include a pivotal interface adapted to engage a mounting interface of the display board so that the display board is removably pivotally mounted within the mounting structure. An easel for use with a first display board is further disclosed. The easel may include a base, a frame coupled to the base, a storage area formed by the frame, and a panel coupled to the frame.

Abstract: An illuminated display for use as an advertising medium is provided in the invention comprising a first layer of light transmissible material, a second layer of woven fabric, a third layer of light transmissible material bonded to the first layer of light transmissible material to sandwich the second layer of woven fabric, the second layer of woven fabric having printed or painted designs formed thereon for providing a display means (1) and a light source (2) for illuminating said printed or painted designs.

Abstract: A lighted sign housing is provided having a sign face with both light-transmissive portions and light-blocking portions; and a reflective film applied to at least a portion of the light-blocking portions toward the interior of the sign housing. A method of using the reflective film is also provided.

Abstract: An imaging element including in order an upper image, at least one transmission and reflection device providing optical transmission of between 35% and 55%, and a lower image, wherein at least the upper and lower images are on separate supports.

Abstract: A sign comprises a base layer and a transparent or translucent upper sheet over the base layer. An icon or indicia of the sign is associated with the base layer or is printed on the upper sheet. The upper sheet and base layer are releasably adhered together under pressure applied on the upper sheet which causes the icon or indicia to be displayed. When the upper sheet is released from the base layer, the icon or indicia is erased. In another embodiment, the icon or indicia is displayed when the upper sheet is released from the base layer, and is erased when the upper sheet is pressed to adhere to the base layer.

Abstract: A backlit sign is provided which utilizes a diffuser layer of numerous inks in a composition which allows the transmission of an illuminating source of light, but which substantially prevents the viewing of the source of light

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sign having multiple light translucent layers are adjacent one another with such translucent layers being broken to form in one or more areas indicia (i.e. letters, numbers, etc.) meant to be visualized by an observer. These areas include a mid-layer, which is preferably colored and may be florescent, and a forefront layer. A transparent substrate or void layer is located between the mid-layer and the forefront layer, the forefront layer being closest to the observer. The forefront layer is comprised of a base color layer, which may be reflective, and an outer color layer which is closest to the viewer. The base color layer and the outer color layer, like the mid-layer, are in the shape of letters and indicia to be communicated. At least one milky white background layer forms the back of the sign. Other milky white layers having breaks in their integrity may be located adjacent to the rear most milky white layer and resulting in a soft background design.

Abstract: A luminous display device and method of making the same wherein a front member of transparent glass (16) is fused to the rim area (4) of a rear member (1) having a recess (8) therein and protuberances (12) projecting from the base of the recess toward the front member, the protuberances being closely spaced with respect to each other and the front member to provide passages (14) between the protuberances and a light discharge chamber (20) between the front member and the recess. An opening (22) extends through the rear member communicating with the chamber. A tubular member (26) mounted on the rear member communicates with the opening for evacuating the chamber and filling it with ionizable gas. An electrode device (28) is mounted in the tubular member and is operatively connected to a power source (36) for ionizing the gas in the chamber thereby producing light discharge fingers (38,40,42,44) or streaks through the passages providing the desired display of light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of displaying an image on a display device having first and second sides, said image including a light restricting silhouette pattern having a plurality of first transparent or translucent areas, and at least one design layer having at least one color, said at least one design layer being visible from one side of said display device and substantially less visible from the other side, said image being substantially transparent or translucent as viewed from the other side, comprising the steps: 1) providing at least a definition of said design layer to a computer, 2) generating a computerized version of said design layer with,he computer, 3) outputting the computerized version of said design layer to said display device, the computerized version of said design layer being modified to subdivide said design layer into a plurality of second discrete transparent or translucent areas and other areas; and 4) displaying said modified design layer and said silhouette pattern with

Abstract: An identification tag is described in which a first tag member is formed of a polymer and includes a front surface. A second tag member, also formed of a polymer but that visually contrasts with the first tag member, includes slots formed as visual indicia that extend through the second tag member. The second tag member is welded to the first tag member to expose the front surface of the first tag member through the slots.

Abstract: A decorative sheet including a pattern with a third-dimensional appearance is provided. The decorative sheet has a reflective layer for reflecting incident light. On the reflective layer, a transparent layer is formed. On the transparent layer, a light shielding layer for shielding incident light is formed. A pattern layer is interposed between the light shielding layer and the reflective layer in such a manner, for example, that it is included in the rear surface of the light shielding layer or in the transparent layer. The light shielding layer is provided with a plurality of through holes for passing incident light toward the reflective layer and emission light which leads out a pattern image reflected in the reflective layer.

Abstract: A foam sign made from a laminated substrate and several cuts outs die cut from the substrate. The laminated substrate contains a foam layer with a thickness of from about 0.5 to about 3.0 inches, wherein the foam has a density of from about 1.2 to about 2.0 pounds per square foot; the substrate also contains plastic sheets adhesively joined to the top and the bottom of the foam layers, wherein the plastic sheets have a thickness of from about 0.007 to about 0.03 inches; and the laminated substrate also has several cavities designed to receive the cut outs. The cut outs are disposed within such cavities such that the top surfaces of the cut outs are either above or below the top surfaces of the laminated substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to an article comprising a transparent stack of sheets that may be applied, for example, to protect substrates such as glass or plastic windows, signage or displays. A topmost sheet can be peeled away after it is damaged to reveal an undamaged sheet below. The invention also relates to the protected substrates and a method of protecting substrates such as glass or plastic windows, signage and displays from vandalism or other surface damage by adhering the stack of sheets to the substrate to be protected and subsequently pulling a topmost sheet away from the stack after it becomes damaged.

Abstract: A first compound is applied to the polymeric coating of the display unit and the polymeric coating is ground with the first compound to even out a surface of the polymer coating. A second compound is then applied to the polymeric coating and ground on the polymeric coating to form a protective coating on the polymeric coating with the second compound. The protective coating is cleaned and a first polishing compound is applied to an oscillating polishing machine to polish the protective coating with the first polishing compound. A second polishing compound is then applied on the polishing machine and the protective coating is polished with the second polishing compound to form a polishing surface coating on the protective coating so that the retro reflection is at least 11 candela/m2/lux.

Abstract: A lighted sign housing is provided having a sign face with both light-transmissive portions and light-blocking portions; and a reflective film applied to at least a portion of the light-blocking portions toward the interior of the sign housing. A method of using the reflective film is also provided.

Abstract: A metal layer cleared by contact with a chemical clearing agent to reveal an underlying graphics layer is at least partially covered by a buffer material that delays contact with the clearing agent. The buffer material can be applied in a pattern that forms a temporary image in the metal layer prior to more completely revealing the underlying graphics layer.

Abstract: A method of producing a low stress, decorative article of manufacture having at least one relief portion extending therefrom includes casting a first thermosetting resin into recesses formed within a mold surface such that the first resin is not in contact with the mold surface. The first resin is partially cured to a “B” stage to provide an air inhibited out-of-mold surface. A coating of second thermosetting resin, such as unsaturated polyester, is then applied onto the partially cured first resin and onto the mold surface. A substrate having a face is placed in contacting relationship with the second thermosetting resin film and a progressively moving compressive force is applied to the second thermosetting resin via the substrate to prevent air from becoming entrained within the second thermosetting resin. The first and second thermosetting resins cure without the second thermosetting resin imparting shear stress on the first thermosetting resin.

Abstract: Display information is revealed from behind a metal film that can be cleared upon effective contact with a clearing agent. The metal film, while opaque, is generally less than 1000 Angstroms thick and can be cleared by exposure to innocuous agents including food or other household products.

Abstract: An apparatus for display of information in a work environment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a display board having a substantially rigid core and defining a first side having a first surface and a second side opposite of the first side having a second surface, the first surface having a first surface treatment and the second surface having a second surface treatment. The first surface treatment includes a reusable adhesive and a clear film cover over the reusable adhesive, a portion of the first surface treatment is the reusable adhesive, and the clear film cover includes a first sheet and a second sheet. An apparatus for display of information in a work environment is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a display board having a substantially rigid core and defining a first side having a first surface and a second side opposite of the first side having a second surface, the first surface having a first surface treatment and the second surface having a second surface treatment.

Abstract: A retro-reflective sign is formed of a lens plate bearing indicia and having a front face and a rear face. The rear face is formed with a plurality of adjacent cube corner configurations having central axes, which configurations may reflect light rays approximately parallel to incoming light rays. The front face can be formed with adjacent rows of prisms that are saw-tooth shaped in cross-section. The prisms overlap the configurations and are shaped to bend incoming light rays towards the axes of their respective overlapped configurations and to re-bend the reflected light rays parallel to the incoming light rays. The lens plate is bowed so that its front face is convex and its rear face is concave. A rearwardly bowed support plate covers the rear face of the lens plate and the two plates are secured together along their peripheral edges for rigidifying the sign. The rear plate may be sufficiently light transparent to pass some light therethrough to backlight the indicia on the front plate.

Abstract: An advertising placard (20) having a substrate (30) and coloration material (34) is utilized to provide an unobtrusive and nondistracting advertisement on internal viewing surfaces (22) in commercial aircraft passenger cabins (24). The substrate (30) is preferably thin and transparent, and the coloration material (34) preferably has substantially the same color hue as the viewing surface (22) to which it is applied. Further, the coloration material (34) preferably has a color lightness within approximately &Dgr;7 of the color lightness of the viewing surface (22).

Abstract: A flexible sheet can be stored or patterned while in a flat configuration, and subsequently readily adapted to overlay a curved surface, for example a hemisphere of a sphere. Radial incisions made to the sheet provide a hub and a plurality of substantially triangular gores that adapt the sheet to conform substantially to the curved surface. A patternable transparent cover, adapted to be removably and/or pivotally secured to the hemisphere, closely overlays the sheet to form a covering assembly. Covering assemblies may be placed over one or both hemispheres of a sphere and fixedly or removably joined together.

Abstract: A panel includes a sheet of light permeable, preferably optically clear transparent material and a transparent or translucent design superimposed on or forming part of a transparent or translucent base pattern. The design is visible from one side of the panel and a mirror image of the design is visible from the other side of the panel when a sufficiently high level of illuminated is provided on either side or both sides of the panel.

Abstract: A decorative object including a groove, such as a grooved border or other indicia, with a rounded apex and well-defined sidewalls, formed in the back surface of the object. The back side of the object is painted a first color and the grooved border is painted a second different or contrasting color to give the illusion of a frame made of metal, stone or some other material that is embedded in the object. The illusion of an embedded frame gives the object a three-dimensional visual quality.

Abstract: A display device resembling neon tubing includes a transparent substrate with one or more elongate, continuous grooves formed in the substrate from a rear surface thereof. The groove is shaped to represent an informational image, such as a letter, symbol, character or design, for communicating a message to a viewer. A layer of a roughness is formed within an arcuate groove surface of substantially constant diameter along the length of the groove to thereby uniformly disperse light that may be incident on the groove toward the front surface of the substrate in an arcuate path. A blocking layer covers the rear surface of the substrate adjacent the groove for permitting the transmission of light only through the groove to thereby create a sharp contrast between light incident on the groove and the blocking layer. The diameter of the groove is preferably approximately equal to the diameter of conventional neon tubing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing high-quality perforated display panels that is both simple and inexpensive to implement is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the method of manufacture includes the steps of: printing a design on one side of a single sheet of material; floodcoating the second side of the sheet with a solid layer of black ink; applying an adhesive layer to one of the two sides of the sheet, and in particular, on the black side of the sheet when the panel is to be exterior mounted and on the design side of the sheet when the panel is to be interior mounted; applying a release liner to cover the adhesive; and perforating in tandem the sheet of material, the adhesive, and the release liner. An improved perforated display panel preferably includes: a single sheet of material having a design printed on one side thereof and a solid black layer printed on a second side thereof; an adhesive layer; and a release liner covering the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A method for printing signs by printing a first ink layer directly on one face of a transparent substrate; applying an intermediate layer over the first ink layer; and printing a second ink layer directly on the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A sign plate for an illuminated sign having a light source includes an opaque reflective layer on its face that receives light from the light source. The opaque reflective layer is broken by zones corresponding to a configuration of text, figures, and/or art design to be communicated to a viewer. The zones are covered with a light diffusion layer on the side of the light source, and the surface of the sign plate facing the viewer and opposite the light source includes a layer of reflective material in a corresponding configuration that is in general register with the configuration defined by the zones and covered by the light diffusion layer on the side of the light source.

Abstract: Powder coating compositions are described containing a blend of ionomers and polyethylene copolymers which fuse at temperatures of about 150.degree. C. or below and are durable, weatherable, solvent-resistant, and thereby provide transparent protective coatings on substrates such as signs, particularly traffic signs and license plates.

Abstract: A foam sign made from a laminated substrate and several cuts outs die cut from the substrate. The laminated substrate contains a foam layer with a thickness of from about 0.5 to about 3.0 inches, wherein the foam has a density of from about 1.2 to about 2.0 pounds per square foot; the substrate also contains a plastic sheet adhesively joined to the foam layer, wherein the plastic sheet has a thickness of from about 0.007 to about 0.03 inches; and the laminated substrate also has several cavities designed to receive the cut outs. The cut outs are disposed within such cavities such that the top surfaces of the cut outs are either above or below the top surfaces of the laminated substrate.

Abstract: An advertising placard (20) having a substrate (30) and coloration material (34) is utilized to provide an unobtrusive and nondistracting advertisement on internal viewing surfaces (22) in commercial aircraft passenger cabins (24). The substrate (30) is preferably thin and transparent, and the coloration material (34) preferably has substantially the same color hue as the viewing surface (22) to which it is applied. Further, the coloration material (34) preferably has a color lightness within approximately .DELTA.7 of the color lightness of the viewing surface (22).

Abstract: A composite label at least partly formed from two separate fabrics, on one face of which an image is provided over which the other fabric is positioned, this consisting of a mesh which enables said image to be seen through it from the outside of the label.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for an animal decoy and specifically a goose decoy are provided. The decoy includes a body with a body surface. An image substrate is applied to the body surface, and the image substrate includes a fabric material. A decoy image is printed upon the fabric image substrate. The animal decoy of is a photo-reproduced image, based upon a photograph of an actual animal. The image substrate can include a bonding surface. The bonding surface adheres to the body surface. The first substrate includes a bonding surrface that can include an elastomeric coating, for bonding to the decoy body. An adhesive is utilized to laminate the fabric substrate to the decoy body, and an image is then applied to the fabric substrate.

Abstract: A greeting and invitation card device having a substantially opaque paper-like rear sheet or panel and a translucent or transparent front or sheer overlay sheet or panel positioned against and in front of the rear sheet. The front sheet is imprinted to provide viewable greeting or invitation indicia. The rear sheet has a design formed of an array of apertures, preferably laser-cut, therethrough. The word indicia is readable simultaneous with viewing the design of the back sheet through the front sheet to provide a unique visual effect.

Abstract: A panel which comprises a substrate of transparent or translucent material having applied to one or both sides a design superimposed on, or forming part of, an opaque pattern so that the design on one side of the panel cannot be seen from the other side. This is a Reissue of a Patent which was the subject of a Reexamination Certificate No. B1 4,673,609, dated Jul. 25, 1995, Request No. 90/003,201, Sep. 21, 1993.