Abstract: A display panel advertising system includes two halves, each adapted to be placed on one side of a two-panel elevator access door. As the door panels slide together and the elevator door closes, the two display panels begin to form a picture which is not completed until the door is fully closed. The picture or scene develops as it advances from a hidden view when the door is fully open and as the two halves approach one another. This creates an attention getting device wherein the passengers in the elevator are captive and actually have a place to focus their attention rather than on the ceiling or floor number panel. The display panel advertising system is an effective means of attracting attention and promoting products and services to selected consumers.

Abstract: A marker and method for use on roads for locating underground utilities utilizing a flexible tile (A) constructed of front and backing layers of fused plastic having openings (B) for receiving screws (C) extending into corresponding holes drilled in the road surface for holding the tile while an adhesive backing sets and for assuring affixation thereafter. Suitable symbols (D) are formed into the tile by grinding away the front layer. All the components may be provided in a package utilizing a box or other container.

Abstract: A sign has multiple light translucent layers that 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 large transparent void area is located between the mid-layer and the forefront layer, the forefront layer being closest to the observer. The forefront layer has a base color layer, which may be slightly 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 cryophotonic back-lit sign for use at night or during low-light conditions. The sign includes an AC ballast for providing a source of AC power. A cryophotonic lamp is disposed in a potting material, that is preferably made from mixing together a two-part epoxy. The lamp is connected to receive the AC power from the AC ballast. A retroreflective sheeting is provided on a transparent substrate, which is removably attached to a top surface of the potting material. The sheeting allows light to substantially pass from a rear surface thereof to a front surface thereof. Light is provided to illuminate the sign either from light from vehicle headlights that reflect off the sheeting and back towards the vehicle, or from the cryophotonic lamp when not enough light is available to illuminate the sheeting.

Abstract: Permanent care label fabric is coated with a water-based acrylic or acrylic/urethane coating. The coating is dried and the coated fabric is fed into a standard laser printer. The permanent care instructions are laser printed on the coated fabric and the print meets the AATCC test methods 143-1992 and 61-1993.

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 protective nonstick cover for a standard automobile license plate having a nonstick surface which is easy to clean, protects the license plate, and enhances and/or improves the appearance of the license plate. The standard license plate is generally rectangularly-shaped and has a front surface with identification characters embossed therein. The protective nonstick cover includes a generally rectangularly-shaped and generally flexible plastic film sized to closely match the front surface of the license plate and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer applied directly to a rear surface of the plastic film. The adhesive layer secures the plastic film to the entire front surface of the license plate to form a laminate. The plastic film and the adhesive layer are transparent when attached to the license plate so that the identification characters of the license plate are visible therethrough. Preferably, the plastic film is an ethylene based unplasticized ionomer film.

Abstract: A porcelain coated sign comprises a steel plate reverse etched to form raised indicia, including Braille, against an etched background area. The plate is coated with a porcelain slurry and fired to form a porcelainized surface. The raised indicia may be tipped with one or more additional pigmented porcelain enamels to provide contrasting colors if desired.

Abstract: A color coded warning label in which the color code has a removable opaque coating and the label is provided with a self-laminating flap for protecting the removable coating prior to use and for making the code permanent during use is described. A method for using the color coded label to quantify the level of a hazard is also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for creating artwork which comprises a second image which is located in direct overlying relation to a first image. In particular, the method includes providing a first image such as a print, having a first reflective quality. A substantially transparent coating, having a reflectivity substantially different than the reflectivity of the first image, is selectively disposed over the first image. The method provides artwork having a first image visible through the transparent coating which is used to create the second image. A separate reflected image is created as a result of the differences in reflective characteristics between the first and second images.

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: An illuminated sign board which comprises a film having printing, a frame, and a light source is described. The film is a semi-transparent film made of a stretched resin film containing a finely divided powder of a white inorganic material. The semi-transparent film satisfies the following requirements (1) to (4):(1) an opacity of from 40% to 70%;(2) a whiteness of from 80% to 100%;(3) a total light beam average reflectance of from 30 to 60%; and(4) a total light beam average transmittance of from 30% to 70%.

Abstract: Known laminates can be used to apply graphics to glass panels to present an etched or sand-blasted appearance. Such graphics, which have been cut from a decorative polymeric film of a laminate, can be applied more easily, quickly, and with greater precision when the cover sheet of the laminate is a vented transparent polymeric sheet which bears a layer of vented removable pressure-sensitive adhesive that has been pressed against the graphics. Coextensive with each of the graphics is a layer of aggressive pressure-sensitive adhesive by which the graphics can be applied to a glass panel while wet with a detergent/alcohol/water solution that permits them to be repositioned by a user who can see the graphics through the vented transparent sheet. Positioning is enhanced when the vents are perforations arranged in an orderly pattern such as a rectangular grid.

Abstract: Signs which include a sheet including plastic stiff enough to resist fracture and flexible enough to maintain surface flatness in use without being put under tension, and such sheets.

Abstract: A modular display system is disclosed for displaying a map, graph, chart or other planar graphic representation in a plurality of planar modules capable of being disposed in a planar contiguous array having a smooth, markable surface. Each module is formed of a generally rectangular planar base portion having a plurality of planar projecting tongues and planar grooves, a rectangular portion of a map, graph, chart or other planar graphic representation, and a rectangular planar transparent cover portion. The aligned attachment of a base portion, a graphic portion, and a cover portion using adhesive forms a module. By temporary interlocking planar arrangement of modules, with tongues and grooves of each base portion in mating disposition with the grooves and tongues of other base portions, a planar surface is provided with the graphic portions capable of being viewed through the cover portions.

Abstract: A 3-D graphic sign construction is provided comprising: (a) a conformed laminate comprising a sign face layer, one or more visual characters, a background color layer, and (b) one or more 3-D characters positioned in register with the visual characters and a method of make the same.

Abstract: A method of producing an image onto a surface of a one-way vision display panel of the type which is constructed as a perforated membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface and whereby the image is clearly visible when viewing the display panel from one direction and wherein the perforated membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the display panel from a second, opposite direction. The method substantially eliminates the corona effect of the image while viewing the display panel in the through-viewing direction, the corona effect being the result of stray ink which has traveled from the image layer into the through-holes of the perforated membrane during the image printing process.

Abstract: A retro-reflective sign is provided having a front face member attached to a back member. The face member has a plurality of cube corners disposed along its back surface. The sign can be of any shape or color and provides superior light reflection at night as compared to conventional signs. Thus, the sign can be easily seen while driving at night. In an alternative embodiment, the cube corners are disposed along the inner surface of the back member. The front face member or the entire sign can be coated with a silicone material to provide added protection to the sign from scratching and vandalism.

Abstract: A composite laminated film-to-glass panel for the display by back lighting of graphics and/or advertising and instructional alpha-numerical information relating to game machines, product dispensing apparatus, and wall displays and a method of producing such panel. The film-to-glass panel of the invention is comprised of a primary front sheet of glass and a secondary composite laminated layer consisting of: a mounting sheet of double-faced adhesive-coated polyester film material; an intermediate sheet of positive image photographic film bearing the graphic and/or advertising and instructional information and adhesively affixed on its image side to the rear side of the mounting sheet; and a sheet of single-faced adhesive-coated ultraviolet screening plastic film adhesively affixed to the rear side of the photographic film.

Abstract: An interior building sign for assisting sighted and visually impaired or blind persons to locate an escape route from point A to point B includes a first planar sheet printed in a first color with a floor plan corresponding to a building floor on which the sign is to be posted. The floor plan is also printed with two dimensional marks in a contrasting color indicating a route from point A to point B. A second planar sheet of substantially transparent material overlies the first planar sheet, the second planar sheet having three dimensional marks machined or routed thereon in substantially overlying relationship with the two dimensional marks to thereby provide a tactile representation of the route. Signs of similar construction have application in non-emergency situations and in other environments including, for example, convention centers, parks and the like.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a solar window film graphic for attachment to a substantially translucent surface such as a glass window includes generating a design with a computer-aided design system and cutting solar window film in accordance with the generated design under the controlled guidance of a computer-aided machining system. Appropriate portions of the solar window film are removed in accordance with the generated design and a transfer tape is attached to the solar window film for securing the solar window film to a carrier film. The carrier film and solar window film combination is secured to a support film for attachment to a translucent surface.

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: A display has a transparent plastic substrate and a colored image formed on the substrate. The colored image is formed on the substrate by process printing a large number of small dots, colored red, yellow, and blue, in a predetermined pattern onto the substrate. The red, yellow, and blue ink dots are translucent to visible light. A pattern of opaque white ink dots is process printed over selected portions of the image to highlight the selected portions and to thereby give the selected portions an appearance of relative depth. A reflective layer can be deposited against the ink patterns to reflect light which passes through the ink patterns and thereby give the image formed by the ink patterns a shiny, metallic appearance.

Abstract: A 3-D graphic sign construction is provided comprising: (a) a conformed laminate comprising a sign face layer, one or more visual characters, a background color layer, and (b) one or more 3-D characters positioned in register with the visual characters and a method of make the same.

Abstract: A bulletin board is disclosed which employs adhesive strip elements on the front side to provide a simplified and convenient means for repeatedly attaching and removing items such as notes, schedules, coupons, pens or pencils, keys, and the like, without damaging these items and without requiring pins or tacks. Each strip element includes a tacky, adhesive portion which is coated with a non tacky tear strip that protects the adhesive portion prior to use; when the tear strip is removed, the adhesive strip becomes exposed for use. Non tacky indentations are defined between each strip element and facilitate the removal of items from the strips. The rear surface of the bulletin board may be provided with a plurality of sponge adhesives and rubberized magnets which enable the bulletin board to be attached to, easily removed from, and reattached to, various support surfaces for the bulletin board.

Abstract: A temporary sign panel is made by placing sheets of used newspaper on a flat surface to form a first layer, fixing two edges of the first layer to the surface, and covering the layer with a flour and water paste. A second layer of newspaper is placed on the first, with the sheets staggered so lines between sheets do not coincide. Two edges of the second layer are fixed to the surface, and the second layer is covered with flour and water paste. Next, a third layer of newspaper is placed over the second, staggered so no lines between sheets coincide. The paste is allowed to dry, then the panel is removed from the surface, and the entire panel is painted with an exterior grade of house paint. The resulting panel can be painted with the desired sign, and the panel is stiff enough for normal display.

Abstract: This invention relates to paper translites comprising a translucent paper sheet or web bearing on the front facing thereof an image area of a right reading in one or more colors, and on the back facing thereof an image area but of a reverse image and of the same colors. Each of the image areas is printed by halftone dots, and the image area of the reverse image has substantially dot-for-dot registration with the image area of the right reading. The printing plate used for printing the image area for the reverse image has about the same or a lower percentage of halftone dots than the printing plate used for printing the image area for the right reading, thereby resulting in a lighter value for each color of the reverse image relative to the same color of the right reading. The resulting translite is equally pleasing viewed by reflective light only and viewed by transmitted light.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying removable indicia, the apparatus including a base sheet having an outwardly facing surface which is operable to support individual removable indicia; a substantially transparent cover sheet which is borne by the base sheet, and which is operable to substantially fix the indicia in a predetermined position thereon; and a zone of adhesive which is deposited in a predetermined pattern on one of the two sheets and which releasably affixes the base sheet and the transparent sheet together. During use, the transparent sheet is separated in spaced relation from the base sheet to permit the placement of the indicia in respective predetermined positions on the base sheet, after which, the transparent sheet is then pressed into adhesive engagement with the base sheet to releasably seal and fix the position of the indicia thereon.

Abstract: A raised graphic sign comprising (a) a substrate; (b) a base layer adhesively fastened to an upper surface of the substrate; (c) one or more alphanumeric characters, optionally adhesively fastened to the base layer; and (d) an overlay film conformably and adhesively fastened to the upper surface of the base layer and covering the alphanumeric characters is provided, as well as a method to make the raised graphic sign.

Abstract: Sheet material (20,20') including a polyvinyl fluoride film (21), an application tape (22) removably adhered to one surface (32) of the film (21) and a carrier tape (23) removably adhered to the application tape (22). The polyvinyl fluoride film (21) has an exposed surface (33) on which a sign (4) is printed in reverse image. Adhesive (42) is applied over the printed surface (33) with a transfer tape (40). When printed film (21) is applied to a selected surface, the film (21) is adhered to the selected surface by adhesive (42) after separation of the carrier tape (23) and application tape (22) so that the printed sign (4) is on the innermost surface (33) of the film (21) and protected by the thickness of the polyvinyl fluoride film (21).

Abstract: A decorative promotional display signage and its method of manufacture includes the steps for combining the constituent elements of the signage, and the resultant combination of these elements. The signage includes a clear transparent substrate with an informational image created on the posterior surface of the substrate by selectively depositing transparent colored inks on this surface. Clear ink may also be deposited on selected portions of the posterior surface of the substrate to emphasize the informational image. A sheet of holographic film, to present a variable color cast to the image, is adhered to the substrate with the layers of ink positioned between the substrate and the holographic film.

Abstract: Sheet material (20,20') including a polyvinyl chloride film (21), an application tape (22) removably adhered to one surface (32) of the film (21) and a carrier tape (23) removably adhered to the application tape (22). The polyvinyl chloride film (21) has an exposed surface (33) on which a sign (4) is printed in reverse image. Adhesive (42) is applied over the printed surface (33) with a transfer tape (40). When printed film (21) is applied to a selected surface, the film (21) is adhered to the selected surface by adhesive (42) after separation of the carrier tape (23) and application tape (22) so that the printed sign (4) is on the innermost surface (33) of the film (21) and protected by the thickness of the polyvinyl chloride film (21).

Abstract: A retro-reflective target tape comprising a lower sub-laminate having an upper transparent thick mylar backing about 2 mils thick, a release sheet therebeneath and a pressure sensitive adhesive therebetween; and an upper sub-laminate having an upper light reflective sheet with a thin, transparent mylar backing about a half mil thick therebeneath and with a pressure sensitive adhesive therebetween and with pressure sensitive adhesive beneath the thin mylar backing, the upper sub-laminate being cut to form a plurality of circular reflective targets and removed from the lower sub-laminate except for the plurality of circular reflective targets, the pressure sensitive adhesive above the release sheet remaining with the thick mylar backing upon the removal of the adjacent release sheet. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating such tape.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new type of decorative design and the method of producing said design. The process includes making an illustration of a picture or photograph, scanning said illustration while deleting part of the illustration, silk screening said scanned illustration with ultra-ink onto a substrate, and then cutting said substrate into a chosen article. The resulting article has a large part of the substrate without any ink on it, so as to give the design a three-dimensional look.

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

Abstract: A display board for illustrating an electrical power distribution system or the like comprises a matrix of rectangular modules magnetically attached to a steel support board. The modules may comprise die cut steel base plates backed by sheets of magnetic rubber. Relatively permanent background graphics are silk screened upon the front faces of the modules. Foreground graphics representing features which are subject to change may be overprinted upon the background graphics in an ink which may be removed without disturbing the background graphics.

Abstract: Signs comprising an outer layer having indicia thereon and a thermal reservoir behind the outer layer. The thermal reservoir contains at least one phase change material that, during periods of falling ambient temperature, yields a latent heat of transition thereby tending to maintain the temperature of the outer layer above what it would otherwise have been. As a result of such higher temperature, the outer layer of the sign is more resistant to formation of dew or frost thereon and retains a greater degree of legibility.

Abstract: A sign with an etched or embossed appearance comprises a transparent substrate on which an extraordinarily thick ridge of viscous ink has been deposited to form a design. For an embossed appearance, the ridge of ink is uniformly smooth. For an etched appearance, the ridge of ink is formed with a textured pattern. A sheet having a thin layer of adhesive on one side is pressed onto the substrate over the ridge of ink to adhear the sheet to the substrate and conform the sheet to the ridge to give the appropriate appearance for the design. Alternatively, the sheet may be replaced by a solidified stratum of a metallic-based solution or powder which may be sprayed or electroplated, respectively, onto the substrate.

Abstract: A reservoir cap includes a cylinder portion of molded resin and surrounding an outer circumferential surface of an opening portion of a reservoir body, and a flat portion unitarily formed on the cylinder portion and closing the opening portion of the reservoir body. A transparent film is insert-molded to the outer surface of the flat portion. Descriptive characters are formed at an inner surface of the film. The film is made from the same material as the flat portion. It is therefore possible to obtain a high adhesion between the film and the flat portion of the reservoir cap because they have the same melting point. Therefore, it is possible to provide an improved reservoir cap having descriptive characters which are easily seen from the outside thereof at the flat portion, while ensuring a high chemical resistance and a high durability against the operational fluid.

Abstract: The web is a substantially flat laminate in the form of a base sheet having a permanent upper surface of plastic material defining a base color, which may optionally be clear. A final graphics layer covers the base sheet and has an upper surface colored differently from the base color and a lower surface adhering to the upper surface of the base. The peel values of the upper and lower surfaces of the layer relative to each other and to the upper surface of the base are such that the cut graphic pattern in the layer remains secured to the base while the other portions of the layer may readily be peeled from the base without excessively adhering to and thereby removing the graphic pattern from the base. Preferably, two or three differently colored layers are laminated with the base, to permit the making of a sign having two or three different colors in addition to the colored (or clear) base.

Abstract: A sign is made by a pultrusion process by printing separate sign panels and attaching them to a fibrous component of the sign to make a longitudinally continuous sign panel subassembly which is beneath the surface of the sign. The sign panels are spaced apart in the subassembly by about the length of the sign and are fixed to the fibrous component prior to being pulled through a forming die. In the forming die, the subassembly is formed together with rovings, scrim resin and any other components of the sign into the cross-section of the sign. The sign panel subassembly saturates with the resin so that it blends in with the rest of the sign except for identification matter printed on it and is permeable to allow gases to escape as the resin cures in the die. The sign takes on its desired cross-sectional shape in the die and is cut off at its desired length after it exits the die. The sign panel may be on either side of the subassembly, and the subassembly may be beneath a surface layer.

Abstract: A sign having a face bearing an informational legand thereon, the face comprising at least one legend portion and at least one background portion, and the sign comprising at least one legend segment and at least one background segment, which segments are defined by the legend and background portions, wherein at least part of at least one of the legend and background segments is retroreflective and translucent. The segments of the signs which are translucent and retroreflective exhibit increased luminance under adverse lighting conditions, thereby increasing the conspicuity and legibility of the sign.

Abstract: Authenticity mark consisting of pattern of randomly divided granules attached to a delimited surface area of a substrate. The granules consist of retroreflective microspheres with a diameter smaller than 500 micron and that the number of microspheres is selected such that between 20% and 80% of the available surface of the delimited area is covered by the microspheres.

Abstract: A sign and process of making a sign which comprises applying vinyl graphics to a backside of a substrate by use of high pressure rollers laminating machine or squeegee and covering the back side of the substrate and graphics by a backing sheet. The graphics and backing sheet may be applied by a laminating machine or squeegee and secured in place by a self-adhesive. Applying the laminated film on the reverse side has a protection quality that a slik screened or spray painted face does not have since the vinyl protects the rear side of the face against scratching during installation of the face and/or transportation of the sign.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a sign or similar article by providing a fiber reinforced plastic laminate structure having pre-selected dissimilar laminate layers. After sandblasting, the dissimilar materials that have been exposed present different textured patterns to the observer, and therefore allow the sign designer greater latitude in the design and layout of the sign. Portions of the sign material may extend outwardly or downwardly from the sign body, for connection to the ground or any other secondary support structure. The materials of construction of the sign apparatus significantly enhance the longevity of the structure, as compared to the sandblasted wooden structures currently being used which are subject to rot or decay.

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

Abstract: A method for applying informational images, such as advertising, to surfaces, particularly the windows of commercial vehicles. The method comprises applying a UV resistant emulsion to a laminate substrate of perforated metalized polymeric vinyl. The coated substrate is silk-screened with the appropriate image and is secured to the interior of the vehicle window by a peripheral tape strip and by spray adhesive.

Abstract: A display banner functions to display a visual message having both an unchanging visual component and an additional visual component which needs to be changed from time to time. The banner includes a planar member adapted to carry the unchanging visual component of the message and further includes one or more transparent panels mounted over the planar member so as to form one or more display pockets. A plurality of display elements, carrying the changeable visual components of the message, are removably received in the display pockets and are visible through the transparent panels. By selectively positioning selected ones of the display elements within the display pockets, the changeable visual component of the visual message can be changed as desired.

Abstract: A sign is made by a pultrusion process by printing separate sign panels and attaching them to a fibrous component of the sign to make a longitudinally continuous sign panel subassembly which is beneath the surface of the sign. The sign panels are spaced apart in the subassembly by about the length of the sign and are fixed to the fibrous component prior to being pulled through a forming die. In the forming die, the subassembly is formed together with rovings, scrim resin and any other components of the sign into the cross-section of the sign. The sign panel subassembly saturates with the resin so that it blends in with the rest of the sign except for identification matter printed on it and is permeable to allow gases to escape as the resin cures in the die. The sign takes on its desired cross-sectional shape in the die and is cut off at its desired length after it exits the die. The sign panel may be on either side of the subassembly, and the subassembly may be beneath a surface layer.

Abstract: A sign and process of making a sign which comprises applying vinyl graphics to a backside of a substrate by use of high pressure rollers laminating machine or squeegee and covering the back side of the substrate and graphics by a backing sheet. The graphics and backing sheet may be applied by a laminating machine or squeegee and secured in place by a self-adhesive. Applying the laminated film on the reverse side has a protection quality that a silk screened or spray painted face does not have since the vinyl protects the rear side of the face against scratching during installation of the face and/or transportation of the sign.