Michael J Knapp

US Patent:

6381889, May 7, 2002

Filed:

Sep 20, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/665866

Inventors:

Michael Knapp - Elmira NY

Assignee:

Eastern Metal of Elmira, Inc. - Elmira NY

International Classification:

G09F 1700

US Classification:

40612, 40603, 160378

Abstract:

A bracing sleeve which includes a base portion and a cover portion. The base portion of the sleeve is affixed along a bracing surface of a flexible sign. The base portion includes a batten recess for receiving the terminal end of a batten. The batten recess is defined by walls disposed along longitudinal sides of the base portion in opposing relation and extending outwardly from the base portion. The walls define tracks along the base wall longitudinal sides. The cover portion includes a recess side and an exterior side, the cover portion is in sliding engagement with the base portion. The cover portion is movable between a first position wherein the batten recess is exposed, and a second interlocked position wherein the batten recess is enclosed by the cover portion. The cover portion and said base portion include releasable interlocking elements which cooperate to releasably interlock the cover portion in the second position. In this way, a batten terminal end is secured to the bracing sleeve upon slidably engaging the cover portion from the first position to the second position with the batten end positioned within the base portion recess.

US Patent:

20030183740, Oct 2, 2003

Filed:

Mar 29, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/112130

Inventors:

Michael Knapp - Elmira NY, US
Dominic Howe - Horseheads NY, US

Assignee:

Eastern Metal of Elmira, Inc.

International Classification:

F16M013/00

US Classification:

248/548000, 248/160000, 248/909000

Abstract:

A breakaway member for a sign-stand having a two piece mast that supports a sign includes a first end that connects to a first mast piece which is secured to the sign, a second end that connects to a second mast piece, and a breakaway section that fractures therethrough upon impact thereby carrying the first end, the first mast piece and the sign away from the second mast piece. In a preferred embodiment, the breakaway member has a generally I-beam shaped cross-section. The first and second mast pieces have a generally rectangular and hollow cross-section. The first end of the breakaway member is disposed in the first mast piece, the second end of the breakaway member is disposed in the second mast piece, and the breakaway section is located between the first and second mast pieces.

US Patent:

20100058635, Mar 11, 2010

Filed:

Sep 4, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/554233

Inventors:

Michael KNAPP - Elmira NY, US
Stephen T. ZIMAR - Elmira NY, US

Assignee:

EASTERN METAL OF ELMIRA, INC. - Elmira NY

International Classification:

F16M 11/02
F16M 11/24

US Classification:

4060701

Abstract:

A wind deflectable sign-stand includes a base, a mast for mounting a sign, and first and second polymeric resilient support members connecting the mast to the base. The mast has first and second mast members, and a breakaway member including a first end and a second end and being operably connected to the first and second mast members. The sign-stand is configured such that, upon sufficient impact, the breakaway member will fracture, thereby separating the first end and the second end. Such separation of the first end and the second end occurs along a breakaway section of the breakaway member, and the breakaway section defines a first acute angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the breakaway member.

US Patent:

43098363, Jan 12, 1982

Filed:

May 27, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/153501

Inventors:

Michael Knapp - Elmira NY

Assignee:

Eastern Metal of Elmira, Inc. - Elmira NY

International Classification:

G09F 700

US Classification:

40602

Abstract:

A sign panel is connected to a support frame therebelow by a resilient strip whose width is substantially greater than its thickness so that the sign panel may deflect in strong winds as permitted by the resilience of said strip. The effective length of said strip and hence the resilience thereof may be adjusted so that the maximum length of the strip is utilized under high wind conditions.

US Patent:

44909349, Jan 1, 1985

Filed:

Mar 14, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/474777

Inventors:

Michael D. Knapp - Elmira NY

Assignee:

Eastern Metal of Elmira, Inc. - Elmira NY

International Classification:

G09F 1700

US Classification:

40603

Abstract:

A signal device includes a frame supporting a flexible sheet having indicia on one face. A plurality of oppositely disposed retainers are fixed to the other face of the sheet. A portion of the frame extends into each retainer to rigidify the sheet. Each retainer includes a movable member for controlling entry and removal of the associated portion of the frame.