GB2447643A - Sign structure - Google Patents

Abstract

A sign structure comprises an elongate support member 10 with a cross sectional shape which is substantially constant along its length, and includes weakening means 18 which are arranged to permit removal of part 16 of the support member so that a sign member 26 can be received, in an assembled condition, within the aperture created by the removal of part 16. The sign member 26 may be an estate agents advertising board and the support member 10 may be a post to which the sign member 26 is assembled.

Description

SIGN STRUCTURES

The present invention relates to sign structures.

Sign structures such as estate agents boards advertising houses for sale are well-known. Such sign structures typically comprise a sign-board mounted to a wooden post which may be located in the ground. Whilst such sign structures are relatively cheap, they are easily damaged and have a relatively short life, requiring replacement on a regular basis. Typically it can be difficult to dismount the sign board from the post.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sign structure, the sign structure comprising an elongate member having a length, the elongate member having a cross-sectional shape which is substantially constant along the length, the member including weakening means which are arranged to permit the removal of part of the member to receive a sign member in an assembled condition.

Possibly, the elongate member is hollow, and may include a plurality of walls, which may define an interior. Possibly in the assembled condition the sign member is received partially within the interior.

Possibly the weakening means define the removable part. Possibly, the weakening means include lines of weakness, which may extend along the length of the elongate member. Possibly, the weakening means include a pair of the lines of weakness, which may be substantially parallel and spaced apart. Possibly the removable part extends between the lines.

Possibly, the weakening means include a plurality of the pairs of the lines of weakness. Possibly, one pair of the lines of weakness is located substantially oppositely to one of the other pairs.

Possibly, each line of weakness is formed by a thinning of the section thickness of the elongate member, and may be in the form of a groove or grooves.

Possibly, the elongate member includes strengthening means, which may include bracing members which may extend between the walls across the interior, and may be located so that the oppositely positioned pairs of tines of weakness are located between the bracing members.

Possibly, the elongate member is formed by extrusion, and may be formed of a plastics material, which may be UPVC. The plastics material may be coloured.

Possibly, the sign structure includes a sign member, which may be substantially planar, and which in the assembled condition may locate in an aperture formed by the removal of the removable part. Possibly, the sign member locates in two apertures formed by removal of two oppositely positioned removable parts.

Possibly, the sign structure includes fastening means, which may include a threaded member, which may locate through one wall of the elongate member to engage the sign member in the Interior.

Possibly, the sign structure includes ground engaging means, which may include a post member, which in use may be partially receivable within the interior.

Possibly, the elongate member forms a mounting member, which may be mountable to the ground engaging means.

Possibly, the sign structure includes a plurality of elongate members, which are substantially similar in cross-sectional shape. Possibly, the plurality of elongate members are arranged to form a frame assembly, and are arranged so that in the assembled condition two or more edges of the sign member are received within a corresponding two or more interiors of the elongate frame members forming the frame assembly in the assembled condition.

Possibly, at least one of the elongate trame members defines two apertures formed by removal of two oppositely positioned removable parts to permit insertion and removal of the sign member to and from the frame assembly.

Possibly, In the assembled condition, the frame assembly is mounted to the mounting member, and may be mounted to a plurality of mounting members.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of mounting a sign member, the method including the step of mounting the sign member to a sign structure, the sign structure comprising an elongate member having a length, the elongate member having a cross-sectional shape which is substantially constant along the length, the member including weakening means which are arranged to permit the removal of part of the member to receive the sign member in an assembled condition.

Possibly, the method includes the step of removing the part. The method may also include the step of adjusting the length of the elongate member.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view through a member of a sign structure; Figure 2 is a side view of a sign structure; Figure 3 is a side view of another sign structure; Figure 4 is a side view of another sign structure; and Figure 5 is a side view of another sign structure.

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view through an elongate sign structure member 10. The elongate member 10 is formed by extrusion, and thus has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape along the length of the member 10. The elongate member 10 could typically be formed of a plastics material, such as UPVC, which could be coloured.

The elongate member 10 is substantially square in cross-sectional shape, having four side waIls 12. The elongate member 10 is hollow, the walls 12 defining an interior 28. In the example shown in Figure 1, the square shape of the cross-section is modified by inset corner radii 14. The inset corner radii 14 are substantially decorative.

The elongate member 10 includes strengthening means in the form of a pair of spaced, substantially parallel internal bracing members in the form of walls 20, which extend from one of the walls 12 to an opposite wall 12 across the interior 28, dividing the interior 28 into a middle compartment 22 and two side compartments 24.

The elongate member 10 includes weakening means in the form of a plurality of spaced apart, substantially parallel lines of weakness 18, which run along the length of the elongate member 10. In the example shown In Figure 1, each of the internal waIls 12 has a pair of lines of weakness 18. In this example, each line of weakness 18 is formed by a thinning of the section thickness of the wall 1210 form an external groove 1 9A and an internal groove 196, the external groove 1 9A being defined by the exterior surface of the wall 12 and the internal groove 196 being defined by the interior surface of the wall 12.

Referring to Figure 1, it will be noted that one of the pairs of weakening lines 18 and an opposite pair of lines of weakness 18 are both located between the internal bracing walls 20.

The lines of weakness 18 permit removal of the portion 16 of the wall 12 between the lines of weakness 18, to form an aperture 28 defined in the wall 12.

Figure 2 shows one example of a sign structure 30 which is in the form of a flag configuration. The sign structure 30 includes an elongate member 10, which in this example forms a mounting member 50 and a sign member in the form of a planar board which is mounted to the elongate member 10.

The method by which the sign member 40 is mounted to the elongate member 10 is as follows.

A length of elongate member 10 is firstly selected. The constant cross-sectional shape of the elongate member 10 permits the elongate member 10 to be adjusted to a desired length in accordance with the requirements of a particular installation. Part of the removable portion 16 between one of the pairs of lines of weakness 18 is then removed, to permit the sign member 26 to be located in the aperture 28 in the wall 12. In the example shown in Figure 1, the removable portion 16 of the wall 12 has been removed, and the sign member 26 located through the newly formed aperture 28 defined by the wall 12 into the middle compartment 22. The removable portion 16 could be removed by cutting along each of the lines of weakness 18 with a sharp knife, by peeling or by any other suitable method. A lateral cut (not shown) or a hole could be made between and across the lines of weakness 18 to define a part length of portion 16 to be removed in accordance with the height of the sign member 26.

With the sign member 26 in position and extending across the middle compartment 22, a fastening means in the form of a fastener 42, which could be a screw or other threaded member, a clip or a rivet can be located through one of the side walls 12 to engage the sign member 26 wIthin the middle compartment 22 to hold the sign member 40 in the assembled condition.

Ground-engaging means which could be in the form of a relatively short post 38 is located into the ground 44, and the elongate member 10 located over the post 38, so that the upper part of the post 38 is received within the middle compartment 22.

The sign structure of the invention provides a number of advantages.

The elongate member 10 has a cross-sectional shape which is constant along its length, permitting adjustment of the length. The elongate member 10 is formed of plastics material, and is therefore hard-wearing and long-lasting.

The plastics material can be coloured. The sign board 40 can be readily dismounted from the elongate member 10 for storage purposes or for replacement or maintenance.

As an alternative to the flag configuration shown in Figure 2, the removable portion 16 in the opposite wall 12 could also be removed, permitting the sign member 26 to extend through the apertures 28 formed in both of the waIts 12 and extend on either side of the elongate member 10 in a ur configuration.

Any convenient length of removable portion 16 could be removed.

Thus, the aperture 28 formed by removal of the removable portion 16 could extend to the end of the elongate member 10, or could stop short before the end of the elongate member 10.

The removable portions 16 on the other walls 12 could be removed either additionally or alternatively.

Any convenient number of lines of weakness 18 could be provided, with any convenient spacing between the lines 18. Referring to Figure 1, the left most wall 12 includes three substantially parallel spaced lines of weakness 18, which define two parallel adjacent removable portions 16.

Thus, a variety of widths of aperture 28 could be formed, to accommodate sign members 26 of different thickness.

In another alternative configuration, a pair of sign members 26 could be mounted on opposite sides of the elongate member 10 and secured by fastening means through the elongate member 10.

FIgures 3 to 5 show other sign structures according to the invention, many features of which are similar to those already described. Where features are similar, the same reference numerals have been used, and the features will not be described in detail again for the sake of brevity.

Figure 3 shows a sign structure 130, the sign structure 130 including a frame assembly 46 mounted to an elongate member 10 In the form of a mounting member 50. The frame assembly 46 includes four elongate members 10 in the form of frame members 34, which have a cross-section which is similar to that shown in Figure 1, and which is constant along the length of each of the frame members 34 and mounting member 50. The frame member 34 and mounting member 50 could be formed from one or more elongate members 10. Each of the frame members 34 and the mounting member 50 could be formed by, for example, cutting or sawing from a length or lengths of elongate member 10.

adhesive, or any other suitable means. Removable portions 16 are removed from the inside walls 12 of each of the frame members 34 of the frame assembly 46, and a removable portion 16 Is also removed from the outside wall 12 of one of the frame members 34, so that a sign member 26 can be passed through the one frame member 34 and located so that the edges of the sign member 26 are received within each of the frame members 34 as illustrated by dotted lines in Figure 3.

The one frame member 34 thus defines a pair of oppositely positioned apertures 28 which permit insertion and removal of the sign member 34. The one frame member 34 could form a side or a top of the frame assembly 46.

The frame assembly 46 could include fastening means as described previously, although these may not be required. Figure 4 shows a sign structure 230 which is similar to that shown in Figure 3, with the difference that the sign structure 230 includes a frame assembly 46 which is mounted to a pair of mounting members 50.

Figure 5 shows another sign structure 330 which is similar to that shown in Figures 3 and 4, the sign structure 330 including a frame assembly 46 which is self-supporting for mounting on or against, for example, a wall. In Figure 5, the sign member 26 is shown being inserted into the frame assembly 46 through a top frame member 34.

The sign structure of the invention thus provides a sign structure which permits the easy mounting and demounting of the sign member 26. The frame assembly 46 can be easily constructed to a variety of different sized and shapes by cuthng lengths of elongate member 10 to the appropriate size.

Only one cross-section design of elongate member 10 is required.

Various modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The cross-section shape of the elongate member 10 could be of any suitable shape and size, and could include any suitable number of lines of weakness, defining any suitable number of removable portions 16. A variety of widths of aperture 28 could be formed, to accommodate sign members 26 of different thickness. The elongate member 10 could include any suitable number of internal bracing walls 20. Any suitable fastening means could be used if required. The elongate member 10 could be formed of any suitable material.

The frame assembly 46 could be of any suitable shape and size, and could include any suitable number of frame members 34, which could be Of any suitable cross-section shape.

The cross-section shape could be formed by any suitable means. The sign structure of the invention could include any suitable combination of any of the features of the embodiments described.

There is thus provided a sign structure, which permits flexibility of size and shape for mounting a sign member. The sign member is mountable in variety of configurations suitable for different purposes. The sign member can be readily dismounted for replacement or maintenance. Manufacture of the elongate members 10 is economical.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims (48)

1. A sign structure, the sign structure comprising an elongate member having a length, the elongate member having a cross-sectional shape which is substantially constant along the length, the member including weakening means which are arranged to permit the removal of part of the member to receive a sign member in an assembled condition.

2. A sign structure according to claim 1, in which the elongate member is hollow.

3. A sign structure according to claim 2, in which the elongate member includes a plurality of walls, which define an interior.

4. A sign structure according to claim 3, in which in the assembled condition the sign member is received partially within the interior.

5. A sign structure according to any of the preceding claims, in which weakening means define the removable part.

6. A sign structure according to any of the preceding claims, in which the weakening means include lines of weakness.

7. A sign structure according to claim 6, in which the lines of weakness extend along the length of the elongate member.

8. A sign structure according to claim 6 or 7, in which the weakening means 1 include a pair of the lines of weakness.

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9. A sign structure according to claim 8, in which the pair of the lines of weakness are substantially parallel and spaced apart.

10. A sign structure according to claims 8 or 9, in which the removable part extends between the lines. I0

11. A sign structure according to any of claims 8 to 10, in which the weakening means include a plurality of the pairs of the lines of weakness.

12. A sign structure according to claim 11, in which one pair of the lines of weakness is located substantially oppositely to one of the other pairs.

13. A sign structure according to any of claims 6 to 12, in which each line of weakness is formed by a thinning of the section thickness of the elongate member.

14. A sign structure according to claim 13, in which the thinning of the section thickness of the elongate member is in the form of a groove.

15. A sign structure according to claim 14, in which the thinning of the section thickness of the elongate member is in the form of a plurality of grooves.

16. A sign structure according to any of the preceding claims, in which the elongate member includes strengthening means. * ** S * * * S*

17. A sign structure according to claim 16, in which the strengthening means include bracing members.

18. A sign structure according to claim 17 when dependent on claim 3 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the bracing members extend between the * 35 walls across the interior.

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19. A sign structure according to claims 17 or 18 when dependent on claim 12 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the bracing members are located so that the oppositely positioned pairs of lines of weakness are located between the bracing members. J0

20. A sign structure according to any of the preceding claims, in which the elongate member is formed by extrusion.

21. A sign structure according to claim 20, in which the elongate member is formed of a plastics material.

22. A sign structure according to claim 21, in which the plastics material is uPvc.

23. A sign structure according to claims 21 or 22, in which the plastics material is coloured.

24. A sign structure according to any of the preceding claims, in which the sign structure includes a sign member.

25. A sign structure according to claim 24, in which the sign member is substantially planar.

26. A sign structure according to any of the preceding claims, in which in the assembled condition, the sign member locates in an aperture formed by the removal of the removable part. * * .

27. A sign structure according to claim 26, in which the sign member locates in two apertures formed by removal of two oppositely positioned removable parts.

28. A sign structure according to any of the preceding claims, in which the sign structure includes fastening means.

29. A sign structure according to claim 28, in which the fastening means include a threaded member.

30. A sign structure according to claim 29, in which the threaded member locates through one wall of the elongate member to engage the sign member in the Interior.

31. A sign structure according to any of the preceding claims, in which the sign structure includes ground engaging means.

32. A sign structure according to claim 31, in which the ground engaging means includes a post member.

33. A sign structure according to claim 32 when dependent on claim 3 or any claim dependent thereon, in which in use the post member is partially receivable within the interior.

34. A sign structure according to any of the preceding claims, in which the elongate member forms a mounting member.

35. A sign structure according to claim 34 when dependent on claim 31 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the mounting member is mountable to the . 30 ground engaging means. . .*

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36. A sign structure according to any of the preceding claims, in which the sign structure includes a plurality of elongate members. p...

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37. A sign structure according to claim 36, in which the plurality of elongate members are substantially similar in cross- sectional shape.

38. A sign structure according to claims 36 or 37, in which the plurality of elongate members are arranged to form a frame assembly.

39. A sign structure according to claim 38, in which the plurality of elongate members are arranged so that in the assembled condition two or more edges of the sign member are received within a corresponding two or more interiors of the elongate frame members forming the frame assembly in the assembled condition.

40. A sign structure according to claim 39, in which at least one of the elongate frame members defines two apertures formed by removal of two oppositely positioned removable parts to permit insertion and removal of the sign member to and from the frame assembly.

41. A sign structure according to any of claims 38 to 40 when dependent on claim 34 or any claim dependent thereon, in which in the assembled condition, the frame assembly is mounted to the mounting member.

42. A sign structure according to claim 41, in which the frame assembly is mounted to a plurality of mounting members.

43. A method of mounting a sign member, the method including the step of mounting the sign member to a sign structure, the sign structure comprising an elongate member having a length, the elongate member having a cross-sectional shape which is substantially constant along the length, the member including weakening means which are arranged to permit the removal of part of the member to receive the sign member in an assembled condition.

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44. A method of mounting a sign member according to claim 43, in which the method includes the step of removing the part.

45. A method of mounting a sign member according to claim 43 or 44, in which the method includes the step of adjusting the length of the elongate member.

46. A sign structure substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

47. A method of mounting a sign member substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

48. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims. * ** * . * S. 5,.. * S 5I0I *5 S. IS * * . S..

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