Patent ID: 7614172

Claim:
A hoist for hoisting and retaining a banner or sign, comprising: first and second upper supports between which the banner or sign is supported, said first and second upper supports attached to a wall or similar structure; first and second lower control boxes, said first lower control box aligned with said first upper support and said second control box aligned with said second lower support; first attachment means moveably extending from said first lower control box, through said first upper support and exiting from said first upper support, for securing the banner or sign; second attachment means moveably extending from said second lower control box, through said second upper support and exiting from said second upper support for securing the banner or sign; first pair of guide means provided in said first upper support for guiding said first attachment means as it exits from said first upper support; second pair of guide means provided in said second upper support for guiding said second attachment means as it exits from said second upper support; first cleat provided in said first lower control box through which said first attachment means would pass; second cleat provided in said second lower control box through which said second attachment means would pass; first securing means provided in and directly attached to said first lower control box beyond said first cleat for securing an excess portion of said first attachment means after the position of the banner or sign has been finalized; and second securing means provided in and directly attached to said second lower control box beyond said first cleat for securing an excess portion of said second attachment mans after the position of the banner or sign has been finalized.