Abstract: A new and improved bulletin board comprises a rigid support or backing member, and a tablet comprising a stacked array of adhesive-coated sheets, mounted upon the rigid support or backing member, wherein each one of the adhesive-coated sheets is adapted to have various different objects, such as, for example, notices, memos, notes, bills, pens, pencils, coupons, or the like, adhered thereon. By forming the bulletin board so as to comprise the plurality of adhesive-coated sheets, an exposed adhesive-coated sheet, whose tack level has degraded with time, may simply be removed from the tablet or stacked array of adhesive-coated sheets so as to expose a new or fresh adhesive-coated sheet which can now be used to again securely adhere objects upon the bulletin board.

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: Mobile multi-display billboard vehicles are provided. A representative vehicle includes a cab and a bed portion, and at least one multi-display sign box. Methods and other systems are also provided.

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: Whenever individuals use a public restroom—whether they are shopping, dining, dancing, or attending a sporting/cultural event—they must physically stop, relax, and wait. It is an opportune time to target them with specific informational advertising. A method of providing informational messages to users of public restrooms comprises the steps of: providing a broadcasting device in a public restroom; providing a sensor to determine use of a portion of the public restroom proximate to the user; connecting the broadcasting device to a computer provided to convey a broadcast signal containing the message to the broadcasting device; and, providing and storing the informational message in the computer for subsequent dissemination to the broadcast device when the restroom is determined to be in use by the sensor.

Abstract: An infoboard having at least one board part intended for an imprint, the infoboard comprising a frame carrying the at least one board part, the frame near an underside being firmly connected with the base, which base has such a weight that the infoboard is only movable by means of a lifting crane.

Abstract: A billboard advertising system is disclosed. The billboard advertising system includes an overhead sign structure at least partially traversing a roadway, said overhead sign structure having forward and rearward faces relative to oncoming vehicle traffic of the roadway. The forward face of the overhead sign structure has traffic information as part of a government regulated traffic information system directed in a primary orientation toward the oncoming vehicle traffic. The rearward face of the overhead sign structure on an opposing side from the forward face has a secondary orientation with respect to other traffic flow different from the oncoming vehicle traffic. A billboard advertisement is positioned on the rearward face of the overhead sign structure with visual exposure to the other traffic flow.

Abstract: A dynamic device for billboard advertising is disclosed. An advertising billboard device in accordance with the present invention comprises a display controller adapted to receive and display dynamic-content. At least one content display unit is in communication with the display controller, wherein the content display unit visually displays the information from the dynamic-content. Dynamic content having a bit-depth greater than the bit-depth of the content display unit is parsed into sub-pixels for display on the content display unit. The combination of sub-pixels, when viewed, appears to have a bit-depth greater than the bit-depth of the content display unit material.

Abstract: An inflatable billboard has an inflatable frame with an advertising frame mounted onto the frame. The advertising frame is mounted to the frame by both releasable connectors which secure the advertising face to the frame and must be manually released and detachable connectors which release a portion of the advertising face from the frame in response to winds above a threshold level. As a result of this arrangement, the inflatable billboard incurs only minimal damage even in high winds.

Abstract: A tensioning system for a sign mounted to frame, such as a billboard sign. A single tensioning cable is provided, having a plurality of movable hooks positioned at various intervals therealong. The cable is confined by pulleys attached to the frame and extends along one horizontal portion of the frame, then along one vertical portion of the frame, to one or more tensioning winches. The movable hooks are engaged with the rods along a corresponding horizontal and vertical edge of the sign. The opposite horizontal and vertical edges of the sign are affixed by stationary or fixed hooks to the frame. By tightening the cable with the tensioning winch or winches, the cable is pulled taut along the one horizontal and one vertical edge of the sign. There is no need for separate tensioning belts and devices, which are replaced by a single tensioning cable.

Abstract: A mobile sign is adapted from discarded cotton collection trailers. The cotton collection trailers include a front steering axle and trailing rear axle supporting a horizontal rectangular frame. The rectangular cotton collection cage mounted to the trailer is removed and replaced with an upright vertical rectangular frame which supports sign material. The modifications to unused and discarded cotton collection trailers provides a useful purpose for the trailers and prevents the waste of selling the trailers for scrap. The trailers are easily pulled to desired locations utilizing the existing tow bar and can be secured by deploying outriggers or extendable feet, removing the tires from the trailer, and securing the trailer to a ground anchor. The mobile sign will support numerous types of sign material, including border grommeted canvas and board material.

Abstract: A portable illuminated outdoor advertising display comprises a plurality of modules, a portion of which are removably secured to said frame structure, collectively forming a matrix of modules when juxtaposed adjacent one another in predetermined positions on a surface of the frame structure. An illumination device is secured to at least one of the modules such that the surface of the matrix together with said illumination device forms a visually apparent indicia or a design when the modules are in said predetermined positions.

Abstract: A display device for large scale billboard displays comprises a set of image carriers each defining a respective sequence of image frames and each having directional properties such that different image frames are viewable from different viewing directions relative to the image carrier. A support device supports the image carriers such that they together form a composite display and an adjustment device is provided operable to adjust the orientation of the image carriers relative to the support device such that corresponding frames of each image carrier are simultaneously viewable by an observer at a predetermined position relative to the display apparatus. The image carriers may be lenticular members in which lenticular lenses overlay interdigitated strips of image elements.

Abstract: A new and improved highway sign or billboard advertising structure having a vertical support post on which a sign face support structure is mounted. Each of these sign face support structures has a scaffold mounted adjacent the bottom of the sign face extending inwardly toward the support. A housing encompasses the entire sign face support structure. The housing has openings therein through which the sign faces may be viewed. The housing being environmentally sealed to exclude birds, rodents and insects from the enclosed space between opposite sign faces surrounding the multiple scaffoldings.

Abstract: A message display is described having a message display surface with a first area. At least one hook fastening element with a second area is affixed to the message display surface. The message display also includes at least one message display panel with a third area. The display panel has a printable surface and an entangled fiber sheet backing. The at least one hook fastening element engages the entangled fiber sheet backing to maintain the at least one message display panel in a fixed relationship to the message display surface. A message display construction system and a method of creating a message display are also described.

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: A display device for large scale billboard displays comprises a set of image carriers each defining a respective sequence of image frames and each having directional properties such that different image frames are viewable from different viewing directions relative to the image carrier. A support means supports the image carriers such that they together form a composite display and adjustment means are provided operable to adjust the orientation of the image carriers relative to the support means such that corresponding frames of each image carrier are simultaneously viewable by an observer at a predetermined position relative to the display apparatus. The image carriers may be lenticular members in which lenticular lenses overlay inter-digitated strips of image elements.

Abstract: A modular supporting structure for advertising billboards and/or displays in outdoor locations assembled from a plurality of prefabricated hollow blocks arranged in stacked tiers, preferably from used cargo ship containers. The structure is sufficiently high for a billboard to be viewed from a large distance, and is capable of staying in place by virtue of its own weight, by ballasting, or by means of simple anchoring elements.

Abstract: A prismatic advertising billboard having a body 1 elaborated as from a cardboard sheet 2 cut and bent in such a fashion as to show the shape of a box 3, in the interior of which are disposed profiles 4 and 5, also produced in cut and bent cardboard sheet, being that between the profiles 4 and 5 are mounted prismatic pieces 6 actuated in a synchronized manner by an electric motor 7; the electric motor 7 is connected to a long hexagonal axle 8 that crosses and is supported on the bearings 9 fixed to the profile 5, being that each one of the bearings 9 receives a pulley 10 through which the hexagonal axle passes 8; each one of the pulleys 10 incorporates a pin 11, elaborated so as to interfere in a connector 12, that is coupled by encasing in a triangular profile 13 elaborated in a cut and bent cardboard sheet 14.

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 billboard is equipped with a droppings tray that catches droppings from birds nesting in the gridwork of support members that carries the display panels of the billboard. The tray is so inclined and shaped that rain or the like cleans the tray and flushes the droppings into a drainpipe.

Abstract: A remotely controlled electronic display sign which operates with a plasma display and which provides for humidity control and the like allowing the sign to be used in various environments. The sign is essentially self-contained and includes those components necessary for enabling a display of desired material from a remote control source. A controller in or associated with the sign is accessible either electrically, or through satellite transmission or other wireless transmission from the remote source which allows the display of the sign to be changed at will. Thus, an operator at a remote source may, with the aid of a pre-prepared graphic design, transmit that design to the controller at or associated with the sign for display of that graphic information.

Abstract: A versatile three-dimensional billboard capable of remote control operation, animation, and color accentuation. The billboard includes a board defining a plurality of holes arranged in a matrix. A plurality of rods are slidably mounted in the holes. At least one actuator is operatively coupled to the rods, the actuator being capable of moving each of the rods independently of the other rods. A controller is coupled to the actuator, the controller being operable to move the rods to desired positions such that outer ends of said rods define a three-dimensional display. This billboard has a broad range of uses, for example from a corner grocery store display to a giant advertising billboard at a major downtown location such as Times Square in New York City.

Abstract: A method of producing sub-images for use in forming a larger image from a series of the sub-images. The method includes printing each of the sub-images of the series of sub-images and a portion of the larger image surrounding the sub-image on a separate sheet of material. Each sub-image is printed on the same location on the respective sheet. Then the sheets are cut to the size and shape of the sub-images. When the sub-images are positioned to form the larger image, the sub-images are in a non-overlapping and contiguous relationship.

Abstract: A modular window electronic sign is provided for outdoor use. The sign is provided with a walk-in cabinet or housing with a forward facing informational display surface viewable through an opening in the cabinet. The window is comprised of a series of vertically elongated transparent lenses which have a truncated U-shaped cross section. The legs of the lenses extend rearwardly from the front face of the lens to behind the display surface. Water is prevented from entering into the enclosure through the window by seals on the legs of the lenses out of sight behind the display surface. A method of maintaining the sign from the interior of the cabinet is also provided by flexing and rotating the lenses, the front of the window may be cleaned from the interior of the cabinet. A method of maintaining and replacing modular electronic components of the sign from within the cabinet is also provided.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for optically representing information on a transparent projection surface using several projection modules and using through-light projection. The method and arrangement are both cost effective and ensures that an observer viewing even a large display of information is provided with a bright, contrast, homogeneous image. Each projection module is formed of a light source with a divergent beam radiating through a controllable light valve and a projection surface arranged behind it. The distance between the light valve and the projection surface is chosen in such a way that the image parts projected by adjacent modules border gaplessly to each other on the projection surface.

Abstract: A billboard comprising a main body in which a lamp set is secured. The main body is rotatably fastened with a bottom seat and further fastened with two transparent pieces capable of enhancing the glittering effect of a neon lamp tube of the lamp set. The neon lamp tube can be bent to form a desired word or mark for a specific advertising purpose. The main body, to which the lamp set is attached, can be rotated in a desired direction in relation to the bottom seat.

Abstract: A sign is formed from a plurality of panels abutted edge-to-edge. A main elongate reinforcing member has a transverse head for attachment thereto of a mounting device for the sign, and a depending leg terminating in an offset foot secured to the rear of a first sign panel adjacent an abutting edge of the panel. A second, elongate, reinforcing member has a generally L-shaped cross-section including a foot portion secured to the rear of an adjacent second sign panel at the edge abutting the first panel and an upright portion abutting the leg of the main reinforcing member. One of the reinforcing members has a flange at the foot projecting into a recess in the foot portion of the other reinforcing member. The head of the reinforcing member is offset with respect to the leg on the opposite side from the projection of the foot to expose the foot for rivetting to the plate.

Abstract: An advertising display representative of an enlarged beverage or other product container, including a body portion of a part of a container, formed as an arcuate segment, including along its side edges integrally inturned flanges, for connecting thereto of one or more hanger brackets, which are bent into particular configurations to accommodate either the mounting of the display directly to the flat surface of a wall, or for snug attachment at the corner between a pair of walls, due to the hanger bracket being configured at an approximate 90.degree. angle at inwardly angulated bent sections located proximate the back surface of the body portion for the container display of this type.

Abstract: An illumination assembly allowing quick and easy access to traffic, billboard or other lighting is provided. The illumination assembly includes a rotatable conveyor assembly having a cable or cord driven by one or more drive pulleys to rotatably place lighting luminaires over supported operating, maintenance or other areas. When a light bulb contained in a luminaire burns out or otherwise requires servicing, the rotatable conveyor assembly is activated to drive the corresponding luminaire to a maintenance area, having a maintenance support plate. The luminaire is conveniently and safely serviced, and the conveyor cord then drives the luminaires back to their normal lighting positions. Reconfiguration in the field with greater or lesser luminaires, track size or otherwise is possible.

Abstract: An outdoor pull-down signboard is provided which is adaptable to existing sign support columns by being mounted above and in-front-of the existing signs and in some cases utilizes the reader board panels extracted from the existing signs. A frame for retaining and rapidly replacing picture panels covers all or a portion of the signboards face and further provides a transparent panel covering a reader board portion is also provided.

Abstract: Active light-emitting components are integrated into a thin flexible plastic-wrap like film to provide an exceptionally large continuous display in which the film contains densely distributed light emitting elements addressed by a grid of transparent conductors. Inexpensive bulk processing techniques are used to produce plastic wrap with embedded components completely through the film to permit activation via a row column matrix. This topological layout provides mass redundancy of components, spatial decorrelation of component yields, and dramatic reduction in registration problems of metallic interconnects. The subject panel is especially well adapted to inexpensive flat panel TV screens or exceptionally large flat panel displays whose geometry is not limited to flat surfaces, but may take on curved or cylindrical configurations.

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 partitioned sign panel for billboards is provided by utilizing structural foam (high impact polystyrene) to form a 4'.times.7' rectangular sign panel. The sign panel includes raised ribs for support, double raised ribs for support and for use as cutting guides during construction of sign faces, clip channels which allow for placement of mechanical clips to connect the sides of two sign panels together, and extension ribs and slots for connecting the ends of two sign panels together.

Abstract: An internally illuminated sign in which a luminaire mounted on the border or periphery of the sign uniformly illuminates the face and/or face of the sign thereby eliminating any necessity for providing human access to the interior of the sign for maintenance and reclamping.

Abstract: An anchoring apparatus for anchoring and tensioning a sheet material on a panel structure, such as a billboard. A preferred channel-shaped base member is secured to the rear of the panel structure and includes a clip member slidably interconnected with the base member. The clip member is selectively biased to tension the sheet material, or disengaged to release or relax the sheet material, preferably by way of a spring member, and by way of actuation of a preferred built-in anchoring handle mechanism, thus greatly facilitating the ease and speed of erection, anchoring, tensioning and removal of the sheet material.

Abstract: A sheet type large display unit includes a thin, flexible back sheet which is capable of being rolled up, the flexible back sheet having a plurality of electrical connections formed thereon in rows and columns; a plurality of display dot devices mounted on the front surface of the back sheet in a matrix arrangement, each display dot device including four light emitting diodes mounted on a printed circuit board substrate and connected with the electrical connections; a thin, flexible transparent display sheet which is capable of being rolled up, the display sheet being in covering relation to the display dot devices; and an adhesive which secures the peripheral edge of the display sheet in sealing relation to the peripheral edge of the back sheet.

Abstract: A self-contained inflatable sign for temporary attachment to prominent portions of structures to provide a highly visible message day or night. The sign is an envelope made from translucent flexible panels which is inflated by a blower within the envelope which also contains a series of lights. A message banner is interchangeably held onto the envelope. When inflated the envelope becomes a strong illuminated sign capable of withstanding severe outdoor environments but light enough to be quickly and easily erected on highly visible but otherwise difficult to access portions of buildings or structures. An alternate version is specifically designed for mounting against the front of a commercial building as a marquee-type display.

Abstract: A preferred sign frame and poster display device holds a sign or poster securely on all edges and allows for expansion and contraction of the sign. The sign frame and poster display device preferably includes a plurality of elongated frame sections, each having a base member and a hinged cover member. At least one slide member is mounted inside the base member for slidable movement generally in a plane parallel to the sign and poster surface. Each of the slide members includes a post member adapted to be received within a corresponding aperture near the perimeter of the poster or sign panel. Preferably, a retainer member is pivotally interconnected with a portion of the slide member for movement into and out of interlocking engagement with the peg or post after the poster or sign panel has been installed thereon in order to reinforce the peg or post and to securely retain the poster or sign panel in place during installation.

Abstract: A clamping device for holding flexible sheet material and the like includes a longitudinally elongated receiving member having a receiving channel across which the sheet material passes. A wedging member breaks the plane of the surface of the sheet material and forces the material into the receiving channel. The receiving member includes a base that intersects with the lower edge of a lip member and the lower edge of a rear wall member that is parallel to and spaced apart from the lip member. The intersection of the respective inner surfaces of the base, rear wall and lip member define the receiving channel wherein the lip member inner surface is inclined toward the inner surface of the rear wall.

Abstract: An image projection system is provided for projecting and displaying images at billboard or signboard scale in which a building display window defines the display aperture or viewing aperture of the image projection system for viewing projected images from outside the building. A deployable and retractible rear projection screen is positioned for deployment in the display aperture adjacent to the display window. A first timer is adjusted to actuate a screen motor and deploy the screen after daylight hours and actuate an image projector. Optical elements establish the focal plane of the projector at the display window aperture. A second timer sequentially advances the image projector for projection of sequential still images on the rear projection screen during selected time intervals of sufficient duration to avoid objectionable or distracting motion effects to viewers outside the building.

Abstract: A sealed backlit sign frame having a photographic transparency as the viewing face of the frame is provided. Lights are provided behind the transparency for illumination. A partial vacuum or negative pressure is created in the frame and bows the transparency inwardly. This bowing action stabilizes the transparency and prevents wind induced undulations. Exhaust blowers and air vent dampers are provided to maintain the negative pressure in the frame. The blowers, dampers and lights are preferably controlled by a suitable control system.

Abstract: Briefly, according to one aspect of the invention, liquid crystal material, and especially nematic material, is encapsulated; according to another aspect the encapsulated liquid crystal material is used in liquid crystal devices, such as relatively large size visual display devices; and according to further aspects there are provided methods for encapsulating liquid crystal material and for making a liquid crystal device using such encapsulated liquid crystal material.

Abstract: A frame device for holding and displaying sign panels. The panels are held in tension along the edges by spring-biased slide means. The slide means along each side are all moved to prespecified positions for changing the sign panels when the covers of the frame device sections are opened. Similarly, all of the slide means are placed in tension simultaneously along each side when the covers are closed. Large sign panels are held in place without adverse buckling and tearing and the mounting and removal of them is faster, more convenient and more practical.

Abstract: In a luminaire for illuminating signs, a reflector having segments for redirecting light to various areas of the sign so as to create a uniformly illuminated sign.

Abstract: The combination of an advertising display structure and a sporting facility in which a vertical support is anchored into the ground and supports a basketball hoop and backboard intermediate its ends and a billboard display at its upper end. The billboard includes display panels and a lighting arrangement positioned underneath a walkway with downwardly directed lighting fixtures arranged so as to illuminate the basketball play area beneath the billboard including the hoop and backboard.

Abstract: A device displaying a changeable image. The device includes a screen having a viewing plane, and platelets thereon. The platelets cast shadows of different sizes. The shadows, when viewed collectively, form images on the viewing plane. The platelets are made of a rigid opaque material and are attached immovably to the viewing plane, the platelets are disposed in parallel rows extending in two mutually perpendicular directions, each forming an angle of 45.degree. with the horizon. The platelets extending in the respective directions are different in both size and shape, such sizes and shapes being determined so as to form a different image in each direction by the shadows cast by the platelets.

Abstract: A billboard apparatus includes a back for mounting to a support surface and including a pair of bottom tabs extending outwardly of the perimetric edge of the back. A pair of top tabs extend outwardly of the top edge of the back in a position and direction opposite the bottom tabs. A cover includes a planar body and a perimetric wall defining opposed pairs of bottom and top slots positioned to receive the bottom and top tabs, respectively, of the back. A pair of spring arms extend from the bottom edge of the back and engage the perimetric wall of the cover to urge the cover downwardly, thereby retaining the top tabs within the top slots. The bottom tabs extend sufficiently downward to be retained in the bottom slots when the cover is mounted on the back and resting with the perimetric wall lying against top edge of the back.

Abstract: A self-contained inflatable sign for temporary attachment to prominent portions of structures to provide a highly visible message day or night. The sign is an envelope made from translucent flexible panels which is inflated by a blower within the envelope which also contains a series of lights. A message banner is interchangeably held onto the envelope. When inflated the envelope becomes a strong illuminated sign capable of withstanding severe outdoor environments but light enough to be quickly and easily erected on highly visible but otherwise difficult to access portions of buildings or structures. An alternate version is specifically designed for mounting against the front of a commercial building as a marquee-type display.