GB2269927A

GB2269927A - Folding signage system.

Info

Publication number: GB2269927A
Application number: GB9217572A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Noel Leonard Tweedie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-08-19
Filing date: 1992-08-19
Publication date: 1994-02-23
Anticipated expiration: 2012-08-19
Also published as: GB9217572D0; GB2269927B

Abstract

A folding signage system has one or more signs 10 which when not in active use are positioned in-line flat 20 against the wall or surface 14 to which they are attached. The signs which are secured both top and bottom on a tracking system 16 are hinged 18 and can be moved to project outwards in a variety of positions to gain additional attention when required. Movement of the signs may be achieved by manual, mechanical or electrical means, and may be controlled by a time lock, or by a light heat, or movement sensitive device. The signs may be illuminated and may include LE.D., Quartz Crystal or Neon lights. <IMAGE>

Description

FOLDING SIGNS This invention relates to folding signs.

Sign units commonly found on shops and buildings are usually flat and are in a fixed position. The only sign which adjusts its position is a canopy or awning and when not in use a canopy usually folds flat to the face of the building.

Signs which are flat against buildings cannot easily be seen when approached from a sideways direction. Signs which protrude require planning permission because of their permanent nature. Canopy signs are normally made of a folding material which has limitations in the style of message which can be displayed.

According to the present invention there is provided a folding sign mechanism comprising of a sign or signs which by a fixing means allows the sign or signs to be positioned either in line or folded to project in a variety of formations.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which : Figure 1 shows in perspective, the signs on a shop front positioned in-line flat against a wall or surface; Figure 2 shows in perspective, one of the formations into which the signs can be moved to project outwards; Figure 3 shows in perspective, another formation into which the signs can be moved to project outwards; Figure 4 shows a plan view of six signs in-line flat together with tracking system; Figure 5 shows a plan view of six signs folded in a zig zag formation; Figure 6 shows a close-up of a typical tracking system to which the signs can be attached.

Referred to in the drawing the folding signs comprises a sign or signs 10 which are secured to a flat backwall 14 by a tracking system 16 as shown in Fig 1.

This tracking system 16 allows the signs 10 to fold at the points where the signs are hinged 18 as shown in Fig 2 and Fig 3 and therefore project outwards.

When the signs 10 are not required to fold and project outwards they can be pushed flat in-line 20 against the flat backwall 14 as shown in Fig 1.

Claims

1 A folding sign mechanism comprising of a sign or signs which by a fixing means allows the sign or signs to be positioned either in-line or folded to project in a variety of formations.

2 A folding sign system as claimed in claim 1 comprising of a sign or signs which can be fixed to a flat vertical surface or which can be suspended vertically by hanging means or can be attached at their base to stand vertically on a horizontal surface.

3 A folding sign system as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2 wherein the fixing method is by means of tracks with runners and guides.

4 A folding sign system as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2 and claim 3 wherein movement of the signs is achieved manually by means of a pole, strings or a handbrace.

5 A folding sign system as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2 and claim 3 wherein the movement of the signs is achieved by a mechanical or electrical or solar device

6 A folding sign system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the movement of the signs is controlled by a timeclock or light or heat or movement sensitive device linked to electrical or solar aparatus.

7 A folding sign system as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2 wherein the sign or signs can be made of thin rigid or semi rigid material or can be a boxed construction or can be a flexible material like plastic or canvas or similar material.

8 A folding sign system as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2 wherein the sign or signs can be backlighted or frontlighted or use reflectible material or not be lighted at all.

9 A folding sign system as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2 and claim 8 wherein the sign or signs can be of L.E.D. or Quartz Crystal or Neon or have protruding letters or have indented letters.

10 A folding sign system substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1 - 6 of the accompanying drawing.