US3176418A - Signboard apparatus and method of assembly - Google Patents

Description

April 6, 1965 v. D. RAMSEUR, JR 3,176,418

SIGNBOARD APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY Filed July 25, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR VARDRY D. RAMSEUR, JR.

ATTORNEY.)`

- Apnl 6, 1965 v. D. RAMsEuR JR SIGNBOARD APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY Filed July 25, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.3

April 6, 1965 v. D. RAMSEUR, JR 3,176,418

SIGNBOARD APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY Filed July 25, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG.IO FIG.|2

VARDRY D. RAMSEUR, JR.

Ihm

ATTORNEYJ United States Patent Oflice 3,175,4l8 Patented Apr. 6, 1965 3,176,418 SIGNBOARD APPARATUS AND METHOD GF ASSEMBLY Vardry D. Ramseur, Jr., 212 Riverside Drive, Greenville, S.C. Filed July 25, 1960, Ser. No. 45,117 7 Claims. (Cl. 40-125) The present invention relates to new and novel signboard apparatus and method of assembly and disassembly thereof, and more particularly to a signboard apparatus which in effect provides a completely portable kit type arrangement whereby the components may be easily transported from place to place and the signboard can be erected with a minimum of effort and in a minimum period of time.

For many years, the outdoor advertising industry has employed signboards of heavy duty construction which have been permanently fixed in position, and wherein posting of the signboards was of necessity carried out at the signboard location, thereby requiring the workmen to carry all the necessary posting equipment to the location of each particular signboard. In addition, such signboards are so constructed that they cannot be easily moved from one location to another, and it has not been economically feasible to disassemble and move this type of signboard to various locations.

There has accordingly arisen a large demand for a signboard of the type contemplated by the present invention wherein the signboard is composed of light-weight, easily separable components which may be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled for erecting a signboard at any desired position. The individual components are of such a size that they can be easily handled by individual workmen, and furthermore can be easily stored or transported when so desired.

The signboard construction of the present invention also employs removable panel portions which are so lightweight that they can be lifted even from the larger signboards by a pair of workmen, and accordingly, it is completely feasible to post the panel portions in a workshop, and then transport the posted panels to the signboard locations and then quickly install the signboard panels in place. This of course results in substantial savings in labor since in-shop posting or painting of the panel sections is a highly efiicient method of accomplishing the posting procedures, and 'delays which ordinarily occur with conventional outdoor posting due to bad weather are completely avoided.

An important factor of the present invention is the concept of providing a structural arrangement which permits the signboard to be easily converted from a conventional standard bulletin signboard having trim disposed peripherally about the posted portion of the signboard to a trimless or so-called full-bleed signboard. In this manner, :the structure provides greater versatility and enables the apparatus to serve a dual function. The convertible feature of the present invention is highly advantageous since it permits the apparatus to be employed in the most eflicient manner according to the particular advertising display to be exhibited on the signboard panels, and it eliminates the necessity of having two completely separate signboard structures for performing the individual functions of the present invention. This of course results in a substantial saving in cost, and provides a greater sales power for a given investment.

While the standard bulletin type signboard with trim is very popular in the trade, the trimless type of signboard structure is enjoying increased popularity since the absence of the trim gives the effect of unframed bigness which adds attention-impact to the signboard. In addition, the trimless type of signboard provides a smooth, modern, clean look which has great appeal in the advertising iield. Although the overall appearance of the two types of signboard is quite different, the structural arrangement of the present invention permits conversion of even very large signboards by two men in less than an hour.

A further advantage of the simple and effective arrangement of the present invention is the fact that the signboard may be easily adapted for cutouts and special effect components since there is no special trim to build around or over as is encountered in conventional signboard structures. Furthermore, the light-weight components of the present invention may be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled in operative position either in the standard bulletin trim arrangement or in the trimless full-bleed arrangement.

rl`rim bracket members may be detachably secured to the framework for supporting more or less standard trim members in position thereon as desired, and additionally a movable skirt means is supported at the lower portion of the framework to provide the desired finished appearance.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel signboard apparatus which substantially reduces the equipment costs by serving as a dual function convertible arrangement which may be employed either as a trimless or a trim signboard.

Another object of the invention is the provision of signboard apparatus which substantially reduces labor costs by permitting in-shop painting or posting of the panels and which employs a lightweight easily handled and transported construction which can be assembled or disassembled in a minimum amount of time.

A further object of the invention is to provide signboard apparatus which is easily adapted for cutouts and specialeffect components.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide signboard apparatus which is quite simple and inexpensive in construction, and yet which is sturdy and provides a neat appearance.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a novel method of assembling a signboard structure which permits the structure to be assembled or disassembled in a very simple manner and with a minimum of effort.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a method of changing a signboard from a trim to a trimless arrangement or vice versa in a very `simple and effective manner.

Other objects and many attendant advantages of the present invention will become more apparent when considered in connection with a specification and accompanying drawings wherein:

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an elevation of a standard bulletin signboard with trim according to the present invention and employing four portable panels,

FIG. 2 is an elevation of the supporting framework of the signboard shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view partially broken away taken along line 3 3 of FIG. l looking in the direction of the arrows,

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the sequence of assembling of the trim members and skirt members of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is an enlarged elevation of a portion of the structure shown in FIG. 2,

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 looking in the direction of the arrows,

FIG. 7 is a View similar to FIG. 3 showing the reversible bracket members in the reverse position as employed in a trimless full-bleed signboardl arrangement,

FIG. Sis a perspective view illustratlng the position of the reversible bracket'members when employed in a` standard bulletin trim arrangement,

leg portion 3s of theY vertical Vtions wherein itis desired to support the horizontalstring- FIG. 9 is a perspectivejview illustrating the position of the reversible bracket members as vmounted injaV trim, less full-bleed signboard arrangement,..

FIG. 10 is Ya view partially in section yillustratingthe manner of mounting the horizontal stringers of the framework on an I-beam vertical support member,v

FIG. 11 is a side view'of the structure'shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 illustrates the manner of mounting the horizontal stringers inV a wall structure, FIG. 15 illustrates the framework of a signboard'of l2 is a Viewv partiallyr in section illustrating the,Y

ers Vor supportmembers. One of these openings y40 is shown in FIGS. l2'and 13, and the lfastening means yindicated generally by reference numeral 41 extends through these openings .40. The fastening means 41 comprises T-headed bolts including an elongated threaded shank 42 and/a T-headportion Q43 having stubby leg portions even larger dimensions than that Shown in FIGS. 1,-and

2, with the framework arranged for a full-bleed trimless signboard, f y K FIG. 16 illustrates schematically the sequence of mounting the trim members and skirt means on the yframework as shown in FIG. 15 when the signboardY is to be of the Standard bulletin trim type. Y

Referring now tothe drawings wherein like reference .characters designate corresponding partsrthroughout the Y several views, a standard bulletin signboard with trim is shown in FIG. 1 and is indicated generally by reference numeral 20, the bulletin board including an outer peripheral trim indicated generally by reference numeral 21 surrounding the display area which comprises iny this particular vcase four panels indicated by referencer- numerals 22, 23, 24 and 25.'v These panels are formed of a Y llightweight portable construction, and are preferably of the type Shown in co-pending U.S. application S.N. 726,- 883, now Patent No. 2,993,289... l

The framework which supports `the signboard shown inFIG, l is illustrated in FIG. 2 and includesV threeupstanding posts 26,- 27 and 28 which are supportedin a substantially vertical position, and are seouredin fthe ground or other supporting surface. The posts 26-28 may for example comprisetypical wooden posts as ernployed in the signboard field.

44 at theV opposite .endsthereof.

Each of the horizontal stringers 45 has a channelshaped configuration, and as seen clearly in FIG. 12, the T-head. portion 43 vof the -fastening means 41 is disposed within the channel-Shaped horizontal Stringer with Vthe leg portions 44V in engagement with portions' of the horizontal Stringer. A nut 46.is threaded on the shank 42 of the fastening means and engages against a washer 47 such that when the nut' is drawn up as shown in FIG. 12, the horizontal Stringer 45 is tightly clamped against the leg portion V of the "vertical support member 30 therebyv supporting the horizontal Stringer in operative VVposition relative to Vthe verticallsupport member. l

. v Referring back to FIG. 2 of the drawings, the vertical Vsupport'mernbers .are each designated by reference numeral135, and the mode of attachment thereof to the' associated posts'will be clearly understood. The horizontal. stringer is illustrated, and it will be understood that the'reinaining horizontal stringers 50, 51 and 52 are .Y provided with the same crosssectional configuration as Stringer `45, the remaining horizontal stringers having a slightly modified construction as hereinafter pointed out,

but-infeachcase the horizontal stringersrare secured to the vertical support members by means' of similar fasteningmeans 41 as described -in connection withFIGS. 12 andl3. ,n

It isimportant to noterat this point'that the basic framefwork arrangement is such' that 'thesize of' the signboard may be readily adjusted merely by .adding additional simi lar components to the vbasic arrangement shown in FIG. 2 for example. In other words, it is evident that vmany additional posts may be provided in vertical spacedrar r rangement as shown' in FIG. 2. Thehorizontal'stringers are rformed in sections, and as seen vin FIG. 2 the individual sections terminate and are in rabuttingrelationship` fwith one another at points indicatedr by reference nu- -Ymeral 55.'v The abutting 'horizontal Stringer sections are The various components ofthe present invention in-v cluding .the framework members aswell asA the various brackets, trim members `and panels employed are all preferably formed of a very lightweight, .yet sturdy material. For example, the framework members yare preferably formed of galvanized iron or the like which provides a lightweight arrangement and yet also Yensureadequate structural strength to resist the Vloads whichare normally encountered in the field. The portable panel members as Well .as the trim `members may be formed ofa lightweight material such as aluminum. With this construction, .the

` entire arrangement is Areadily portable andthe signboard apparatus may be effectively erected and dismantled by two men, and yet the apparatus iS quite `Sturdy and rigid.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, one typical manner of supporting the horizontal and vertical Support memi 'bers of thefframework is illustrated. In these figures, one

of the posts 27 is illustrated, andra verticall support meml ber 30 is provided, support member 30 havingv a first leg f portion 31 with aplurality of openings 32'formed therethough. A typical fastener such asa lag bolt 33 is inserted throughone of 'the openings 32 and .extendsinto the post 27 for supporting the vertical Support member in operative position. Y a ,Y i

Support member 'Sti `also includesa normally extending legportion Vwhich terminates in an inturned` flange portion 36. Spaced openings are'provided through the connected toone another by Stringer splice membersV indicated by referencelnumeral 56, the splicemembers having a configurationv substantially complementary to the internal channel shape of the Stringer members, it being readily understood that these splicev members can be slidably kinserted inthe adjacent Yend portions of abutting Y Stringerv members for securing the Stringer members to one another.' vIt isreadilyl apparent that any number of horizontal stringers can be so interconnected with one another as desired. Y

Referring now to FIG. `Itof the drawings, the framework structure is shown in greater'detail. Horizontal Strlnger S2 which as stated previously may be formed of any' number of individually connected sections of similar Vconstruction includes an integral later-ally extending bottom rail portion 60 terminating in a small upturned flange n 61. This bottom rail 60 is adapted to support the-'portable panel portions of the Signboardin operativeposif tion, and yas illustrated the panel-portionv22 includes a v face 63 upon which'the Yadvertising material may be l posted.' The panel alsoincludes a lower channel member 64 which restsv onl the bottom Vrail 60, and includes an Y upper channel portion l65 at the upper end thereof. The

` f' panel further includes spaced locking bracketportions indicated by reference numerals `66 and 67.

The intermediateV horizontal stringers 50 and 51are of substantially identical constructionV and include laterally extending portions 70 and 'V71 respectively which terminate' 1n lateral flanges 70and 71. These flanges 70 and 71 are adapted to engage the downwardly depending lip portions of thelocking brackets 66 and 67 on the panel support member. at ,elevafor locking the panel to the horizontal stringers 50 and 51. It will be understood that each of the portable panels is of substantially identical construction and is supported in a similar manner with respect to horizontal stringere 50, 51 and 52.

As seen in FIG. 2, a plurality of reversible bracket members 75 are secured to spaced portions of the uppermost horizontal stringer 45. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, the cross-sectional configuration of the reversible brackets as shown in FIG. 2 will be more clearly understood. Each of the reversible brackets includes a main body portion 76 which is normally disposed in a substantially vertical position, the bracket being attached to the associated stringer 45 by means of metal screws 77 or the like which extend through a first pair of openings formed in body portion 76 and an aligned pair of openings formed in the horizontal Stringer for securing the reversible bracket members in operative position. A second pair of openings 80 is also provided through the body portion 76 of the reversible bracket members for mounting the reversible bracket members in the reverse operative position from that shown in FIGS. 3 and 8.

The reversible bracket members are provided at one edge portion with a laterally extending integral leg 81 which terminates in a leg portion 82 extending substantially parallel to the main body portion 76 thereby delining a channel along this edge portion of the reversible bracket member. Along the opposite edge portion of the bracket member, a substantially normally extending leg portion 85 is provided which terminates in a leg portion 86 which also extends substantially parallel to the main body portion 86, but extends away therefrom thereby defining a lip extending along the opposite edge portion of the reversible bracket member.

In the operative position as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, each of the reversible bracket members is so disposed that the channel portion thereof is adapted to receive the upper portion of the panels thereby retaining the upper ends of the panels in operative position. It will be noted that a space 90 is provided between the upper edge of the panel and the undersurface of the leg portion 81. This space permits the panels to be lifted upwardly thereby releasing the locking portions of the panel and enabling the lower end of the panel to be swung out away from the supporting rail 60 on the lowermost Stringer 52. In this manner, the panels may be readily removed from the supporting framework, and it is obvious that the panels can be inserted into operative position by reversing the procedure.

Referring again to FIG. 2 of the drawings, it will be seen that a plurality of spaced upper trim bracket members 91 are secured to the uppermost horizontal stringer 45. As seen in FIG. 3, each of the upper trim bracket members 91 includes an upstanding leg portion 92 terminating in a laterally extending ange 93. Leg portion 92 also is provided with a laterally extending lower leg 94 which in turn is connected with a depending leg portion 95 which finally terminates in a laterally extending fiange portion 96.

The upper trim bracket members also each include an attaching portion indicated generally by reference numeral 100 including a leg portion 101 which is riveted to the leg portion 92. Attaching portion 100 includes a laterally extending leg portion 102 and a depending leg portion 103 provided with an opening therethrough for receiving the shank of a T-headed fastening means 41 as previously described. It is apparent that the fastening means 41 serves to support each of the upper trim bracket members 91 from the uppermost horizontal Stringer 45.

The trim members indicated generally by reference numeral 105 are of a relatively conventional configuration and have a cross-sectional configuration which provides a pleasant finished appearance when mounted in operative position. The trim members 105 include a first laterally extending portion 106 which is secured by nut and bolt members 107 to the leg portion 93 of the upper trim support bracket 91. The trim members also include laterally extending portions 108 which are secured Iby nut and bolt assemblies 109 to the flange portions 96 of the upper trim support brackets.

Referring again to FIG. 2 of the drawings, a plurality of spaced lower trim bracket support members 110 are provided at spaced positions along the lower most horizontal stringer S2. Referring to FIG. 3, each of the lower trim bracket members 110 includes a vertically extending leg portion 111 which terminates in a laterally extending leg 112. A leg 113 extends normally from the upper portion of leg 111 and in turn is connected With a vertically extending leg portion 114 which terminates in a laterally extending flange 115. An attaching means indicated by reference numeral 116 is secured to leg portion 111 by rivets 117 and is substantially identical with the attaching means 110 previously described, and a fastening means 41 is provided for attaching each of the lower trim bracket members to the lowermost horizontal stringer 52 as will be well understood.

The lower trim members 120 are of the same general configuration as the upper trim members 105, but the lateral dimensions of portions 121 and 122 may be varied slightly in order to t over the portions 112 and 115 of the lower trim support brackets. Portions 121 and 122 of the lower trim members are secured to the portions 112 and 115 respectively of the lower trim brackets by means of nut and bolt assemblies 123 and 124.

Referring again to FIG. 2 of the drawings, it will be seen that side trim bracket members are secured to the outer ends of horizontal stringers 50 and 51. The uppermost side trim bracket 130 as seen on the right hand side of FIG. 2 is also provided with a wedge member 131 attached by means of a flexible chain member 132 such that the wedge member is always available and cannot be removed from the framework. The construction of the side trim members and the wedge members will be more clearly understood from an inspection of FIGS. 5 and 6. As seen in these figures, side trim members 130 include a laterally extending leg 135 which terminates in a forwardly extending flange 136. A leg 137 also extends forwardly from leg portion 135, and is connected with a laterally extending leg portion 138 which finally terminates in a forwardly projecting fiange portion 139. An attaching member 140 is connected to a leg portion by means of rivets 141, the inner portion of attaching member being connected to the associated horizontal Stringer 50 by means of nut and bolt assemblies 142.

Each of the side trim members is of the same general configuration as the top and bottom trim members, and the portions 146 and 147 of the side trim members are connected to the portions 136 and 139 respectively of the side trim support brackets by means of nut and bolt assemblies 14S and 149 respectively.

As seen especially in FIG. 6, the panel 25 includes a side channel member 150, and it is evident that when the wedge 131 is driven downwardly between the leg portion 137 of the side trim bracket 130 and the channel portion 150 of the panel member 25, the panel member will be moved toward the left as indicated by arrow A. By so utilizing the wedge member, the panel members may be urged toward the left thereby causing the panel members to be moved into abutting edge-to-edge relationship to thereby produce a smooth finished surface to the completed signboard such that no cracks or crevices will appear between the adjacent panels.

Referring again to FIG. 2, similar corner trim brackets 151 are secured to the opposite ends of the uppermost horizontal Stringer 45 and the lowermost horizontal Stringer 52. These corner trim bracket members are similar in construction to the side trim bracket members 130, the corner trim bracket members having tapered ends for cooperating with sloping surfaces formed on the corner trim members. The corner trim members are indicated by reference numeral 152 in FIG, 1, the

and includes signboard.

corner trim membersrbeing formed as arcuate portionsbut having the same general cross-sectional conliguratiori asthe side trim members and the top and bottom-trim members.

Referringagain to FIG. 2 of the drawings, ldownwardlyl extending Yskirt support brackets 155 are` secured to the lower endsl of each of lthe vertical support members 355.

skirt support .brackets 155 is securedto4 the vertical sup- 'port member 30 by means of nut and bolt assemblies A156 a laterallyextending flange 157. A skirt means indicated by reference numeral 16) hasdepressed channels 161 formed` longitudinally thereon, and 'nut and bolt assemblies 162 .operatively connect the-fskirt means 160'to the skirt support brackets. As seen inl FIGS. 1

l'and 3,. the skirtmeansis supported immediately below the bottom trim members such that theV upper portion ofthe skirt means lits substantially ush with the undersurface of the lower trim members. It will be understood that when the skirt means is to be moved upwardly after the trim membersare removed when the signboard is to be used asa trimless,type,'the skirt meansy will be As Vseen 1n FIG. 3, each'of these downwardly extending in the sequence indicated-by` the letters applied to the various sections ofr theti'im las'seen in FIG. 4. The members are assembled in alphabetical sequence,'or in other words Ithe members indicated ,byA are first put in place, thefmembers indicated by /B are then put in place,-and.soonY in ,alphabetical order. The members i of the skirt assembly indicatedby Gl are merely additional cornerrmembersifor providing a neat'nished corattached to suitable openings provided inthe leg portion r35. ofthe associated vertical Vsnpport members. Y

When it'isdesired to employ the trimless arrangement, it is necessary to reverse the position 'ofthe reversi- Y ble bracket members 75. In order to reverse the position of'the bracket members 75,'the` screws 77 are removed, and the bracket members are turned over andV placed in the operative position shown in FIGS.` 7 and l9. In this position, the channel portion of the bracket memv ber faces away from the associated panels, andthe lip v .portion'including flange 86 is so disposed that the lip.

' portion extends into a groove formed in the upper portion of the panel for supporting" thepanel in operative position. The bracket members `75 are retained-in this re-Y f verse position by means of screws 77 which extend through.

nerL edge for the skirt.. v

Referring now to FIG. 16 of the drawings, a schematic yView similar to FIG. v4 is illustrated, the signboard indicated schematcally in FIG. 16 being one .assembled using the 'framework shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 16 may be interpreted-in exactly ythe same manner as FIG.,4, it ybeing V*apparent from an inspection of this ligure as tothe exact Vsequence ,of assembly of the various trim components at one vside thereof and a horizontal stringer 180 is providedr with the same cross-sectional channel configuration as thehorizontal stringers previously described. In this case, a pair of attaching members 181 and 182 are provided, attaching members including a tongue 181' and182 respectively which extends through the open slot ofthe channel-shaped Stringer. 180. .As seen in FIG. 1l, the .attaching members 181 and 182 have a substantially j cup-shaped cross-sectional. configuration, and attaching means41as previously described extend through suitable openingsprovided through members 181 and 182. It is evident that'whenY the attaching members 181 and 182 are the second pair of openings as previouslyV describedY in connection with FIG. 8.

YIt isevident that when the portable panelV 22 is supported as shown' in FIG. 7,.'the locking portion of stringers 50 and 51 willperform thesame function as previclamped in the operative position shown in FIG. .10, the remaining portions y176 and-*177 of theV I-beam 175 are tightly clamped between the attachingV members andthe adjacent portions of the horizontal Stringer 180.; In this manner, thehorizontal Stringer 180 is securely clamped ously described, and the lower portionof the panel will l be supported on the lower rail'portion 60 of the'lowermosthorizontal stringer 52. Of course, when the device is to be employed as a full-bleed'trimless signboard, Vthe trim support brackets are removed, Vas well asV the vtrim members, and as seen in-FIG. 7, the' skirt meansV 160 ismoved upwardly such that the rupper surface thereof is substantially ush ywith the Vunclersnrface of string- Referring to FIG. 15, a larger size signboard frame is illustrated wherein additional support posts indicatedl byV reference numerals 170 and 171i have been added, and

additional sectionshave been added to each ofthe stringers y45, 5,0, 51 Vand 52. It is evident thatadditional splice members 56 are employed inV this case to secure the Stringer members to one another. The Asignboard panels tothe vertical supporting I-beam 175; o v

YReferring now to FIG. 14 of the drawings, a further means 'of mounting la horizontal Stringer in operative position Vis illustrated. In this case, it is desired` to connect the horizontal Stringer to some wall portion indicated by `reference numeral-190. .This type of installation may typically'occur when it is desired to mount a signboard on the-side of a building, and ofcourse a wall portion 190 may be either wood or masonry construction as the case may be.

YIn FIG. 14, the horizontal stringer is indicated by reference numeral 191,.and an attaching bracket 192 is provided,rthis attaching bracketV being similar to the attaching bracket 30 provided iny fthe modication'shown ,in

" FIGS. l2 and 13 and being provided withan additional laterally extending leg portion 193. A bolt 195 may be as associated with this size signboard are indicated some- Y Y what schematically by the dotted line portion which also indicates the extent of the lower skirt means in order that one may get a clearer picture of the outer extent of the Y signboard structure when employed asa trimless typeV It is of course evident that the trim support Y brackets have been removed from the framework in this instance, and the remaining structural components serve the same function, as disclosed previously Vin the aforedescribed structure.

Referring now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, the sequence in which the various trim membersl andskirt members are assembled withv respectto one anotheris Vschematically illustrated. The Yvarious trim sections are so dimensioned that Vthey overlap one another whereby they provide a completeY and` continuous trim when disposed in operative position. The'various members are overlapped inserted through a suitable opening provided in leg portion 1913V and extends into the wall portion 190, thereby supporting the bracket 192 in operative position, it being understood that the bracket 192 may extend a considerable'distance vertically for supporting all of the horizontal stringermembers. It is also evident that a plurality of bracket members 192 may be provided each of .which supports only one of the'horizontal stringers, the

bracket members 192 in such a case being` spaced vertically from one another. Here again fastener members V41 are employed for securing the horizontal VStringer to the vertical supportmember, fasteners 415 of course passingk through a suitable opening provided in the` laterally extending leg portion 194 of bracketsV 192.

' The manner of assembling thesignboard will be readjrily; apparent. iFirstly, the vertical support members are mounted on suitable support portions. As described; the

vertical support members may be of various different constructions and may be supported from 4various types of supporting surfaces such as upstanding posts, wall portions and the like. The horizontal stringers are then rigidly attached to the Vertical support members by means of the fasteners 41 to provide the rigid open framework of the present invention. Secondly, assuming that it is desired to erect a trimless signboard, the reversible bracket members 75 are then secured to the uppermost horizontal stringer in the position shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 of the drawings, and the skirt means 160 is mounted flush with the undersurface of Stringer 52 as seen in FIG. 7.

The panels are then mounted in operative position as illustrated in FIG. 7 of the drawings. This provides the trimless signboard arrangement according to the present invention.

If it is then desiredto convert the trimless full-bleed signboard to a standard bulletin signboard with trim, the portable panels are first removed. The reversible bracket members secured to the uppermost horizontal Stringer are then turned over and reversed into operative position shown in FIGS. 3 and 8 of the drawings. The skirt means is then mounted in the lower position as seen in FIG. 3 of the drawings. The various trim brackets are then mounted in operative position and the trim members are mounted on the trim bracket members in sequence as seen in FIGS. 4 and 16 for example. The panel members are then replaced on the structure, and the complete standard bulletin type signboard is provided.

If it is desired -to convert the standard bulletin signboard to a trimless signboard, the portable panels are rst removed, and then the skirt means is detached from the framework. The trim and the trim brackets are removed from the framework and the reversible bracket members are turned upside down into the position shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 of the drawings. The skirt means is then again secured to the framework in the raised position shown in FIG. 7, and the portable panels are placed in the operative position shown in FIG. 7.

It is apparent from the foregoing that there is provided a new and novel signboard apparatus and method of assembly and disassembly wherein the equipment costs are substantially reduced by providing a basic framework structure along with particular bracket means which may be attached to or detached therefrom for quickly converting 4the signboard from a standard bulletin trim type to a trimless full-bleed type. The labor costs involved in handling such signboards are considerably reduced due to the lightweight construction which permits easy handling and transportation of the signboard components and further due to the fact that the posting of the panels may be done completely in a workshop.

The appearance of the complete trimless signboard is very modernistic and neat-looking, and the structure may be easily adapted for cutouts and special-effect components. The signboard is quite simple and inexpensive in construction, and yet is sturdy and neat appearing when in use.

The method of assembling the signboard is provided which permits the signboard not only to be assembled but also to be disassembled in a quick and easy fashion. In addition, a novel method is provided for e'iciently changing from a standard bulletin trim type signboard to a trimless type signboard in a simple and effective manner.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, and since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, all changes that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims or that form their functional as well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are therefore intended to be embraced by those claims.

I claim:

1. Signboard apparatus comprising a lightweight rigid framework, said framework including means for supporting signboard panels thereon, said framework also including locking portions for engaging and locking signboard panels in place relative thereto, and reversible bracket means removably attached to said framework, said reversible bracket means being attached to an upper portion of the framework and defining along one edge portion thereof a channel for receiving a portion of a signboard panel, said reversible bracket means including along another edge portion thereof a supporting lip adapted to engage the upper part of a signboard panel.

2. Signboard apparatus comprising a framework including rigidly interconnected substantially horizontal and vertical support members, said support members including portions for supporting and locking signboard panels thereon, and reversible bracket means detachably secured to the uppermost of said horizontal members, said reversible bracket means including a main body portion normally disposed in a vertical plane, said reversible bracket means including a first channel portion extending to one side of the plane of said main body portion to receive a signboard panel, said reversible bracket means including a lip portion extending to the opposite side of the plane of said body portion for engaging a portion of a signboard panel.

3. Signboard apparatus comprising an open lightweight rigid framework comprising a plurality of spaced vertical support members and spaced horizontal support members, means detachably securing said vertical and horizontal members together, trim bracket means adapted to be removably secured to the outer portions of said framework for attaching. trim means to the framework, one of said horizontal members including means for supporting signboard panels thereon, another of said horizontal members including locking portions for locking the signboard panels in operative position relative to the framework, and reversible bracket means detachably secured to an upper one of said horizontal members, said reversible bracket means including a channel portion adapted to receive a signboard panel and a lip portion attached to engage a signboard panel depending on the operative position of the reversible bracket means relative to the framework.

4. Signboard apparatus comprising an open lightweight framework comprised of a plurality of horizontal stringers, means detachably securing said horizontal stringers to a plurality of spaced vertical support members, and trim brackets secured to the end portions of said horizontal stringers, upper trim brackets secured to an upper horizontal Stringer and lower trim brackets secured to a lower horizontal Stringer, trim means attached to said trim brackets to provide a continuous peripheral trim about the framework, and reversible bracket means detachably secured to an upper horizontal Stringer, said reversible bracket means including a channel portion extending along one edge thereof for receiving a signboard panel and including a lip extending along another edge thereof for engaging a portion of a panel, a lower horizontal Stringer including support means for supporting a signboard panel thereon, and an intermediate horizontal Stringer including a locking portion for locking a signboard panel in operative position.

5. Signboard apparatus comprising a framework including a plurality of spaced vertical support members, a plurality of spaced horizontal stringers, said horizontal stringers being of substantially channel shaped cross sectional confguration, means detachably securing said horizontal stringers to said vertical support members, a lowermost horizontal Stringer including bottom rail portions for supporting signboard panels thereon, an intermediate horizontal stringer including locking portions for locking signboard panels in place thereon, trim bracket means i adapted to be connected to-said horizontal s tringersfadjacent the outer portions of the framework for supporting portions ofl the uppermost horizontal Stringer, said reversible uppertbrackets each including a mainbody portion disposed in a plane, each of said reversible bracket means including av channelportion extending to one side of saidplrane, each of said reversible bracketmeans also including a lip portion extending to the opposite side of said plane, the channe1-portion being adapted to receive lan upper'portion ofa signboard panel in one operative position ofthe reversible bracket means, and the lip por- Y tionbeing adapted vto engage an upper portionof a signrboard panel when the reversible bracket means is in the reverse operative position.

cluding -locking'portions for locking signboard panels inoperative relationship-'to the framework, end. trim bracket means secured to,A endportions of said hori' zontalstringers, upper 4trim bracketV means secured to the uppermost horizontal Stringer andlower trim bracket Ymeans Vsecured Yto the lowermost horizontal stringer, trim means supported by said trim bracket means to n ydelinea,continuousperipheral trim for the signboard, lskirt meansdetachably secured 1to said verticalzstringers, and reversible bracketfmeans detachablysecured to spaced ,trim means inplace relative to the framework, and -re- Y versible bracket means detachablysecured at two spaced portionsof thevuppermohst horizontal Stringer, said reversible bracket means including aj channel. portion `formed along one edge Athereof for receiving the upperportion of (a signboard-panel 'in one position of the reversible bracket Y1r1'ear`1s,-the reversiblebracket means also includving a lip .portion formed. along lthe opposite edge thereof for-engaging an upper portion vof a `signboard panel in t the reverse operative position of the reversible bracket means.v K

7.fApparatus-as defined in` clairnt including a wedge means, said wedge means engaging a portion of one of said end Ytrim bracket means and being adapted to en- V`gage anradjacent side lpo'rtionlol a signboard panel such that vertical-'movement ofrthe ,Wedgelmeans relative to the framework produces a camming action tending to maintain the associated signboard 'panels' in abutting edge-to-edge relationship withone another.

lReferences Cited bythe Examiner UNITED STATES 'PATENTS y957,259 V5/10 .,Rubyv ---i 404-125 v`1,130,844 3/15 Ruby --.4o- 125 1,886,899` 11/32 overhoitz v 40-125 JEROME SCHN'ALL, Primary Examiner. E. V. BENHAM, Examiner".

Claims (1)

1. SIGNBOARD APPARATUS COMPRISING A LIGHTWEIGHT RIGID FRAMEWORK, SAID FRAMEWORK INCLUDING MEANS FOR SUPPORTING SIGNBOARD PANELS THEREON, SAID FRAMEWORK ALSO INCLUDING LOCKING PORTIONS FOR ENGAGING SAID LOCKING SIGNBOARD PANELS IN PLACE RELATIVE THERETO, AND REVERSIBLE BRACKET MEANS REMOVABLY ATTACHED TO SAID FRAMEWORK, AND REVERSIBLE BRACKET MEANS BEING ATTACHED TO AN UPPER PORTION OF THE FRAMEWORK AND DEFINING ALONG ONE EDGE PORTION THEREOF A CHANNEL FOR RECEIVING A PORTION OF A SIGNBOARD PANEL, SAID REVERSIBLE BRACKET MEANS INCLUDING ALONG ANOTHER EDGE PORTION THEREOF A SUPPORTING LIP ADAPTED TO ENGAGE THE UPPER PART OF A SIGNBOARD PANEL.

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