US20140150309A1 - Sign assembly - Google Patents
Sign assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140150309A1 US20140150309A1 US14/176,602 US201414176602A US2014150309A1 US 20140150309 A1 US20140150309 A1 US 20140150309A1 US 201414176602 A US201414176602 A US 201414176602A US 2014150309 A1 US2014150309 A1 US 2014150309A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- rod
- channel
- base
- resilient portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F7/00—Signs, name or number plates, letters, numerals, or symbols; Panels or boards
- G09F7/002—Signs, name or number plates, letters, numerals, or symbols; Panels or boards weather-proof panels or boards
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F1/00—Springs
- F16F1/02—Springs made of steel or other material having low internal friction; Wound, torsion, leaf, cup, ring or the like springs, the material of the spring not being relevant
- F16F1/04—Wound springs
- F16F1/12—Attachments or mountings
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F15/00—Boards, hoardings, pillars, or like structures for notices, placards, posters, or the like
- G09F15/0006—Boards, hoardings, pillars, or like structures for notices, placards, posters, or the like planar structures comprising one or more panels
- G09F15/0056—Boards, hoardings, pillars, or like structures for notices, placards, posters, or the like planar structures comprising one or more panels portable display standards
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49609—Spring making
Definitions
- the present application relates to a sign assembly for displaying signage.
- the sign When advertising a product or service, it is common to post a sign in the region where the product is being sold or the service is being offered. For example, a restaurant may place a sign in front of the restaurant announcing specialties.
- the sign includes a base and a panel that are connected via springs. The springs enable the panel to flex in the presence of wind.
- a u-shaped metal bracket configured to attach to the bottom of the panel must be attached to the springs.
- the panel is then attached to the bracket via screws or the like, which increases the complexity of the sign, and also the amount of time and expertise required to assemble the sign.
- the sign may include a pair of wheels on a bottom side of the base to enable moving the sign.
- the wheels may be attached to the base via a common axle.
- the axle is secured to the bottom of the base by snapping the axle into a groove in the bottom of the base or via a bracket configured to hold the axle against the bottom surface of the base.
- the common axle may flex under the weight of ballast in the base. When this occurs, the bottom side of the base may drag against a surface when being moved.
- a sign assembly in one aspect, includes a base, a pair of spring members, and a panel.
- the spring members include a resilient portion that includes attachment means at a first end to enable attachment of the spring members to the base.
- the spring members also include a generally straight rod that extends from a second end of the resilient portion.
- the panel defines a pair of openings at a lower edge configured to slidably receive the rod of the spring members. The amount by which the rod slides into the panel is configured to secure the panel in an upright position.
- a sign assembly in a second aspect, includes a panel and a base.
- the base is configured to be attached to the panel via a resilient member.
- the bottom surface of the base defines a pair of cavities.
- the cavities are positioned substantially adjacent to a forward edge of the bottom surface.
- a pair of wheel assemblies is secured within respective cavities on the bottom surface.
- Each wheel assembly includes a housing that houses an axle and wheel.
- FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a sign assembly
- FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-section view of a groove and rod
- FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate a spring member of the sign assembly
- FIGS. 2C-2E illustrate attachment portions for attaching the spring member to a base
- FIGS. 3A and 3B are top and bottom perspective view, respectively, of a spring shaft retainer
- FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom surface of a base of the sign assembly
- FIG. 5A illustrates a wheel assembly
- FIG. 5B illustrates a wheel housing
- FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary group of operations for manufacturing components of the sign assembly
- FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary group of operations for assembling components of the sign assembly.
- the exemplary embodiments below describe a sign assembly with a reduced component count.
- the sign assembly includes a base and panel connected together via a pair of spring members.
- the spring members attach to the base via fasteners and include rods configured to slidably enter a panel via openings in the bottom of the panel.
- the rods are interwoven through a group of grooves that enable a tight fit between the panel and the rods.
- the sign assembly also includes a pair of wheel assemblies.
- Each wheel assembly includes a housing that houses an axle and wheel. The wheel assemblies are inserted into cavities defined by the bottom surface of the base while the base is still warm from a forming process. The base then contracts as it cools, forming a tight fit with the wheel assemblies.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a sign assembly 100 .
- the sign assembly 100 includes a pair of spring members 110 , a panel 115 , and a base 105 .
- the spring members 110 are utilized to resiliently attach the panel 115 to the base 105 .
- the spring members 110 enable the panel 115 to flex in the presence of wind.
- the spring members 110 include a resilient portion 125 and a generally straight rod 120 .
- the resilient portion 125 may correspond to a coil.
- the rod 120 may extend from a second end of the resilient portion 125 .
- the resilient portion 125 and the rod 120 are formed from a single continuous piece of material.
- the material may be a rigid material, such as steel or a other appropriate material as known in the art.
- a first end of the resilient portion 125 nearest the base 105 may be configured to attach to the base 105 .
- a threaded insert 205 FIG. 2C
- a fastener 210 FIG. 2D
- the spring member 110 may then be attached to a corresponding fastener 210 extending from an underside of the base 105 .
- the panel 115 may be configured to enable the attachment of signage to a front and/or back surface 132 A and 132 B of the panel 115 .
- the panel 115 may include attaching means such as those disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/755,140, filed Apr. 6, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- the panel 115 may define a pair of openings 113 at a lower edge 112 sized to enable slidably receiving the rod 120 of the respective spring members 110 .
- a pair of spring shaft retainers 117 may be positioned between the spring members 110 and the panel. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B , the spring shaft retainer 117 defines a generally u-shaped upper side configured to be positioned over the lower edge 112 of the panel 115 and a circular portion 305 on a lower side 315 configured to cover the second or top end of the spring member 110 .
- the spring shaft retainer 117 also defines an opening 320 in a center region through which the rod 120 extends.
- the spring shaft retainer 117 prevents deformation of the openings in the bottom of the panel 115 by providing extra support between the spring members 110 and the panel 115 . Without the spring shaft retainers 117 , the openings in the bottom of the panel 115 may begin “ovaling” or otherwise deforming when the sign assembly 100 is moved. This problem may be exacerbated when ballast is added to the base 105 .
- the panel 115 may also define grooves 130 through which the rod 120 extends.
- the grooves 130 are configured to provide a frictional force against the rod 120 that substantially prevents movement of the panel 115 relative to the rod 120 .
- the grooves 130 define a generally v-shape cross-section configured to wrap around a portion of the rod 120 to increase an amount of friction between the rods 120 and the grooves 130 , as illustrated in FIG. 1B .
- the grooves 130 are defined on both the front surface 132 a and the back surface 132 B of the panel 115 so that the rod 120 is interwoven through the panel 115 to enable some portions of the rod 120 to be viewed from the front surface 132 A and other portions of the rod 120 to be viewed from the back surface 132 B.
- the length of the rods 120 may be sized to enable securing the panel 115 in an upright position.
- the rods 120 may extend into the panel by an amount equal to at least one third of the height of the panel 115 , or more.
- the base 105 may be generally hollow and may include an opening 123 for inserting ballast into the base 105 to add weight to the base.
- the bottom surface 405 of the base 105 may define a first group of cavities 410 and a second group of cavities 415 .
- the first group of cavities 410 is configured to receive fasteners 425 that enable attaching the spring members 110 to the base 105 .
- the second group of cavities 415 is positioned substantially adjacent to a forward edge 420 of the base 105 and is configured to receive wheel assemblies 420 .
- the wheel assemblies 420 include a housing 435 that houses an axle 440 and a wheel 445 .
- an outside surface of the housing 435 defines extensions 440 configured to prevent the housing 435 from being removed from the second group of cavities 415 .
- the extensions 440 may configured as teeth that allow the wheel assemblies 420 to be inserted, but not removed.
- the extensions 440 may be angled to a point one end.
- the extensions 440 may be spaced apart in a row along the entire length, from front edge to back edge, of the entire outside surface.
- Opposing inner surfaces of the housing 435 define a pair of guides 505 that enable slidably inserting the axle 440 and wheel 445 into the housing until the axle 440 engages a pair of openings 510 that secure the axle 440 in position.
- a forward edge 515 of the housing 435 is beveled to match a profile 114 of the forward edge 430 of the bottom surface 405 of the base 105 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a group of exemplary operations for manufacturing the sign assembly 100 of FIG. 1 .
- a base may be formed.
- the base 105 ( FIG. 1 ) described above may be formed via, for example, a blow-molding process or another process known in the art capable of producing a substantially sealed hollow form.
- the base 105 may be formed to include a first group of cavities 410 though which fasteners 425 are inserted, and a second group of cavities 415 for receiving wheel assemblies 420 , as described above.
- each wheel assembly 420 may be prepared.
- the preparation of each wheel assembly 420 may include inserting an axle 340 through a wheel 445 .
- the axle 440 and wheel 445 may be inserted into a housing 435 .
- the housing 435 may define guides on opposing inner surfaces that enable sliding the axle 440 into the housing 435 .
- the housing 435 may define teeth 440 or other extensions on opposing outer surfaces.
- the wheel assemblies may be inserted into the base.
- the wheel assemblies 420 described above may be inserted in the second group of cavities 415 defined in the bottom surface 405 of the base 105 .
- the wheel assemblies 420 are inserted while the base 105 is still hot and somewhat malleable from the forming process at block 600 .
- the base 105 is then allowed to cool and contract around the wheel assemblies 420 .
- the teeth 440 may press against and into the inner surfaces of the second group of cavities 415 , thus providing a tight fit.
- a panel may be formed in a similar manner as the base at block 600 .
- the panel 115 described above may be formed via blow molding.
- the panel 115 may be formed to define a pair of openings 113 in a bottom edge 112 and a group of grooves 130 on front and back surfaces 132 A and 132 B for receiving a rod 120 .
- the spring members may be formed.
- the spring members 110 described above may be fabricated from a material, such as steel round stock to form a resilient portion 125 in the form of a coil and a rod 120 that extends from the resilient portion 125 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates a group of exemplary operations for assembling the sign assembly 100 of FIG. 1 .
- a base, panel, and a pair of spring members such as the base 105 , panel 115 , and spring members 125 described above, may be provided.
- the spring members may be attached to the base.
- a pair of fasteners 210 such as threaded fasteners, may be inserted through the base 305 from a bottom side, through openings defined in a first group of cavities 310 .
- the fasteners 210 may then attach to a first end of a resilient portion 125 of the spring member 110 .
- a threaded fitting 205 for receiving a threaded fastener 210 may be positioned within the first end of the resilient portion 125 of the spring member 110 .
- a spring shaft retainer 117 may be fit over each of the rods 120 .
- the respective spring shaft retainers 117 support the panel 115 and prevent deformation of the openings in the bottom of the panel 115 .
- a panel may be slid over rods of the spring members so as to rest on the spring shaft retainers 117 .
- the rods 120 described above may be inserted through openings 113 defined in the bottom of the panel 115 .
- the panel 115 may then be maneuvered so that the rods 120 pass through grooves 130 defined on the front and back surface 132 A and 132 B of the panel 115 .
- the grooves 130 may provide a frictional force against the rods 120 that substantially prevents movement of the panel 115 relative to the rods 120 .
- the grooves 130 are positioned to enable viewing the rod 120 as the rod 120 is slid into the panel 115 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)
- Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
Abstract
A sign assembly includes a base, a pair of spring members, and a panel. The spring members include a resilient portion that includes attachment means at a first end to enable attachment of the spring member to the base. The spring members also include a generally straight rod that extends from a second end of the resilient portion. The panel defines a pair of openings at a lower edge configured to slidably receive the rod of the spring members. The amount by which the rod slides into the panel is configured to secure the panel in an upright position.
Description
- I. Field
- The present application relates to a sign assembly for displaying signage.
- II. Description of Related Art
- When advertising a product or service, it is common to post a sign in the region where the product is being sold or the service is being offered. For example, a restaurant may place a sign in front of the restaurant announcing specialties. In some instances, the sign includes a base and a panel that are connected via springs. The springs enable the panel to flex in the presence of wind.
- However, to secure the springs, a u-shaped metal bracket configured to attach to the bottom of the panel must be attached to the springs. The panel is then attached to the bracket via screws or the like, which increases the complexity of the sign, and also the amount of time and expertise required to assemble the sign.
- The sign may include a pair of wheels on a bottom side of the base to enable moving the sign. The wheels may be attached to the base via a common axle. However, the axle is secured to the bottom of the base by snapping the axle into a groove in the bottom of the base or via a bracket configured to hold the axle against the bottom surface of the base. The common axle may flex under the weight of ballast in the base. When this occurs, the bottom side of the base may drag against a surface when being moved.
- In one aspect, a sign assembly includes a base, a pair of spring members, and a panel. The spring members include a resilient portion that includes attachment means at a first end to enable attachment of the spring members to the base. The spring members also include a generally straight rod that extends from a second end of the resilient portion. The panel defines a pair of openings at a lower edge configured to slidably receive the rod of the spring members. The amount by which the rod slides into the panel is configured to secure the panel in an upright position.
- In a second aspect, a sign assembly includes a panel and a base. The base is configured to be attached to the panel via a resilient member. The bottom surface of the base defines a pair of cavities. The cavities are positioned substantially adjacent to a forward edge of the bottom surface. A pair of wheel assemblies is secured within respective cavities on the bottom surface. Each wheel assembly includes a housing that houses an axle and wheel.
- Other features and advantages will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional features and advantages included within this description be within the scope of the claims, and be protected by the following claims.
- The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the claims, are incorporated in, and constitute a part of this specification. The detailed description and illustrated embodiments described serve to explain the principles defined by the claims.
-
FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a sign assembly; -
FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-section view of a groove and rod; -
FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate a spring member of the sign assembly; -
FIGS. 2C-2E illustrate attachment portions for attaching the spring member to a base; -
FIGS. 3A and 3B are top and bottom perspective view, respectively, of a spring shaft retainer; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom surface of a base of the sign assembly; -
FIG. 5A illustrates a wheel assembly; -
FIG. 5B illustrates a wheel housing; -
FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary group of operations for manufacturing components of the sign assembly; and -
FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary group of operations for assembling components of the sign assembly. - The exemplary embodiments below describe a sign assembly with a reduced component count. The sign assembly includes a base and panel connected together via a pair of spring members. The spring members attach to the base via fasteners and include rods configured to slidably enter a panel via openings in the bottom of the panel. The rods are interwoven through a group of grooves that enable a tight fit between the panel and the rods.
- The sign assembly also includes a pair of wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly includes a housing that houses an axle and wheel. The wheel assemblies are inserted into cavities defined by the bottom surface of the base while the base is still warm from a forming process. The base then contracts as it cools, forming a tight fit with the wheel assemblies.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a sign assembly 100. The sign assembly 100 includes a pair ofspring members 110, apanel 115, and abase 105. Thespring members 110 are utilized to resiliently attach thepanel 115 to thebase 105. Thespring members 110 enable thepanel 115 to flex in the presence of wind. - Referring to
FIG. 2A , thespring members 110 include aresilient portion 125 and a generallystraight rod 120. Theresilient portion 125 may correspond to a coil. Therod 120 may extend from a second end of theresilient portion 125. Referring toFIG. 2B , in some implementations, theresilient portion 125 and therod 120 are formed from a single continuous piece of material. The material may be a rigid material, such as steel or a other appropriate material as known in the art. - A first end of the
resilient portion 125 nearest thebase 105 may be configured to attach to thebase 105. For example, referring toFIGS. 2C-2E , a threaded insert 205 (FIG. 2C ) for receiving a fastener 210 (FIG. 2D ), such as a screw, may be positioned into the first end of theresilient portion 125, as shown inFIG. 2E . Thespring member 110 may then be attached to acorresponding fastener 210 extending from an underside of thebase 105. - Referring back to
FIG. 1 , thepanel 115 may be configured to enable the attachment of signage to a front and/or backsurface panel 115. For example, thepanel 115 may include attaching means such as those disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/755,140, filed Apr. 6, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - The
panel 115 may define a pair ofopenings 113 at alower edge 112 sized to enable slidably receiving therod 120 of therespective spring members 110. A pair ofspring shaft retainers 117 may be positioned between thespring members 110 and the panel. Referring toFIGS. 3A and 3B , thespring shaft retainer 117 defines a generally u-shaped upper side configured to be positioned over thelower edge 112 of thepanel 115 and acircular portion 305 on alower side 315 configured to cover the second or top end of thespring member 110. Thespring shaft retainer 117 also defines anopening 320 in a center region through which therod 120 extends. Thespring shaft retainer 117 prevents deformation of the openings in the bottom of thepanel 115 by providing extra support between thespring members 110 and thepanel 115. Without thespring shaft retainers 117, the openings in the bottom of thepanel 115 may begin “ovaling” or otherwise deforming when the sign assembly 100 is moved. This problem may be exacerbated when ballast is added to thebase 105. - The
panel 115 may also definegrooves 130 through which therod 120 extends. Thegrooves 130 are configured to provide a frictional force against therod 120 that substantially prevents movement of thepanel 115 relative to therod 120. In some implementations, thegrooves 130 define a generally v-shape cross-section configured to wrap around a portion of therod 120 to increase an amount of friction between therods 120 and thegrooves 130, as illustrated inFIG. 1B . In some implementations, thegrooves 130 are defined on both the front surface 132 a and theback surface 132B of thepanel 115 so that therod 120 is interwoven through thepanel 115 to enable some portions of therod 120 to be viewed from thefront surface 132A and other portions of therod 120 to be viewed from theback surface 132B. - The length of the
rods 120 may be sized to enable securing thepanel 115 in an upright position. For example, therods 120 may extend into the panel by an amount equal to at least one third of the height of thepanel 115, or more. - The base 105 may be generally hollow and may include an
opening 123 for inserting ballast into the base 105 to add weight to the base. Referring toFIG. 4 , thebottom surface 405 of the base 105 may define a first group ofcavities 410 and a second group ofcavities 415. The first group ofcavities 410 is configured to receive fasteners 425 that enable attaching thespring members 110 to thebase 105. The second group ofcavities 415 is positioned substantially adjacent to aforward edge 420 of thebase 105 and is configured to receivewheel assemblies 420. - The
wheel assemblies 420 include ahousing 435 that houses anaxle 440 and awheel 445. Referring toFIGS. 5A and 5B , an outside surface of thehousing 435 definesextensions 440 configured to prevent thehousing 435 from being removed from the second group ofcavities 415. Theextensions 440 may configured as teeth that allow thewheel assemblies 420 to be inserted, but not removed. For example, theextensions 440 may be angled to a point one end. Theextensions 440 may be spaced apart in a row along the entire length, from front edge to back edge, of the entire outside surface. - Opposing inner surfaces of the
housing 435 define a pair ofguides 505 that enable slidably inserting theaxle 440 andwheel 445 into the housing until theaxle 440 engages a pair ofopenings 510 that secure theaxle 440 in position. In some implementations, aforward edge 515 of thehousing 435 is beveled to match aprofile 114 of theforward edge 430 of thebottom surface 405 of thebase 105. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a group of exemplary operations for manufacturing the sign assembly 100 ofFIG. 1 . Atblock 600, a base may be formed. For example, the base 105 (FIG. 1 ) described above may be formed via, for example, a blow-molding process or another process known in the art capable of producing a substantially sealed hollow form. The base 105 may be formed to include a first group ofcavities 410 though which fasteners 425 are inserted, and a second group ofcavities 415 for receivingwheel assemblies 420, as described above. - At
block 605, a pair ofwheel assemblies 420 such as those described above may be prepared. The preparation of eachwheel assembly 420 may include inserting an axle 340 through awheel 445. Then theaxle 440 andwheel 445 may be inserted into ahousing 435. Thehousing 435 may define guides on opposing inner surfaces that enable sliding theaxle 440 into thehousing 435. Thehousing 435 may defineteeth 440 or other extensions on opposing outer surfaces. - At
block 610, the wheel assemblies may be inserted into the base. For example, thewheel assemblies 420 described above may be inserted in the second group ofcavities 415 defined in thebottom surface 405 of thebase 105. In one implementation, thewheel assemblies 420 are inserted while thebase 105 is still hot and somewhat malleable from the forming process atblock 600. Thebase 105 is then allowed to cool and contract around thewheel assemblies 420. When contracting, theteeth 440 may press against and into the inner surfaces of the second group ofcavities 415, thus providing a tight fit. - At
block 615, a panel may be formed in a similar manner as the base atblock 600. For example, thepanel 115 described above may be formed via blow molding. Thepanel 115 may be formed to define a pair ofopenings 113 in abottom edge 112 and a group ofgrooves 130 on front andback surfaces rod 120. - At
block 620, the spring members may be formed. For example, thespring members 110 described above may be fabricated from a material, such as steel round stock to form aresilient portion 125 in the form of a coil and arod 120 that extends from theresilient portion 125. - The various operations shown in
FIG. 6 and the order of the operations are merely exemplary. Additional or fewer operations may be performed and/or the operations may be performed in a different sequence. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a group of exemplary operations for assembling the sign assembly 100 ofFIG. 1 . Atblock 700, a base, panel, and a pair of spring members, such as thebase 105,panel 115, andspring members 125 described above, may be provided. - At
block 705, the spring members may be attached to the base. For example, a pair offasteners 210, such as threaded fasteners, may be inserted through the base 305 from a bottom side, through openings defined in a first group ofcavities 310. Thefasteners 210 may then attach to a first end of aresilient portion 125 of thespring member 110. For example, a threadedfitting 205 for receiving a threadedfastener 210 may be positioned within the first end of theresilient portion 125 of thespring member 110. - At block 708, a
spring shaft retainer 117 may be fit over each of therods 120. The respectivespring shaft retainers 117 support thepanel 115 and prevent deformation of the openings in the bottom of thepanel 115. - At
block 710, a panel may be slid over rods of the spring members so as to rest on thespring shaft retainers 117. For example, therods 120 described above may be inserted throughopenings 113 defined in the bottom of thepanel 115. Thepanel 115 may then be maneuvered so that therods 120 pass throughgrooves 130 defined on the front andback surface panel 115. Thegrooves 130 may provide a frictional force against therods 120 that substantially prevents movement of thepanel 115 relative to therods 120. Thegrooves 130 are positioned to enable viewing therod 120 as therod 120 is slid into thepanel 115. - The various operations shown in
FIG. 7 and the order of the operations are merely exemplary. Additional or fewer operations may be performed and/or the operations may be performed in a different sequence. - While the method and system has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present method and system not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the method and system include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (11)
1-20. (canceled)
21. A sign assembly comprising:
a base;
at least one spring member, wherein said at least one spring member includes a resilient portion that includes attachment means at a first end to enable attachment of said at least one spring member to said base and a generally straight rod extending from a second end of said resilient portion; and
a panel that defines a front surface and a back surface and at least one opening at a lower edge configured to slidably receive said rod of said at least one spring member, wherein an amount by which said rod slides into said panel is configured to secure said panel in an upright position,
wherein said panel defines at least one channel on the front surface and at least one channel on the back surface through which said rod extends and is interwoven, wherein at least one of said at least one channel on the first surface and said at least one channel on the back surface has a cross-section that complements a cross-section of the rod and that provides a frictional force against said rod that substantially prevents movement of said panel relative to said rod,
wherein said at least one channel on said front and said at least one channel on said back surface are open at respective panel surfaces so that different portions of said rod are visible from both of the front and back surfaces of the panel .
22. The sign assembly according to claim 21 , wherein said rod extends into said panel by an amount equal to at least one third of an entire height of said panel.
23. The sign assembly according to claim 21 , wherein said resilient portion and said rod are formed from a single piece of material.
24. The sign assembly according to claim 21 , wherein said panel defines two openings at said bottom edge for receiving each rod of a pair of spring members, wherein said openings are positioned substantially adjacent to first and second side edges of said panel.
25. The sign assembly according to claim 21 , wherein said resilient portion defines a coil.
26. A method for manufacturing a sign assembly:
providing a base;
forming at least one spring member that includes a resilient portion with a first end configured to attach to said base and a generally straight rod extending from a second end of said resilient portion;
forming a panel that defines a front surface and a back surface and at least one opening at a lower edge configured to slidably receive said rod of said at least one spring member, wherein an amount by which said rod slides into said panel is configured to secure said panel in an upright position; and
forming at least one channel on the front surface and at least one channel on the back surface of said panel through which said rod extends and is interwoven, wherein at least one of said at least one channel on the first surface and said at least one channel on the back surface has a cross-section that complements a cross-section of the rod and that provides a frictional force against said rod that substantially prevents movement of said panel relative to said rod,
wherein said at least one channel on said front and said at least one channel on said back surface are open at respective panel surfaces so that different portions of said rod are visible from both of the front and back surfaces of the panel.
27. The method according to claim 26 , wherein said rod extends into said panel by an amount equal to at least one third of an entire height of said panel.
28. The method according to claim 26 , further comprising forming said resilient portion and said rod from a single piece of material.
29. The method according to claim 26 , further comprising forming two openings at said bottom edge of said panel for receiving each rod of a pair of spring members, wherein said openings are positioned substantially adjacent to first and second side edges of said panel.
30. The method according to claim 26 , wherein said resilient portion defines a coil.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/176,602 US20140150309A1 (en) | 2010-09-16 | 2014-02-10 | Sign assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/883,990 US8646196B2 (en) | 2010-09-16 | 2010-09-16 | Sign assembly |
US14/176,602 US20140150309A1 (en) | 2010-09-16 | 2014-02-10 | Sign assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/883,990 Continuation US8646196B2 (en) | 2010-09-16 | 2010-09-16 | Sign assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20140150309A1 true US20140150309A1 (en) | 2014-06-05 |
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ID=45816445
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/883,990 Active US8646196B2 (en) | 2010-09-16 | 2010-09-16 | Sign assembly |
US14/176,602 Abandoned US20140150309A1 (en) | 2010-09-16 | 2014-02-10 | Sign assembly |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/883,990 Active US8646196B2 (en) | 2010-09-16 | 2010-09-16 | Sign assembly |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US8646196B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012037251A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10127844B2 (en) | 2016-11-01 | 2018-11-13 | American Louver Company | Sign base and sign assembly |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11041279B2 (en) * | 2017-06-27 | 2021-06-22 | James Darren KNIGHT | Markers, culvert markers, location markers, combinations, and methods of use |
USD944167S1 (en) * | 2019-09-20 | 2022-02-22 | Canoo Technologies Inc. | In-vehicle accessory attachment board |
US20230014026A1 (en) | 2020-06-22 | 2023-01-19 | Morphosys Ag | Anti-Tumor Combination Therapy comprising Anti-CD19 Antibody and Polypeptides Blocking the SIRPalpha-CD47 Innate Immune Checkpoint |
USD971918S1 (en) * | 2021-04-09 | 2022-12-06 | Aiyos Technology Co., Ltd. | Advertising player |
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US1598438A (en) | 1922-09-12 | 1926-08-31 | Howard T Hallowell | Feet for display signs |
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US1887894A (en) | 1932-05-23 | 1932-11-15 | Southern Spring Bed Company | Sign holder |
US1918933A (en) | 1933-03-15 | 1933-07-18 | Mid West Forging Company | Stand |
US2064127A (en) | 1935-09-23 | 1936-12-15 | Louis J Schneider | Sign display stand |
US2251989A (en) * | 1940-09-14 | 1941-08-12 | Marvin E Dean | Flag support for motor vehicles |
US2255113A (en) | 1940-11-02 | 1941-09-09 | Carl K Greenleaf | Caster |
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US3181260A (en) * | 1962-06-21 | 1965-05-04 | Einson Freeman And De Troy Cor | Collapsible cardboard display device |
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US3722841A (en) * | 1972-04-24 | 1973-03-27 | Q Ciolfi | Flag holder |
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US6279926B1 (en) | 1999-08-25 | 2001-08-28 | Tranzporter International Llc | Removable wheel system |
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US20050076552A1 (en) * | 2003-10-10 | 2005-04-14 | Tolna Stefan N. | Wind resistant sign |
US7302768B2 (en) * | 2004-07-02 | 2007-12-04 | Gregory George Gajdacs | Sign assembly |
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US7584563B2 (en) | 2004-12-08 | 2009-09-08 | Marketing Displays, Inc. | Sign stand with rolling base |
US6945731B1 (en) * | 2005-03-31 | 2005-09-20 | Vait Randy T | Subterranean utility marker |
-
2010
- 2010-09-16 US US12/883,990 patent/US8646196B2/en active Active
-
2011
- 2011-09-14 WO PCT/US2011/051594 patent/WO2012037251A2/en active Application Filing
-
2014
- 2014-02-10 US US14/176,602 patent/US20140150309A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10127844B2 (en) | 2016-11-01 | 2018-11-13 | American Louver Company | Sign base and sign assembly |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2012037251A3 (en) | 2012-05-10 |
US8646196B2 (en) | 2014-02-11 |
US20120066946A1 (en) | 2012-03-22 |
WO2012037251A2 (en) | 2012-03-22 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AMERICAN LOUVER COMPANY, ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GLASS, GEOFFREY M., JR.;RIDDICK (LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR CAROL SALAS), JANET;SIGNING DATES FROM 20101216 TO 20101220;REEL/FRAME:032378/0841 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |