WO2013032478A1

WO2013032478A1 - Portable lighted sign

Info

Publication number: WO2013032478A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/050105
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary Dean Aires
Original assignee: Gary Dean Aires
Priority date: 2011-08-31
Filing date: 2011-08-31
Publication date: 2013-03-07

Abstract

A portable lighted sign incorporates a panel for carrying an advertising message and a flexible light source that is operated by batteries.

Description

PORTABLE LIGHTED SIGN

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to an article of manufacture. In particular, a portable sign has a flexible panel, and a flexible, battery powered lighting system.

Discussion of the Related Art

[002] Commonplace lighted signs are typically fixed and not intended to be moved. Both the size of such signage and the use of mains powered lighting to illuminate the signage enhance its effectiveness in attracting attention and with it the opportunity to convey a message such as an advertising message.

[003] In contrast, portable signage is typically less effective in attracting attention because it generally lacks the size and illumination benefits of traditional fixed signage. Various attempts have been made to improve the attractive qualities of portable signage. In particular, motion has been used to enhance the effectiveness of portable signage. Wind actuated and human carried signs are examples of improved portable signage. However, wind actuated signs have the obvious disadvantage of wear associated with moving parts. Human carried signs also have disadvantages such as limitations on the size of the sign and the cost of human labor. What is needed is a portable sign that attracts attention without excessive wear or operating cost while enhancing the presentation the sign's message. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[004] A portable lighted sign includes a flexible panel and an elongated, flexible lighting assembly. In an embodiment, the portable lighted sign comprises: a flexible banner including a panel; the panel is stretched by action of a resilient frame near a periphery of the banner; the stretched panel tends to form a planar message bearing region with an elongated, flexible lighting assembly; the lighting assembly is coupled to the banner and operable to flex and wrinkle with the banner; a battery operated power supply selectively provides electric power to the flexible lighting assembly; and, the lighting assembly is operable to light at least a portion of the banner.

[005] Some embodiments include: a banner sleeve coupled along a nonlinear edge of the panel; at least a portion of the resilient frame is inserted in the sleeve; the resilient frame is deformed along a majority of its length when inserted in the sleeve; the lighting power supply is affixed to the peripheral frame; and, the lighting assembly is characterized by a length greater than sixty-five times its average cross- sectional area. And, in some embodiments, panel materials include a supple fabric.

[006] In some embodiments, the nonlinear edge is a curvilinear edge. In some embodiments, the lighting assembly extends around an edge of the sign to illuminate opposing sides of the sign.

[007] And, in some embodiments, light emitting diodes provide the illumination. In some embodiments, the lighting assembly follows a curvilinear path near the sleeve on a first side of the sign and the curvilinear lighted path is operable to attract attention to the sign. In some

embodiments, the lighting assembly extends to substantially encircle a portion of the message bearing region on the first side of the sign and the lighted portion is operable to attract attention to the sign. In some

embodiments, a second lighting assembly extends to substantially encircle a portion of the message bearing region on the first side of the sign and the lighted portion is operable to attract attention to the sign. In some

embodiments, the lighting assembly illuminates a portion of the first side of the sign, the lighting assembly extends around an edge of the sign, and the lighting assembly illuminates a portion of the second side of the sign. And, in some embodiments, the lighting assembly illuminates a portion of the first side of the sign, the lighting assembly passes through a hole in the sign, and the lighting assembly illuminates a portion of the second side of the sign.

[008] In some embodiments, electroluminescent wire provides the illumination. In some embodiments, the lighting assembly follows a curvilinear path near the sleeve on a first side of the sign and the curvilinear lighted path is operable to attract attention to the sign. In some

embodiments, the lighting assembly illuminates a portion of the first side of the sign, the lighting assembly extends around an edge of the sign, and the lighting assembly illuminates a portion of the second side of the sign. In some embodiments, the lighting assembly illuminates a portion of the first side of the sign, the lighting assembly passes through a hole in the sign, and the lighting assembly illuminates a portion of a second side of the sign. And, in some embodiments, one or more lighting assemblies trace the outline of a design, one or more alphanumeric characters, and/or text message. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying figures. These figures, incorporated herein and forming part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain its principles enabling a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the invention.

[010] Figure 1 shows a portable lighted sign in accordance with the present invention.

[011] Figure 2 A shows an embodiment of the sign of Figure 1 including a bowed frame.

[012] Figure 2B shows an embodiment of the sign of Figure 1 with a perimeter lighting system.

[013] Figure 3 shows a first detail of the sign of Figure 2.

[014] Figure 4 shows a second detail of the sign of Figure 2.

[015] Figure 5 A shows an embodiment of the sign of Figure 1 including a light accented message.

[016] Figure 5B shows an embodiment of the sign of Figure 1 including a power supply pocket.

[017] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the sign of Figure 1 including multiple lighting assemblies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [018] The disclosure provided in the following pages describes examples of some embodiments of the invention. The designs, figures, and description are non-limiting examples of the embodiments they disclose. For example, other embodiments of the disclosed device and/or method may or may not include the features described herein. Moreover, disclosed advantages and benefits may apply to only certain embodiments of the invention and should not be used to limit the disclosed invention.

[019] As used herein, the term "coupled" includes direct and indirect connections. Moreover, where first and second devices are coupled, interposed devices including active devices may be located there between.

[020] Figure 1 shows a portable lighted sign in accordance with the present invention 100. A flexible panel 102 presents an advertising message 103. As shown, the panel may have a regular or an irregular shape. Also included is a lighting package 106 that includes an electric power conducting means such as an electric power cord 108 interconnecting a battery operated power supply 104 with a flexible, elongated lighting assembly 110. In an embodiment, the lighting assembly is characterized by a length greater than sixty-five times its average diameter. For example, in an embodiment, an assembled sign that is 6-12 feet tall and 1.5-4 feet wide includes an elongated lighting assembly that provides light around more than half of the

circumference of the sign.

[021] In various embodiments, the lighting assembly 110 is affixed to the panel 102 (as shown) or affixed near the panel. In various embodiments, the flexible panel is a banner and in various embodiments, the flexible panel is stretched by a frame (not shown). In some embodiments, the lighting assembly is affixed to the very edge of the panel or to the very edge of a sleeve bordering at least a portion of the panel (See Figures 2A and 2B). In various embodiments, fixation to the very edge of a panel or a sleeve provides unobstructed viewing of the lighting assembly from opposed sides of the panel. Means of affixation include any of sewing, gluing, bradding, riveting, and other suitable methods of affixation known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. And, in some embodiments, one or more lighting assemblies trace the outline of a design, one or more alphanumeric characters, and/or text message.

[022] The panel 102 is, in various embodiments, in the form of one or more of fabric, sheet stock, foil, and other suitable forms for bearing graphics and/or text. And, in various embodiments, the panel is made from one or more of a) natural materials such as vegetable fibers, animal fibers, cotton, flax, wool, linen and the like, b) synthetic materials such as plastic, nylon, rayon, polyester, acetate, acrylic, carbon fiber, spandex, and the like, c) metal foils such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and the like, and d) other forms and materials that persons of ordinary skill in the art would recognize as suited to the present application.

[023] In an embodiment, the panel is in the form of a fabric made from materials including elastic material such as spandex (elastane). And, in some embodiments the fabric is a wind spilling fabric such as a fabric with pores occupying about 15 to 75% of the fabric's surface area.

[024] As shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, the lighting assembly 110 is affixed to the panel 102 near a side edge 112 of the panel while the power cord crosses the panel at a lower edge 114 of the panel. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the lighting assembly or a second lighting assembly is affixed adjacent to or within a central portion 113 of the panel. In various embodiments, at least a portion of a lighting assembly lies near a perimeter of the panel and/or test or graphics or otherwise accents panel text or graphics. [025] Where opposing sides of the sign are to be lighted, multiple lighting assemblies are used in some embodiments, a single lighting assembly extending around an edge of the sign is used in some embodiments, and a single lighting assembly passing through a hole in the sign is used in some embodiments.

[026] The power supply cord 108 is coupled to the lighting assembly and provides it with electric power from the battery operated power supply 104. In various embodiments, more than one lighting assembly 106 and/or more than one lighting package is used to illuminate a single panel and/or the text or graphics of a single panel. Lighting packages include, in various embodiments, incandescent lights, light emitting diodes, and

electroluminescent lights.

[027] In various embodiments, the lighting assembly 106 includes a series of interconnected light emitting diodes (LED) in the form of a LED rope and a battery operated power supply 104. The LED's are typically encased in a flexible plastic tube such as a clear or colored polyvinylchloride tube.

Interconnected LED bulbs are spaced within the tube to achieve the desired level of illumination and/or to approach as nearly as desired a continuous light trace. In an embodiment, the lighting assembly includes a 3/8 inch clear PVC tube with internal LED's spaced one to four inches apart for powering by a battery operated power supply. See for example Super Bright LED company's 50 LED Rope Light 23 FT

(http://www.ledssuperbright.com/50-led-rope-light-23ft-p-225).

[028] In various embodiments, the lighting assembly 106 includes electroluminescent wire that glows continuously along the wire's length when excited by a battery operated power supply 104. In an embodiment, the lighting assembly includes 5.0 mm electroluminescent wire powered by an inverter/high frequency battery operated power supply. See for example CoolLight company's 5.0mm High Bright LyTec Wire and CoolLight company's IFW2394 2k 3v power supply (http://www.coolight.com/category- s/l.htm).

[029] Figure 2A shows an embodiment of the present invention including a bowed frame 200A. The bowed frame sign includes a central flexible panel 202 that is mounted on a bowed frame 221.

[030] The frame 221 is, in various embodiments, in the form of a rod or tube such as a resilient rod or tube made of one or more sections such as telescoping sections. And, in various embodiments, the frame is made from one or more of carbon fiber, fiberglass, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, and other forms and materials that persons of ordinary skill in the art would recognize as suited to the present application.

[031] During assembly, the bowed frame is inserted through a peripheral sleeve 226 fastened to a portion of the panel's perimeter 205 (for clarity, the panel perimeter is marked 205 where it will not be confused with the frame 221). As shown, the sleeve extends along the length of the bowed frame 221 from a lower sleeve end 222 near a lower end of the bowed frame 201 to an upper sleeve end 224 near the end an upper end of the bowed frame 203. In the embodiment shown, the panel perimeter between the upper sleeve end and a lower panel-sleeve junction 207 is free of the sleeve. Note where portions of the bowed frame are covered by the sleeve, the bowed frame hidden lines have been omitted for clarity. In some embodiments, the sleeve is formed by folding over an edge of the panel 202 and in other embodiments the sleeve is formed from a separate piece(s) of material.

[032] The sleeve is, in various embodiments, in the form of one or more of fabric, straps, cords, foil, tubing, hooks, and other suitable forms for transferring loads to the frame 221. And, in various embodiments, the sleeve is made from of one or more of a) natural materials such as vegetable fibers, animal fibers, cotton, flax, wool, linen and the like, b) synthetic materials such as plastic nylon, rayon, polyester, spandex, acetate, acrylic, carbon fiber, and the like, c) metals such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and the like, and d) other forms and materials persons of ordinary skill in the art would recognize as suited to the present application. In an embodiment, the sleeve is made from one or more synthetic fabrics.

[033] In an embodiment, the sleeve is in the form of a fabric made from materials including elastic material such as spandex (elastane). And, in some embodiments, the fabric is a wind spilling fabric such as a fabric with pores occupying about 15 to 75% of the fabric's surface area.

[034] In various embodiments, a lighting assembly 210 is affixed to the sleeve 226 (as shown), near the sleeve, or on or near the panel. In some embodiments, the lighting assembly is affixed to the very edge of the sleeve bordering at least a portion of the panel; see for example the detail 200B of Figure 2B. In some embodiments, fixation to the very edge of a panel or a sleeve provides unobstructed viewing of the lighting assembly from opposed sides of the panel. And, in some embodiments, one or more lighting

assemblies trace the outline of a design, one or more alphanumeric

characters, and/or text message.

[035] In various embodiments, a banner 242 includes a flexible panel 202 and a peripheral sleeve 226. And, in some embodiments, the flexible panel is stretched by the frame 221.

[036] In various embodiments, the frame is 221 initially straight or bowed to a lesser extent than when installed in the sleeve 226. When installed in the sleeve, such a frame resists conforming to the sleeve and as a result stretches the panel 202 providing a substantially flat panel surface for displaying an advertising message 203.

[037] In an embodiment, the uninstalled frame 221 includes a substantially straight, telescoping metallic rod and the panel 202 and sleeve 226 are substantially made from woven synthetic fabrics. When the frame is inserted in the sleeve, it is deformed and tends to stretch the panel creating a substantially flat panel surface 232 that behaves resiliently when deformed by forces such as the wind. For example, a panel made from a supple fabric will fold and wrinkle under action of the wind.

[038] Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of a lower portion of the bowed frame sign and its mount 300. In some embodiments, an upstanding peg 302 hammered into the earth or affixed to a support means 305 provides a mount for the sign frame 221 which includes a hollow lower end 201 for insertion over the peg (as shown).

[039] The enlarged view also shows a lighting package 206 including a power supply 304 a lighting assembly 210 and an electrical interconnection such as a cord 308. In some embodiments, a plug 404 at an end of the cord provides for interconnecting the cord and the power supply (see Figure 4). As explained above, the lighting package may use any of incandescent, LED, and electroluminescent lighting.

[040] Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the frame inserted in the lower sleeve end 400. As shown, a sleeve is formed by folding a material such as a fabric around the perimeter of the panel 205 (see Figure 2A). Any one or more of stitches, glue, brads, rivets, and other suitable means of fixation 402 can be used to hold the panel between the folded edges of the sleeve 410, 412.

[041] In various embodiments, one or multiple lighting assemblies 210 are fixed near an edge 410, 412 of the sleeve. Examples include a single lighting assembly fixed to the sleeve on one side of the sleeve 422, a single lighting assembly fixed to the sleeve on two sides of the sleeve 422, 423, and two lighting assemblies, one fixed to one side of the sleeve 422 and another fixed to another side of the sleeve 423. Yet other embodiments locate one or more lighting assemblies 210 away from the sleeve 226, for example, near the message area 203. These embodiments provide for illuminating one or both sides of the sign 200A using light emanating from a location on or near the sleeve 226.

[042] Figure 5A shows a bowed frame embodiment of the present invention including a light accented message 500A. The bowed frame sign includes a central flexible panel 202 that is mounted on a bowed frame 221.

[043] A lighting package 506 includes a power supply 504 a lighting assembly 510 and an electrical interconnection such as a cord 508. As explained above, the lighting package may use any of incandescent, LED, and electroluminescent lighting.

[044] The sign panel 202 includes areas for two advertising messages 513, 515. The first advertising area 513 presents a message that is substantially encircled by the lighting assembly. As can be seen, the lighting assembly is continuous, beginning near the lower end of the sleeve 222 and running along or alongside the sleeve 226 until it is adjacent to the first advertising area; here, the lighting assembly leaves the sleeve and extends in a circular fashion around the first advertising area 511. On completing the circle, the lighting assembly rejoins the sleeve and continues on or near the sleeve to a sleeve upper end 224.

[045] In an embodiment, a second advertising area 515 lies below the first advertising area (as shown). This second advertising area is illuminated by the portion of the lighting assembly 510 running along the sleeve 226 and to a lesser extent by the lighting assembly encircling the first advertising message. In another embodiment, the lighting assembly encircles only the first advertising area.

[046] In various embodiments, one or multiple lighting assemblies 510 light the sign 500A. In an embodiment, a single lighting assembly is used to light both sides of the sign 532, 534; here, the lighting assembly extends from one side to the other by, for example, extending over an edge of the sign 205 or through a hole in the sign 541. In another embodiment, two lighting assemblies are used, each one lighting respective sides of the sign; here, some embodiments use a single power supply 504 while other embodiments use a power supply for each lighting assembly.

[047] Figure 5B shows an embodiment having a power supply pocket 500B. Unlike Figure 5A showing a power supply mounted alongside the frame 226, the embodiment of Figure 5B shows a pocket 560 on the panel 202 in which the power supply 504 is inserted. In some embodiments, a mouth of the pocket 562 provides access to the pocket. As shown, the pocket is near the base of the panel; in other embodiments, the pocket is adjacent to a lighted portion of the panel such as the upper lighted message area 513.

[048] Figure 6 shows a bowed frame embodiment of the present invention including multiple lighting assemblies 600. The bowed frame sign includes a central flexible panel 202 that is mounted on a bowed frame 221 (see Figure 2 A).

[049] A perimeter lighting package 606 includes a power supply 604, a lighting assembly 610, and an electrical interconnection such as a cord 608. As explained above, the perimeter lighting package may use any of

incandescent, LED, and electroluminescent lighting. [050] A feature lighting package 616 includes a power supply 614, a lighting assembly 620, and an electrical interconnection such as cord 618. As shown, the cord 618 crosses over 655 a lighting assembly 610. And, as explained above, the feature lighting package may use any of incandescent, LED, and electroluminescent lighting.

[051] The sign panel 202 includes areas for two advertising messages 613, 615. The first advertising area 613 presents a message that is substantially encircled by the lighting assembly 620 of the feature lighting package 616. As can be seen, the lighting assembly forms a substantially enclosed circle around the first advertising message 613 on the first side of the panel 532. The interconnecting cord 618 extends from the power supply 614 along the sleeve 226, and turns toward the first advertising message 615 to connect with the lighting assembly. As shown, the lighting assembly ends near its origin 619. In other embodiments, the lighting assembly extends around an edge of the panel or through a hole in the panel 641 to light an advertising message on the opposite side of the panel 534.

[052] In an embodiment, a second advertising area 615 lies below the first advertising area (as shown). This second advertising area is illuminated by the peripheral lighting assembly 610 running along the sleeve and to a lesser extent by the separate feature lighting assembly encircling the first advertising message 620.

[053] In various embodiments, multiple lighting packages 606, 616 and their associated lighting assemblies 610, 620 illuminate the sign 600. In some embodiments, each power supply 604, 614 supplies power to multiple lighting assemblies and one or both of the lighting assemblies 610, 620 comprises multiple lighting assemblies. In some embodiments, a power supply interconnects with a first and second lighting assembly, a first lighting assembly lighting one side of the panel 532 and a second assembly lighting a second side of the panel 534 (not shown). In various embodiments, the lighting assemblies provide feature lighting and/or peripheral lighting. And, in some embodiments, one or more lighting assemblies trace the outline of a design, one or more alphanumeric characters, and/or text message.

[054] In operation, the invention provides a lighted portable sign 100, 200A, 500A, 600 with a flexible panel lighted by a flexible lighting assembly. In various embodiments a frame 221 is bowed by insertion in a sleeve 226 attached to a panel such that the panel is stretched by forces resisting bowing of the frame.

[055] In various embodiments any of text, a graphic, a logo, a design, and similar means for conveying a message are presented on a substantially planar surface 202 with one or more of perimeter, interior, feature and similar lighting assemblies provided to draw attention to the sign and/or an advertising message.

[056] In some embodiments, one or more lighting assemblies 210, 510, 610, 620 provides steady lighting. And, in some embodiments, one or more lighting assemblies provide unsteady lighting such as blinking light. There are also embodiments where the lighting assemblies provide a strobe-like effect. These lighting effects are, in various embodiments, provided by power supplies incorporating steady lighting circuits, blinking light circuits, and strobe light circuits that are in various embodiments user selectable via, for example, a power supply multi-position switch.

[057] In an embodiment, a bowed frame sign with a synthetic fabric panel utilizes a first lighting assembly to light a first advertising message and a second lighting assembly to light a second advertising message. In various embodiments, one of the first and the second lighting assemblies provides unsteady lighting while the other provides steady lighting. [058] Applicant notes the invention descriptions herein include descriptions made in connection with signs of irregular shape and in connection with signs with bowed frames with a teardrop shape. These descriptions are offered as illustrations of applications of the invention. Notably, applicant's invention is not limited to use in connection with either irregular shaped signs or teardrop shaped signs. Rather, applicant's invention is applicable to sign shapes that accommodate an elongated, flexible light source carried by a flexible panel. For example, standard geometric shapes presenting one or more message bearing surfaces in two or three dimensions provide a wide variety of applications for applicant's invention.

[059] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by the above- described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A portable lighted sign comprising: a flexible banner including a panel; the panel stretched by action of a resilient frame near a periphery of the banner; the stretched panel tending to form a planar message bearing region; an elongated, flexible lighting assembly; the lighting assembly coupled to the banner and operable to flex and wrinkle with the banner; a battery operated power supply selectively providing electric power to the flexible lighting assembly; and, the lighting assembly operable to light at least a portion of the banner.

2. The portable lighted sign of claim 1 further comprising: a banner sleeve located along a nonlinear edge of the panel; at least a portion of the resilient frame inserted in the sleeve; the resilient frame deformed along a majority of its length when inserted in the sleeve; the lighting power supply affixed to the peripheral frame; and, the lighting assembly characterized by a length greater than sixty-five times its average diameter.

3. The portable lighted sign of claim 2 wherein panel materials include a supple fabric.

4. The portable lighted sign of claim 3 wherein the nonlinear edge is a curvilinear edge.

5. The portable lighted sign of claim 3 wherein the lighting assembly extends over an edge of the sign to illuminate opposing sides of the sign.

6. The portable lighted sign of claim 3 wherein light emitting diodes provide the illumination.

7. The portable lighted sign of claim 6 wherein the lighting assembly extends to substantially encircle a portion of the message bearing region on the first side of the sign, the lighted portion operable to attract attention to the sign.

8. The portable lighted sign of claim 6 wherein the lighting assembly illuminates a portion of the first side of the sign, the lighting assembly extends over an edge of the sign, and the lighting assembly illuminates a portion of the second side of the sign.

9. The portable lighted sign of claim 6 wherein the lighting assembly illuminates a portion of the first side of the sign, the lighting assembly passes through a hole in the sign, and the lighting assembly illuminates a portion of the second side of the sign.

10. The portable lighted sign of claim 6 wherein the lighting assembly follows a curvilinear path near the sleeve on a first side of the sign, the curvilinear lighted path operable to attract attention to the sign.

11. The portable lighted sign of claim 10 further including a second lighting assembly that extends to substantially encircle a portion of the message bearing region on the first side of the sign, the lighted portion operable to attract attention to the sign.

12. The portable lighted sign of claim 3 wherein electroluminescent wire provides the illumination.

13. The portable lighted sign of claim 12 wherein the lighting assembly extends to substantially encircle a portion of the message bearing region on the first side of the sign, the lighted portion operable to attract attention to the sign.

14. The portable lighted sign of claim 12 wherein the lighting assembly illuminates a portion of the first side of the sign, the lighting assembly extends around an edge of the sign, and the lighting assembly illuminates a portion of the second side of the sign.

15. The portable lighted sign of claim 12 wherein the lighting assembly illuminates a portion of the first side of the sign, the lighting assembly passes through a hole in the sign, and the lighting assembly illuminates a portion of a second side of the sign.

16. The portable lighted sign of claim 12 wherein the lighting assembly follows a curvilinear path near the sleeve on a first side of the sign, the curvilinear lighted path operable to attract attention to the sign.

17. The portable lighted sign of claim 16 further including a second lighting assembly that extends to substantially encircle a portion of the message bearing region on the first side of the sign, the lighted portion operable to attract attention to the sign.

18. A portable lighted sign comprising: a flexible banner including a supple fabric panel; the panel extending to form a planar message bearing region; an elongated, flexible lighting assembly; the lighting assembly coupled to the banner and operable to flex and wrinkle with the banner; a battery operated power supply selectively providing electric power to the flexible lighting assembly; and, the lighting assembly operable to light at least a portion of the banner.

The portable lighted sign of claim 18 further comprising: a banner sleeve located along a nonlinear edge of the panel; at least a portion of a resilient frame inserted in the sleeve; the resilient frame deformed along a majority of its length when inserted in the sleeve;

the power supply within a pocket supported by the panel; and, the lighting assembly characterized by a length greater than sixty-five times its average diameter.

20. The portable lighted sign of claim 19 wherein the nonlinear edge is a curvilinear edge.