Foldable sign holder

Abstract

Foldable sign holder (1) comprising a base frame (2) and a frame (3) for erecting by rotating the frame (3) about an erection axis (A) of the base frame, characterized in that the frame (3) comprises a first frame section (3a) and a second frame section (3b), wherein the second frame section (3b) is mounted in an articulated manner on the first frame section (3a) in such a way that they can be pivoted relative to one another by at least 160°, preferably substantially exactly 180°.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a foldable sign holder consisting of a base frame and a stand, the stand of which can be fitted with a sign bearing an inscription, such as an advertising panel. The sign holder can be folded flat and compactly and fits sufficiently in a conventional passenger car. A correspondingly larger model with the same mechanism according to the invention fits in a panel van or larger station wagon instead of a Sprinter.

[0002] Previously, comparable products could only be accommodated in larger vehicles (Sprinter) according to the state of the art, which made their use uninteresting for some market participants, for example, real estate agents.

[0003] The sign holder according to the invention preferably comprises a hinge-folding mechanism and a stable locking and unlocking mechanism by means of an integrated (square tube) pin, which is designed as a latch. This pin is preferably moved by means of two actuating elements which are locked by means of a rotary thread.

[0004] For stabilization, a solid locking bar, preferably in the form of a round rod, is guided through an axle connecting the base frame and the stand. Simultaneously, the round rod is guided by one, preferably two or more, ground anchors or a concrete weight for further stabilization. The round rod contains, for example, a hole that accepts the shackle of a padlock. At the other end, the round rod is widened so that it cannot be removed when locked. Thanks to the use of the ground anchors, the sign cannot be stolen without considerable effort.

[0005] The symmetrical design allows the use of both the street-facing and house-facing sides, i.e., for example, the use of a double-sided aluminum composite panel (preferred due to its low weight) or a similarly printable panel.

[0006] Preferably, clamping jaws (instead of drill holes) allow for easy replacement of the labeled sign. Preferably, the elements are connected in the closed state and secured by means of drill holes and pins / sleeves to minimize the risk of injury.

[0007] For tracking purposes, it is sometimes useful to integrate a GPS module (such as Apple AirTag). This requires a dedicated space for the device, ideally concealed and often with a cutout to prevent Faraday cage interference from the metal tube.

[0008] In some cases, it makes sense to integrate a motion-sensitive sensor that activates at dusk. This could, for example, activate an LED spotlight as soon as a person moves within the adjustable radius.

[0009] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a foldable sign holder 1 according to the invention in its fully folded state (1st extreme position). The sign holder 1 comprises a base frame 2 and a frame 3 pivotably mounted on this base frame 2. The frame 3 is designed in two parts and comprises a first frame section 3a and a second frame section 3b. These two frame sections 3a and 3b are pivotally connected to each other by means of two hinge joints 4.

[0010] The Fig. Figure 2 clearly shows this using a slightly unfolded second frame section 3b.

[0011] This second frame section 3b is further extended into this when unfolded. Fig. The direction shown in section 2 shifts until finally the second extreme position is reached (see Fig. 3) is achieved, in which the second frame section 3b has been pivoted by essentially 180° relative to the first frame section 3a.

[0012] In the next step of the assembly, the two frame sections 3a and 3b are connected to each other in such a way that they cannot spontaneously pivot around each other. For this purpose, an actuating element 8 of the locking mechanism 6 is actuated, preferably a threaded rod is loosened. Thus, the actuating element 8, which in the example shown is part of the locking mechanism 6 of the second frame section 3b, can move a pin 7 in the direction of the first frame section 3a (see Fig. 3) In this first frame section 3a there is a corresponding hole for receiving the pin 7. Once the pin 7 has been inserted into the hole (see Fig. 4), the actuating element 8 can be secured again in its new position, preferably by tightening the rotary thread.

[0013] Now the entire frame 3 can be pivoted together around the pivot axis A of the base frame 2 (see Fig. 5) and preferably positioned perpendicular to the base frame (see Fig. 6), which represents the final installation position. In this position, the frame 3 is secured with a locking bar 9, which in turn can support several ground anchors 10. The locking bar includes a cross-sectional enlargement 11 on one end and a hole 12 on the other end for a padlock. This all contributes to increased theft protection.

[0014] The example shown comprises a base frame 2 and a frame 3 made of square metal tubes, which is a preferred embodiment. However, it is also possible, and in some cases even preferred, that the profiles from which the base frame 2 and / or the frame 3 are preferably composed have a different cross-section (for example, round tubes, flat bars, etc.) or are not composed of profiles but are designed differently (for example, as integral, one-piece parts). It is also possible, though not preferred, that the base frame 2 and the frame 3 consist of profiles with different cross-sections.

[0015] Furthermore, the preferred material of the base frame 2 and the frame 3 is preferably metal (and here preferably steel (preferably stainless steel) or aluminum or an aluminum alloy). However, it is also possible and in some cases preferred that the material of the base frame 2 and / or the frame 3 differs from this and consists at least partially or completely of another material (for example, plastic).

[0016] The Fig. Figure 7 shows a detailed view of an exemplary hinge joint 4 and the locking device 6. The actuating element 8 and the pin 7 are clearly visible here. Since the profiles of the frame 3 in the example shown are square tubes, the cross-section of the pin 7 is preferably also square or rectangular. However, it is also possible for the pin to be round within a square tube, preferably as a round rod. Furthermore, the position of the locking device 6 on the frame, preferably on the second frame section 3b, is variable. The locking device 6 can be positioned as shown in Fig. 7 shown positioned, but also around the entire cross-section of the frame and thus also on one of the three other long sides - in comparison to Fig. 7. In many cases, for example, it is even preferred that the locking device 6 with the respective pin 7 is located on the side of the hinge joint 4, making the locking device 6 more ergonomic to operate.

[0017] Fig. Figure 9 also shows a detailed view of the locking device 6 in the folded state of the frame 3. Here it can be clearly seen that the hole into which the pin 7 is inserted does not have to be a bore in the conventional sense, but preferably simply represents the inner contour of the profile, in the example shown the square tube, of the first frame section 3a.

[0018] Fig. Figure 8 shows, by way of example, one of the clamping jaws 13 of the frame 3 from one side. The clamping jaw 13 is preferably clamped together with at least one screw such that a sign can be clamped between the preferably two discs of which the clamping jaw 13 consists. It is preferred that only the second frame section 3b has these clamping jaws 13.

[0019] Fig. Figure 10 shows, as an example, the cross-sectional enlargement 11 of the locking rod 9 in detail view.

[0020] Fig. Figure 11 shows, by way of example, the bore of the locking bar 9 with a padlock inserted.

[0021] As already described, the preferred embodiment shown is by no means intended to be restrictive and is only meant to represent one possible way in which the foldable sign holder 1 can be designed.

[0022] For example, it is further preferred that, in the folded state of the folding sign holder 1, the locking bar 9 passes through four elongated holes. Of these four elongated holes, two are preferably located in or on the lower leg elements and two in the left and right frame elements of the base frame 2. The locking bar 9 then passes through the described elements and ensures that the frame is at least partially secured and thus stabilized. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Folding sign holder 2 foot frames 3 frame 3a First frame section 3b Second frame section 4 hinge joint 5 tabs 6 Locking device 7 pen 8 Actuating element 9 safety bar 10 ground anchors 11 Cross-sectional enlargement 12 bore 13 clamping jaw A setup axis

Claims

[1] Folding sign holder (1) comprising a base frame (2) and a stand (3) for setting up by rotating the stand (3) about a setting-up axis (A) of the base frame, characterized by , that the frame (3) comprises a first frame section (3a) and a second frame section (3b), wherein the second frame section (3b) is pivotally mounted on the first frame section (3a) such that they can be pivoted relative to each other by at least 160°, preferably substantially exactly 180°. [2] Folding sign holder (1) preferably but not exclusively according to claim 1, characterized by, that the two frame sections (3a, 3b) can assume two extreme positions in their articulated mounting relative to each other, such that in the first extreme position the outer surfaces of the profiles forming the first frame section (3a) and the outer surfaces of the profiles forming the second frame section (3b) lie at least partially on top of each other, and in the second extreme position the two frame sections (3a, 3b) are pivoted substantially by 180° relative to each other, preferably such that the respective free ends of the profiles forming the frame sections (3a, 3b) rest on each other. [3] Folding sign holder preferably but not only according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the articulated mounting of the second frame section (3b) on the first frame section (3a) is realized by hinge joints (4). [4] Folding sign holder preferably but not only according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the frame, when erected, is a flat frame open on one side, made of round tubes or preferably square tubes. [5] Folding sign holder preferably but not only according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the base frame (2) is a self-contained, flat frame made of round tubes or preferably square tubes. [6] Folding sign holder preferably but not only according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the foot frame includes two tabs, each of which protrudes upwards on the longer side of the foot frame. [7] Folding sign holder preferably but not only according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that screws and / or rivets and / or pins are provided in the mounting axis, which pass at least through the first frame section and the base frame. [8] Folding sign holder preferably but not only according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first or second frame section comprises at least one, preferably two, locking devices (6) with which the second frame section is locked in its position pivoted substantially by 180° to the first frame section. [9] Folding sign holder preferably but not only according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that by means of the respective locking device in the style of a repeating mechanism a pin (7) (with any cross-section) can be inserted into a corresponding hole of the respective other frame section. [10] Folding sign holder preferably but not only according to claim 9, characterized by , that to actuate the locking mechanism, an outwardly projecting actuating element (8) must first be actuated, preferably rotated. [11] Folding sign holder preferably but not only according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the tabs and the frame in the fully erected state have aligned through holes through which a locking bar (9) is guided, which prevents the frame from being folded down from the erected position. [12] Folding sign holder preferably but not only according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the locking rod has a cross-sectional enlargement (11) in the area of ​​one of its free ends, which blocks the free movement of the locking rod through the through holes on one side. [13] Folding sign holder preferably but not only according to claim 12, characterized by , that the locking bar has a bore (12) in the area of ​​one of its free ends for receiving a padlock. [14] Folding sign holder preferably but not only according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one ground anchor (10) or at least one concrete weight is provided on the securing rod to additionally secure the folding sign holder in or on the ground. [15] Folding sign holder preferably but not only according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the frame has clamping jaws (13) on the inside for fixing at least one sign. [16] Folding sign holder preferably but not only according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the foldable sign holder, at least in its erected state, or at least the frame, is designed symmetrically in such a way that it allows for use of the sign holder on both sides (street-facing and house-facing side) and / or the use of a double-sided aluminum composite panel.

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