CA2055893C - Mobile signs - Google Patents
Mobile signsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2055893C CA2055893C CA 2055893 CA2055893A CA2055893C CA 2055893 C CA2055893 C CA 2055893C CA 2055893 CA2055893 CA 2055893 CA 2055893 A CA2055893 A CA 2055893A CA 2055893 C CA2055893 C CA 2055893C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- casing
- sign
- support frame
- plates
- compartments
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 10
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000018734 Sambucus australis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000180577 Sambucus australis Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- VJYFKVYYMZPMAB-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethoprophos Chemical compound CCCSP(=O)(OCC)SCCC VJYFKVYYMZPMAB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(III) oxide Inorganic materials O=[Fe]O[Fe]=O JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F7/00—Signs, name or number plates, letters, numerals, or symbols; Panels or boards
- G09F7/02—Signs, plates, panels or boards using readily-detachable elements bearing or forming symbols
- G09F7/08—Signs, plates, panels or boards using readily-detachable elements bearing or forming symbols the elements being secured or adapted to be secured by means of grooves, rails, or slits
- G09F7/10—Signs, plates, panels or boards using readily-detachable elements bearing or forming symbols the elements being secured or adapted to be secured by means of grooves, rails, or slits and slideably mounted
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
Abstract
A sign for roadside advertising purposes comprising a box-like casing having a top, bottom and two side walls.
Tracks disposed within the casing substantially parallel to the top and bottom walls and substantially at right angles to the side walls. A frame, or plurality of frames, is receivable in the track and may be secured therein by a suitable lock mechanism. The frame comprises a plurality of plate-receiving compartments. These compartments are disposed adjacent to each other and are each adapted to slidably receive a single plate therein. The plates are manufactured from any suitable light transparent material and appropriate letters, numbers or symbols are marked thereupon. When the plates are disposed within the compartments, they form the front or rear wall of the sign.
Tracks disposed within the casing substantially parallel to the top and bottom walls and substantially at right angles to the side walls. A frame, or plurality of frames, is receivable in the track and may be secured therein by a suitable lock mechanism. The frame comprises a plurality of plate-receiving compartments. These compartments are disposed adjacent to each other and are each adapted to slidably receive a single plate therein. The plates are manufactured from any suitable light transparent material and appropriate letters, numbers or symbols are marked thereupon. When the plates are disposed within the compartments, they form the front or rear wall of the sign.
Description
205589~
MOBILE SIGNS
Background of the Invention This invention relates generally to a sign used for advertising, and more specifically to an illuminatable sign in which plate-means bearing the subject matter of the sign may be readily and easily changed.
Summary of the Prior Art Mobile illuminated signs are frequently used for roadside advertising. Typically, these signs comprise a casing having top, bottom, side and rear walls, and transparent front and rear walls. The front and rear walls are used as advertising boards. Fluorescent lights are disposed within the interior of the casing. A sheet, having a plurality of tracks disposed thereon, is disposed between the lights and the advertising boards. Numbers or letters may be inserted into the tracks to form words/phrases for advertising purposes. The advertising boards are either hingedly attached to the casing or may be entirely removable therefrom so that the letters/numbers may be changed as desired. Changing the advertising material can require a fair amount of effort, in that the advertising boards have to either be held open, if hinged, or otherwise completely removed prior to the changing of the material. Additionally, in order to change one or two letters/numbers in a particular track, a lot of the other letters/numbers in that track may have to be removed and then re-inserted. This is time consuming.
20~5893 Additionally, in some of the presently known signs, the advertising boards are manufactured from a type of wire mesh. This tends to prevent removal of the letters/numbers, but does not prevent third parties from moving the letters/numbers around within the tracks.
Words/phrases can therefore be altered by third parties, rendering the advertising material essentially useless.
Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to overcome some of the disadvantages of previously known mobile illuminated signs.
The sign of the present invention comprises a box-like casing having a top wall, a bottom wall and two side walls. Track means are receivable in the casing in such a manner that the track means is disposed substantially parallel to the top and bottom walls and substantially at right angles to the side walls. Frame means are receivable in the track means. The frame means comprises a plurality of plate-means-receiving compartments. These compartments are disposed adjacent to each other and are each adapted to receive a single plate means therein. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the plate means are slidably receivable in the compartments. Each plate means has depicted thereupon a letter or number, or any other material desired to be displayed on the sign. The plate means are manufactured from any suitable light transparent material.
MOBILE SIGNS
Background of the Invention This invention relates generally to a sign used for advertising, and more specifically to an illuminatable sign in which plate-means bearing the subject matter of the sign may be readily and easily changed.
Summary of the Prior Art Mobile illuminated signs are frequently used for roadside advertising. Typically, these signs comprise a casing having top, bottom, side and rear walls, and transparent front and rear walls. The front and rear walls are used as advertising boards. Fluorescent lights are disposed within the interior of the casing. A sheet, having a plurality of tracks disposed thereon, is disposed between the lights and the advertising boards. Numbers or letters may be inserted into the tracks to form words/phrases for advertising purposes. The advertising boards are either hingedly attached to the casing or may be entirely removable therefrom so that the letters/numbers may be changed as desired. Changing the advertising material can require a fair amount of effort, in that the advertising boards have to either be held open, if hinged, or otherwise completely removed prior to the changing of the material. Additionally, in order to change one or two letters/numbers in a particular track, a lot of the other letters/numbers in that track may have to be removed and then re-inserted. This is time consuming.
20~5893 Additionally, in some of the presently known signs, the advertising boards are manufactured from a type of wire mesh. This tends to prevent removal of the letters/numbers, but does not prevent third parties from moving the letters/numbers around within the tracks.
Words/phrases can therefore be altered by third parties, rendering the advertising material essentially useless.
Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to overcome some of the disadvantages of previously known mobile illuminated signs.
The sign of the present invention comprises a box-like casing having a top wall, a bottom wall and two side walls. Track means are receivable in the casing in such a manner that the track means is disposed substantially parallel to the top and bottom walls and substantially at right angles to the side walls. Frame means are receivable in the track means. The frame means comprises a plurality of plate-means-receiving compartments. These compartments are disposed adjacent to each other and are each adapted to receive a single plate means therein. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the plate means are slidably receivable in the compartments. Each plate means has depicted thereupon a letter or number, or any other material desired to be displayed on the sign. The plate means are manufactured from any suitable light transparent material.
2 0 ~
When the plate means are received within the compartments they substantially form the front or rear wall of the casing. The terms "top, bottom, side, front and rear" are used for the purposes of description only, and are not meant to infer the necessity for a particular orientation of the sign.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame means is slidably receivable in the track means and more than one frame means may be received in the track means. The frame means are also releasably lockable into the track means to prevent their removal by unauthorized personnel. When facing the front wall or rear wall of the casing and viewing the same from above, the frame means comprises a plurality of I-shaped members disposed between two substantially rectangular members. The rectangular members are parallel with and attached to the top and bottom arms of the I of the I-shaped members, and plate-means-receiving compartments are formed between adjacent I-shaped members. The distance between adjacent I-shaped members is just slightly larger than the length of the plate means to be received therein so that the plate means is held firmly within the compartment. The positions of the I-shaped members may also be varied along the length of the rectangular members so as to alter the size of the compartments to accommodate different sizes of plate means.
The sign of the present invention may further comprise a support means receivable in the casing, and the track means may be mounted on this support means in such a 20~93 manner that when the support means is received in the casing, the track means is disposed substantially parallel to the top and bottom walls and substantially at right angles to the side walls. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the support means is slidably receivable in the casing and the support means may be releasably locked into the casing. A plurality of track means may be mounted on said support means, each of the track means being substantially H-shaped in cross-section. The track means are disposed between two substantially rectangular members, these rectangular members being parallel with and connectable to the side arms of the H of the H-shaped members, and frame-means-receiving slots are formed between adjacent track means.
1~ Illuminating means, such as fluorescent lights may be disposed within the interior of the casing.
When it is desired to change the material displayed, the support means is unlocked, the required frame means is slidably withdrawn from the support means and the required plate means are changed. The frame means is then pushed back into th support means and is again locked into position.
The configuration of the sign tends to allow material to be readily and easily changed and substantially prevents alteration of the displayed material by third parties.
Brief Description of the Drawings -` 20558q3 The prefelled embo~im~nt of the prest:llt invention will now be described with the aid of the following drawings in which:
Fig.l is a perspective front view of a illllmin~te~l sign in accordance with the present invention;
Fig.2 is a cross section through line AA of Fig.l, showing the structure of the support frame;
Fig.3 is a partial front view of the secon-l~ry frame;
Fig.4 is a top view of the secon-l~ry frame shown in Fig.3;
Fig.5 is a cross section through line BB of Fig.4;
lo Fig.6 is a perspective view of a side wall of the present invention showing .iet~iling of the locking m~h~ni~m used to retain the support frame and secondary frames within the casing;
Fig.7 is a plan view of the locking mP~h~ni~m shown in Fig.6; and Fig.8 is a plan view of the locking mP~h~nicm shown in Fig.6 in an open position.
Detailed Description of the Plefelled Embodiment of the rnvention Referring to the Figures, there is shown an illuminated sign in accordance with the pres~nt invention.
The sign coll~l;ses a casing 10, a track 11 receivable within the casing 10, and a secondary frame 12 receivable within or on the track 11. The seco~ ry frame 12 cQmrri~eS a plurality of plate-lect:ivillg compartments 13, into each of which a light Ll...~ g plate 14 is ,~ ,.
20~5893 receivable. The secondary frame 12 is slidably receivable on the track ll, and the plates 14 are slidably receivable within the secondary frame 12.
Referring to Figs.1&2, the box-like casing 10 has a top wall 1~, bottom wall 16, and two side walls 17,18. The side walls 17,18 are manufactured with a substantially 90 angle at their uppermost ends so that the side walls slot under the top wall 15. This substantially prevents rain water and the like from entering the casing at this point.
Fluorescent light fixtures 19 (or any other suitable illuminating means) are mounted within the casing 10. While the light fixtures l9 are shown mounted between the side walls 17,18 they may of course be mounted at any suitable point within the interior of the casing. The 1~ light fixtures l9 are connected to a plug 20 proximate the bottom of the casing 10 and wires 37 connect the sign to an appropriate power source (not shown). The light fixtures 1~ and plug 20 are wired to either a single ballast (not shown) or to more than one ballast.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of tracks 11 are mounted into a support frame 21 which may be slidably receivable into the casing 10. Each track 11 is substantially H-shaped in cross section. When the support frame 21 is slidably received into the casing 10, the tracks 11 are so disposed as to lie substantially parallel to the top and bottom walls 1~,16 and substantially at right angles to the side walls 17,18 of the casing. Both the top and bottom walls 1~,16 are formed with a lip 22 proximate their edges to engage the support frame 21. An L-shaped bracket 38 is disposed a spaced distance from the lip 22 to secure the support frame 21. If a support frame 21 is to be disposed on both the front and back of the sign, the top and bottom walls 1~,16 are each formed with lips 22 proximate both edges as shown in Fig.2. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the support frame 21 is slid inside the lips 22 and brackets 38 when moving it either into or out of the casing 10. The support frame 21 may, however, be connectable to the casing 10 in any other suitable manner or the tracks 11 may be directly mounted onto the casing 10.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, when the support frame 21 is viewed in cross-section (as in Fig.2), the tracks 11 are substantially H-shaped and are connected to each other by connector members 23. The connector members 23 are parallel with each other and with the side arms of H of the H-shaped tracks 11. The connector members 23 are connected to the ends 24 of the side arms. Secondary-frame-receiving slots Z~ are formed between vertically adjacent tracks 11. The secondary frames 12 are slidably insertable into and removable from the slots 2~.
If the sign is of a relatively substantial length, 2~ a cross-brace 9 is provided to assist in supporting the support frame 21. The cross-brace 9 and connector members 23 lie substantially perpendicular to the tracks 11 and to the top and bottom walls 1~, 16 of the casing.
2~S589~
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, seven tracks 11 are mounted into the support frame 21, thereby forming six secondary-frame-receiving slots 25 when viewed in cross-section as in Fig.2. The uppermost track lla slidably engages with the lip 22a and bracket 38a on the top wall 15 of the casing 10, and the lowermost track llb slidably engages with the lip 22b and bracket 38b on the bottom wall 16 of the casing 10.
Secondary frames 12 are slidably receivable in the slots 25 of the support frame 21. Each secondary frame comprises a lower shaft 26 which has a plurality of I-shaped members 27 disposed along its length. The members 27 are I-shaped when viewed from above when facing the front of the casing 10. The I-shaped members 27 are disposed substantially at right angles to the shaft 26. A
supporting strip 28 is attached to the I-shaped members 27 proximate their free ends as is shown in Fig.3. When facing the front or rear of the casing 10 and viewing the secondary frame 12 from above, the I-shaped members 27 are disposed between two substantially rectangular members (the shaft 26 and strip 29), and these rectangular members are parallel with and attached to the top and bottom arms of the I of the I-shaped members 27. The compartments 13 are formed between adjacent I-shaped members 27. The I-shaped members 27 may be fixedly attached to the shaft 26 by welding or the like, or alternatively may be releasably attached by any suitable method. The releasable attachment allows the user to move the I-shaped members 27 to various 2055~93 positions along the length of the shaft 26 so as to vary the size of the compartments 13 and thereby accommodate different sizes of plates 14.
The plates 14 are manufactured from any suitable light-transmitting material and are adapted to be slidably received within the compartments 13. The compartments 13 are sized so as to be only slightly larger than the plates 14 to ensure that the plates are held relatively firmly therein. The plates 14 themselves form the front or rear wall of the sign. The plates 14 have letters, numbers, symbols or any other desired designs marked thereupon, and may be manufactured so that only the letter/number area of the plate is light transmitting.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the 1~ support frame 21 is capable of holding eighty four plates (i.e. six rows of fourteen plates each). For ease of use, each track 11 carries two secondary frames 12 of seven plates each. (It may of course carry more than two secondary frames.) These secondary frames 12 can be withdrawn from opposite sides of the casing 10. When two secondary frames 12 carried on a track 11 are butted together, they and the cross-brace 9 form a light-tight seal. The cross-brace 9 assists in achieving the tightness required so that light is substantially prevented from escaping from the casing other than through the plates 14. This assists in eliminating the necessity of having a transparent glass or plastic covering disposed over the plates 14.
. -- 9 2~S5~93 Because the plates 14 are firmly held in individual compartments 13, it is very difficult for unauthorized persons to move the letters/numbers about without breaking the locks which secure the secondary frames 12 into the casing.
As the support frame 21 is slidably receivable in the casing 10 it is easier for the user to take down and put up messages in the support frame 21; and it is also easier to repair the support frame 21. The support frame 21 can also be made in a variety of sizes, and can be manufactured with more or fewer tracks 11 to receive different numbers of secondary frames 12. The secondary frames 12 may also be manufactured with more or fewer compartments 13. This allows the user to use different sizes of lettering on the mobile sign by using a different support frame 21 and secondary frames 12.
The support frame 21 may also be manufactured from a variety of materials, such as plastic or aluminum, and may be manufactured in a variety of different colors. This allows the user to alter the appearance of the sign quickly and easily.
A drainage hole (not shown) is provided in the bottom wall 16 of the casing 10 to allow any accumulated moisture to drain out of the casing.
The various components of the sign are configured so as to fit snugly with each other to substantially prevent water from leaking into the casing. Additionally, the support frame 21 and secondary frames 12 are preferably all aluminum extruded to prevent rusting. All hinges 33, bolts and screws are manufactured from stainless steel.
The casing 10 and legs (if present) are also preferably manufactured from thick gage metal and are painted with a high gloss paint to reduce then tendency to rust.
The device of the present invention is used in the following manner.
When it is desired to create or change the material contained in the sign, the user unlocks the support frame 21 and/or unlocks the secondary frames 12 so that the secondary frames are free to slide upon the tracks 11. It is obviously not essential to have separate locks for both the support frame 21 and the secondary frames lZ; one lock may be used to secure both the support frame 21 and secondary frame 12 and substantially prevent withdrawal of either from the casing 10.
Once the secondary frames 12 are free to slide, the user selects which of the secondary frames require plates 12 to be inserted into them or withdrawn from them. The relevant secondary frame 12 is slidably removed from the support frame 21 and the relevant plates 14 are slidably inserted into or withdrawn from the compartments 13. The secondary frame is then slidably returned to its original position, and the next relevant secondary frame is changed as desired. Once all secondary frames have been changed as desired, the secondary frames are returned to their original positions and are locked into place by virtue of the locking into place of the support frame 21.
205589~
Referring to Figs.6&7, the locking mechanism comprises substantially L-shaped hinges 29 pivotally mounted to either the side walls 17,18 or to a mounting plate 30 which is fixedly connected to the side walls 17,18 by screws 31 or any other suitable means. The hinges 29 pivot to either cover or allow withdrawal of the support frame(s) 21 and secondary frames 12 from the casing. A
rotatable locking bar 32 is mounted on the mounting plate 30 by a pin 33. The locking bar 32 extends beyond the ends of the mounting plate 30 so as to selectively prevent the hinges 29 from pivoting when it is substantially horizontally oriented as shown in Fig.6. A hole 34 is disposed in the locking bar 32 and is alignable with an eyebolt 35 extending from the mounting plate 30. The hooked section of a padlock 36 is receivable through the hole 34 and the eyebolt 35.
When the user wishes to withdraw a support frame 21 from the casing 10, the padlock 36 is removed, and the locking bar 32 is rotated in the direction of arrow A in Fig.6. The hinges 29 are then rotated in the direction of arrows B or C as shown in Fig.7 and the support frame 21 can then be withdrawn from the casing. When the user has altered the sign as required, the support frames 21 are pushed back into the casing, the hinges 29 and the locking bar 32 are rotated back to their original positions. The padlock 36 is then secured.
Any other suitable locking mechanism may be used with the present invention.
20558~3 While the present invention is described for use in association with a mobile roadside sign, it can of course be utilized in any type of illuminated sign.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations, as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
When the plate means are received within the compartments they substantially form the front or rear wall of the casing. The terms "top, bottom, side, front and rear" are used for the purposes of description only, and are not meant to infer the necessity for a particular orientation of the sign.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame means is slidably receivable in the track means and more than one frame means may be received in the track means. The frame means are also releasably lockable into the track means to prevent their removal by unauthorized personnel. When facing the front wall or rear wall of the casing and viewing the same from above, the frame means comprises a plurality of I-shaped members disposed between two substantially rectangular members. The rectangular members are parallel with and attached to the top and bottom arms of the I of the I-shaped members, and plate-means-receiving compartments are formed between adjacent I-shaped members. The distance between adjacent I-shaped members is just slightly larger than the length of the plate means to be received therein so that the plate means is held firmly within the compartment. The positions of the I-shaped members may also be varied along the length of the rectangular members so as to alter the size of the compartments to accommodate different sizes of plate means.
The sign of the present invention may further comprise a support means receivable in the casing, and the track means may be mounted on this support means in such a 20~93 manner that when the support means is received in the casing, the track means is disposed substantially parallel to the top and bottom walls and substantially at right angles to the side walls. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the support means is slidably receivable in the casing and the support means may be releasably locked into the casing. A plurality of track means may be mounted on said support means, each of the track means being substantially H-shaped in cross-section. The track means are disposed between two substantially rectangular members, these rectangular members being parallel with and connectable to the side arms of the H of the H-shaped members, and frame-means-receiving slots are formed between adjacent track means.
1~ Illuminating means, such as fluorescent lights may be disposed within the interior of the casing.
When it is desired to change the material displayed, the support means is unlocked, the required frame means is slidably withdrawn from the support means and the required plate means are changed. The frame means is then pushed back into th support means and is again locked into position.
The configuration of the sign tends to allow material to be readily and easily changed and substantially prevents alteration of the displayed material by third parties.
Brief Description of the Drawings -` 20558q3 The prefelled embo~im~nt of the prest:llt invention will now be described with the aid of the following drawings in which:
Fig.l is a perspective front view of a illllmin~te~l sign in accordance with the present invention;
Fig.2 is a cross section through line AA of Fig.l, showing the structure of the support frame;
Fig.3 is a partial front view of the secon-l~ry frame;
Fig.4 is a top view of the secon-l~ry frame shown in Fig.3;
Fig.5 is a cross section through line BB of Fig.4;
lo Fig.6 is a perspective view of a side wall of the present invention showing .iet~iling of the locking m~h~ni~m used to retain the support frame and secondary frames within the casing;
Fig.7 is a plan view of the locking mP~h~ni~m shown in Fig.6; and Fig.8 is a plan view of the locking mP~h~nicm shown in Fig.6 in an open position.
Detailed Description of the Plefelled Embodiment of the rnvention Referring to the Figures, there is shown an illuminated sign in accordance with the pres~nt invention.
The sign coll~l;ses a casing 10, a track 11 receivable within the casing 10, and a secondary frame 12 receivable within or on the track 11. The seco~ ry frame 12 cQmrri~eS a plurality of plate-lect:ivillg compartments 13, into each of which a light Ll...~ g plate 14 is ,~ ,.
20~5893 receivable. The secondary frame 12 is slidably receivable on the track ll, and the plates 14 are slidably receivable within the secondary frame 12.
Referring to Figs.1&2, the box-like casing 10 has a top wall 1~, bottom wall 16, and two side walls 17,18. The side walls 17,18 are manufactured with a substantially 90 angle at their uppermost ends so that the side walls slot under the top wall 15. This substantially prevents rain water and the like from entering the casing at this point.
Fluorescent light fixtures 19 (or any other suitable illuminating means) are mounted within the casing 10. While the light fixtures l9 are shown mounted between the side walls 17,18 they may of course be mounted at any suitable point within the interior of the casing. The 1~ light fixtures l9 are connected to a plug 20 proximate the bottom of the casing 10 and wires 37 connect the sign to an appropriate power source (not shown). The light fixtures 1~ and plug 20 are wired to either a single ballast (not shown) or to more than one ballast.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of tracks 11 are mounted into a support frame 21 which may be slidably receivable into the casing 10. Each track 11 is substantially H-shaped in cross section. When the support frame 21 is slidably received into the casing 10, the tracks 11 are so disposed as to lie substantially parallel to the top and bottom walls 1~,16 and substantially at right angles to the side walls 17,18 of the casing. Both the top and bottom walls 1~,16 are formed with a lip 22 proximate their edges to engage the support frame 21. An L-shaped bracket 38 is disposed a spaced distance from the lip 22 to secure the support frame 21. If a support frame 21 is to be disposed on both the front and back of the sign, the top and bottom walls 1~,16 are each formed with lips 22 proximate both edges as shown in Fig.2. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the support frame 21 is slid inside the lips 22 and brackets 38 when moving it either into or out of the casing 10. The support frame 21 may, however, be connectable to the casing 10 in any other suitable manner or the tracks 11 may be directly mounted onto the casing 10.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, when the support frame 21 is viewed in cross-section (as in Fig.2), the tracks 11 are substantially H-shaped and are connected to each other by connector members 23. The connector members 23 are parallel with each other and with the side arms of H of the H-shaped tracks 11. The connector members 23 are connected to the ends 24 of the side arms. Secondary-frame-receiving slots Z~ are formed between vertically adjacent tracks 11. The secondary frames 12 are slidably insertable into and removable from the slots 2~.
If the sign is of a relatively substantial length, 2~ a cross-brace 9 is provided to assist in supporting the support frame 21. The cross-brace 9 and connector members 23 lie substantially perpendicular to the tracks 11 and to the top and bottom walls 1~, 16 of the casing.
2~S589~
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, seven tracks 11 are mounted into the support frame 21, thereby forming six secondary-frame-receiving slots 25 when viewed in cross-section as in Fig.2. The uppermost track lla slidably engages with the lip 22a and bracket 38a on the top wall 15 of the casing 10, and the lowermost track llb slidably engages with the lip 22b and bracket 38b on the bottom wall 16 of the casing 10.
Secondary frames 12 are slidably receivable in the slots 25 of the support frame 21. Each secondary frame comprises a lower shaft 26 which has a plurality of I-shaped members 27 disposed along its length. The members 27 are I-shaped when viewed from above when facing the front of the casing 10. The I-shaped members 27 are disposed substantially at right angles to the shaft 26. A
supporting strip 28 is attached to the I-shaped members 27 proximate their free ends as is shown in Fig.3. When facing the front or rear of the casing 10 and viewing the secondary frame 12 from above, the I-shaped members 27 are disposed between two substantially rectangular members (the shaft 26 and strip 29), and these rectangular members are parallel with and attached to the top and bottom arms of the I of the I-shaped members 27. The compartments 13 are formed between adjacent I-shaped members 27. The I-shaped members 27 may be fixedly attached to the shaft 26 by welding or the like, or alternatively may be releasably attached by any suitable method. The releasable attachment allows the user to move the I-shaped members 27 to various 2055~93 positions along the length of the shaft 26 so as to vary the size of the compartments 13 and thereby accommodate different sizes of plates 14.
The plates 14 are manufactured from any suitable light-transmitting material and are adapted to be slidably received within the compartments 13. The compartments 13 are sized so as to be only slightly larger than the plates 14 to ensure that the plates are held relatively firmly therein. The plates 14 themselves form the front or rear wall of the sign. The plates 14 have letters, numbers, symbols or any other desired designs marked thereupon, and may be manufactured so that only the letter/number area of the plate is light transmitting.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the 1~ support frame 21 is capable of holding eighty four plates (i.e. six rows of fourteen plates each). For ease of use, each track 11 carries two secondary frames 12 of seven plates each. (It may of course carry more than two secondary frames.) These secondary frames 12 can be withdrawn from opposite sides of the casing 10. When two secondary frames 12 carried on a track 11 are butted together, they and the cross-brace 9 form a light-tight seal. The cross-brace 9 assists in achieving the tightness required so that light is substantially prevented from escaping from the casing other than through the plates 14. This assists in eliminating the necessity of having a transparent glass or plastic covering disposed over the plates 14.
. -- 9 2~S5~93 Because the plates 14 are firmly held in individual compartments 13, it is very difficult for unauthorized persons to move the letters/numbers about without breaking the locks which secure the secondary frames 12 into the casing.
As the support frame 21 is slidably receivable in the casing 10 it is easier for the user to take down and put up messages in the support frame 21; and it is also easier to repair the support frame 21. The support frame 21 can also be made in a variety of sizes, and can be manufactured with more or fewer tracks 11 to receive different numbers of secondary frames 12. The secondary frames 12 may also be manufactured with more or fewer compartments 13. This allows the user to use different sizes of lettering on the mobile sign by using a different support frame 21 and secondary frames 12.
The support frame 21 may also be manufactured from a variety of materials, such as plastic or aluminum, and may be manufactured in a variety of different colors. This allows the user to alter the appearance of the sign quickly and easily.
A drainage hole (not shown) is provided in the bottom wall 16 of the casing 10 to allow any accumulated moisture to drain out of the casing.
The various components of the sign are configured so as to fit snugly with each other to substantially prevent water from leaking into the casing. Additionally, the support frame 21 and secondary frames 12 are preferably all aluminum extruded to prevent rusting. All hinges 33, bolts and screws are manufactured from stainless steel.
The casing 10 and legs (if present) are also preferably manufactured from thick gage metal and are painted with a high gloss paint to reduce then tendency to rust.
The device of the present invention is used in the following manner.
When it is desired to create or change the material contained in the sign, the user unlocks the support frame 21 and/or unlocks the secondary frames 12 so that the secondary frames are free to slide upon the tracks 11. It is obviously not essential to have separate locks for both the support frame 21 and the secondary frames lZ; one lock may be used to secure both the support frame 21 and secondary frame 12 and substantially prevent withdrawal of either from the casing 10.
Once the secondary frames 12 are free to slide, the user selects which of the secondary frames require plates 12 to be inserted into them or withdrawn from them. The relevant secondary frame 12 is slidably removed from the support frame 21 and the relevant plates 14 are slidably inserted into or withdrawn from the compartments 13. The secondary frame is then slidably returned to its original position, and the next relevant secondary frame is changed as desired. Once all secondary frames have been changed as desired, the secondary frames are returned to their original positions and are locked into place by virtue of the locking into place of the support frame 21.
205589~
Referring to Figs.6&7, the locking mechanism comprises substantially L-shaped hinges 29 pivotally mounted to either the side walls 17,18 or to a mounting plate 30 which is fixedly connected to the side walls 17,18 by screws 31 or any other suitable means. The hinges 29 pivot to either cover or allow withdrawal of the support frame(s) 21 and secondary frames 12 from the casing. A
rotatable locking bar 32 is mounted on the mounting plate 30 by a pin 33. The locking bar 32 extends beyond the ends of the mounting plate 30 so as to selectively prevent the hinges 29 from pivoting when it is substantially horizontally oriented as shown in Fig.6. A hole 34 is disposed in the locking bar 32 and is alignable with an eyebolt 35 extending from the mounting plate 30. The hooked section of a padlock 36 is receivable through the hole 34 and the eyebolt 35.
When the user wishes to withdraw a support frame 21 from the casing 10, the padlock 36 is removed, and the locking bar 32 is rotated in the direction of arrow A in Fig.6. The hinges 29 are then rotated in the direction of arrows B or C as shown in Fig.7 and the support frame 21 can then be withdrawn from the casing. When the user has altered the sign as required, the support frames 21 are pushed back into the casing, the hinges 29 and the locking bar 32 are rotated back to their original positions. The padlock 36 is then secured.
Any other suitable locking mechanism may be used with the present invention.
20558~3 While the present invention is described for use in association with a mobile roadside sign, it can of course be utilized in any type of illuminated sign.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations, as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
Claims (9)
1. A sign comprising:
a box-like casing having a top wall, a bottom wall, two side walls and an open front, said casing having a lip and a bracket extending inwardly about the front opening along the top wall, one of said two side walls and the bottom wall, a light means for illuminating said casing, said light means mounted within said casing;
a support frame adapted to slidingly engage said casing between said lip and bracket, said support frame having a plurality of slots extending across said support frame;
a plurality of secondary frames adapted to be slidably inserted into said plurality of slots, said secondary frames having a plurality of vertically extending slots defining plate receiving compartments;
a plurality of light-transmitting plates partially covered leaving alpha-numeric indicia to be readable upon illumination of said light means, said plates adapted to be slidably inserted into said plate receiving compartments;
a locking means for locking said secondary frames within the support frame within the casing, said locking means mounted on the other of said two side walls, whereafter insertion of said support into said casing and of said plates into said compartments and of said secondary frames into said support frame, said plates substantially cover said open front and are selectably removable.
a box-like casing having a top wall, a bottom wall, two side walls and an open front, said casing having a lip and a bracket extending inwardly about the front opening along the top wall, one of said two side walls and the bottom wall, a light means for illuminating said casing, said light means mounted within said casing;
a support frame adapted to slidingly engage said casing between said lip and bracket, said support frame having a plurality of slots extending across said support frame;
a plurality of secondary frames adapted to be slidably inserted into said plurality of slots, said secondary frames having a plurality of vertically extending slots defining plate receiving compartments;
a plurality of light-transmitting plates partially covered leaving alpha-numeric indicia to be readable upon illumination of said light means, said plates adapted to be slidably inserted into said plate receiving compartments;
a locking means for locking said secondary frames within the support frame within the casing, said locking means mounted on the other of said two side walls, whereafter insertion of said support into said casing and of said plates into said compartments and of said secondary frames into said support frame, said plates substantially cover said open front and are selectably removable.
2. A sign as claimed in claim 1 wherein said box-like casing has an open back having a lip and bracket extending inwardly about the back opening along the top wall, one of said two side walls and the bottom wall and adapted to receive another support frame for covering said back opening with plates in a like manner
3. A sign as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein said plurality of slots, said compartments and said plates are sized to increase or decrease the number of plates presentable on a sign.
4. A sign as claimed in claim 3 wherein said locking means comprises:
a hinge plate pivotally mounted on the other of said two side walls and adapted to cover the ends of said support frame and to pivot outwardly permitting access to said ends, and a locking bar pivotally connected to said other of said two side walls having a lock position preventing said hinge plate to pivot and rotatable to an unlocked position allowing free movement of said hinge plate.
a hinge plate pivotally mounted on the other of said two side walls and adapted to cover the ends of said support frame and to pivot outwardly permitting access to said ends, and a locking bar pivotally connected to said other of said two side walls having a lock position preventing said hinge plate to pivot and rotatable to an unlocked position allowing free movement of said hinge plate.
5. A sign as claimed in claim 4 wherein said locking bar is adapted to be padlocked to said casing.
6. A sign as claimed in claim 5 wherein said locking means is ganged to lock both the front and back opening.
7. A sign as claimed in claim 6 wherein said support frame slidingly engages said casing, said plurality of secondary frames slidably engage said plurality of slots, and said plates slidingly engage said compartments in a light-tight seal.
8. A sign as claimed in claim 6 wherein said support frame slidingly engages said casing, said plurality of secondary frames slidably engage said plurality of slots, and said plates slidingly engage said compartments in a water-tight seal.
9. A sign as claimed in claim 6 wherein said support frame slidingly engages said casing, said plurality of secondary frames slidably engage said plurality of slots, and said plates slidingly engage said compartments in a light-tight and water-tight seal.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2055893 CA2055893C (en) | 1991-11-20 | 1991-11-20 | Mobile signs |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2055893 CA2055893C (en) | 1991-11-20 | 1991-11-20 | Mobile signs |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2055893A1 CA2055893A1 (en) | 1993-05-21 |
| CA2055893C true CA2055893C (en) | 1994-07-12 |
Family
ID=4148791
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2055893 Expired - Fee Related CA2055893C (en) | 1991-11-20 | 1991-11-20 | Mobile signs |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2055893C (en) |
-
1991
- 1991-11-20 CA CA 2055893 patent/CA2055893C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2055893A1 (en) | 1993-05-21 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |