US20100263184A1

US20100263184A1 - Method of Utilizing Electroluminescent Lighted Signs to Retrofit Existing Signs and for Safety Signage

Info

Publication number: US20100263184A1
Application number: US12/762,287
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert B. Ray; David P. Lennon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-04-16
Filing date: 2010-04-16
Publication date: 2010-10-21

Abstract

A method of retrofitting an existing sign with a low power use electroluminescent (EL) panel to reduce power usage and provide longer operating life. The user initially selects an EL panel having a desired panel sign content, typically in corresponding relation to the existing sign content on the front fascia of the existing sign. The user removes the front fascia from its base and removes a cover sheet from the EL panel to expose its sticky back surface. The back surface of the EL panel is affixed to the front fascia. The EL panel is electrically connected to the source of power for the existing sign and the combined fascia and EL panel are attached to the base to define a retrofitted sign. A method of signage for emergency use attaches the sticky back surface of an EL panel to a wall or other surface to direct and/or warn others.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/170,078 filed Apr. 16, 2009.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention
The field of the present invention relates generally to apparatuses and methods used to provide lighted signage. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of retrofitting existing signs to improve their function and/or to reduce their operating costs. In more particularity, the present invention relates to methods of utilizing electroluminescent lighted signs in a manner that provides temporary or permanent retrofitting of existing lighted signs for safety or other uses and provides signs in places where none may exist or be functional.
B. Background
Signs have been used for many years for advertising, messaging, visual art and other display purposes. Traditionally, most signs either have no lighting associated with the sign or have an external lamp associated therewith to shine light on the sign so that it may be seen at night or during low natural lighting conditions. Over the years, various types of lighting sign systems have been developed to provide lighted signs. For purposes of this disclosure, lighted signs include any type of sign or sign-like display that is utilized to display a message, an impression or other information, whether of a commercial, artistic, warning or other nature, to the person seeing the sign. As such lighted signs may be utilized to advertise a product, convey a personal or political message to others, decorate or otherwise enhance the appearance of another object, identify the location of a house, office or other place of business and/or for a variety of other display purposes.
Most presently available lighted sign systems utilize conventional electrical lamps, including standard light bulbs, LED bulbs, neon lighting, fiber optic lighting and the like, to provide the desired lighted display. These types of lighted signs have a number of limitations, including relatively high energy use, low lamp life, difficulty with use in, or placement on, many objects and inability to provide sufficiently precise control of the lighting for purposes of animating the display, which is a process by which different sections or areas of the sign are lit at different times to simulate action on the sign, in the desired manner. In order to achieve the desired lighting effect for lighted signs, some manufacturers have begun utilizing or attempting to utilize electroluminescent lamp lighting.
As well known to those skilled in the art, there are various types of electroluminescent lamp systems presently available. One such lamp is manufactured from multiple layer panels. For purposes of the present disclosure, an electroluminescent panel (hereinafter referred to as an “EL panel”) is a sheet or sheet-like section of electroluminescent material that is comprised of multiple layers that function together to emanate light from the panel. A commonly available type of EL panel is made of inorganic materials and configured with electrodes which connect to a source of electrical power that provides electrical current which causes the electroluminescent material to emit light. Although a battery can be utilized as the power source, typically it is an AC or DC power source. A power inverter is commonly disposed between the power source and the EL panel to modify the electrical drive conditions supplied to the EL panel. Typically, a switching unit having a manually operated switch is commonly utilized to selectively provide electric current to the EL panel. For purposes of animating the EL panel display, the switching unit is configured to selectively direct the electric current to different sections or areas of the EL panel at different intervals.
As stated above, the typical EL panel is a made from a multiple layer electroluminescent material having a plurality of layers sandwiched together to effectively form a single unit. As set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,528,943 to Coghlan, et al., hereinafter, the “'943 patent” (the disclosure of the '943 patent is incorporated herein as though fully set forth in the present text), the layers of an EL panel typically comprise at least a pair of spaced apart electrodes, commonly referred to as a front electrode and a rear electrode, one or more layers having phosphor and dielectric materials disposed between the front and rear electrodes and an outer transparent plastic layer over the front electrode. The standard EL panel is effectively a capacitor having a dielectric layer disposed between two conductive electrodes, with one of the electrodes, typically the front electrode, being transparent. As well known, the phosphor material radiates light in response to an electric current being passed through it or in the presence of a strong electric field. One of the primary advantages of utilizing an EL panel is that it radiated light with relatively little current, compared to other lamp systems.
One type of modern EL panel, described in the '943 patent, has a transparent front substrate layer, a transparent front electrode, a phosphor layer, a dielectric layer and an opaque rear electrode. The transparent front substrate is typically made out of a plastic material, such as a polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate or PET) or polycarbonate material. The transparent front electrode is commonly made out of indium tin oxide and is vacuum deposited onto the front substrate layer. The phosphor layer, typically having encapsulated phosphor, is screen-printed over the front electrode. The dielectric layer, commonly containing a solvent, a binder and barium titanate particles, is screen-printed over the phosphor layer. The rear electrode, typically comprising a solvent, a binder and conductive particles such as silver or carbon, is then screen-printed over the dielectric layer. Due to the chemical compatibility of the layers, there is good adhesion between adjoining layers of the EL panel. One such EL panel is the duraELglo™ EL lamps from Durel, which is a division of the Rogers Corporation out of Chandler, Ariz. One feature of EL panels is that if any one or more of the layers are removed, then panel or any portion of panel where the layer or layers were removed will not light.
For use as a sign, EL panels are typically provided in a rectangular, square, round or other shaped section of electroluminescent material. The EL panels can be of any size and shape and may be joined with other panels for even longer lengths or provided in a roll. These panels are commonly referred to as large area EL panels. In order to be utilized for a lighted sign, it is necessary to either provide the EL panel in the desired sign shape, which can be letters, designs or various combinations thereof, or to modify the standard panel such that only the desired sign shape is illuminated. The EL panel is then wired to the power source in a manner such that it lights up as desired.
Presently, there is not an easy, cost effective manner in which to replace currently high energy use exit or other directional signs with low energy signs made out of EL panels. In addition, with previous lighting technologies and sign manufacturing processes it is not possible to place a lighted sign on a wall, floor or corridor in under thirty minutes or less. As such, there has not been an acceptable way for emergency personnel, including firemen, police, EMTs and the like, or other responders to be able to quickly place an illuminated exit sign, a safety hazard sign, an egress directional sign or other suitable lighted warning sign or signs on a wall, floor or other surface without the use of extension cords, power supplies or battery packs and mounting tools. Naturally, the responder must carry the sign with him or her and must be able to quickly mount the sign on a surface where it can be beneficially viewed by others. The mounting materials, as well as the sign itself, may be bulky to carry to the location where they are needed to assist in responding to an emergency.
What is needed, therefore, is a quick, easy, relatively inexpensive and effective method of converting a presently utilized high energy use exit sign or the like to a more energy efficient sign. What is also needed is a method of being able to quickly and easily place a lighted sign on a wall, floor or other surface during an emergency to assist with directing persons to a safe location and/or warning persons of a danger area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The method of utilizing EL lighted signs to retrofit existing signs and for safety signage of the present invention solves the problems and provides the benefits identified above. That is to say, the present invention discloses a new and improved method of retrofitting an existing high energy use sign so that it can utilize an EL panel to provide a much more energy efficient sign. The method of retrofitting signs is particularly useful for the vast number of exit signs that are currently in use. The present invention allows quick and easy retrofitting of such signs with an energy efficient EL panel. The present invention also discloses a new and improved method of placing an illuminated exit sign, a safety hazard sign, an egress directional sign or other suitable lighted safety or warning sign on a wall, floor or other surface during an emergency to direct others how to egress an area and/or to warn others of a danger in the area. The method of the present invention allows emergency personnel or other responders to quickly and easily place a sign on the desired surface without the use of extension cords, power supplies or battery packs and mounting tools. As such, the method of the present invention provides allows the responder to quickly mount a sign on a surface where it can be beneficially viewed by others so that it may assist or warn others in an emergency situation.
In a primary embodiment of the present invention, the method of retrofitting existing signs generally comprises the steps of removing the front fascia of an existing sign from its base, exposing the sticky back surface of an EL panel having an adhesive thereon, affixing the back surface of the EL panel to the front fascia, electrically connecting the EL panel to the power supply of the existing sign and attaching the combined fascia/panel to the base to form the retrofitted sign. More specifically, the preferred embodiment of the retrofitting method of the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) removing the front fascia from the existing sign; (b) selecting an EL panel having a panel sign content and a sticky back surface covered by a cover sheet; (c) removing the cover sheet to expose the sticky back surface of the EL panel; (d) affixing the back surface of the EL panel to the front fascia to define a combined fascia/panel having the panel sign content; (e) electrically connecting the EL panel to the existing power source; and (f) attaching the combined fascia/panel to the existing base to define a new low power sign. In the preferred embodiment, EL panel is sized and configured in corresponding relation to the existing base and the panel sign content is in corresponding relation to the existing sign content. In an alternative embodiment of the retrofitting method, the user does not utilize the source of power associated with the existing sign and, instead, utilizes a power source associated with the EL panel, typically one or more batteries.
In a primary embodiment of the signage method of the present invention, the method of placing a sign by a responder to assist others in an emergency generally comprises the steps of: (a) selecting an EL panel having a desired panel sign content, a sticky back surface covered by a cover sheet and a battery-powered electrical supply; (b) removing the cover sheet to expose the sticky back surface of the EL panel; and (c) affixing the back surface of the EL panel to a surface so as to direct or warn others regarding the emergency situation. In one embodiment, the EL panel comprises a power housing having a power supply and a switch, with the power supply configured to power the EL panel and the switch configured to activate the power supply and turn on the EL panel to light the panel sign content. In this embodiment, the method further comprises the step of operating the switch to activate the power supply after the affixing step. In an alternative embodiment, the EL panel comprises a power housing having a power supply that is configured to automatically power the EL panel when the cover sheet is removed from the EL panel during the removing step to expose the sticky back surface.
Accordingly, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide method of retrofitting existing signs and placing safety signs during an emergency that has the benefits described above and which overcomes the limitations and problems associated with currently available methods of retrofitting existing signs and placing safety signage during an emergency situation, such as a fire or the like.
It is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a method of easily, quickly, effectively and relatively inexpensively retrofitting an existing high energy use sign with a low energy EL sign.
It is also a primary objective of the present invention to provide a method that allows users to convert existing high energy signs, such as an exit sign, to a low energy sign using a stick-on EL panel that attaches to the cover surface of the existing sign.
It is also a primary objective of the present invention to provide a method of placing an illuminated exit sign, a safety hazard sign, an egress directional sign or other suitable lighted safety or warning sign on a wall, floor or other surface during an emergency to direct others how to egress an area and/or to warn others of a danger in the area.
It is also a primary objective of the present invention to provide a method of placing an illuminated exit sign that utilizes a stick-on EL panel that has a sticky back surface which can be affixed to a wall, floor or other surface.
The above and other aspects and advantages of the present invention are explained in greater detail by reference to the attached figures and the description of the preferred embodiment which follows. As set forth herein, the present invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and combination of the above presently described and understood by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments and the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a prior art exit sign showing removal of the front fascia thereof for purposes of the method of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an EL exit panel made out of an EL material having a sticky back surface showing removal of a peel-off cover therefrom;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a user utilizing a device to attach the EL exit panel to the prior art front fascia;

FIG. 4 is a the back surface of the prior art exit front fascia from FIG. 1 showing attachment of the EL electronics thereto;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of installing the combined exit front fascia and EL panel showing connection of the EL electronics to the power supply;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the retrofitted exit signed accomplished according to the method of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart summarizing the method of retrofitting a sign according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exit sign shown while being placed in position on a wall by a responder during an emergency situation;

FIG. 9 shows a pair of egress directional signs placed on a wall for use during an emergency situation;

FIG. 10 shows a caution sign placed on a wall to warn others of a potentially dangerous area;

FIG. 11 shows a high voltage sign placed on a wall to warn others of an area of high voltage; and

FIG. 12 is a front view of the caution sign of FIG. 10 showing the batteries and on/off switch associated with the power housing of the sign.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present invention, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth below. The enclosed figures and drawings are merely illustrative of one or more of the preferred embodiments and, as such, represent one or more ways of configuring the present invention. Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses are illustrated, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein. For instance, although the figures and description provided herein are directed to certain types of signs and components that are generally made out of conventional and readily available materials, those skilled in the art will readily understand that this is set forth merely for purposes of simplifying the present disclosure and that the present invention is not so limited.
A lighted sign that is retrofit manufactured pursuant to the preferred embodiments of the method, designated as 10, of retrofitting existing signs of the present invention is shown generally as 12 in FIG. 6. The method of the present invention is summarized in the flow chart of FIG. 7. An existing sign, which is shown as an exit sign, that will be retrofitted according to the method 10 of the present invention is designated as 14 in FIG. 1. As well known in the art, most prior art lighted signs 14 utilize conventional electrical lamps, including standard light bulbs, LED bulbs, neon lighting, fiber optic lighting and the like, to provide the desired lighted display. These types of prior art lighted signs 14 have a number of well known limitations, including relatively high energy use and low lamp life. In contrast EL panels, an example of which is shown as 16 in FIG. 2, are known to require relatively low energy use and have a very long life. Prior to the present method, the conventional manner of replacing a high energy use existing lighted sign 14 would be to remove the sign 14 from the wall or other surface to which it is attached, disconnect the sign 14 from the source of power 18, such as the AC wires that are shown in FIG. 5, and fixedly attach a new, lower power use sign to the surface. Typically, the existing lighted sign 14 would be discarded. The method of the present invention allows the user to quickly, easily and effectively retrofit the existing sign 14 with a low energy use EL panel. Because the method 10 of the present invention utilizes many of the components of the existing sign 14, the retrofitting of the existing sign 14 can be accomplished for a relatively low cost, thereby encouraging more people to replace the high energy use signs 14 with a low energy use sign 12 configured according the method 10 of the present invention.
A typical existing lighted sign 14 has a base 20 to which is attached a front fascia 22 having an existing sign content 24 (such as the “EXIT” wording and the pair of arrows shown in FIG. 1). The base 20 and front fascia 22 define an interior chamber 26 in which is housed the electronics and lamp (not shown) of the existing lighted sign 14. Typically, front fascia 22 is removably attached, usually in a snap locking type of engagement, to base 20 so the user can replace the electronics and/or lamp housed in the interior chamber 26 as needed. The initial step in the retrofitting method 10 of the present invention is to remove the front fascia 22 from the base 20, as shown in FIG. 1. The user then selects an EL panel 16 that is sized and configured in corresponding relation (i.e., rectangular shape of the same size) as the front fascia 22 of the existing sign 14. In the preferred embodiment, the EL panel 16 will have a panel sign content 28 that is in corresponding relation to the existing sign content 24, as shown in FIG. 2, so the EL panel 16 can merely overlay the existing sign content 24 of the existing sign 14. The EL panel 16 utilized in the method of the present invention will have a sticky back surface 30 that is, when not in use, covered by a removable cover sheet 32. The user removes the cover sheet 32 from the EL panel 16, thereby exposing the sticky back surface 30 thereof.
The next step in the method 10 of the present invention is to apply the EL panel 16 to the front fascia 22, as shown in FIG. 3. In a preferred embodiment, the user will utilize a pressing device 34 to assist him or her with accurately and smoothly pressing the sticky back surface 30 of the EL panel 16 onto the front fascia 22 in a manner such that panel sign content 28 substantially aligns with and covers the existing sign content 24. The device 34, shown held in the user's hand 36 in FIG. 3, can be a standard vinyl installation squeegee or a sponge, flat blade or similar devices. With the EL panel 16 firmly attached to the front fascia 22, the user then turns the combined fascia/panel, shown as 38 in FIG. 4, over to expose the back surface 40 of the front fascia 22 and attaches the EL panel electronics 42 to the EL panel 16 using the first or panel set of wires 44 which extend from and connect to the EL panel electronics 42. It may be necessary for the user to place one or more apertures in the front fascia 22 to allow the first wires 44 to electrically access and connect to the EL panel 16. A second or power set of wires 46 also extend from and connect to the EL panel electronics 42. The user connects the second set of wires 46 to the existing source of power 18, which will typically be a pair of wires extending into the base 20 from the wall or other surface on which the existing sign 14 was mounted, as shown in FIG. 5, that connect to an AC power supply. Once the second set of wires 46 are electrically connected to the source of power (wires) 18, the user installs the combined fascia/panel 38 onto the base 20 in the same manner in which the front fascia 22 was previously attached to base 20 to form the new low power sign 12 using the EL panel 16. The panel electronics 42 will be positioned inside the interior chamber 26 formed by the attachment of the combined fascia/panel 38 and base 20. Once installed, the user will have a low power sign 12 that will be utilized in the same manner as the previously installed existing sign 14 except that it will utilize much less energy than the existing sign 14. In addition to the lower energy usage, the new low power sign 12 will have the long life benefits that are generally known to exist with EL panels. Due to the excellent lighting properties for visibility and the extremely low electrical energy use of EL panel 16, this peel and stick method of retrofitting 10 existing higher wattage lighted signs 14 would significantly improve energy efficiency with a very simple installation method.
In an alternative embodiment of the method of the present invention, the user discards the existing front fascia 22 and replaces it with a blank front fascia 22 or a new front fascia 22 that has a different existing sign content 24 thereon. Typically, the user will only need to use a blank or new front fascia 22 if he or she desires to use a panel sign content 28 that does not correspond, in size or message, to the existing sign content 24 of the existing sign 14. To avoid extra costs, the blank or new front fascia 22 should be sized and configured to engagedly attach to the existing base 20 in the same manner as the existing front fascia 22. Although this alternative embodiment results in higher costs, it still allows for quick and easy replacement of the existing sign 14 at a much lower cost than if the user were to replace the entire existing sign 14. The lower cost is primarily due to the existing base 20 being utilized for the retrofitted sign and the fact that the base does not have to be removed from the wall or other surface. In another alternative embodiment, the user can not utilize the existing source of power 18 and, instead, utilize a new source of power associated with the EL panel 16. As an example, the user could forgo the AC wires shown as the existing source of power 18 and utilize a battery pack, solar cell or the like to power the new low power sign 12 of the present invention. In either embodiment, the user can either discard or recycle the electronics and/or lamp materials of the existing sign 14.
The present invention also discloses a new and improved signage method, shown as 50 in FIG. 8, of placing an illuminated sign on a wall, floor or other surface, shown as 52, during an emergency to direct others how to egress an area and/or to warn others of danger in the area. As shown in FIGS. 8 through 11, the signage method 50 can be utilized to provide a lighted exit sign 54, one or more egress directional signs 56, a caution sign 58, a safety hazard sign 60 or other suitable lighted safety or warning sign on the wall 52 or other surface. The signage method 50 of the present invention allows emergency personnel or other responders, exemplified by the fireman 62 in FIG. 8, to quickly and easily place a sign on the desired surface 52. As stated above, presently the placement of such signs can be difficult, time consuming and impractical due to the need for a power source and tools to mount the sign. The signage method 50 of the present invention allows a responder 62, which could be a supervisor, maintenance worker or the like, to place a sign (exemplified by signs 54 through 60 shown in FIGS. 8 through 11) without the use of any extension cords, power supplies or battery packs and without the use of any mounting tools. As such, the method of the present invention allows the responder 62 to quickly affix a sign on a surface 52 where it can be beneficially viewed by others so that it may assist or warn others in an emergency situation.
The signage method 50 of the present invention utilizes the peel and stick EL panel 16 shown in FIG. 2. As described above, the EL panel 16 has a panel sign content 28 that is intended to direct or warn others, a sticky back surface 30 that allows the EL panel to be affixed to virtually any surface 52 and a removable cover sheet 32 that covers the sticky back surface 30 when the EL panel 16 is not being utilized for the signage method 50 of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the signage method 50 of the present invention, the EL panel 16 will have combined power supply and switch associated with a power housing 64, shown in FIGS. 9 through 12, that provides power to the EL panel 16 and which allows the responder 62 to activate the sign. As best shown in FIG. 12 with regard to the caution sign 58, the power supply 66 will comprise one or more batteries and the switch 68 will be a simple throw switch mechanism, the use of which are both well known in the art. In an alternative embodiment, power to the EL panel 16 can be automatically supplied from the power supply 66 when the responder 62 removes the cover sheet 32 to expose the sticky back surface 30 of the EL panel 16, thereby eliminating the switch 68 or leaving the switch 68 only to turn off the sign.
During an emergency situation, such as a building fire, chemical spill, earthquake or the like, the responder 62 will obtain the desired sign (such as the examples set forth above), remove the cover sheet 32 to expose the sticky back surface 30, attach the back surface 30 to the wall or other surface 52 and, if necessary, activate the switch 68 to activate the power supply 66 to the sign. The sign should be placed where it is beneficial for others to see the panel sign content 28 thereof so they may take the action or exercise caution as indicated on the sign. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the responder 62 will not need to carry a power source, extension cords or any tools to install the sign on the surface 52.
The signage method 50 of the present invention has many potential uses. In one example, such as in the case of a burning building where suddenly a section of the building collapses and emergency personnel 62 need to quickly advise evacuees to change their exit plan, the present invention can be used to quickly illuminate the direction persons need to follow as required to safely exit the building. The fireman or other responder 62 would simply pull the appropriate EL lighted panel 16 out of his jacket, etc. with its battery powered driver already attached, peel and stick the sign to the surface 52 required and switch it on. All this can likely be done in under a minute for a lighted directional sign. Also, due to the light properties of encapsulated phosphor style EL signs, the sign would be clearly visible through smoke and fog for further safety.
While there are shown and described herein specific forms of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it should be noted that the method of the present invention is subject to modification with regard to any dimensional relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly, materials, size, shape, and use. For instance, there are numerous components described herein that can be replaced with equivalent functioning components to accomplish the objectives of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of retrofitting an existing sign having a base, an existing source of power and a removable front fascia, said front fascia having an existing sign content thereon, said method comprising the steps of:

a. removing said front fascia from said existing sign;

b. selecting an EL panel having a panel sign content and a sticky back surface covered by a cover sheet;

c. removing said cover sheet to expose said sticky back surface of said EL panel;

d. affixing said back surface of said EL panel to said front fascia to define a combined fascia/panel having said panel sign content;

e. electrically connecting said EL panel to said existing power source; and

f. attaching said combined fascia/panel to said existing base to define a new low power sign.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said EL panel is sized and configured in corresponding relation to said existing base.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said panel sign content is in corresponding relation to said existing sign content.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said panel sign content is in corresponding relation to said existing sign content.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said electrically connecting step comprises connecting one or more EL panel electronics to said EL panel and connecting said EL panel electronics to said existing source of power.

6. A method of retrofitting an existing sign having a base and a removable front fascia, said front fascia having an existing sign content thereon, said method comprising the steps of:

a. removing said front fascia from said existing sign;

b. selecting an EL panel having a panel sign content, a sticky back surface covered by a cover sheet and a battery-powered electrical supply;

d. affixing said back surface of said EL panel to a new front fascia to define a combined fascia/panel having said panel sign content; and

e. attaching said combined fascia/panel to said existing base to define a new low power sign powered by said battery-powered electrical supply.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said EL panel is sized and configured in corresponding relation to said existing base.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said panel sign content is in corresponding relation to said existing sign content.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein said panel sign content is in corresponding relation to said existing sign content.

10. A method of emergency signage for use during an emergency situation, said method comprising the steps of:

a. selecting an EL panel having a desired panel sign content, a sticky back surface covered by a cover sheet and a battery-powered electrical supply;

b. removing said cover sheet to expose said sticky back surface of said EL panel; and

c. affixing said back surface of said EL panel to a surface so as to direct or warn others regarding said emergency situation.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said EL panel comprises a power housing having a power supply and a switch, said power supply configured to power said EL panel and said switch configured to activate said power supply and turn on said EL panel to light said panel sign content, said method further comprising the step of operating said switch to activate said power supply after said affixing step.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein said EL panel comprises a power housing having a power supply, said power supply configured to power said EL panel when said cover sheet is removed from said EL panel during said removing step.