GB2390730A

GB2390730A - A display sign comprising a frame for holding bands which have interlocking projections

Info

Publication number: GB2390730A
Application number: GB0304670A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Burton; Colin Andrew Thorne
Original assignee: SIMPLEX Ltd
Current assignee: SIMPLEX Ltd
Priority date: 2003-02-28
Filing date: 2003-02-28
Publication date: 2004-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 2023-02-28
Also published as: GB0304670D0; GB2390730B; GB2390730A8; GB2390730B8

Abstract

A display sign 1 comprises a frame 2 and a plurality of bands 3. The frame 2 has means for retaining the bands in juxtaposition whilst allowing the bands 3 to move relative to one another. Each adjacent pair of bands 3 or slats forms an interface 30 between facing edges where the facing edges comprise a series of interlocking projections 25 and 26. The bands 3 may be constructed from a front 20 and back panel 21 which are held together by a very high bond tape. The back panel 21 may have a series of projections 25 and 26 or tabs which extend beyond the periphery of the front panel 20. The bands 3 may be held in place by a groove 11 in the frame 2 in which the bands 3 are slidingly received. The front face of the display sign 1 may be convex and can be single or double sided.

Description

DISPLAY SIGN

The present invention relates to improvements in display signs.

5 Display signs are widely used for.r.e display of information in many contexts. It is known to provide a modu'ar sign system where individual parts of the sign may be replaced separately from one another to update the information displayed on the sign. Typically in such signs, i0 the sign comprises a number of individual slats known as bards' which may be individually mounted in a frame to fore the overall sign. The individual bands may be re-ordered and/or replaced in order to update or change the appearance of the overall sign. Such signs are typically formed from 15 plastic, or metallic materials such as aluminium. The outward face of the sign may be planar or have a convexly curved appearance. One known methods of attaching the individual bands to the frame involves using clips to attach extruded bands to a support. However, the positioning of the 20 clips dictates the location of the bands. Also, the extruded bands cannot be curved. Further, it is usually necessary to use a special tool to remove the clips from the support which is a complicated operation and con damage the individual bands. Another known method is to use clips on 25 the bands which are clipped into vertical tracks. Whilst this allows the vertical position of each band to be adjusted the fitting of the clips to the track is fiddly and removing the clips from the tracks can be cor.plicated and difficult. A further method is to provide two side channels 30 in a frame into which the individual bands are slid to mount and dismount the bands from the frame. However, in practice

this system has certain drawbacks. In order to replace a band which is not at the top or bottom of the sign it is recommended to first slide all of the intervening bands out of the frame to allow access to the band which needs 5 replacing. This can be time consuming and as such users of these types of sign systems do not tend to take this recommended approach. Instead, it is common for users to pull the bands out of the frame in a direction normal to the plane of the sign frame so as to 'pop' the band out of the 10 side channels. However, this action tends to distort the shape of the band.

A major disadvantage with all of the above systems is that the bands are typically thin and can be prone to distortion when not in the frame or attached to the support.

15 Such distortion may be deliberate or accidental The -ndividual bands of the sign can become distorted and bent out of their original shape. As such, when the bands are replaced in the frame or support the faces of the bands do not align properly and the overall visual appearance of the 20 sign is significantly degraded.

The present invention aims to provide a sign system which overcomes the drawbacks mentioned above.

The present invention provides a display sign comprising a frame and a plurality of bands, the frame 25 comprising means for reta n ng the plurality of bands in juxtaposition whilst allowing the bands to move relative to one another, wherein on retainmer.- of said bands in juxtaposition in said frame each pair of adjacent bands are brought into engagement to form an interface between facing 30 edges of the pair of adjacent bands, wherein the facing edges comprise a series of interlocking projections.

The interlocking projections of the bands ensure that the adjacent bands are kept in alignment even where the bands have been subject to differing amounts of distortion.

Advantageously, the sign does not require complicated clips 5 to attach the bands and allows for frontal removal of the bands wherein the bands are pulled in a direction normal to the frame rather than slid parallel to the frame. No tools are required to replace the bands. This allows for faster replacemen= of individual bands and bands in the middle of lo the sign may be replaced without removing other bands.

Preferably, the interlocking projections comprise a plurality of projections interleaved with gaps.

Preferably, each band comprises a front panel and a back panel. This allows for easy manufacture of the 15 components of the sign since aLl parts may be manufactured by stamping or a similar process.

Preferably, the front panel and back panel are joined by very high bond (VHB) tape. This allows for the parts to be quickly and easily assembled and retains an uninterrupted 20 front face to the bands.

Preferably the back panel comprises a plurality of projections which extend beyond the periphery of the front panel to form a first part of the interlocking projections.

Preferably, gaps are formed between neighbouring projections 25 of the back panel, wherein the gaps are recessed relative to the front panel, the gaps forming a second part of the ir.terlGcking projections. The projections and gaps together form the interlocking projections. Preferably, the projections extend substantially along the entire length of 30 the bands.

In one embodiment the means for retaining the plurality of bands comprises a groove on each side of the frame in which, in use, the bands are slidingly received. Preferably, in this case the bands comprise sideways extending projections which are received in use in the grooves.

Preferably, the back panel comprises the sideways extending projections. The bands may be formed from any of aluminium, steel, -

plastic or wood. The particular material chosen will depend 0 on cost and aesthetic considerations. -

In one embodiment the frame comprises a convex front -

face such that bands retained in the frame are held in an arcuate configuration.

Advantageously, a front face of the bands is -

15 substantially uninterrupted across the interface.; In one embodiment, the display sign is single sided. In another, the display sign is double sided. In one embodiment, the display sign is wall mountable.

Alternatively, display sign may be suspendable.

20 Alternatively, the display sign may be free standing.

The present invention also provides a band for use in a display sign as described above wherein the band comprises a first edge and a second edge and at least one of the first edge and the second edge comprises a series of project ons.

25 In one type of band, both the first edge and the second edge of the band comprises a series of prelections.

An embodiment of the present invention wit' now be -

described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sign according to the present invention with four bands in situ; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the sign of Figure 1 S Figure 3 is a perspective view of a front of a first type of band of the sign of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a back of the band of -

igure 3; -

Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the back of 10 a portion of the bane of Figure 4i Figure 6 is a perspective view of a back of two bands of the sign of Figure i showing the bands in engagement; and Figure 7 is a perspective view of a front of a second type of band of the sign of Figure 1.

15; The sign of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 7. The sign 1, as shown in Figure 1, generally comprises a frame 2 in which are housed a plurality of individual bands 3. The frame 2 is generally rectangular in shape and 20 in the illustrated embodiment has a width greater than its height. The frame 2 has a top edge 4 and a bottom edge 5 and two side edges to which are attached side channels 11.

Bach side channel 11 is formed from a generally U-shaped section which is attached to a rear side of the frame 2.

25 Each side channel 11 wraps around the edge of the frame 2 and defines a groove 12 between the side channel 11 and a -

front face of the frame 2. In use, the 'sands 3 are rece ved as a sliding fit in the grooves 12 of the side channels 11 as will be described below.

30 In the embodiment shown the frame 2 has a generally Convexly curved front face. The rear face is provided with

means for mounting the sign to a rigid surface such as wall.

As shown in t igure 2, access holes 13 may be provided in the frame 2 to allow a user Lo access the mounting means to mount and dismount the frame 2 from the rigid surface.

5 Each band 3 comprises an elongate rectangular member.

The bands 3 are sized to fit in the frame 2 by spanning between the grooves 12. Different sizes of bands 3 and frame 2 can be provided as required. Typically the bands 3 have a length of 297mm, 42Cmm, 600mm, 750mm, or 900m and a height 10 of 30mm, 45mm, 60mm, 90m, 120m,, or lSOmm.

A first type of band 3 is shown in Figures 3 and 4 and comprises a front panel 0 and a rear panel 21 which are mounted together by, for example, very high bond (VHB) tape.

The thickness of the panels 20, 21 may be subject to 15 variation but are typically 1.2mm. The front panel 20 is rectangular in plan view shape and defines a display zone 22 on which information to be carried by the sign can be affixed by any known means such as gluing, screen printing, writing, etc. The edges of the front panel 20 are 20 preferably provided with a bevel 23 to improve their appearance. The rear panel 21 as shown in Figure 4 comprises a generally elongated member of similar size to the front panel 20. The adjoined front panel 20 and rear panel 21 are 25 bowed into an arcuate shape.

The rear panel 21 has a greater width than the front panel 20 such that the rear panel 21 defines two sideways extending projections 24 which extend beyond the side edges of the front panel 23. The lop and bottom edges of the rear 30 panel 21 are castellated so as to define a set of top projections 25 and set of bottom projections 26. Each set

of projections 25, 26 comprises a plurality of individual projections 27 and intervening gaps 28 shown most clearly in the enlarged view of Figure 5. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the height of a main body of the rear panel 21 spanning S between The innermost edges of the gaps 28 on the top and bottom edges is less than the height of the front panel 20 such that, when viewed from the rear, portions of the front panel 20 are visible between neighbouring projections 27 through the gaps 28.

10 In use, to mount the bands 3 the bands 3 are preferably flexed to reduce their overall span length and located in the frame 2 with the sideways projections 24 being received in the grooves 12 of the side channels 11. On release of the band the band springs back to its original length firmly 15 seating the projections 24 in the grooves 12. Figure 2 shows the sign 1 with two bands 3 inserted. Adjacent bands 3 are brought into juxtaposition by sliding the bands slightly within the grooves 12 so the_ the bands 3 abut as shown in Figures L and 6 with the bottom projections 26 of the upper 20 band 3 being bought into engagement with the top projections 25 of the lower band 3. The top and bottom sets of projections 25, 26 thus, together, form a set of interlocking projections. As shown in Figure 6, The engagement of the top set of projections 25 and bottom set 25 of projections 26 is acco.mcdated since the projections 27 of the top set of projections 25 are received within the gaps 28 of the bottom set of projections 26 such that the top and bottom edges of the front panels 2C of the two band 3 may be brought into contac_ with one another to form an 30 interface along a butt line 30. An advantage of the present invention is that from the front view' as shown for example

in Figure 1, the sets of projections 25, 26 are not visible and the butt line 30 defined between the two bands 3 is straight and uninterrupted. This gives the front of the sign 1 a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

5 As shown in Figure A, each gap 28 is wider than the projection 27 received therein during juxtaposition of the bands 3. This provides a tolerance which aids easy insertion of the projections 27 within the gaps 28 and allows for easier flexing of the overall band 3. It can also be seen in lo Figure 6 that a small clearance 29 is defined between a distal edge of the projections 27 and the edge of the main body of the rear panel 21. This clearance 21 is provided to ensure that the bands 3 contact one another uniformly along the butt line 30 rather than by engagement of the 15 projections 27 with the rear panel 21.

In the First type of band 3, shown in Figures 3 and 4, the band 3 is provided with a top set of projections 25 and a bottom set of projections 26. Figure 7 illustrates a second type of band 3 which is provided only with a top set 20 of projections 25. This band 3 would be used for the bottommost panel of the sign 3 such that projections 27 are not visible along the bottom edge 5. A similar band 3 may be provided to form the topmost band 3 of the sign 1 wherein only a bottom set of projections 26 are provided.

25 In the illustrated embodiment the bands 3 are formed from aluminim. However, other Materials may equally be used such as other metals, e.g. steel, plastics, wood, etc. Bands 3 of greater height than that shown in the drawings may be formed by using a front panel 20 and a rear 30 panel 21 of Larger size. Alternatively, a larger front panel may be provided with two rear panels, one each along the

upper and lower edges of the front panel such that the rear panel does not extend across the whole height of the band.

This construction reduces the overall weight of the band and allows it to be flexed more easily.

5 In the illustrated embodiment the sign 1 is shown as having a curved convex front face. However the present invention may also be applied to signs having a planar, concave, or other configuration.

The sign 1 may be mounted to a wall, be suspended from 0 a ceiling or be free standing. The sign may be single sided or doubled sided wherein the frame 2 is provided on both faces with means for retaining the bands 3.

Claims

Claims:

1. A display sign comprising a frame and a plurality of bands, the frame comprising means for retaining the plurality of bands in juxtaposition whilst allowing the bands to move relative to one another, wherein on retainment of said bands in juxtaposition in said frame each pair of adjacent bands are brought into engagement to form an interface between facing edges of the pair 10 of adjacent bands, wherein the facing edges comprise a series of interlocking projections.

2. A display sign as claimed in claim 1 wherein the interlocking projections comprise a plurality of 15 projections interleaved with gaps.

3. A display sign as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each band comprises a front panel and a back panel. 2C 4. A display sign as claimed in claim 3 wherein the front panel and back panel are joined by very high bond (VHB) tape. 25 5. A display sign as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the back panel comprises a plurality of projections hicn extend beyond the periphery of the front panel to form a first part of the interlocking projections.

3Q 6. A display sign as claimed in claim 6 wherein gaps are formed between neighbouring projections of the back

panel, wherein the gaps are recessed relative to the front panel, the gaps forming a second part of the interlocking projections. ' 5 7. A display sign, as claimed in any preceding claim i wherein the means for retaining the plurality of bands comprises a groove on each side of the frame in which, in use, the bands are slidingly received.

10 8. A display sign as claimed in claim 7 wherein the bands compr se sideways extending projections which are received in use in the grooves.

9. A display sign as claimed in claim 8 wherein the back 15 panel comprises the sideways extending projections.

10. A display sign as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bands are formed from any of aluminium, steel, plastic or wood.

11. A display sign as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame comprises a convex front face such that bands retained in the frame are held in an arcuate configuration. À5 12. A display sign as claimed in any preceding claim! wherein a front face of the bands is substantially uninterrupted across the interface.

30 13. A display sign as claimed in any preceding claim; wherein the display sign is single sided.

A display sign as claimed in any of claims l to 12 wherein the display sign is double sided.

5 15. A display sign as G aided in any preceding claim wherein the display sign is wall mountable.

16. A display sign as claimed in any of claims l to 14 wherein the display sign is suspendable.

17. A display sign as claimed in any of claims l to 14 wherein the display sign is free standing.

18. A band for use in a display sign as claimed in any 15 preceding claim wherein the band comprises a first edge and a second edge and at least one of the first edge and the second edge comprises a series of projections.

19. A band as claimed in claim 13 wherein both the first 20 edge and the second edge of the band comprises a series of projections.

20. A display sign substantially as hereinbefore described as referenced in or as shown in the accompanying 25 drawings.

Anendments to the clains have been filed as follows 1 - - -Y

_ _ a_1.!S.

1.. '-so a s-g- --..pr-s-r B À;'arre a-; _ p:r..l t O ands,:-e rs-ie ^cisg rr;esns fcr -e- n r,g.:-:e -, y2i;-- - y o-' Y_ ds i.r.x pcs ti;-r -, i:s: -. ^--g re a--icis - mo-,-e elative to o-.e c-c.r:-e-, h.e-e o Ye_-v. .-;._ SB- d --a..ds _ xap s--.i-n --. ss -rame each 2air cf ad acen ba-.s a-e bro-agh- ir:tc e-! agement o rcrm: ar: --^-face be.i<en ac a e--es o-;-:e pa r - ao acen. a-is, -.-re-e' the ac-.y edges _vmrr-se a c il. '=loc - p ections.

2. A iisr-y sign as c'_ed i- cl--m 1.7he-ei-. t;=e i.terlock.g projections comrise a plurality of prcjectiors rn'e'' cave-d -with gaps.

3. A disp2ay sign as clai,ed - n -ny peceding clai.

-r.eren esch bad com-ises ^ ror._ pan_1 and G cack pcnel. _,r J a. A ds?lay sign cs _aime i-. cla-m 3 where ri tr.e f-or.

panel mr.^' back pane a-e 5..ed y -7e-y rig bond -7HS) _ape. 5. -. dispay si r. ss c2a-me n ca- T 3 cr c_a- 4 ---erei.r -.e ack ps.e2 com?r s-s a lara ity o r oecticns ;-_h _:-te-. be;--r- h- p- pr-ry c he -r_.- ps-el or a -irs par' c h_ 'ter:-ckr.g crc e t ens.

32 6. A _is_ay s n as cla:.ed n cTs =. 6 -^.--e-__n yaps sre ^srmed oeleen reigh-!-^_-lr. cr_:=crcr:s - t.e a_k

pGnel, itere-- t:-ie aps are '-e_esse elat -;e c:-._ +' (O; r =r.e, ^e gaps orm; g a -es:nd --r -!- r r e j A _ A, r,' -, < -; c, r t 1, _! 5 7.. d-''-- s n as 3_e; y v-e;_i_-i i-i:z;,-!! here - t}e.;ears -r re a --n he p -_s_ y CI arcs _m?-is h se - -he -<ar.;_ i-in, in use, the bands ae s -dirly rece--ved.

'W' &. T - Sp- -i 5_3-l Is __airea - c_-_i -viderein;.e ands corAr-s_ s d_--a',-s ex end-rl vjec.iors -v;:-- h Gr-

recei--ed,ri use i-1 _'ne g_ s.

g. A display sign as claimed i claim & where n he back panel c;.pr-ses he sideways extening proec.-cr.s.

13. dis? a sign as c aimed - ar,y preceding claim vi..ere-,.he bands are fcrmed rom any c1 aluminim, s,eel, pLas,ic c ood.

O A dis ay si<n as claimed i a-.y prec-.Adir Gl- m here n _:ne fame cemprises ccn-,-ex _r:;n,ace =uch t.at bands relalned -2n, the f ame re f. eld ir &n arcuate ccnlgura -cr..

-2. A cis--la sign as c_ai.ed -n a..y pr_ced-. caim -.i:^ere_n a -n ace c:.e.ands -s s-=lcstan -_1_;; . 1_, - -, - A.,_ f _,- _ -f,: _ ^- - f _ _ _ _ G _ _ _ _. _ _ _ - - - -

-- - -<,, A^_ S' G i7 sig as _a me --. ay p:fec-d n cla -m ...,....

^-ne-re-r ne c-splay slgr s sln'e s-Ae-.

lS 14. A d slay sigr as cia-2re,, a-y cf caims 1 _ 1 -:-ere-2..: di=_s gr 's d_e s-2ded.

1-. A d_sla-= s-2g- as c_a.-..ed i a-y- r_cec ng c_a--.

:-,erei: t:-. dis_a.- sign -s wal;ou-_ak2e.

15. A display sin as claime _r ay of claims to i4 where2n L.e d-spl-y sigr is suspendable.

17. A d-s.ay sign as claied in ary of c_aims 1 tc 14 w2-ere.n t:-. dis2ay sign is fre stand ng.

18. A band for use in a display sign as cla2ed n any 15 precedina -aim wherei, the bald comprises a irst edge and a seco.d edge nd at:eas_ cne o t-.e irst edge a-.d the seond edge comprises a ser-,es cf pro,ections.

19. A ad as -a_red _n claim 18 -here'r both t2e first 20 edge and _he second edge of _:-- ban co..prises a ser-es of oro,ec_ions.

20. A disolay sign substant_ally a hereinbe-'cre described -s reteren;-ed in or as showr i the accomanyirg 25 drawings.