GB2241601A

GB2241601A - Sign panel framing.

Info

Publication number: GB2241601A
Application number: GB9104209A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Alfred Till; Phillip John Till; David James Till
Original assignee: EURO UK SIGN DISPLAY SYST
Current assignee: EURO UK SIGN DISPLAY SYST
Priority date: 1990-03-01
Filing date: 1991-02-28
Publication date: 1991-09-04
Anticipated expiration: 2011-02-28
Also published as: GB2241601B; WO1991013426A2; WO1991013426A3; GB9104209D0; AU7446791A; EP0517772A1; IE910672A1

Abstract

A novel extrudable frame construction for use with top-hanging sign panels (11) in which the panel is fitted into the upper frame (12) by inserting an upper edge of the panel, provided with a rib (20), from the front at an angle to the plane of the frame and then moving the panel into the suspended condition in which the rib rests on a flange (14) provided within the upper frame. The use of a rearward rib (20) resting on a rear flange (14) provides significant advantages, as does the use of an upwardly projecting lip (21) of the flange. Box-sign forms of the frame are also described, as are devices and methods for assisting assembly/disassembly of frames, mounting/demounting of panels, restriction of undesired movement of panels within frames, and provision of an attractive front appearance to frames.

Description

SIGN PANEL FRAMING This invention relates to the framing of sign panels.

British Patent No. 1,386,409 describes a sign frame in which the frame members have longitudinal channels to receive the edges of the sign panel (e.g. panels made of acrylic material such as perspex (TM)), and the panel is suspended from within the upper frame member so that the panel edges lie invisible within the frame.

The panel is fitted in the frame from the front by inserting an upper edge of the panel provided with a front rib into the channel of the upper frame member at an angle to the plane of the frame and then moving the panel into the suspended condition in which the rib rests on a flange provided within the channel.

Such frames can be fixed directly to a planar support surface (see Fig. 1 of GB 1,386,409) or can be incorporated in an extrusion for a box sign (see Figs.

2 and 3 of GB 1,386,409).

Such known frames suffer from a number of disadvantages. In particular, as shown in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings (which shows a vertical cross-section through the upper part of a prior art sign frame mounted directly to a planar support surface), the manner by which the panel 1 to be viewed from the right (i.e. the front) is suspended can cause the weight of a heavy panel to pull the upper frame member 2 downwards at the front. This can cause the member to buckle, which damages the frame and in turn can push the upper edge of the panel backwards, causing bending of the panel.

The resultant downwards bending of the flange 3 can also cause the sign panel to slip backwards. Such slipping is compounded by the natural tendency of the prior art sign panel to balance on the rear edge of the flange at a slight angle to the vertical so that the centre of gravity 4 of the panel is directly beneath the point of support 5. Any erosion of the rib material which might tend to round off the lower front corner of the rib 6 will further reduce the security of seating of the panel.

Apart from the unsightly effects of the distortion of the frame and the panel and the cost and trouble of repair or replacement of the damaged parts, there can be danger to members of the public standing underneath the sign, should parts of the frame or the panel break or come away, and in addition there can be danger if the bent panel suddenly springs forwards during cleaning or maintenance cf the sign.

The above effects are found to be exaggerated by strong winds, and there have been reports of panels dislodging from such frames during severe storms.

It is found that wind blowing across the front of a sign panel can cause a relatively high pressure body of air to build up behind the panel, tending to bow the panel forwards to assume an aerofoil shape. The wind then can generate an aerodynamic "lift" force on the panel, similar in principle to the lift produced by an aircraft wing, tending to pull the panel out of the frame.

These effects can be compounded by particular circumstances. For example, in the case of multisegment sign panels the wind can blow behind one segment as a gap opens between adjacent segments. In the case of gusty winds, even quite light gusts, if they are at or around a critical frequency, can set up resonance effects in the panel which can lead to very large movements of the panel.

The prior art signs are found to be particularly susceptible to such damage, and it is an aim of the present invention to go at least some way towards overcoming the above disadvantages while retaining the advantages of suspended sign mounting.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sign in which sign frame members have longitudinal channels therein to receive the edges of a sign panel, the panel is suspended from within the upper frame member so that the panel edges normally lie invisible within the frame, and the panel is fittable in the frame from the front by inserting an upper edge of the panel, provided at or near the panel edge with a rearwardly projecting rib, into the channel of the upper frame member at an angle to the plane of the frame and then moving the panel into the suspended condition in which the rib rests on a flange provided within the channel.

The present invention enables the weight of the panel to be borne by the part of the upper frame member behind the panel and typically below the point of support of the upper frame member. That part of the frame member is shorter and less susceptible to bending than the other parts, and can bear the weight of the panel in such a way that any tendency to bend at the point of support or fixing is substantially reduced or eliminated. Thus, the present invention reduces the adverse effects of a heavy panel, in contrast to the signs known hitherto.

A further disadvantage of the known frames is the undesirable tendency for the suspended panel to move forwards or backwards on its supporting flange.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sign in which sign frame members have longitudinal channels therein to receive the edges of a sign panel, the panel is suspended from within the upper frame member so that the panel edges normally lie invisible within the frame, and the panel is fittable in the frame from the front by inserting an upper edge of the panel, provided at or near the panel edge with a projecting rib, it the channel of the upper frame member at an angle to the plane of the frame and then moving the panel into the suspended condition in which the rib rests on a flange provided within the channel, wherein the flange carries an upwardly projecting portion and the rib is adapted to engage with the upwardly projecting portion in such way that the fitted panel is resistant to movement in one or more horizontal direction.

In its second aspect, which is applicable both to front- and rear-hung sign panels, the invention is found to dramatically improve the security of seating of the suspended panel on the supporting flange.

The signs according to the present invention have enhanced resistance to the damaging effects of wind, compared to conventional signs, as will now be discussed with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings, which illustrates in vertical section: (a) and (b) a conventional front-hung sign in which the panel to be viewed from the right (the front) is hung from a front panel rib resting on a flat flange, and (c) a rear-hung sign according to the invention in which the panel, also to be viewed from the right, is hung from a rear panel rib resting on a flange which is adapted to engage with an upwardly projecting portion of the flange for seating the rib on the flange.

Referring to Figures 2(a) and (b), in which like parts are designated as for Figure 1, wind blowing upwards across the panel 1 mostly flows around the upper frame member 2 as shown by the solid arrows representing streamlines. Under normal wind conditions the tendency of the wind to lift the panel 1 is slight (shown by the dotted arrow in Figure 2(a) representing a small leakage flow), but a strong gust or other effect causing the panel 1 to lift off the flange 3 (Figure 2(b)) immediately opens up a path within the frame along which a strong airstream 7 can develop. The lifting effect on the panel can then be considerable, as the flow velocity around the top of the panel will itself tend to provide an upward suction as well as the direct upward force on the rib 6.

Given a sufficient lifting effect and the aerodynamic pressure and resonance effects on the front face of the prior art panel as described above, tending to pull the panel out of the frame, panels mounted in the conventional frames can dislodge from the frame in a sequence of steps which can be thought of as generally the reverse of the normal mounting sequence described in GB 1,386,409.

In contrast, a rear-hung sign according to the present invention has generally a reduced tendency to admit wind flow into the top frame member (because of the reduced tendency to distort in the manner shown in Figure 1 for conventional frames), but if a small gap 8 does open (as shown in Figure 2(c)) the leakage flow (as shown by the dotted arrows) is small and in fact forces the rearward rib 6a more firmly into seating engagement on the rear flange 3a preventing reversal of the mounting sequence. Indeed, any minimal upwards lift on the panel that may occur only serves to increase the downward thrust on the top of the rib 6a, due to additional suction created if any air flows around the base of the flange 3a.

The present invention is applicable to all the general types of sign frames, and in particular (i) to sign frames which are fixed directly to a planar support surface and (ii) to box signs. As will be well understood by those skilled in the art, and as described in GB 1,386,409 in relation to the frames taught therein, the sign panels for use in the present invention may be single-segment or multi-segment panels. However, the method of mounting/demounting single-segment sign panels requires that one side frame member is fitted after the panel is mounted or is removed before the panel is demounted, to enable the margins of the panel to rest within all the frame members. A multi-segment sign, on the other hand, is mounted/demounted segment by segment and can be mounted to/demounted from a complete frame if desired.

The following numbered paragraphs 1 to 3 describe in more detail certain forms of improved top-hung signs according to the present invention.

1. We mention firstly a form of such signs in which the upper frame member has a front wall and a back wall spaced apart by an interposed web to define the longitudinal channel, first and second flange means being provided, one of which may if desired comprise the aforementioned flange for supporting the panel, the said first flange means extending forwardly from the back wall into the channel, and the second flange means extending rearwardly from the front wall into the channel so that the said first and second flange means define between them a channel mouth for admitting the upper edge of the panel on fitting of the panel into the frame, the front flange means and front wall being adapted to at least partially shield the channel mouth from front-on view.This feature provides an advantage, when the sign frame is incorporated into an internally illuminated box sign, of reducing the extent of the dark rim around the visible edge of the sign panel caused by the shadow thrown on the panel from the rear by the lower edge of the rear wall and the flange extending forwardly therefrom.

2. We mention secondly another form of such signs in which the upper frame member has front wall and a back wall spaced apart by an interposed web to define the longitudinal channel, and an additional wall is provided, generally upstanding (preferably substantially vertically) within the channel and spaced in front of the back wall, the said additional wall suitably rising from the upper side of flange means extending forwardly from the back wall into the opening of the channel. This feature provides an advantage of permitting a pin to be mounted in holes drilled from the front through both the upstanding and rear walls.

During insertion of a multi-segment sign panel into a sign frame carrying in a side frame member a resilient sign cushioning device (e.g. of the type described below), the pin is inserted in the holes immediately after inserting the first segment and keeps that segment pressed over into the channel of the side frame member, against the cushioning device, to permit insertion of the other segment(s). The pin is subsequently removed and the complete panel is moved back sideways a little way so that its edges then lie invisible within the frame.

3. We mention thirdly a still further form of such signs in which the frame members are formed of wall members and front beads releasably secured thereto to provide a box sign in which the bead of the upper frame member includes a first portion which overlies the front upper edge of the panel and a second portion which extends rearwardly of the panel and is releasably secured to the upper wall member, the said first bead portion and a front portion of said upper wall member being adapted to provide respectively a front wall and a back wall and the said second bead portion being adapted to provide 2 spacing web between the said front and back walls to define the longitudinal channel, the flange for suspending the sign panel preferably extending forwardly from said back wall into the opening of the channel.This feature provides an advantage of a box sign in which the sign panel can be inserted or removed by a choice of methods, and even if the fixings securing the beads in position are inaccessible or otherwise cannot be released or secured.

Signs according to the invention may embody any one or more of the abovementioned aspects and forms of the invention, as desired.

The frame members and component parts thereof in accordance with the foregoing aspects of the invention, including wall members and beads, are suitably extruded, conveniently from aluminium.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides extruded lengths of a material (for example aluminium) from which said frame members and/or component parts may be cut, and dies for use in the manufacture of such extruded lengths.

If desired, any flanges or similar parts of frames can be adapted as to their effective length by fitting on an elongate sleeve of generally U-section and optionally thickened at the base of the U-section, which has the effect of bringing forward the operative front edge of the flange. Such a sleeve may typically be of plastics.

Extruded aluminium sign frames are known in which the frame members are secured together at each mitered corner by means of screws passing through holes trilled in one frame member and received in mutually inwardlydirected longitudinal channels defined by formations provided on the other frame member. British Patent No.

2,113,885 (Fig. 1; reference numeral 16) describes an example of such a frame.

The use of screws in this way suffers from a number of disadvantages. In particular, it can be inconvenient to drill the necessary holes, and fitting the screws can be awkward and time-consuming, especially in a confined area.

British Patent No. 1,204,677 (Figs. 16A, 16B) describes a sign in which adjacent sign frame members are secured together without the need for screws by means of a right-angled plastics fastener (25) fitted between each frame member. The fastener is arranged to be force fitted into longitudinal tunnels in the frame members, by being provided with voids which confer resilience on the fastener and cause it to bear outwards against the tunnel walls after fitting.

The known plastics fasteners overcome some of the problems associated with screw securement, but nevertheless suffer from a number of disadvantages, which have prevented them from replacing screws in practice. In particular, the fasteners are unsuitable for use in sign frames of the type described in British Patent No. 2,113,885 (i.e. having a pair of longitudinal channels spaced relatively widely apart and suitable also for receiving screws). The plastic construction and the voids weaken the structure of the fastener unacceptably and its resilience can deteriorate with time, leading to breakage or loosening of the fastener.

A resilient metal corner fastener for sign frames is described in British Patent Application No. 2180615 A.

The security of fixing by such known fasteners, however, is not as reliable as conventional screw fixing.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fastener fittable between adjacent sign frame members to secure the same together in a sign frame, the fastener comprising frame-engaging portions adapted to slidably engage with cooperating portions of the adjacent frame members to secure them mutually together, wherein at least one of the frameengaging portions is provided with tooth means projecting therefrom and arranged so as to offer relatively little resistance to engagement of the fastener with the respective frame member but to bite into a portion of the frame member to prevent or restrict subsequent disengagement of the fastener from the frame member.

Where the frame member carries formations defining a pair of longitudinal mutually inwardly directed channels, the fastener is preferably of metal (e.g.

steel) and the or each toothed engaging portion of the fastener is preferably a rectangular plate arranged to slide between both channels, each side of the plate being received in one of the channels. The plate sides preferably carry rows of teeth to resist disengagement of the fastener.

The configurations of the engaging portions may vary from one to another. In particular, in the case of a corner fastener to be positioned between a top (or bottom) frame member of a rectangular top-hanging sign frame in which a single-segment sign panel is to be mounted and the side frame member which is to be removed for mounting/demounting of the panel, the fastener should have two plates arranged to engage one with the top (or bottom) frame member and the other with the side frame member, the first having no such teeth and adapted to be releasable from the top (or bottom) frame member for said mounting/demounting and the second having said teeth and being substantially non-releasable from the side frame member.

The angle between the frame-engaging portions of the fastener, and the material from which the fastener is constructed, are suitably chosen to provide a restoring force when the fastener is in place, urging the frame members towards one another. Typically, the angle will be 900 or somewhat less than 900 (e.g. between about 700 and 900, suitably about 850).

This aspect of the present invention enables sign frames to be assembled easily and cheaply, and is applicable to all types of sign, e.g. box signs or signs in which the frame is fixed directly to a planar support surface, including signs in which the sign panel is mounted to the frame by means of beads and sign in which the sign panel is suspended from within the upper frame member, and including signs in accordance with the foregoing aspects and forms of the present invention.

A disadvantage of known signs in which a perspex sign panel is mounted in or to a frame lies in the strong tendency of the panel to expand or contract under changes cf temperature.

For this reason, such panels are conventionally mounted rather loosely in or to a frame, with a fair amount of clearance at the edges of the panel. However, as previously discussed, difficulties are caused in high winds, when panels can move or at least rattie in the frame.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for cushioning a sign panel mounted in or to a frame comprised of sign frame members, the cushioning device comprising a base portion, mountable to the frame member by slidably engaging with cooperating portions thereof so as to lie between the frame member and a panel edge, and a resilient portion extending away from the base portion to bear resiliently against the panel edge to cushion the same.

Where the frame member carries formations defining a pair of longitudinal mutually inwardly directed channels, the base portion of the cushioning device is preferably a rectangular plate arranged to slide between both channels, each side of the plate being received in one of the channels. The base portion may suitably be adapted to be secured in the desired position along the frame member, particularly for use in non-horizontal frame members. The resilient portion is suitably a leaf spring, preferably integral with the base portion, the whole being most preferably formed of steel.

In this aspect, the invention is found to dramatically improve the security of mounting of sign panels and is applicable to all types of sign, e.g. box signs or sign in which the frame is fixed directly to a planar support surface, including signs in which the sign panel is mounted to the frame by means of beads and signs in which the sign panel is suspended from within the upper frame member, and including signs in accordance with the foregoing aspects and forms of the present invention.

Where the cushioning device is provided within one or more side frame members, the tendency for gaps to open up between the segments of some multi-segment sign panels, due typically to thermal expansion/contraction of the panel segments, can be markedly reduced.

A particular disadvantage of known signs with acrylic (e.g. perspex) or uPVC-type (e.g. foamex (TM)) panels is the lack of choice or variability of the front appearance of the frame and the unsightly frame modification that is required to mount a curved or corner sign (for example, to go round a corner of a building).

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sign comprising sign frame members which receive the edges of a sign panel to retain the panel in position and a frame cover member mountable to the front of one or more frame member by means of a longitudinal rib or recess provided on the frame member and arranged to cooperate with a corresponding recess or rib provided on the cover member to provide snap mounting of the cover member to the frame member.

Conveniently, at least one additional cooperating pair of such longitudinal ribs and recesses may also be provided. The arrangement is preferably such as to allow the frame cover member to slide longitudinally of the frame member immediately after mounting. Each pair of cooperating ribs and recesses may suitably take the form of a pair of cooperating snap-flanges having barbs shaped so that on urging of the two snap-flanges mutually together the snap-flanges initially deflect as the barbs slide past each other and then spring back as each barbs snaps around the other. The mutual engagement of the parts is preferably releasable.

The cover member preferably has an attractive front appearance.

The frame and cover members are suitably extruded.

Aluminium or a more flexible material such as a plastic may conveniently be used. For framing a curved or corner sign, at least the cover member (and conveniently also the frame member) should preferably be extruded from a relatively flexible material such as a plastic (e.g. uPVC). Thus, for example, a uPVC cover member may be used to follow the contours of a curved (convex and/or concave) uPVC frame of a sign on a curved (convex and/or concave) surface.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides extruded lengths of a material (for example aluminium or a plastic) from which said frame and/or cover members may be cut, and dies for use in the manufacture of such extruded lengths.

The difficulties in accurately mounting the individual frame members in the correct position when installing a sign frame will be well known to those skilled in this art. It can be very hard, for example with large pieces and/or working from a ladder or in cramped conditions, to install frame members parallel to each other with sufficient accuracy.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for assisting orientation of frame members of sign frame for assembly thereof, the apparatus comprising an elongate cross member capable of lying within the frame between two of the frame members, each end of the cross member being adapted to engage with a cooperating portion of the respective frame member so as to be slidable longitudinally thereof only when the two frame members are in a desired mutual orientation.

Each of the frame members may suitably be provided with a mutually inwardly directed longitudinal rib and each end of the cross member may suitably be provided with a mutually outwardly directed channel arranged to receive the relevant frame member rib so as to be slidable along the rib. The ribs and channels may preferably carry projections and grooves to prevent or resist undesired disengagement of the apparatus during use.

The cross member may preferably be assembled on-site by securing a suitable end-piece to an otherwise incomplete cross member. Most preferably, two endpieces may be secured to the ends of an elongate centre-piece, which is suitably a simple piece of metal, plastic, wood or other rigid material cut to size, to provide a cross member of fixed length corresponding to the desired separation of parallel frame members.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, therefore, there is provided an end-piece for use in constructing an apparatus as described above, the end-piece comprising a first portion adapted to be secured to one end of a cross member centre-piece and a second portion adapted to engage with a cooperating portion of a frame member as described above.

Preferably the end-piece is arranged te be releasably push-fitted onto the centre-piece. The use of endpieces as described enables the cross member or members to be readily and cheaply made up on site.

It should be noted that where expressions of direction or location, e.g. "front", "back", "upper", "lower" etc are used in pairs herein, they are, unless the context otherwise requires, to be understood as relative expressions.

For ease of understanding of the present invention, embodiments will now be described by way of example and without limitations, with reference to Figures 3 to 21 of the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view through a top part of a sign; Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view through a top part of another sign; Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view through a top part of a box sign; Fig. 6 shows a partial perspective view from below of a top wall of the box sign of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of part of the box sign of Fig. 5; Fig. 8 shows a simplified perspective view from the front of the sign of Fig. 5 to illustrate a method of inserting the first segment of a multi-segment slyn panel; Fig. 9 shows a schematic vertical cross-section of the view of Fig. 8 for greater clarity;; Fig. 10 shows a perspective view from behind of a frame for another si together with apparatus for assisting orientation of the frame members; Fig. 11 shows an exploded and partially cut-away front view of part of a sign frame; Fig. 12 shows a sectional view along the line A-A of Fig. 11 looking in the direction of the arrows, and showing the sign in place; Fig. 13 shows a side view of part of the assembly illustrated in Fig. 11, looking in the direction of arrow B; Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a modified form of the corner fastener appearing in Figs. 11 and 13; Fig. 15 shows another part of the frame of Fig. 11 in partially cut-away front view illustrating the fitting of a sign panel cushioning device therein; Fig. 16 shows (a) a side view and (b) a top view of the cushioning device illustrated in Fig. 15;; Fig. 17 shows a side view of the frame part of Fig. 15, looking from the right, after fitting of the sign panel; Fig. 18 shows a cross-sectional view through a top part of a sign; Fig. 19 shows a front view of the sign of Fig. 18 with the cover member removed; Fig. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of a top part of another sign prior to assembly of parts; and Fig. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of a top part of another sign after assembly of parts.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in which generally like parts are designated alike, the top part of the frame for displaying a panel 11 to be viewed from the left the the front) is formed of an extruded aluminium upper frame member 12 of constant cross-section, mitered at the corners in conventional manner (not shown). The frame member- has a back wall 13 from which extends forwardly a bottom flange 14, and a top wall 15 from the front of which depends a front wall 16, turned back as a front flange at 17, flanges 14 and 17 defining the opening or mouth 18 of a longitudinal channel in the frame member 12. The members forming the remainder of the frame (not shown) are of like construction.

The frame is fixed to a support 10 by means of a conventional screw 19 passing through a hole in back wall 12.

The display panel 11 is provided with a rearwardly projecting rib 20 along its upper edge. The rib 20 may alternatively be located slightly below the upper edge of the panel 11. In any event, the panel should rise above the bottom of the rib by a distance greater than the vertical height of the channel opening 18 so that panel edge lies invisible within the frame. The upper edge of the panel is inserted into the opening 18 at a suitable angle (e.g. from about 400 to about 500, suitably about 450, to the vertical), as shown by the dotted lines in Fig 3. Once the rib 20 has cleared the bottom flange 14 the panel is allowed to come into the vertical suspended position with the rib 20 resting on the flange 14.

To enhance the security of retention of the panel in the frame, the bottom flange 14 is turned up (e.g. at an angle of from about 200 to about 700, suitably about 400, to the horizontal) to form a lip 21 at its front edge and the underside of the rib 20 correspondingly cut away. The bottom flange 14 may conveniently carry strengthening webs (not shown), at the point at which the lip 21 starts and the corner where the bottom flange meets the back wall 13.

An elongate sleeve (not shown), typically of plastics (e.g. uPVC) and of generally U-section, and optionally thickened at the base of the U-section, may be fitted onto lip 21 from the front, by sliding the sleeve over the lip so that the lip is received in the sleeve channel formed by the U-section. In this way the frame can securely accommodate thinner panels 11, since the sleeve will bring the effective front edge of the lip forward by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the wall of the sleeve at the base of the U-section.

The top wall 15 is high enough above the opening 18 to permit the panel to be lifted sufficiently to bring its lower edge over the corresponding front wall 16 of the bottom frame member (not shown) and then dropped into the corresponding opening 18 of the bottom frame member. In the case of the side frame members, the spacing between the top wall 15 and the opening 18 allows the panels fitted in the frame to be slid sideways to facilitate insertion and removal of panels.

The top wall 15 extends forwardly from the back wall 13 beyond the plane of the panel 11 and the front wall 16 depends from the front of the top wall and in Fig. 3 angles back towards the panel. The arrangement and front appearance of the front wall 16 may be varied as desired, depending on the intended appearance of the frame when viewed from the front. As previously mentioned, the lower end of the front wall is turned back at 17 to meet the panel 11 normal to the panel front surface. This arrangement provides a pleasing appearance to the front of the frame, hides the margins of the panel from view, prevents dirt etc from entering the hollow interior of the frame members and assists in maintaining the panel in position on the bottom flange 14.

The frame member additionally carries formations of generally C-shaped cross-section defining channels 23, 24, respectively at the corner between the front wall 16 and the top wall 15, and at the corner between the top wall 15 and the back wall 13. These formations can receive screws for joining adjacent frame members at the mitered corners in conventional manner, or other corner fixings as described in more detail below with reference to Figures 11 to 14.

Referring next to Figures 5 to 9 of the drawings, a box sign for displaying a sign panel 31 to be viewed from the left (the front) is formed of extruded aluminium wall members 32 and extruded aluminium beads 33, mitered at the corners in conventional manner (not shown). The members forming the remainder of the box sign (not shown) are of like construction.

Depending from the wall member are a pair of ribs 34,35 of unequal length, defining between them a channel 36 in which an extruded aluminium cross-brace 37 is received for internally bracing the box sign, as shown in Fig. 6. The cross-brace 37 extends between the top and bottom walls of the sign.

The extruded length from which the cross-brace 37 is cut is configured so as to provide also diagonal bracing elements 38 for further bracing the cross-brace 37 to the box walls (in the drawings only the top bracing element 38 is shown).

More particularly, the extruded length for forming parts 37 and 38 includes a central portion "B" of channel cross-section to serve as the operative part of cross-brace 37 and end portions "C" and "D" (of iesser transverse width than portion "B") provided with flanges 39,40,41 the first two of which receive rivets and/or screws to serve as the operative parts of diagonal bracing element 38. Portion "C" is cranked at an angle o(, of about 1470, which has been found to provide particularly efficient bracing with minimal force on the box elements. Flange 39 is received in the front one 42 of a pair of mutually inwardly directed channels 42,43 defined by formations extending from ribs 34,44 depending from the wall member 32. The upper edge of flange 41 abuts against the lower edge of rib 34.

At the mitered corners of the box sign, channels 42 and 43 receive one limb 45 of a corner-angle (e.g. a right angle) connecting piece 46 in the manner shown generally in Fig. 6. The other limb of the piece 46 would be received in the corresponding channels of the frame side member (not shown) and the fixing made secure by screwing or riveting from within the box in conventional manner.

Extending forwardly from rib 44 is a formation 47 of complex cross-section, of which part 48 defines with rib 44 and front portion 49 of the wall member 32 a slot 50 for receiving the top limb 51 of the bead 33.

A screw 52 secures the bead 33 to the wall member 32, the bead profile being thinned at this point to facilitate screwing. The front limb 51a of bead 33 depends in front of formation 47 and these parts constitute respectively a front wall and a back wall to define between them a longitudinal channel 53 having opening or mouth 54 for receiving the top edge of the panel 31.

The lower portion 55 of formation 47 carries a forwardly extending flange 56, turned up to form a lip 57 at its front edge and provided on its upper surface with a relatively thin upstanding wall 58 spaced in front of the portion 55, the function of which will be described later with particular reference to Figs. 8 and 9. Ribs 59,60 (see Fig. 7) provided at the rear of formation 47 define a longitudinal slot for receiving connecting plates (not shown) to enable two such wall members to be secured end to end for forming a large box sign.

The front limb 51a of bead 33 carries a rearwardly extending flange 61 turned up to an angle , suitably about 20-30 , to form a lip 62 at its rear edge. Lips 57 and 62 define between them the margins of the channel mouth 54 for admitting the upper edge of the panel 31, the front limb 51a of bead 33, the flange 61 and lip 62 being arranged to shield the upper region of the channel mouth from front-on view.

In this way, the visible area of shadow "A" (shown by dots in Fig. 5) cast on the panel 31 from behind when the box sign is internally illuminated is minimised, and additionally the upwardly pointing configuration of lip 62 limits the passage of dirt and moisture into the channel 53 in the event that a gap opens up between the lip 62 and the panel 31.

The panel 31 is provided with a rearwardly projecting rib 64 along its upper edge. The panel rises above the bottom of the rib 64 by a distance greater than the vertical height of the channel opening 54 so that the panel edge lies invisible within the frame.

To insert the panel 31 while the bead 33 is in place, the upper edge of the panel is inserted into the opening 54 at a suitable angle, as shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 5. Once the rib has cleared lip 57 the panel is allowed to come into the vertical position with the rib 64 resting on the lip 57. To remove the panel while the bead 33 is in place, the procedure is reversed. Alternatively, the bead 33 can be removed and panel 31 mounted and demounted in conventional manner. The arrangement illustrated enables a choice of mounting/demounting methods, to cater for local circumstances such as inaccessibility of the screw 52.

Bead 33 carries ribs 65,66 defining a pair of mutually inwardly directed channels 67,68 under the top limb 51.

These channels receive sign cushioning devices (not shown) in the manner described in more detail below, with reference to Figures 15 to 17. It may occasionally be desirable also for corner-fixing pieces (not shown) to be inserted into channels 67,68 at the mitered corners in the manner described in more detail below with reference to Figures 11 to 14.

With reference particularly to Figs. 8 and 9, the purpose of wall 58 will be described in more detail.

Where it is desired to insert a multi-segment panel 31 into a sign frame carrying in a side frame member a resilient sign cushioning device (e.g. the leaf spring device described below with reference to Figs. 15 to 17), the first inserted segment must be pushed hard over into the channel of the side frame member (not shown), to the left as seen in Fig. 8, in order that the next segment may be inserted for hanging on the lip 57.To keep the first segment pressed over to the side, against the restoring force of the cushioning device, small through-holes 69,70 are previously drilled at the correct point along wall 58 and lower portion 55 of formation 47 and a pin 71 inserted into the holes after the panel segment has been positioned, to keep the segment in position while the remaining segments are inserted. After the complete panel is inserted, the pin 71 is removed and the panel adjusted so that all its margins lie invisible within the sign frame.

Referring now to Fig. 10, the top part of apparatus 72 for assisting orientation of frame members of a sign frame during assembly thereof is illustrated in exploded view, together with the top frame member 73.

The bottom frame member and the bottom part of the apparatus 72 are of identical construction. It is intended that the top and bottom frame members are mounted to a support parallel to each other, by means of screws (not shown) passing through holes 74 in the back wall 75 of the frame member, in the manner shown in Figs. 3 and 4. A guide channel 76 is provided on the forward face of the back wall 75 to assist drilling of the holes 74 from the front, the drill passing through the channel mouth 77 of the frame member and over the upstanding wall 78.

The apparatus 72 has a centre-piece 79 which is formed of a rectangular length cut from any convenient material, such as aluminium, polycarbonate, acrylic, uPVC or foamex, to which is secured a metal end-piece 80 by push-fitting (in the direction of arrow X) the centre-piece up into a channel 81 of the end-piece arranged to receive and grip the end of the centrepiece.

The centre-piece 79 is of the desired length to provide an assembled apparatus 72 corresponding in length to the desired separation between the frame members.

The top frame member has a longitudinal rib 82 which in the finished sign is directed downwards towards the corresponding upwards rib of the bottom frame member.

The end-piece 80 is folded and stamped so as to define an upwardly directed channel 83 the side walls 84,85,86 of which carry lines of inwardly directed bumps 87 arranged to lie within corresponding longitudinal grooves 88,89 of the rib 82 when the end-piece 72 is pushed up in the direction of arrows Y) into longitudinally slidable engagement with the rib 82.

The rib 82 is thereby received in the channel 83 and the bumps 87 are in turn received in the grooves 88,89.

After mounting the apparatus 72 between the frame members as shown, the frame members can be secured to a wall or other support by screws as described above, and during the assembly of the frame the parallel orientation of the frame members can be repeatedly tested. If the members are parallel, the apparatus 72 can be slid freely along the longitudinal rib 82, whereas if the members are not parallel, the apparatus 72 will not slide freely.

Referring now to Figs. 11 to 14, the top of a frame for displaying a panel 91 is formed by extruded aluminium upper 92 and side 93 frame members of constant crosssection, mitered at the corner region 94 in conventional manner, retained together by a fastener 95 interposed between the frame members 92,93 in the corner region 94.

Referring particularly to the top frame member 92, this has a back wall 96 from which extends forwardly a bottom flange 97, and a top wall 98 from the front of which depends a front wall 99, turned back as a front flange at 100, flanges 97 and 100 defining the opening or mouth 101 of a longitudinal channel in the frame member 92. Side frame member 93 and the members forming the remainder of the frame (not shown) are of like construction.

The frame is fixed to a support 90 by means of a conventional screw 102 passing through a hole in back wall 96.

The display panel 91 is provided with a rearwardly projecting rib 103 along its upper edge. The upper edge of the panel is inserted into the opening 101 at a suitable angle to the vertical, as shown by the dotted lines in Figure 12. Once the rib 103 has cleared the bottom flange 97 the panel is allowed to come into the vertical suspended position with the rib 103 resting on the flange 97.

To enhance the security of retention of the panel in the frame, the bottom flange 97 is turned up and the underside of the rib 103 correspondingly cut away.

The top wall 98 extends forwardly from the back wall 96 beyond the plane of the panel 91 and the front wall 99 depends from the front of the top wall. As previously mentioned, the lower end of the front wall is turned back at 100 to meet the panel 91 normal to the panel front surface. This arrangement provides a pleasing appearance to the front of the frame, hides the margins of the panel from view, prevents dirt etc from entering the hollo-w interior of the frame members and assists in maintaining the panel in position on the bottom flange 97.

The frame member additionally carries formations defining channels 106, 107 of generally C-shaped crosssection, respectively at the corner between the front wall 99 and the top wall 98, and the corner between the top wall 98 and the back wall 96.

The channels 106, 107 are directed mutually inwardly, and each cooperates with part of the fastener 95 in the corner region 94 to secure the upper and side frame members together.

The fastener 95 is formed of a single rectangular piece of zinc plated spring steel bent round in the centre to form a piece of generally L-shaped configuration having a central heel portion 108 and two portions 109, 110 extending therefrom at a relative angle of about 850.

The terminal portions of the fastener 95 have chamfered corners 111 to assist in guiding the sides of each portion 109, 110 into sliding engagement with the C channels 106, 107 of respectively the upper 92 and side 93 frame members.

The fastener 95 shown in Figs. 11 and 12 is arranged to be push-fittable into said engagement with the frame members, but is provided at each side with rearwardly directed tangs 112 extending alternately to different sides of the relevant C-channel, the tangs 112 offering relatively little resistance to assembly of the fastener and the frame members and relatively great resistance to corresponding disassembly.

Fig. 14 illustrates a modified form of the fastener 95 with like parts designated as for Figs. 11 to 13. One portion 110, for inserting into a side frame member, carries tangs 112 as before, but the other portion 109, for inserting into a top or bottom frame member, takes the form of a plate without tangs but folded so as to have transverse ridges 113 and alleys 514 to rest In the C-channels 106,107. A split screw hole 115 is provided on the centre line of the portion 109 to take a self-tapping screw after insertion of the fastener into the frame member, the screw thereby releasably locking the fastener in the frame member.The arrangement enables a side frame member to carry at each end a corner fastener so as to present tangless portions 109 for insertion into the top and bottom frame members. The side frame member is thus made releasable from the remainder of the frame, which as previously explained is necessary for framing a tophanging single-segment sign panel in systems where the panel is inserted into the frame from the front at an angle to the plane of the frame and then brought into the suspended condition.

Referring now to Figs. 15 to 17, prior to fastening of adjacent frame members at both ends of the upper frame member 92 a cushioning device 123 is first slidingly engaged with the C-channels 106, 107 of the frame member (refer to Fig. 12).

The cushioning device 123 has a generally rectangular base portion 124, of suitable width so that its sides 125, 126 can be received in the channels 106, 107, and having its four corners turned upwards to (a) provide tangs 127, 128, 129, 130 which can deform slightly during engagement of the device with the frame so as to sufficiently hold the device in position after insertion into the frame member, and (b) form angled leading edges to the sides 125, 126 of the base portion 124, to assist in guiding the sides into sliding engagement with the C-channels 108, 107.

Depending from the base portion 124 and extending into the main channel region within the frame member 92 is a pair of leaf spring portions 131, 132 integral with the base portion 124, the whole being constructed suItably of zinc plate spring steel.

As shown particularly in Fig. 17, in which like parts are numbered as for Fig. 12, the leaf spring portions bear resiliently against the edge of the sign panel 91, turning up slightly at the end region 133, and assist in cushioning the panel in the frame member 92 and seating the panel on the bottom flange 97.

The leaf spring portions must be sufficiently elastic to permit the panel to be lifted, for assembly and isassembly, to bring its lower edge over the corresponding front wall 99 of the bottom frame member (not shown) and then dropped into the corresponding opening 101 of the bottom frame member.

More than one cushioning device 123 may be present, and it or they may be mounted to other frame members, such as particularly the side members 93.

Referring now to Figs. 18 and 19, the top part of a frame for displaying a panel 141 to be viewed from the right (i.e. the front) is formed of an extruded aluminium or uPVC upper frame member 142 of constant cross-section, mitered at the corners in conventional manner (not shown). The frame member has a back wall 143 from which extends forwardly a rib 144, from which in turn depends a front wall 145 which together with the back wall 1 43 define therebetween a ongit13inal channel 146 of the frame member for receiving the edge of panel 141.

The front face of back wall 143 in the channel 146 is stepped at 147 to provide snug fitting for panels of differing thickness (e.g. 5 cr 10 mm).

The back wall 143 extends above rib 14 and is there provided with punched-through screw holes 148,149 to enable the frame member to be screwed to a support surface 150 in conventional manner. In the case of a frame member made of a soft material such as plastic, a metal (e.g. aluminium) plate 151 (shown as dotted lines) with a similar hole in the centre may be placed in front of the hole 148 or 149 as a washer before inserting the screw.

At the front end of rib 144 and at the top of the back wall 143 are provided two projections 152,153 carrying rounded ribs 154,155 arranged to snap-engage into complementary recesses 154',155' provided at the rear of a cover member 156 when the cover member 156 and the frame member 142 are brought mutually together. The cover member 156 entirely hides the frame member from view, and has a decorative front appearance.

A suitable method for assembling the illustrated sign will now be described. Firstly, some of the desired frame members 142, after appropriate mitering of the corners, are screwed to the support surface 150. Then the sign panel 141 is slid into position and the remaining frame members screwed into place.

If the design is out of doors, it may be necessary, prior to fixing the top frame member, to insert into a channel 157 at the top of the frame member 142 an extruded piece 158 of generally L-section (as shown by arrow A and dotted lines in Fig. 18), over which lead flashing 159 can be positioned in conventional manner.

If desired, the panel '41 can then be fastened into the frame in known manner, e.g. by gluing, by stapling with metal staples, or by screwing with a self-tapping screw, through the frame member 142 and the panel 141 at the level, and in the direction, indicated by arrow B in Fig. 18.

Finally, the cover member 156 is pushed into position and any desired flashing 159 made secure.

It will be understood that, although the embodiment of Figures 18 and 19 has been described above with reference to one type of sign, other realisations of the invention are possible with different types of sign (e.g. box signs) and all embodiments of the invention are included in the scope hereof.

Referring to Figs. 20 and 21, alternative frames for displaying a panel are shown, of generally similar parts are therefore designated by the same numerals.

The frame of Fig. 20 is modified in that, rather than having two pairs 154,154' and 155,155' of rounded ribs and recesses for releasable snap-engagement, two pairs of snap-flanges 164,164' and 165,165' are provided, each snap-flange having a barb 166 which engages behind the barb of the corresponding snap-flange when the pairs are brought into mutual engagement. However, the rear face of each barb 166 is angled at about 300 from the vertical so that the parts are releasable if desired. Both parts 142 and 156 are formed of extruded uPVC: .

The frame of Fig. 20 is further modified in that, rather than having a separate top L-piece 158 over which the lead flashing would lie, an integrally extruded part 167 takes its place, flexibly connected to the frame member 142 via a thin web 158.

If the part 167 is to be used it is folded up ite the vertical position prior to positioning the lead flashing; if, on the other hand, the part 167 is not to be used it can either be cut or broken away through the thin web 168 or can simply be laid down flat against the top of the frame member 142 as shown, and within the void provided within the top of the cover member 156 when that part is engaged with the frame member in the direction as shown by arrow Z.

In Fig. 21 a "mini" version of the sign frames of Figs.

18 to 20 is shown after engagement of the parts together, having a single-width channel 146 for the sign panel and a simple cover member 156 which snapengages with the frame member 122 via two pairs of cooperating snap-flanges 164,164' and 165,165' of generally similar configuration to the snap-flanges of the same designation shown in Fig. 20.

Both parts of the assembly shown in Fig. 21 are preferably formed of extruded uPVC.

The following experiment has been performed to investigate the aerodynamic performance of the signs of the type shown generally in Figure 4 (referred to below as "Sign I"), in comparison with the conventional signs of the type shown generally in Figure 2(a) (referred to below as "Sign II").

Introduction/Nethod An experiment was performed at in order to determine whether there was any aerodynamic advantage between Signs I and II. Two nominally identical perspex panels were attached to a central section of the appropriate mounting frame.

This experiment assumed that the frictional retarding force acting between the perspex panel sliding over the extruded aluminium frame is the same for each test configuration. Since these forces were identical, any panel movement induced by blowing high pressure air around the frame can be seen as a measure of the aerodynamic susceptibility of the frame design.

The panel and frame arrangements were placed, windward face up on a flat surface so that the panel could slide about horizontally over the lips of the frame. By raising the height of the frame part corresponding to the bottom of the sign frame, an angle of inclination was found which had the same retarding friction force for both signs.

A small 40 psi (2.8 kg/cm2) jet of compressed air was blown around the frame part corresponding to the top of the sign frame. Observations were taken of panel movements induced in this manner, which enabled a comparison of their aerodynamic performance to be made.

Observations IDi scussion Separate tests showed that the friction coefficients and the frictional forces were identical within the accuracy of the experimental method. As a result, the aerodynamic performance of the frames can be compared with confidence.

The two signs were initially set so that the mounting strip was placed in contact with the lip of the frame.

No movement of either panel was observed, even after placing the air jet as close as possible to the mounting strip, and angled from every frontal direction. However, when both panels were set to simulate about 5mm of vertical movement away from the lip of the frame, the Sign II panel could be moved rapidly with the air jet positioned about 60mm from the frame. The Sign I panel could only be moved by moving the jet closer to the frame, and at 30mm a slow movement of the panel was observed. The rate of panel movement remained about the same, even when the air jet was positioned as close as possible to the Sign I frame.

Conclusion Sign I is less susceptible to aerodynamic lifting forces than Sign II.

Claims

1. A sign in which sign frame members have longitudinal channels therein to receive the edges of a sign panel, the sign panel is suspended from within the upper frame member so that the panel edges normally lie invisible within the frame, and the panel is fittable in the frame from the front by inserting an upper edge of the panel, provided at or near the panel edge with a rearwardly projecting rib, into the channel of the upper frame member at an angle to the plane of the frame and then moving the panel into the suspended condition in which the rib rests on a flange provided within the channel.

2. A sign panel in which sign frame members have longitudinal channels therein to receive the edges of a sign panel, the panel is suspended from within the upper frame member so that the panel edges normally lie invisible within the frame, and the panel is fittable in the frame from the front by inserting an upper edge of the panel, provided at or near the panel edge with a projecting rib, into the channel of the upper frame member at an angle to the plane of the frame and then moving the panel into the suspended condition in which the rib rests on a flange provided within the channel, wherein the flange carries an upwardly projecting portion and the rib is adapted to engage with the upwardly projecting portion in such a way that the fitted panel is resistant to movement in one or more horizontal direction.

3. A sign in which sign frame members have longitudinal channels therein to receive the edges of a sign panel, the panel is suspended from within the upper frame member so that the panel edges normally lie invisible within the frame, and the panel is fittable in the frame from the front by inserting an upper edge of the panel, provided at or near the panel edge with a projecting rib, into the channel of the upper frame member at an angle to the plane of the frame and then moving the panel into the suspended condition in which the rib rests on a flange provided within the channel, wherein the upper frame member has a front wall and a back wall spaced apart by an interposed web to define the longitudinal channel, first and second flange means being provided, the said first flange means extending forwardly from the back wall into the channel and the said second flange means extending rearwardly from the front wall into the channel so that the said first and second flange means define between them a channel mouth for admitting the upper edge of the panel on fitting of the panel into the frame, the said second flange means and front wall being adapted to at least partially shield the channel mouth from front-on view.

4. A sign fn which sign frame members have longitudinal channels therein to receive the edges of a sign panel, the panel is suspended from within the upper frame member so that the panel edges normally lie invisible within the frame, and the panel is fittable in the frame from the front by inserting an upper edge of the panel, provided at or near the panel edge with a projecting rib, into the channel of the upper frame member at an angle to the plane of the frame and then moving the panel into the suspended condition in which the rib rests on a flange provided within the channel, wherein the upper frame member has a front wall and a back wall spaced apart by an interposed web to define the longitudinal channel, and an additional wall is provided, generally upstanding within the channel and spaced in front of the back wall.

5. A sign in which sign frame members have longitudinal channels therein to receive the edges of a sign panel, the panel is suspended from within the upper frame member so that the panel edges normally lie invisible within the frame, and the panel is fittable in the frame from the front by inserting an upper edge of the panel, provided at or near the panel edge with a projecting rib, into the channel of the upper frame member at an angle to the plane of the frame and then moving the panel into the suspended condition in which the rib rests on a flange provided within the channel, wherein the frame members are formed of wall members and front beads releasably secured thereto to provide a box sign in which the bead of the upper frame member includes a first portion which overlies the front upper edge of the panel and a second portion which extends rearwardly of the panel and is releasably secured to the upper wall member, the said first bead portion and a front portion of said upper wall member being adapted to provide respectively a front wall and a back wall and the said second bead portion being adapted to provide a spacing web between the said front and back walls to define the longitudinal channel.

6. A sign according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the sign panel is provided with a rearwardly projecting rib and the flange on which the rib rests is provided within the channel so as to be to the rear of the fitted sign panel.

7. A sign according to any preceding claim other than claim 2, to the extent that such preceding claim is not dependent on claim 2, wherein the flange on which the rib rests carries an upwardly projecting portion and the rib is adapted to engage with the upwardly projecting portion in such a way that the fitted panel is resistant to movement in one or more horizontal direction.

8. A sign according to claim 2 or 7, wherein the upwardly projecting portion of the flange on which the rib rests is an upwardly sloping lip of the flange and the rib is correspondingly cut away along its underside.

9. A sign according to any preceding claim other than claim 3, to the extent that such preceding claim is not dependent on claim 3, wherein the upper frame member has a front wall and a back wall spaced apart by an interposed web to define the longitudinal channel, first and second flange means being provided, the said first flange means extending forwardly from the back wall into the channel and the said second flange means extending rearwardly from the front wall into the channel so that the said first and second flange means define between them a channel mouth for admitting the upper edge of the panel on fitting of the panel into the frame, the said second flange means and front wall being adapted to at least partially shield the channel mouth from front-on view.

10. A sign according to claim 3 or 9, wherein the second flange means and front wall are adapted to shield only the upper region of the channel mouth from front-on view.

11. A sign according to any preceding claim other than claim 4, to the extent that such preceding claim is not dependent on claim 4, wherein the upper frame member has a front wall and a back wall spaced apart by an interposed web to define the longitudinal channel, and an additional wall is provided, generally upstanding within the channel and spaced in front of the back wall.

12. A sign according to claim 4 or 11, wherein the said additional wall rises from the upper side of flange means extending forwardly from the back wall into the opening of the channel.

13. A sign according to any preceding claim when in the form of a box sign, wherein the box is internally braced by means of at least one cross-brace and diagonal bracing element each cut from extrusions of substantially identical cross-section.

14. A sign according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sign panel is a multi-segment panel fittable into the frame segment by segment.

15. A sign according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the sign panel is a single-segment panel and a side frame member is capable of being detached to permit the panel to be fitted into the frame and subsequently replaced to enable the edges of the fitted panel to lie invisible within the frame.

16. A fastener fittable between adjacent sign frame members to secure the same together in a sign frame, the fastener comprising frame-engaging portions adapted to slidably engage with cooperating portions of the adjacent frame members to secure them mutually together, wherein at least one of the frame-engaging portions is provided with tooth means projecting therefrom and arranged so as to offer relatively little resistance to engagement of the fastener with the respective frame member but to bite into a portion of the frame member to prevent or restrict subsequent disengagement of the fastener from the frame member.

17. A fastener according to claim 16 for use with a frame member which carries formations defining a pair of longitudinal mutually inwardly directed channels, the fastener being of metal and each engaging portion of the fastener being a substantially rectangular plate arranged to slide between both channels, each side of the plate being received in one of the channels and at least one side of the plate carrying the tooth means to resist disengagement of the fastener.

18. A device for cushioning a sign panel mounted in or to 2 frame comprised of sign frame members, the cushioning device comprising a base portion, mountable to the frame member by slidably engaging with cooperating portions thereof so as to lie between the frame member and a panel edge, and a resilient portion extending away from the base portion to bear resiliently against the panel edge to cushion the same.

19. A cushioning device according to claim 18, for use with a frame in which the frame members carry formations defining a pair of longitudinally mutually inwardly directed channels, wherein the base portion of the cushioning device is a substantially rectangular plate arranged to slide between both channels, each side of the plate being received in one of the channels.

20. A cushioning device according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the resilient portion comprises a leaf spring suitably integral with the base portion.

21. A sign comprising sign frame members which receive the edges of a sign panel to retain the panel in position and a frame cover member mountable to the front of one or more frame members by means of a longitudinal rib or recess provided on the frame member and arranged to cooperate with a corresponding recess or rib provided on the cover member to provide snap mounting of the cover member to the frame member.

22. A sign according to claim 21, wherein at least one additional cooperating pair of such longitudinal ribs and recesses are also provided.

23. A sign according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the or each pair of cooperating ribs and recesses takes the form of a pair of cooperating snap-flanges having barbs shaped so that on urging of the snap-flanges mutually together the snap-flanges initially deflect as the barbs pass each other and then spring back as each barb snaps around the other.

24. A sign according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the mutual engagement of the cover and frame members is releasable.

25. A sign according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the cover and frame members are flexible for framing a corner sign or a curved sign panel made of a flexible material.

26. An apparatus for assisting orientation of frame members of a sign frame for assembly thereof, the apparatus comprising an elongate cross member capable of lying within the frame between two of the frame members, each end of the cross member being adapted to engage with a cooperating portion of the respective frame member so as to be slidable longitudinally thereof only when the two frame members are in a desired mutual orientation.

27. An apparatus according to claim 26 for use with two frame members intended to be assembled in a frame parallel to each other, which are each provided with a mutually inwardly directed longitudinal rib, wherein each end of the cross member is provided with a mutually outwardly directed channel arranged to receive the relevant frame member rib so as to be slidable along the rib only when both frame members are parallel.

28. An end-piece for use in constructing an apparatus according to claim 26 or claim 27, the end-piece comprising a first portion adapted to be secured to one end of a cross member centre-piece and a second portion adapted to engage with the cooperating portion of a frame member.

29. A process for manufacturing novel frame elements selected from frame members, beads, wall members, cover members, cross-braces and diagonal bracing elements for use in signs according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and 21 to 25, which comprises cutting a relatively short section from an extruded element-forming length.

30. Extruded lengths for use as element-forming lengths in a process according to claim 29.

31. A die or dies for use in an extrusion process for forming extruded lengths according to claim 30.

32. A method for framing a sign panel in a frame as defined in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 15, comprising inserting the panel into the frame to suspend it therein in the manner defined in the said preceding claim.

33. signs, substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 3 to 21 of the accompanying drawings.

34. Fasteners, substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 11, 13 and 14 of the accompanying drawings.

35. Cushioning devices, substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 5 to 1 7 of the accompanying drawings.

36. Frame orientation apparatus and/or end-pieces therefor, substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings.