A sign

Abstract

The invention comprises a sign having a post (101) with a post channel (105), a signboard (102) comprising a board channel (103) and a post fastener (601). A first portion of the fastener (601) is engageable with the post channel (105) to enable it to be positioned along the post, a second portion of the fastener (601) is engageable with the board channel (103) to enable it to be positioned along the board, and the post fastener (601) is adapted for securing the signboard to the post via the channels.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] A Sign.

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] This invention relates signs, and preferably to those that post mounted and are modular.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Signage is used in many commercial and non-commercial contexts. For example, road signs are used to convey speed limits, directions or other information for drivers, and advertising signs are used to promote goods and services.

[0007] Signage generally comprises a post and a signboard displaying information. The information may or may not be static in nature. The signage may for example comprise a signboard formed from a metallic material (eg aluminum), from a plastic material, a wooden material of a combination of these. The post is usually made from timber or a suitable metallic material (eg aluminum or steel) which may or may not be powder coated.

[0008] The inventors have identified that it is desirable for signage to be provided as a modular system that has relatively few parts and the ability for easy and speedy assembly.

[0009] OBJECT

[0010] It is an object of some preferred embodiment of the invention to address at least one or more of the above goals. While this applies to some embodiments, it should be understood that the object of the invention per se is simply to provide the public with a useful choice. Therefore, any objects, advantages or benefits of preferred embodiments should not be read-in as limitations on claims expressed broadly.

[0011] DEFINITIONS

[0012] The terms “comprising” and “having”, if and when used in this document in relation to a combination of features, should not be seen as excluding the option of additional unspecified features. In other words, they should not be interpreted in a limiting way.

[0013] Orientational terms, for example top, bottom, etc, if and when used in this document, refer to the orientation the associated features will have when in a normal in-use disposition. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] According to one aspect, the invention is a sign, having:

[0015] • a post comprising a post channel;

[0016] • a signboard comprising a board channel; and

[0017] • a post fastener; the sign being formed such that: o a first portion of the fastener is engageable with the post channel to enable it to be positioned along the post; o a second portion of the fastener is engageable with the board channel to enable it to be positioned along the board; and o the post fastener is adapted for securing the signboard to the post via the channels.

[0018] Optionally the sign comprises a board connector wherein the signboard comprises at least two boards, each board having a board channel adapted to receive the connector to hold the boards in a co-planar relationship.

[0019] Optionally the connector is adapted to engage the board channels simultaneously in a male-female fit.

[0020] Optionally the connector has two pairs of prongs, each pair adapted to fit tightly into the board channels to secure the boards in an abutting relationship.

[0021] Optionally the prongs are resilient.

[0022] Optionally the post fastener comprises a threaded bolt and a complimentary nut that can be turned to secure the signboard with respect to the post.

[0023] Optionally the post channel is integral with the rest of the post.

[0024] Optionally the post channel is a separate component to the rest of the post and is secured thereto.

[0025] Optionally the post comprises a sleeve which is, or is adapted to, fit around part of a main body of the post and the post channel forms part of the sleeve. Optionally the post comprises a collar which is, or is adapted to, fit around part of a main body of the post and connect to the fastener to facilitate connection of the signboard to the post.

[0026] Optionally the signboard is secured to the post by the fastener such that board channel and the post channel are engaged by the fastener and a longitudinal axis of the board channel runs transverse to the post.

[0027] Optionally the signboard is secured to the post by the fastener such that board channel and the post channel are engaged by the fastener and the board channel is substantially at right angles to the post.

[0028] Optionally each board having one or more channels, the connector having a profile complementary to the one of more channels and adapted such that it can engage the channels to secure the boards to one another so that they are substantially co-planar.

[0029] Optionally the connector comprises a channel.

[0030] Optionally the connector is adapted to substantially spans the length of both boards when engaging them.

[0031] Optionally the sign is arranged such that the post channel and the board channel each have a longitudinally running opening and the channels are held in spaced relationship by the fastener with the openings facing one another.

[0032] A sign according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastener is slidingly engageable with the post channel to enable the fastener to be adjustably positioned along the post.

[0033] Optionally the fastener is slidingly engageable with the board channel to enable the fastener to be adjustably positioned along the board.

[0034] According to a further aspect the invention is a holder comprising a first channel, a second channel, a fastener and a connector, the channels being adapted to be engaged and secured to one another by the fastener where the longitudinal axis of one of the channels runs transverse to the longitudinal axis of the other (eg at right angles), the connector being adapted to engage and hold an item to be at least temporarily retained in an elevated disposition.

[0035] Optionally for the holder the fastener is slidingly engageable with both channels.

[0036] Optionally for the holder the connector is slidingly engageable with one of the channels.

[0037] Optionally for the holder one of the channels comprises part of a post.

[0038] Optionally for the holder one of the channels is secured to a wall.

[0039] Optionally the holder is arranged such that the first channel and the second channel each have a longitudinally running opening and the channels are held in spaced relationship by the fastener with the openings facing one another.

[0040] Optionally for the holder the fastener can be tightened by turning a nut in the space between the post and board channels.

[0041] DRAWINGS

[0042] Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0043] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a sign shown from back and front;

[0044] Figure 2 is an isometric view of a modified version of the sign shown from back and front;

[0045] Figure 3 is an isometric view showing detail of two boards forming part of the Figure 2 sign;

[0046] Figure 4 illustrates the manner in which the boards may be combined, shown in both cross-section and isometric views;

[0047] Figure 5 is an isometric view of a sign with boards on two sides of a post;

[0048] Figure 6 provides isometric views illustrating the manner in which the boards may be secured to their respective post by fasteners; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the components shown in Figure 6;

[0049] Figure 8 shows fasteners that are part of Figure 6 when disassembled;

[0050] Figure 9 provides isometric and side views of a sign assembled from components shown in Figure 5-8;

[0051] Figure 10 provides isometric views of a sign comprising dual posts;

[0052] Figure 11 is an isometric view illustrating optional ways for joining boards to one another;

[0053] Figure 12 provides isometric views of a sign comprising semi-circular boards combined to give them an overall circular signboard;

[0054] Figure 13 shows detail of the manner in which boards may be joined with a connector;

[0055] Figure 14 shows the same components as in Figure 13, except that they are displayed in isometric view;

[0056] Figure 15 provides cross-sectional detail for further signs;

[0057] Figure 16 shows the same arrangements as Figure 15, but in isometric view;

[0058] Figure 17 illustrates detail for a further sign shown in isometric view from back and front;

[0059] Figure 18 illustrates detail for a further sign shown in isometric view from back and front;

[0060] Figure 19 illustrates detail for a further sign shown in side and cross-sectional views;

[0061] Figure 20 is an isometric view illustrating components of a further sign;

[0062] Figure 21 illustrates components of further signs shown in side and isometric views;

[0063] Figure 22 illustrates components of a further sign shown in alternative isometric views;

[0064] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating options for fastening boards to a post; and Figure 24 is an isometric view illustrating the same components of Figure 23.

[0065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figure 1 shows a sign from back and front respectively. It comprises a post 101 and a signboard 102 comprising a series of reinforcing ribs which provide horizontal board channels 103.

[0067] The post 101 incorporates a pair of ribs that together provide a centrally disposed vertical post channel 105 running the whole length of the post. The post channel 105 provides for connection to the signboard 102 via one of the board channels 103 in a manner which will become apparent hereafter.

[0068] It should be appreciated that the board channels may be at any suitable portion of the signboard 102. If at an outer edge of the signboard 102, the channels 103 may serve as a convenient location to connect another same or similar board to expand the surface area available for carrying sign information. If on the other hand the signboard’s channels 103 are positioned about the middle of the signboard then they be used to connect it to the post 101 .

[0069] As indicated in Figure 1 , the signboard 102 may have more channels 103 than necessary for connection to one or more other boards 102, or to the post 101 , and in that case they may serve to enhance the rigidity of the board,

[0070] Figure 2 illustrates a sign 202 the same as above from the back and front respectively, when fitted with two of boards 203 and 204 which collectively provide an overall signboard. The post 201 is the same as above, but in this case its vertical channel is used to secure both boards 203, 204 in a manner explained hereafter.

[0071] Figure 3 shows detail of the back face of boards 203 and 204 that form part of the sign 202 of Figure 2. The opposite face of each board is substantially planar for displaying printed or other information.

[0072] Figure 4 illustrates the manner in which the boards 203 and 204 are joined (in this case they are numbered 401 and 402 respectively). As indicated, the boards are fixed to one another by way of a horizontally disposed board connector 403 that runs the full width of each board. In alternative embodiments it may run for only part of the board. Parts A and B show the connector about to engage the boards and part C shows the boards when the connector 403 has been tig htly / friction-fitted to secure them. In some embodiments the connector 403 may be hammered into place and the engagement may be temporary or permanent.

[0073] Figure 5 illustrates a sign the same as described for Figures 2-4, except that its post 503 has a post channel at each of two opposite sides and it has two double board assemblies 501 , 502 secured with their ribs / channels facing the post. The two boards of each separate pair 501 , 502 are secured to one another in the manner described for Figure 4.

[0074] Figure 6 at Part A shows a post fastener 601 for use in securing any of the signboards / boards mentioned above to their respective post. The vertical channel on the right 602 represents one of the post channels and the horizontal channel on the left 603 represents one of the board channels. The other parts of the post and board are omitted for simplicity of illustration. As shown, the post fastener 601 comprises a bolt with nuts that can be tightened to releasably lock the board to the post.

[0075] Part B of Figure 6 shows a similar arrangement except that it has a different type of fastener 604. It has central spacers 605 around a bolt (not shown) and a hexagonal tightening nut 606 between the spacers.

[0076] It should be appreciated that the vertical and horizontal disposition of the channels in Figure 6 is illustrative and in other arrangements one or both may be at any other suitable angle for use.

[0077] As illustrated for both Parts A and B of Figure 6, the channels are secured in spaced relationship with the longitudinalopenings of the channels facing one another in parallel planes. The fastener can be readily loosened or tightened by turning one or more of its nuts between the channels.

[0078] Figure 7 at Parts A and B show the same components as Figure 6 but in cross-section.

[0079] Figure 8 illustrates detail of the parts described in Figures 6 and 7. The first mentioned fastener (see Part A of Figure 8) is shown with its three nuts. The second mentioned fastener (see Part B of Figure 8) is such that its heagonal tightening nut is thin and so requires a special thin spanner or like tool in ordered to be adjusted, eg tightened or loosened. Optionally the vertical and horizontal channels (see Part C of Figure 8) each have inturned edges with a dovetail configuration 801 suitable for locking engagement with one or other of the fasteners.

[0080] Figure 9 shows a sign the same as that Figures 5-8, from two angles, but with only one board fastened either side of a post

[0081] Figure 10 shows a sign formed from two posts the same as any described above, except that the post channel in each case comprises a separate extrusion secured to the rest of the post as opposed to being integral therewith. The extrusion may be metallic or made of timber or any other suitable material. The boards are the same as any of those described above except larger, which is why they are supported by two posts. The same sort of board connectors and post fasteners described above may be used.

[0082] Part A of Figure 10 shows the sign when assembled, and Part B shows it prior to assembly.

[0083] Figure 11 shows four boards at Part A as described above, but with three alternative board connectors each being unique. Together the four boards provide a signboard for the sign. In Part B, the connector is a channel connector, in Part C the connector is a plate connector, and in Part D the connector is an extrusion connector.

[0084] Figure 12 shows a sign from the front and back. It is substantially the same as any described above except that the two boards shown are semi-circular and are combined to provide an overall larger circular signboard.

[0085] Figure 13 exemplifies the sequence of steps in the assembly of a pair of boards as described above, using an extruded board connector. In this regard there is a first board 131 , a second board 132, and a board connector 133. In Part A the components are disassembled and the boards are spaced apart. In Part B the boards are adjacent or butted side to side. In Part C the boards have been secured to one another via the connector 133. Part D provides close-up detail of the engagement shown in Part C.

[0086] The connector 133 may be tight fitting to the extent that it needs significant deliberate hand or tool force to be installed, and this may for example be achieved by a press or hammer. To facilitate a tight fit, the connector 133 may have tapered resilient ribs 134.

[0087] Figure 14 illustrates the same steps as Figure 13 but in isometric view.

[0088] Figure 15 provides detail for several alternative signs according to the invention, or parts thereof. Part A illustrates a pair of channel-containing boards secured side-to-side by way of a channel-like board connector, ie in the fashion described above (the post is not shown). Part B illustrates a sign where two pairs of boards are connected to the same post. In this case the post has a channel on each of a pair of opposite sides for receiving fasteners to secure the boards in the manner described above. Part C illustrates a sign comprising several channel-containing boards connected to the channels of a pair of posts in a manner as described above. The sign in Part D is a larger assembly, comprising several channel-containing signboards and four channel-containing posts, secured to one another in a manner described above.

[0089] Figure 16 provides isometric views for the same arrangements shown in Figure 15.

[0090] Figure 17 illustrates components of a sign according to a further embodiment of the invention from the back (A) and front (B) respectively. As shown, a pair of elongate channels 170 are secured to a simple post 171 via a pair of fasteners 172, which are in turn secured to the post by a pair of collars 173. The channels 170 may be integral with a board as described above, or alternatively a planar sheet may be secured to the channels 170. In either case, the rest of the board is not shown in the drawing.

[0091] Figure 18 shows a similar sign to that of Figure 17, except that the channels 180 are secured to the post 181 by fasteners 182 and a single larger sleeve-like collar 183, rather than with two collars as per Figure 17.

[0092] Figure 19 at Part A illustrates single collar 190 connected to a post 191 via a fastener 192 similar to the arrangement of Figure 17. Part B provides close-up cross-section detail of the components of Part A. Part C is an exploded view of the same components, showing a connection channel 193 (which may be an integral part of a board), a bolt 194, a first nut and washer 195, a second nut and washer 196. Figure 20 illustrates an alternative sleeve-like collar 200 for use in a similar manner to the collars mentioned above, sleeve-fitted to a post 201 so that the two are generally vertically aligned. More particularly, Parts A and B show the components when disassembled and Part C shows them assembled. The collar 200 can be any suitable length, and in some embodiments it may have a closed top 202 to allow it to fit onto the post but not slide down further than top 202 permits. As shown, the collar has a series of vertical channels for fitting one or more boards in a manner described above. While the collar 200 and post 201 are circular in cross-section, in other embodiments they may have an alternative cross-sectional shape, for example they may each be rectangular.

[0093] Figure 21 shows two short sleeve-like collars, one at Part A and one at Part B, in both side and isometric views. The collar 210 of Part A is adapted to slidably fit over a post (not shown) and has a plurality of horizontal channels 211 each facing outwards in a different direction for engaging with one or more boards as described above. The collar 212 of Part B is similar but has an upper and a lower series of the channels 213. Figure 21 also shows longer versions of these collars at parts C and D, each having a lid 214. These longer collars can be fitted to a post and secured there by fasteners which pass throught the horizontal channels and lock to the post. Alternatively any sleeve or collar part can be connected by a threaded screw or the like that passes through a boss 215 forming part of the collar as shown at Part D.

[0094] Figure 22 illustrates a further version of a collar for use in a similar way to those of Figure 21 . This version circular in cross-section with a segmented channel 220 for receiving fasteners and boards in a manner described above. In this example there are four segments, but any suitable number may be employed.

[0095] Figure 23 illustrates, in cross-section, examples of options for connection of a generally horizontal board channel 230 to a generally vertical post 231 using threaded fasteners. The channel may be an integral part of a board as above, or may fasten to a sheet so that they collectively provide a board.

[0096] At Part A of Figure 23 an insert 232 (eg a “nutsert”) is first fitted to the post 231 to enable connection of the channel 230 via a threaded fastener 233 and retaining nut 234. At Part B of Figure 23 there is no insert (eg “nutsert”), but the post itself has a threaded aperture 235 and a long fastener engages this by pushing against the inner opposite surface 236 of the post, thereby causing a frictional engagement to that inner surface.

[0097] At Part C of Figure 23 the arrangement is similar to Part B except that the long fastener 237 engages with a pair of retaining nuts 233 as shown.

[0098] At Part D of Figure 23 only one retaining nut is needed because the channel 230 is pulled hard to the post 231 by the nut 233.

[0099] Figure 24 shows the same components as in Figure 23, but in isometric view. In this image the post is shown to have a thickened area 240 for accommodating the threaded aperture and / or reinforcing generally. The opposite side of the post also has a thickened area 241 to better accommodate any aperture there and / or for reinforcing generally.

[0100] Although the post of Figures 23 and 24 is generally tubular and circular in transverse cross-section it should appreciated that any other suitable cross-sectional shapes may be adopted, and the same applies for the other posts mentioned in this document.

[0101] Optionally the sign of all the above embodiments is such that:

[0102] • it is modular so that the components described above can be readily assembled;

[0103] • the boards can be joined to one another to give an overall signboard that is of the desired size;

[0104] • the boards and / or the channels thereof are formed by suitable extrusion, pultrusion, injection molding or die-casting process;

[0105] • the post channel(s) run substantially the whole length of the post and the board channel(s) of each board run substantially the whole span of the board;

[0106] • the post and / or board channels may be regular and continuous or provided in segments;

[0107] • the board connectors may be elongate and run substantially the whole span of the boards they connect, or may be shorter and maybe applied in plurality between two boards. In another aspect, the invention as described above, generally or in any particular embodiment noted, may be modified to omit the post but have a channel equivalent to that which was part of the post. The channel may be fastened to a wall or other item to hold a signboard in the manner otherwise described.

[0108] In a further aspect, the invention as described above, generally or in any particular embodiment noted (including in the immediately preceding paragraph), may be modified to switch out the signboard for an alternative item that needs to be held in an elevated disposition, for example a rubbish bin, bicycle, rack, panel (eg a solar or fence panel), board or other items. In this case the fastener may be modified to be able to engage one or more of these.

[0109] Therefore in a case where both the post and sign are absent, the invention may be embodied by a holder comprising a first channel, a second channel, a fastener and a connector, the channels are adapted to be engaged and secured to one another by the fastener such that the longitudinal axis of one of the channels runs transverse to the longitudinal axis of the other, for example at right angles. In this case the connector is adapted to engage and hold an item to be at least temporarily retained in an elevated disposition.

[0110] While some preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example it should be appreciated that modifications and improvements can occur without departing from the scope of the accompanying claims.

[0111] In terms of disclosure, this document hereby discloses each item, feature or step mentioned herein in combination with one or more of any of the other items, features or steps disclosed herein, in each case regardless of whether such combination is claimed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A sign, having:• a post comprising a post channel;• a signboard comprising a board channel; and• a post fastener; the sign being formed such that: o a first portion of the fastener is engageable with the post channel to enable it to be positioned along the post; o a second portion of the fastener is engageable with the board channel to enable it to be positioned along the board; and o the post fastener is adapted for securing the signboard to the post via the channels.

2. A sign according to claim 1 , comprising a board connector wherein the signboard comprises at least two boards, each board having a board channel adapted to receive the connector to hold the boards in a co-planar relationship.

3. A sign according to claim 2, wherein the connector is adapted to engage the board channels simultaneously in a male-female fit.

4. A sign according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the connector has two pairs of prongs, each pair adapted to fit tightly into the board channels to secure the boards in an abutting relationship.

5. A sign according to claim 4, wherein the prongs are resilient.

6. A sign according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the post fastener comprises a threaded bolt and a complimentary nut that can be turned to secure the signboard with respect to the post.

7. A sign according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the post channel is integral with the rest of the post.

8. A sign according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the post channel is a separate component to the rest of the post and is secured thereto.

9. A sign according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the post comprises a sleeve which is, or is adapted to, fit around part of a main body of the post and the post channel mentioned in claim 1 forms part of the sleeve.

10. A sign according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the post comprises a collar which is, or is adapted to, fit around part of a main body of the post and connect to the fastener to facilitate connection of the signboard to the post.

11. A sign according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the signboard is secured to the post by the fastener such that board channel mentioned in claim 1 , and the post channel, are engaged by the fastener and a longitudinal axis of the board channel runs transverse to the post.

12. A sign according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the signboard is secured to the post by the fastener such that board channel mentioned in claim 1 , and the post channel, are engaged by the fastener and the board channel is substantially at right angles to the post.

13. A sign comprising a connector and at least two boards, each board having one or more channels, the connector having a profile complementary to the one of more channels and adapted such that it can engage the channels to secure the boards to one another so that they are substantially co-planar.

14. A sign according to claim 13, wherein the connector comprises a channel.

15. A sign according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the connector is adapted to substantially spans the length of both boards when engaging them.

16. A sign according to any one of the preceding claims arranged such that the post channel and the board channel of claim 1 each have a longitudinally running opening and the channels are held in spaced relationship by the fastener with the openings facing one another.

17. A sign according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastener is slidingly engageable with the post channel of claim 1 to enable the fastener to be adjustably positioned along the post.

18. A sign according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastener is slidingly engageable with the board channel of claim 1 to enable the fastener to be adjustably positioned along the board.

19. A holder comprising a first channel, a second channel, a fastener and a connector, the channels being adapted to be engaged and secured to one another by the fastener where the longitudinal axis of one of the channels runs transverse to the longitudinal axis of the other (eg at right angles), the connector being adapted to engage and hold an item to be at least temporarily retained in an elevated disposition.

20. A holder according to claim 19, wherein the fastener is slidingly engageable with both channels.

21. A holder according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the connector is slidingly engageable with one of the channels.

22. A holder according to claim 19, 20 or 21 , wherein one of the channels comprises part of a post.

23. A holder according to claim 19, 20 or 21 , wherein one of the channels is secured to a wall.

24. A holder according to any one of claims 19-23, arranged such that the first channel and the second channel each have a longitudinally running opening and the channels are held in spaced relationship by the fastener with the openings facing one another.

25. A holder according to claim 24 wherein the fastener can be tightened by turning a nut in the space between the post and board channels.

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