CA2105890A1 - Apparatus for supporting signs - Google Patents
Apparatus for supporting signsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2105890A1 CA2105890A1 CA 2105890 CA2105890A CA2105890A1 CA 2105890 A1 CA2105890 A1 CA 2105890A1 CA 2105890 CA2105890 CA 2105890 CA 2105890 A CA2105890 A CA 2105890A CA 2105890 A1 CA2105890 A1 CA 2105890A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ceiling
- bar
- sign
- engaging member
- slot
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
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
- G09F7/18—Means for attaching signs, plates, panels, or boards to a supporting structure
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
- E04B9/006—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation with means for hanging lighting fixtures or other appliances to the framework of the ceiling
-
- 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
- G09F7/18—Means for attaching signs, plates, panels, or boards to a supporting structure
- G09F2007/1856—Means for attaching signs, plates, panels, or boards to a supporting structure characterised by the supporting structure
- G09F2007/186—Means for attaching signs, plates, panels, or boards to a supporting structure characterised by the supporting structure suspended, e.g. secured to the ceiling
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Conveying And Assembling Of Building Elements In Situ (AREA)
- Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
Abstract
SIGN SUPPORT FOR ENGAGING A SUSPENDED CEILING
ABSTRACT
An apparatus for hanging a sign from a suspended ceiling of the type including T-runners and intervening ceiling panels comprises a ceiling engaging member defined by an extruded bar having a pair of tabs attached to each end so as to extend outwardly in the horizontal top plane of the bar. The bar includes a vertically extending slot for receiving the blade of a handle by which the bar can be lifted and twisted to engage the tabs on top of the T-runners of the ceiling. A central raised button allows the bar to be rotated against the ceiling panel. A second extruded bar is attached to the first by a central coupling head which allows the second bar to rotate.
The sign is attached to the second bar and suspended therefrom, the vertical plane of the sign being movable between different orientations by rotation of the second bar.
ABSTRACT
An apparatus for hanging a sign from a suspended ceiling of the type including T-runners and intervening ceiling panels comprises a ceiling engaging member defined by an extruded bar having a pair of tabs attached to each end so as to extend outwardly in the horizontal top plane of the bar. The bar includes a vertically extending slot for receiving the blade of a handle by which the bar can be lifted and twisted to engage the tabs on top of the T-runners of the ceiling. A central raised button allows the bar to be rotated against the ceiling panel. A second extruded bar is attached to the first by a central coupling head which allows the second bar to rotate.
The sign is attached to the second bar and suspended therefrom, the vertical plane of the sign being movable between different orientations by rotation of the second bar.
Description
210a89 0 SIGN SUPPORT FOR ENGAGING A SUSPENDED CEILING
BACJ~Q~OUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus for hangin~ a sign from a ceiliny.
In stores and similar situations where display signs are required, it is often desirable to suspend a si~n from the ceiling so that it can depend~downwardly toward the passersby in a particular area of the building within which the sign is located. Many buildin~s are clad with a suspended ceilin~ in the form of a plurality of parallel lon~itudinal support bars each of which defines a horizontal flan~e alon~ each side onto which an ed~e of an acoustic ceiling panel is placed with the panel spannin~ the space between one bar and the next adjacent bar.
It is highly desirable, therefore, to be able to provide an arran~ement which attaches to the suspended ceilin~ and can support a suspended si~n or banner at any required location across the ceiling.
One example of an arran~ement of this type is shown in U. S. Patent 4,564,165 [Grant] and this comprises a clip member which en~a~es over the conventional T-runner of the ceilin~ at the flan~e of the T. The clip then receives a si~n en~a~in~ and supportin0 member which snaps around the clip. This arran~ement is disadvantaQeous in that it is limited to a particular orientation that is ion~itudinally of the T-runners and in addition the attachment of the 21~a8~0 elements to the ceiling is relativel~/ difficult and r~quires generally a person to climb up to a position at the ceiling. This is undeslrable both from the point of view of the necessity for stepladders and the like and from the point of view of the danger of climbing.
Another example is shown in U. S. Patent 3,883,972 [Propst] which discloses a similar form of clip with a channel at one end for enyaginy onto a support. However again the clip is of a type which requires the installer to climb to the hei~ht of the support and again there is little ability for adjustment.
U. S. Patent 3,604,672 [Askesjo] discloses a teachin~
aid which is suspended from the ceilina. This comprises a ~rame arrangement which is firstly attached to the ceiling and on this is carried a bracket which supports a roll map, screen or the like. This arrangement is not intended for nor suitable for attachment to the T-bars of a suspended ceilin~.
U. S. Patent 3,181,274 [Izenour] discloses a special form of ceiling arrangement defining tracks which can receive a horizontal head of a vertical support stud attached to a sign. This system requires a special form of suspended ceiling and ~hus is unsuitable for already existin~ conventional types of ceilin~s.
Other patents that have been identifled in this field are U.S. Patents 4,412,478 [Osher], 4,229,913 [Corrigan], 4,646,997 lFadley], 2,650,056 lMasoner] and 2,074,660 [Masoner;. None of 2105~90 these is relevant to the support of a si~n on a conventional suspended ceilin~ arran~ement.
It is one object of the present invention, therefore, to provide an improved support apparatus for han~in~ a si~n from a suspended ceiling in which the sign and the apparatus can be attached to the ceiling from ~round level without the necessity for climbing.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus of this type which is readily attached to a suspended ceilin~ without difficulty and without dama~in~ the ceiling itself.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus of this ~eneral type in which the orientation of the si~n can be adjusted re~ardless of the orientation of the ceilin~
structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordin~ to a first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for han0in~ a si~n from a ceiling comprisin~ a ceilin~ en~a~in~ member for en~a~in~ a ceilin~ so as to be supported thereby, si~n support means arran~ed for receiving and supportin~ a han~in~ si~n dependin~ therefrom, means interconnectin~ the ceilin~
en~agin~ member and the siQn support means, and a handle member for effectin~ attachment of the ceilin~ en~a~in~ member to the ceilina, the handle member comprisin~ an elon~ate manually maneuverable handle and an operatin~ member on an end of the 21135~9~
handle, the operating member and ceilin~ en~a~in~ member bein~
cooperatively shaped so as to provide support of the ceilin~ enga0in~
member on the handle member, so as to communicate upward force from the handle member to the ceilin~ engagin~ member and so as to communicate rotation of the handle member about a lon~itudinal axis of the handle member to the ceilin~ enga~ing member.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for han~in~ a si0n from a ceilin~ comprisin~ a ceilin~ en~a~ing member for enga~in~ a ceilin~ so as to be supported thereby, si~n support means arran~ed for receivin~ and supportin~ a han~in~ si~n dependin~ therefrom, and means interconnectin~ the ceilin~ en~a~in~ member and the si~n support maans, wherein the ceilin~ en~a~in~ member comprises an elon~ate bar and a pair of tab members each extendin~ lon~itudinally outwardly from a respective end of tha bar substantially at a horizontal upper surface of the bar.
Accordin~ to a third aspect of the invention thers is provided apparatus for hangin~ a si~n from a ceilin~ comprisin~ a ceilin~ enga~in~ member for releasably en~agin~ a T-bar support of a suspended ceilin~ so as to be supported thereby, si~n support means arranged for receivin~ and supporting a hanging si~n dependin~
therefrom, and means interconnecting the ceilin~ en~a~in~ member and the si~n support means, wherein said interconnsctin0 means is arran~ed to connect the ceiling en~a~in~ member to the si~n support means at a midpoint therealon~ for rotational movement of the si~n - - \
: ~
210a~
support means relative to the ceilin~ en~a~in0 member about a vertical axis extending therethrou~h.
One embodirnent of the inven~ion will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawin~s in which:
BR~EF DESCRIPTI~N OF THE C)RAWINGS
Fi~ure 1 is an isometric exploded view of one embodiment of apparatus for han0in~ siyns.
Fi~ure 2 is a vertical lon~itudinal cross-sectional view throu3h the apparatus of Figure 1.
Fi~ure 3 is a cross-sectional view alon~ the lines 3-3 of Fi~ure 2 on an enlaryed scale.
Fi~ure 4 is an exploded view of the apparatus of Fi~ure 1 incorporatin~ an extension system for suspendin~ the si~n at a lower position.
In the drawin~s like characters of reference indicate correspondin~ parts in the different fi~ures.
DETAII.EI:) DESCRIPTION
The apparatus for suspending a hangin~ si~n is ~enerally indicated at 10 for supportin~ a si~n 11 from a ceilin0 12. The ceilin~
is of the type comprisin~ a plurality of spaced parallel support bars 13 between which are suspended horizontal ceilin~ panels 14. Each of the support bars 13 is of inverted T-shape often known as a T-runner thus definin~ horizontal flan~es 15 and 16 on which the panels 14 sit.
` `~
BACJ~Q~OUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus for hangin~ a sign from a ceiliny.
In stores and similar situations where display signs are required, it is often desirable to suspend a si~n from the ceiling so that it can depend~downwardly toward the passersby in a particular area of the building within which the sign is located. Many buildin~s are clad with a suspended ceilin~ in the form of a plurality of parallel lon~itudinal support bars each of which defines a horizontal flan~e alon~ each side onto which an ed~e of an acoustic ceiling panel is placed with the panel spannin~ the space between one bar and the next adjacent bar.
It is highly desirable, therefore, to be able to provide an arran~ement which attaches to the suspended ceilin~ and can support a suspended si~n or banner at any required location across the ceiling.
One example of an arran~ement of this type is shown in U. S. Patent 4,564,165 [Grant] and this comprises a clip member which en~a~es over the conventional T-runner of the ceilin~ at the flan~e of the T. The clip then receives a si~n en~a~in~ and supportin0 member which snaps around the clip. This arran~ement is disadvantaQeous in that it is limited to a particular orientation that is ion~itudinally of the T-runners and in addition the attachment of the 21~a8~0 elements to the ceiling is relativel~/ difficult and r~quires generally a person to climb up to a position at the ceiling. This is undeslrable both from the point of view of the necessity for stepladders and the like and from the point of view of the danger of climbing.
Another example is shown in U. S. Patent 3,883,972 [Propst] which discloses a similar form of clip with a channel at one end for enyaginy onto a support. However again the clip is of a type which requires the installer to climb to the hei~ht of the support and again there is little ability for adjustment.
U. S. Patent 3,604,672 [Askesjo] discloses a teachin~
aid which is suspended from the ceilina. This comprises a ~rame arrangement which is firstly attached to the ceiling and on this is carried a bracket which supports a roll map, screen or the like. This arrangement is not intended for nor suitable for attachment to the T-bars of a suspended ceilin~.
U. S. Patent 3,181,274 [Izenour] discloses a special form of ceiling arrangement defining tracks which can receive a horizontal head of a vertical support stud attached to a sign. This system requires a special form of suspended ceiling and ~hus is unsuitable for already existin~ conventional types of ceilin~s.
Other patents that have been identifled in this field are U.S. Patents 4,412,478 [Osher], 4,229,913 [Corrigan], 4,646,997 lFadley], 2,650,056 lMasoner] and 2,074,660 [Masoner;. None of 2105~90 these is relevant to the support of a si~n on a conventional suspended ceilin~ arran~ement.
It is one object of the present invention, therefore, to provide an improved support apparatus for han~in~ a si~n from a suspended ceiling in which the sign and the apparatus can be attached to the ceiling from ~round level without the necessity for climbing.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus of this type which is readily attached to a suspended ceilin~ without difficulty and without dama~in~ the ceiling itself.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus of this ~eneral type in which the orientation of the si~n can be adjusted re~ardless of the orientation of the ceilin~
structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordin~ to a first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for han0in~ a si~n from a ceiling comprisin~ a ceilin~ en~a~in~ member for en~a~in~ a ceilin~ so as to be supported thereby, si~n support means arran~ed for receiving and supportin~ a han~in~ si~n dependin~ therefrom, means interconnectin~ the ceilin~
en~agin~ member and the siQn support means, and a handle member for effectin~ attachment of the ceilin~ en~a~in~ member to the ceilina, the handle member comprisin~ an elon~ate manually maneuverable handle and an operatin~ member on an end of the 21135~9~
handle, the operating member and ceilin~ en~a~in~ member bein~
cooperatively shaped so as to provide support of the ceilin~ enga0in~
member on the handle member, so as to communicate upward force from the handle member to the ceilin~ engagin~ member and so as to communicate rotation of the handle member about a lon~itudinal axis of the handle member to the ceilin~ enga~ing member.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for han~in~ a si0n from a ceilin~ comprisin~ a ceilin~ en~a~ing member for enga~in~ a ceilin~ so as to be supported thereby, si~n support means arran~ed for receivin~ and supportin~ a han~in~ si~n dependin~ therefrom, and means interconnectin~ the ceilin~ en~a~in~ member and the si~n support maans, wherein the ceilin~ en~a~in~ member comprises an elon~ate bar and a pair of tab members each extendin~ lon~itudinally outwardly from a respective end of tha bar substantially at a horizontal upper surface of the bar.
Accordin~ to a third aspect of the invention thers is provided apparatus for hangin~ a si~n from a ceilin~ comprisin~ a ceilin~ enga~in~ member for releasably en~agin~ a T-bar support of a suspended ceilin~ so as to be supported thereby, si~n support means arranged for receivin~ and supporting a hanging si~n dependin~
therefrom, and means interconnecting the ceilin~ en~a~in~ member and the si~n support means, wherein said interconnsctin0 means is arran~ed to connect the ceiling en~a~in~ member to the si~n support means at a midpoint therealon~ for rotational movement of the si~n - - \
: ~
210a~
support means relative to the ceilin~ en~a~in0 member about a vertical axis extending therethrou~h.
One embodirnent of the inven~ion will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawin~s in which:
BR~EF DESCRIPTI~N OF THE C)RAWINGS
Fi~ure 1 is an isometric exploded view of one embodiment of apparatus for han0in~ siyns.
Fi~ure 2 is a vertical lon~itudinal cross-sectional view throu3h the apparatus of Figure 1.
Fi~ure 3 is a cross-sectional view alon~ the lines 3-3 of Fi~ure 2 on an enlaryed scale.
Fi~ure 4 is an exploded view of the apparatus of Fi~ure 1 incorporatin~ an extension system for suspendin~ the si~n at a lower position.
In the drawin~s like characters of reference indicate correspondin~ parts in the different fi~ures.
DETAII.EI:) DESCRIPTION
The apparatus for suspending a hangin~ si~n is ~enerally indicated at 10 for supportin~ a si~n 11 from a ceilin0 12. The ceilin~
is of the type comprisin~ a plurality of spaced parallel support bars 13 between which are suspended horizontal ceilin~ panels 14. Each of the support bars 13 is of inverted T-shape often known as a T-runner thus definin~ horizontal flan~es 15 and 16 on which the panels 14 sit.
` `~
2 1 0 3 8 ~ 1~
The apparatus 10 comprises a ceilin0 en~a~in~ member 17 and a si~n supportin~ rnember 18.
The ceilin~ en~a~in0 member 17 comprises an elon~ate bar formed from a portion of an extruded profile, the cross-section of which is best shown in Fi~ure 3. The cross-section thus comprises a first rectan~ular section defined by a first side wall 19, a second parallel side wall 20, a top wall 21 and a bottom wall 22. The bottom wall 22 has a central vertical slot 23. Above the top wall 21 is defined a horizontal slot 24 formed by flanges 25 and 26 parallel to the top wall 21 and spaced upwardly therefrom. The flanges 25 and 26 are separated to define a vertical slot 27 therebetween. On an outer side of the side wall 20 is provided a vertical flan~e 28 which defines between the vertical flan~e and the side wall 20 a vertical slot 29 facin~ downwardly of the profile.
The ceilin~ en~a~in~ member further comprises a central ~-raised button 30 which is arranged centrally of the bar and comprises a disk shaped top portion, a neck 31 extendin~ throu~h the vertical slot 27 and a bottom retainer 32 slideable within the horizontal slot 24. Thus the raised button 30 can be inserted lon~itudinally o~ the ~ r slot 27 and moved alon~ the bar to approximately the center position at which is remains by frictional en~a~ement with ~he bar.
The ceilin~ enga~in0 member ~urther comprises a pair of tab members 34 and 35. Each of these includes an insert 36 and a horizontal tab plate 37. The insert 36 basically comprises a flat plata ~: \
210~8~
which slides into the end of the horizontal slot 24. The Insert further includes a raised rib 38 alon~ the top surface thereof for en~a~in~
into the vertical slot 27 thus maintainin~ the insert in fixed position in the end of the slots 24 and 27 by frictional en~a~ement therewith.
The tab plate 37 is stepped relative to the main plane of the insert so that the tab plate, as best shown in Fi~ure 2, lies in ~he plane of the top surface of the bar defined by the flanges 25 and 26. The width of the tab plate 37 is substantially equal to the width of the bar. The bar is thus ~enerally rectangular in cross-section and the tab plates form simply horizontal elements at the top of the bar.
The apparatus further includes a handle member for movin~ the ceiiing en~a0in~ member into position in en~a~ement with the ceilin~ and for releasin~ the ceilin~ enga~ement member from its en~a~ed position. The handle member comprises an elon~ate handle 41 which can be manually manipulated and maneuvered from a person standing on the floor thus spaced from the ceiling. The handle member further includes a blade portion 42 which is generally transverse to the handle 41 and attached to the handle by a sleeve 43. The blade has a width si~nificantly ~reater than the handle so the rotation of the handle causes the blade to rotate about the lon~itudinal axis of the handle. As shown in Fi~ures 2 and 3, the blade is inserted into the slot 29 so that upward force on the handle 41 pushes the blade upwardly and thus pushes the ceilin~ en~a~in~
member upwardly. Also rotation of the handle about its lon~itudinal axis causes the ceilin~ member to be rotated similarly about the axis.
The ceilin~ member can thus be inserted into the position shown in Fi~ure 2 in which it is engaged with the T-runners by movin~ the bar up to the ceilin~, rotating the bar slightly so that the bar is arranged at an an~le different from 90 degrees to the T-runners and the tabs 37 are arran~ed just inside the T-bars and then by pushinQ the bar upwardly to sli~htly lift the respective ceilin~ panel 14 away from the T-runners. The bar is then rotated to a position at ri~ht an~les to the T-runners so that the tabs 37 en~a~e over the top surfaces of the flan~es of the T-runners to sit in place on those flan~es and to be carried thereby. The central raised button 30 en~a~es the underside of the panel and assists it in allowin~ rotation r of the bar relative to the panel, particularly bearin~ in mind that some of the panels include a rou~hened surface for attractive appearance.
Thus from ~round level usin~ the handle and the blade, the ceilin~ ~
en~agin~ member can be lifted, pushed and sli~htly twisted into the r~ -en~a~ement position shown in Fi~ure 2. It can of course be removed ~-simply by reversin0 the process.
The sign support member 18 comprises a similar bar formed from an extruded profile, the cross-section of which is shown in Fi~ure 3. The cross-section of ~he profile 18 includes a~ain a basic rectangular section defined by a side wall 50, a second parallel side wall 51, a bottom wall 52 with a vertical slot 53, and a top wall 54.
~ .19a8~
Above the top wall 54 is defined a horizontal slot 55 formed by flan~es 56 and 57 similar to the flan~es 25 and 26. Between the flanges 56 and 57 is provided a vertical slot 58.
The bar 17 is attached to the bar 18 by a central couplin~ element 16 includin~ a rectan~ular head 61 slideable along the top surface of the bottom wall 22 and a circular head 62 slideable alon~ the undersurface of the flanges 56 and 57, the heads 61 and 62 bein~ connected by a neck 63 passin~ through the slots 23 and 58. The couplin~ member 60 is en~a~ed as a friction fit with the bar 17 and 18 ~enerally thus holdin~ them in parallel position as shown in the Fi~ures. However it will be appreciated ~hat the bar 18 can be rotated about the axis of the neck 63 simply by pivotal movement of the bar 18 on the neck 63. This allows the si~n support bar 18 to take up a position parallel to bar 17, at ri~ht an~les to the bar 17 or at any position intermediate.
As shown in Fi~ure 3, the width of the bar 18 is equal to the width of bar 19 excludin~ the flan~e 28 so that the blade 42 can pass alon~side the bar 18 into the slot 29.
The sign 11 can be attached directly ~o the bar 18 simply by slidin~ a bead lnot shownl at the top of the si~n into the slot 53.
In an alternative mounting arrangement shown in Figure 1, there is provided pair of T-shaped support elements 70 and 71 each of which includes a vertical plate slideable alon~ the slot 53 and a horizontal crossbar which sits on the top surface of the bottom wall 2~05~90 52. The vertical plate 72 includes a hole 73 for receivin~ an S-hook 74atatopofthesign 11.
As shown in Fi~ure 4, a modified arran~ement of the support elements 70 and 71 is shown in which the vertical support plate 75, 76 is elongated by providin~ additional straps 77 and 78 and bottom coupling elements 79 and 80. This allows the len~th of the vertical bars to be adjusted so as to lower the top ed3e of the si~n 11 to a required hei~ht when the ceilin~ is particularly hi~h. In the arrangement shown in Fi~ure 4, a further portion of the profile of the si~n en~a0ing bar indicated at 18A and 18B is attached to the top and bottom of the si~n 11 by a bead alon~ the top and bottom ed3e of the sign 11. The slot 24 of the bar 1 8A is then used to receive the bottom transverse bars 81 and 82 of the couplin~ elements 79 and 80.
The si~n support system of the present invention can thus be used simply from 0round level to be enga~ed with the ceilin~
and to be removed allowiny the sign to be replaced, cleaned or the like. The orientation of the sign can be adjusted as required independently of the direction of the T-runners of the ceilin~. The apparatus is manufac~ured inexpensively and simply from portions of extruded profile and a number of minor injection molded elements providin~ the tabs, couplin~s and the raised button.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparen~ly widely different .. .. . .. . . .. ..
.--'.,' '~."' 21~a3~
embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departin~ from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying ~pecification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limitin~ sense.
The apparatus 10 comprises a ceilin0 en~a~in~ member 17 and a si~n supportin~ rnember 18.
The ceilin~ en~a~in0 member 17 comprises an elon~ate bar formed from a portion of an extruded profile, the cross-section of which is best shown in Fi~ure 3. The cross-section thus comprises a first rectan~ular section defined by a first side wall 19, a second parallel side wall 20, a top wall 21 and a bottom wall 22. The bottom wall 22 has a central vertical slot 23. Above the top wall 21 is defined a horizontal slot 24 formed by flanges 25 and 26 parallel to the top wall 21 and spaced upwardly therefrom. The flanges 25 and 26 are separated to define a vertical slot 27 therebetween. On an outer side of the side wall 20 is provided a vertical flan~e 28 which defines between the vertical flan~e and the side wall 20 a vertical slot 29 facin~ downwardly of the profile.
The ceilin~ en~a~in~ member further comprises a central ~-raised button 30 which is arranged centrally of the bar and comprises a disk shaped top portion, a neck 31 extendin~ throu~h the vertical slot 27 and a bottom retainer 32 slideable within the horizontal slot 24. Thus the raised button 30 can be inserted lon~itudinally o~ the ~ r slot 27 and moved alon~ the bar to approximately the center position at which is remains by frictional en~a~ement with ~he bar.
The ceilin~ enga~in0 member ~urther comprises a pair of tab members 34 and 35. Each of these includes an insert 36 and a horizontal tab plate 37. The insert 36 basically comprises a flat plata ~: \
210~8~
which slides into the end of the horizontal slot 24. The Insert further includes a raised rib 38 alon~ the top surface thereof for en~a~in~
into the vertical slot 27 thus maintainin~ the insert in fixed position in the end of the slots 24 and 27 by frictional en~a~ement therewith.
The tab plate 37 is stepped relative to the main plane of the insert so that the tab plate, as best shown in Fi~ure 2, lies in ~he plane of the top surface of the bar defined by the flanges 25 and 26. The width of the tab plate 37 is substantially equal to the width of the bar. The bar is thus ~enerally rectangular in cross-section and the tab plates form simply horizontal elements at the top of the bar.
The apparatus further includes a handle member for movin~ the ceiiing en~a0in~ member into position in en~a~ement with the ceilin~ and for releasin~ the ceilin~ enga~ement member from its en~a~ed position. The handle member comprises an elon~ate handle 41 which can be manually manipulated and maneuvered from a person standing on the floor thus spaced from the ceiling. The handle member further includes a blade portion 42 which is generally transverse to the handle 41 and attached to the handle by a sleeve 43. The blade has a width si~nificantly ~reater than the handle so the rotation of the handle causes the blade to rotate about the lon~itudinal axis of the handle. As shown in Fi~ures 2 and 3, the blade is inserted into the slot 29 so that upward force on the handle 41 pushes the blade upwardly and thus pushes the ceilin~ en~a~in~
member upwardly. Also rotation of the handle about its lon~itudinal axis causes the ceilin~ member to be rotated similarly about the axis.
The ceilin~ member can thus be inserted into the position shown in Fi~ure 2 in which it is engaged with the T-runners by movin~ the bar up to the ceilin~, rotating the bar slightly so that the bar is arranged at an an~le different from 90 degrees to the T-runners and the tabs 37 are arran~ed just inside the T-bars and then by pushinQ the bar upwardly to sli~htly lift the respective ceilin~ panel 14 away from the T-runners. The bar is then rotated to a position at ri~ht an~les to the T-runners so that the tabs 37 en~a~e over the top surfaces of the flan~es of the T-runners to sit in place on those flan~es and to be carried thereby. The central raised button 30 en~a~es the underside of the panel and assists it in allowin~ rotation r of the bar relative to the panel, particularly bearin~ in mind that some of the panels include a rou~hened surface for attractive appearance.
Thus from ~round level usin~ the handle and the blade, the ceilin~ ~
en~agin~ member can be lifted, pushed and sli~htly twisted into the r~ -en~a~ement position shown in Fi~ure 2. It can of course be removed ~-simply by reversin0 the process.
The sign support member 18 comprises a similar bar formed from an extruded profile, the cross-section of which is shown in Fi~ure 3. The cross-section of ~he profile 18 includes a~ain a basic rectangular section defined by a side wall 50, a second parallel side wall 51, a bottom wall 52 with a vertical slot 53, and a top wall 54.
~ .19a8~
Above the top wall 54 is defined a horizontal slot 55 formed by flan~es 56 and 57 similar to the flan~es 25 and 26. Between the flanges 56 and 57 is provided a vertical slot 58.
The bar 17 is attached to the bar 18 by a central couplin~ element 16 includin~ a rectan~ular head 61 slideable along the top surface of the bottom wall 22 and a circular head 62 slideable alon~ the undersurface of the flanges 56 and 57, the heads 61 and 62 bein~ connected by a neck 63 passin~ through the slots 23 and 58. The couplin~ member 60 is en~a~ed as a friction fit with the bar 17 and 18 ~enerally thus holdin~ them in parallel position as shown in the Fi~ures. However it will be appreciated ~hat the bar 18 can be rotated about the axis of the neck 63 simply by pivotal movement of the bar 18 on the neck 63. This allows the si~n support bar 18 to take up a position parallel to bar 17, at ri~ht an~les to the bar 17 or at any position intermediate.
As shown in Fi~ure 3, the width of the bar 18 is equal to the width of bar 19 excludin~ the flan~e 28 so that the blade 42 can pass alon~side the bar 18 into the slot 29.
The sign 11 can be attached directly ~o the bar 18 simply by slidin~ a bead lnot shownl at the top of the si~n into the slot 53.
In an alternative mounting arrangement shown in Figure 1, there is provided pair of T-shaped support elements 70 and 71 each of which includes a vertical plate slideable alon~ the slot 53 and a horizontal crossbar which sits on the top surface of the bottom wall 2~05~90 52. The vertical plate 72 includes a hole 73 for receivin~ an S-hook 74atatopofthesign 11.
As shown in Fi~ure 4, a modified arran~ement of the support elements 70 and 71 is shown in which the vertical support plate 75, 76 is elongated by providin~ additional straps 77 and 78 and bottom coupling elements 79 and 80. This allows the len~th of the vertical bars to be adjusted so as to lower the top ed3e of the si~n 11 to a required hei~ht when the ceilin~ is particularly hi~h. In the arrangement shown in Fi~ure 4, a further portion of the profile of the si~n en~a0ing bar indicated at 18A and 18B is attached to the top and bottom of the si~n 11 by a bead alon~ the top and bottom ed3e of the sign 11. The slot 24 of the bar 1 8A is then used to receive the bottom transverse bars 81 and 82 of the couplin~ elements 79 and 80.
The si~n support system of the present invention can thus be used simply from 0round level to be enga~ed with the ceilin~
and to be removed allowiny the sign to be replaced, cleaned or the like. The orientation of the sign can be adjusted as required independently of the direction of the T-runners of the ceilin~. The apparatus is manufac~ured inexpensively and simply from portions of extruded profile and a number of minor injection molded elements providin~ the tabs, couplin~s and the raised button.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparen~ly widely different .. .. . .. . . .. ..
.--'.,' '~."' 21~a3~
embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departin~ from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying ~pecification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limitin~ sense.
Claims (20)
1. Apparatus for hanging a sign from a ceiling comprising a ceiling engaging member for engaging a ceiling so as to be supported thereby, sign support means arranged for receiving and supporting a hanging sign depending therefrom, means interconnecting the ceiling engaging member and the sign support means, and a handle member for effecting attachment of the ceiling engaging member to the ceiling, the handle member comprising an elongate manually maneuverable handle and an operating member on an end of the handle, the operating member and ceiling engaging member being cooperatively shaped so as to provide support of the ceiling engaging member on the handle member, so as to communicate upward force from the handle member to the ceiling engaging member and so as to communicate rotation of the handle member about a longitudinal axis of the handle member to the ceiling engaging member.
2. The apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the operating member comprises a blade extending generally transversely to the longitudinal axis of the handle member and wherein the ceiling engaging member includes means defining a substantially vertical slot therein for receiving the blade.
3. The apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the ceiling engaging member comprises an elongate bar and a pair of tab members each extending longitudinally outwardly from a respective end of the bar substantially at a horizontal upper surface of the bar.
4. The apparatus according to Claim 3 wherein the elongate bar includes a raised member on the upper surface thereof at a position part way therealong.
5. The apparatus according to Claim 3 wherein the bar comprises a portion of an extruded profile and wherein each of the tab members is separate from the portion and includes a horizontal tab plate and an insert engageable as a friction fit into an end of the portion.
6. The apparatus according to Claim 5 wherein the profile includes a horizontal slot substantially at the top surface of the portion and wherein the insert slides into the horizontal slot.
7. The apparatus according to Claim 6 wherein the tab plate is vertically offset from the insert so as to lie in the plane of the top surface of the portion.
8. The apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the operating member comprises a blade extending generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle member and wherein the ceiling engaging member includes means defining a substantially vertical slot therein for receiving the blade, the ceiling engaging member comprising a portion of an extruded profile and wherein said means defining the slot comprises a vertical flange defining one side of the profile.
9. The apparatus according to Claim 8 wherein the profile comprises a main rectangular portion defined by one side wall, a second side wall adjacent the flange, a top wall and a bottom wall, a vertical slot being formed longitudinally of the bottom wall, and means defining a horizontal slot parallel to the top wall.
10. The apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said interconnecting means is arranged to connect the ceiling engaging member to the sign support means at a midpoint therealong for rotational movement of the sign support means relative to the ceiling engaging member about a vertical axis extending therethrough.
11. The apparatus according to Claim 10 wherein the sign support means includes means defining a T-shaped slot along an upper surface thereof and wherein the interconnecting means comprises a head portion for engaging in the T-shaped slot and a base portion for engaging the ceiling support member.
12. The apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the sign support means comprises a portion of an elongate extruded profile the profile defining a substantially rectangular cross-section having a top wall, two side walls and a bottom wall, the bottom wall having a longitudinal slot therealong.
13. The apparatus according to Claim 12 wherein the sign support means includes a sign support tab having a vertical support plate for extending through the slot and a horizontal flange at the top of the support plate such that the horizontal flange slides on an upper surface of the bottom wall.
14. The apparatus according to Claim 13 wherein the vertical support plate of the sign support tab is elongate so as to support the sign at a position spaced vertically downwardly from an underside of the bottom wall.
15. Apparatus for having a sign from a ceiling comprising a ceiling engaging member for engaging a ceiling so as to be supported thereby, sign support means arranged for receiving and supporting a hanging sign depending therefrom, and means interconnecting the ceiling engaging member and the sign support means, wherein the ceiling engaging member comprises an elongate bar and a pair of tab members each extending longitudinally outwardly from a respective end of the bar substantially at a horizontal upper surface of the bar.
16. The apparatus according to Claim 15 wherein the bar comprises a portion of an extruded profile and wherein each of the tab members is separate from the portion and includes a horizontal tab plate and an insert engageable as a friction fit into an end of the portion.
17. The apparatus according to Claim 16 wherein the profile includes a horizontal slot substantially at the top surface of the portion and wherein the insert slides into the horizontal slot.
18. The apparatus according to Claim 17 wherein the tab plate is vertically offset from the insert so as to lie in the plane of the top surface of the portion.
19. The apparatus according to Claim 15 wherein the elongate bar includes a raised member on the upper surface thereof at a position part way therealong.
20. Apparatus for hanging a sign from a ceiling comprising a ceiling engaging member for releasably engaging a T-bar support of a suspended ceiling so as to be supported thereby, sign support means arranged for receiving and supporting a hanging sign depending therefrom, and means interconnecting the ceiling engaging member and the sign support means, wherein said interconnecting means is arranged to connect the ceiling engaging member to the sign support means at a midpoint therealong for rotational movement of the sign support means relative to the ceiling engaging member about a vertical axis extending therethrough.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2105890 CA2105890A1 (en) | 1993-09-10 | 1993-09-10 | Apparatus for supporting signs |
| PCT/CA1994/000483 WO1995007525A1 (en) | 1993-09-10 | 1994-09-09 | Sign support for engaging a suspended ceiling |
| AU75292/94A AU7529294A (en) | 1993-09-10 | 1994-09-09 | Sign support for engaging a suspended ceiling |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2105890 CA2105890A1 (en) | 1993-09-10 | 1993-09-10 | Apparatus for supporting signs |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2105890A1 true CA2105890A1 (en) | 1995-03-11 |
Family
ID=4152291
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2105890 Abandoned CA2105890A1 (en) | 1993-09-10 | 1993-09-10 | Apparatus for supporting signs |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU7529294A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2105890A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1995007525A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2751113B1 (en) * | 1996-07-11 | 1998-10-02 | Chevreuse Sa Atel | PROFILED HEADBAND FOR HANGING MODULAR PANELS AND ACCESSORIES, ESPECIALLY ADVERTISING |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4564165A (en) * | 1983-03-31 | 1986-01-14 | Hallmark Cards, Inc. | Attaching device |
| US5188332A (en) * | 1990-03-28 | 1993-02-23 | Callas Mike T | Sign holder |
-
1993
- 1993-09-10 CA CA 2105890 patent/CA2105890A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
1994
- 1994-09-09 WO PCT/CA1994/000483 patent/WO1995007525A1/en active Application Filing
- 1994-09-09 AU AU75292/94A patent/AU7529294A/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1995007525A1 (en) | 1995-03-16 |
| AU7529294A (en) | 1995-03-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |