GB2462145A

GB2462145A - Sign mounting, in particular for mounting sign to post.

Info

Publication number: GB2462145A
Application number: GB0813972A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Nicklin
Original assignee: Signpost Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Signpost Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2008-07-31
Filing date: 2008-07-31
Publication date: 2010-02-03
Also published as: GB0813972D0

Abstract

A mount for a sign, in particular for mounting a sign to a post, comprises a channel 6 for receiving part of a stud, a saddle 8, for locally reinforcing the channel, a retainer 2, and a strap or band having a retainer end 3. The retainer end is received in the retainer and is attached to the channel via the stud which passes through the saddle and the retainer. The retainer has elements 14 which extend to either side of the saddle. The retainer preferably sandwiches the retainer end. The saddle may be formed from a more robust material than channel, preferably stainless steel. The retainer may be plastic.

Description

A Mounting The present invention relates to mountings and more particularly to mountings for utilisation with regard to signage such as signage beside highways and as part of street furniture.

It will be appreciated that signage such as that utilised with regard to highways and street furniture is generally formed from metal and in such circumstances signage has a scrap value. Thus, in addition to nefarious vandalism there is also the potential for theft of such signage particularly at rural locations. To avoid such problems it is necessary to provide relatively secure mountings which will inhibit such theft as well as vandalism whilst also having convenience with regard to assembly on site.

It will be understood for ease of assembly generally signage will incorporate channels secured to a plaque or board and within which ends of retainer bands or straps are secured. Bands or straps extend around a support post or pillar. The bands have retainer ends with at least one end having a simple interference engagement, normally in the form of T cross section element, which extends for convenience into the channel. An opposed retainer end is normally secured through a stud or nut and bolt engagement extending from the channel for retention and position. The retainer band is held in compression around the support pillar or band and normally a number of mountings are used to securely locate the signage in use.

Such an approach is generally convenient in terms of fabrication and assembly with sufficient robustness for weather conditions. Unfortunately signage it is typically formed from aluminium for a lower weight and ease of manipulation. The channel is also formed from aluminium or another relatively malleable metal or plastics material which may be easily levered open to release such conventional interference mountings. With the interference association released the signage plaque can then be removed as indicated for sale to unscrupulous scrap dealers or for simple vandalism.

It will be understood that removed signage has significant cost :mp!ications for remedia! and restoration actons as wet as fl the nter: leaving areas of highway without appropriate warnings and other indicators necessary for safe practice.

One approach to reinforcing channels is to provide a robust saddle element which extends over the channel and therefore inhibits separation at the point of interference mounting contact. Unfortunately such saddles generally require replacement of an existing interference mounting and are also specific in terms of association with particular sizes and forms of retainer end. Ideally a mounting should be configured which can incorporate a reinforcing saddle retrospectively and over a range of retainer end configurations.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention there is provided a mounting for signage, the mounting comprising a channel to retain a stud projected from the channel upon which a reinforcing saddle is presented to inhibit divergence of the channel, the mounting having a retainer end presented upon a retainer associated with the stud, the retainer including elements to extend either side of the saddle to substantially retain the retainer end in use and to present an entrant part of the retainer end to the channel over a range of positions spaced relative to the saddle across the channel.

Also in accordance with aspects of the present invention there is provided a retainer for association with a retainer end upon a stud, the retainer including elements to extend either side of a reinforcing saddle in use to substantially retain the retainer end in use in order to present an entrant portion of the retainer end to a channel within which a stud upon which the saddle is retained over a range of spaced positions relative to the stud position.

Typically, the elements include pegs to the side of the saddle. Possibly, the retainer is configured to sandwich parts of the retainer end.

GeneraUy, the saddle is formed from a robust material in comparison with the channe!. Genera!!y the robust materia! is stainless steeL Typically, the retainer is formed from a plastics material. Generally, the retainer comprises a number of parts folded and hinged together to facilitate positioning of the saddle and/or retention of the retainer end in use.

Generally, the retainer is formed from material to allow under compression a bias to be created for retention of position in use.

Generally, the retainer end has a T section to provide the entrant part to enter the channel in use.

Generally the mounting comprises a strip or band with a retainer end at each end of the strip or band with the strip or band extending around a * support in use.

* Further in accordance with aspects of the present invention there is provided a signage arrangement incorporating a mounting or retainer as described above.

Embodiments of aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of a mounting arrangement in accordance with aspects of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of a mounting arrangement depicted in figure 1 in an assembled state; Figure 3 is a plan view of a mounting arrangement as depicted in figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a retainer in accordance with aspects of the present invention in an unfolded state; and, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the retainer as depicted in figure 4 in a foided in operational state.

The present invention relates to a mounting and more particularly to a mounting for utilisation with regard to signage. However, the mounting can also be utilised in other situations where essentially a relatively soft mounting channel is utilised as a mounting bracket through which the mounting is secured. Thus, mountings in accordance with aspects of the present invention may be utilised with respect to support pillars or columns or poles adjacent to a highway or to allow presentation of street furniture such as brackets for CCTV cameras or brackets for hanging baskets etc. As indicated above where channel brackets are generally utilised these may be of a relatively malleable or at least relatively compliant materials such that the channel can be opened by diverging the parallel rails of the channel to release the mounting. In accordance with aspects of the present invention a robust saddle element is presented over a portion of the channel to essentially create a box' section of significantly greater strength for retention of the mounting association.

Figure 1 provides a schematic illustration of the basic elements of a mounting 1 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The mounting 1 comprises a retainer 2 illustrated in its closed state and separated from a retainer end 3 forming part of a retainer band or strap 4. in use, the band or strap 4 will be secured about a support post or pillar 5 in order to retain position upon that post or pillar 5 for presentation and retention of location of the mounting in use.

A channel 6 will generally be secured to a signage plaque or otherwise and it is in the channel 6 that the retainer ends 3 are secured for location and presentation upon the support post, column or pillar 5. As indicated above the channel 6 is formed from a relatively malleable material and in any event may be prised indirectly or through excessive loading to diverge the parallel rails of the channel 6 in the direction of arrowheads 7. Such divergence will clearly release the etainer ends 3 in an interference engagement and therefore allow sny signege or plaque or otheRvise to be removed from the post 3 for theft purposes or simple vandalism. In order to protect and prevent such divergence 7 as indicated robust saddle elements 8 are utilised to locally resist divergence 7 and separation of the channel 6. The saddles 8 effectively create a box-like construction locally which is of enhanced physical and mechanical strength. The saddle elements 8 are generally formed from a suitable material and typically this will be a stainless steel section which has been press formed into a C section as illustrated.

As indicated above traditionally it has been known to provide retainer ends which engage channel 6 typically through T cross-section type entrant portions or parts 11. Thus, the retainer ends can be slid along the length of the channel to an appropriate position for assembly. Generally, one end will have a T section for engagement by interference location whilst the other end may be secured through a stud extending upward from the slot of the channel 6. The stud may comprise a bolt with an appropriately sized head for interference engagement across the channel but which again can be slid aloig the length of the channel 6 to an appropriate position to present an outwardly extending stud upon which a retainer end 3 can be secured by a nut or other fastener. Such securing is through apertures 9, 10 in order to retain position of the saddle B and/or retainer end 3 as required.

The retainer 2 in accordance with aspects of the present invention ensures robust mounting location is achieved particularly with regard to retrofit situations where a saddle 8 is added to a pre-existing retainer end 3 mounting to a channel 6. it will be understood that a basic prior arrangement would typically comprise the retainer end 3 secured as indicated possibly at one end through a T section slot locator or at both ends through a stud with heads slid along the channel 6 to allow presentation and securing through the aperture 8 with an other nut on the other end of the so formed stud projecting from the channel 6. Provision of a saddle 8 will act to provide local reinforcement but over a range of spaced positions in comparison with prior bespoke or specifically sized saddles for a particular retainer end configurations. Aspects of the present invention effectivey integrate through the retainer an interference engagement retainer end portion or part with a saddle presenting stud, whether that stud is already present or specifically added to allow provision of a reinforcing saddle.

By utilisation of a retainer 2 in accordance with aspects of the present invention the retainer 2 effectively provides an adaptor between a standard sized saddle 8 and difference sizes of retainer ends 3 in terms of dimensions and configurations. In a preferred embodiment the retainer end 8 is sandwiched between parts of the retainer 2 for retention and possibly the saddle 8 is also sandwiched between parts of the retainer 2. Generally retention elements or parts in the form of pegs 11 will be arranged to extend from the retainer 2 at spaced position either side of the saddle 8 and extend into the channel 6 about the apertures 9, 10. For the avoidance of doubt it will be appreciated that in the exploded depiction in figure 1 the retainer end 3 and the saddle 8 are not located in sandwiched or retained location between parts of the retainer 2 as would be the case in use.

Figure 2 provides a front view of the mounting 1 as depicted in use.

Thus, as can be seen the retainer band or strap 4 extends around the support 5 to securely locate the channel 12. In use as indicated the channel 12 will be secured to a signage plaque or otherwise and in such circumstances the mounting 1 will securely present that plaque through the channel 6 upon the support 5. As indicated above generally the retainer ends 3 (figure 1) are enveloped and sandwiched for retention between parts of the retainers 2 and in such circumstances cannot generally be seen as depicted in figure 2. As indicated security is of importance with respect to these matters and in such circumstances a security nut, that is to say tighten only nut is provided to ensure that the nut cannot be easily removed. Furthermore, it wilT be appreciated in order to reduce the possibility of detection a thieve or vandal will not tend wish to spend time carefully unscrewing a nut to release the mounting and so would prefer to be able to simply prise the mounting free.

Figure 3 provides a plan view of the mounting 1 as depicted in figure 2.

such c:rcumstances, the s d'vioh cceton of the retainer ends 3 and robust saddles 8 is illustrated between parts of the retainers 2. Such overlapping and sandwich presentation for retention of both the saddle 8 and the retainer ends and in particular the entrant parts which enter the slot 12 (figure 1) of the channel 6 ensures a robust mounting 1 is achieved.

As indicated and as illustrated in figures 1 to 3 generally both retainer ends 3 may be secured through studs and locating nuts. Alternatively, for convenience and reduction in cost, one retainer end may be simply secured 0 through a I cross-section entrant element which enters the channel 6 and extends with a greater width than the slot 12 ensuring pull removal is prohibited in a so-called interference engagement. By provision of a retainer 2 in accordance with aspects of the present invention even though a stud is not utilised it will be understood that either through a sandwich location between parts of the retainer 2 or by provision of pegs 14 (figure 1) lateral movement of the robust reinforcement saddle 8 is prevented. n such circumstances, the saddle 8 will prevent divergence 7 of the channel 6 across the slot 12 and therefore ensure the interference engagement created by the T cross-section for the entrant part 11 maintains in robust association within the channel 6. In such circumstances, in addition to providing variability with regard to different spacings between stud apertures 9, 10 and entrant parts of the retainer ends 3 aspects of the present invention allow utilisation of the same retainer 2 in situations where a stud is not provided in order to again ensure correct location and retention of that location by the saddle 8 in use.

The retainer 2 provides flexibility for retrospective installation of retainers in accordance with aspects of the present invention to existing retainer ends in mountings as well as ease of assembly for new mounting installations.

Figure 4 and figure 5 provide respectively, a perspective illustration of a retainer 22 in an unfolded and in assembled state. Generally, the retainer 22 will be formed from a suitably robust plastic such as polyurethane. The retainer 22 moulded to provide necessary apertures and other features of a retainer in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Such formation from a plastics material SHows ease of hinging about hinge portions 41, 51 fl the direction of arrowheads 42, 52 in order to create the assembled and folded retainer 22 as depicted in figure 5. Alternatively, separate elements with distinct hinges if required could be used to form a retainer in accordance with aspect of the present invention but generally at a higher cost and with an increased complexity.

As indicated above generally upon assembly as depicted in figure 5 the retainer 2 will define parts 61, 62, 63. When in the assembled state as depicted in figure 5 latches 43, 53 engaged with opposed parts in order to secure the assembly with spacings or gaps 64, 65 within which the retainer ends and/or where appropriate the reinforcing robust saddle if required are sandwiched or retention between part 61 with part 62 and part 62 with part 63 respectively. In such circumstances the retainer 22 robustly presents the retainer end (not shown) as well as the robust saddle (not shown) utilised to prevent divergence of a channel (not shown) in use.

In order to allow the retainer 22 to be secured upon a stud it will be noted that apertures 71, 72, 73 are provided which, as shown in the assembled state in figure 5, are in alignment to allow the stud to pass through the retainer 22. In such circumstances, by capturing the retainer end as well as the robust saddle between overlapping parts 61, 62, 63 mounting position can be secured for the saddle by its association with the retainer parts. In such circumstances a T cross section entrant end located within a channel is stabilised in terms of spatial position relative to a stud which extends through the apertures 71, 72, 73 over a range of positions. in such circumstances the retainer 22 provides greater flexibility in use.

As inthcated above in addition to securing the robust saddle within the gap 65 between parts 62, 63 t will also be understood that the saddle may simply be prevented from lateral movement through elements such as pegs 81, 83 but such an arrangement will generally be less robust and therefore less likely to provide secure ccatic in use.

The relative thicknesses of the parts 61, 62, 63 will be chosen in order to sufficiently robustly retain the retainer end (not shown) and reinforcement by the robust saddle in use. As indicated the retainer will generally be formed from a plastics material and in such circumstances particularly where utilised with respect to a stud it will be understood that compression of this material may create a shape memory spring bias which will further facilitate robust location in use. Essentially, the material from which the retainer 22 will be JO formed will be compressed in use by the stud and associated nut location or possibly simply through compression against the interference of a slotted end entrant part for the retainer end.

In order to facilitate assembly it will be understood that parts 61, 62, 63 may include ribs or other projections which will engage the respective retainer end parts and/or robust saddles until fully located within the retainer 22 by the compression created by the stud or other means. As indicated generally latches 43, 53 will be utilised jr order to retain the retainer 22 in its assembled state as depicted in figure 5. These latches 43, 53 provide a convenient way to assemble a mounting in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Additionally appropriate juxtaposed surfaces may incorporate adhesives which are activated upon compression in order to provide a substantive fusion bond which will again inhibit disassembly of the retainer 22 along with associated retainer ends andIor reinforcement saddle in use unless determined and time consuming action is taken.

As indicated above mountings in accordance with aspects of the present invention are particularly utilised in situations where a degree of security is required but without complex and expensive mechanisms. In such circumstances what is needed is a mounting which will deter an opportunist thief who will wish to perform their theft or vandalism quickly rather than risk prolonged action which may result in detection. In such circumstances by providing a retainer 2, 22 along with a reinforcing saddle which will delay smp!e easy ever divergence of the channei and therefcre reease of the mounting will have added advantages.

Modifications and alterations to aspects of the present invention will be appreciated by those skilled in the technology. Thus for example as indicated above the reinforcement saddles 8 may be formed from stainless steel and additionally on their inner surfaces in engagement with outer parts of the channe they may include gripper elements to further facilitate retention about the channel. The retainer may be formed as Hlustrated from an integral moulded plastics component with fold edges. Alternatively, the retainer may be formed from separate components assembled and having locating pegs and reciprocating apertures to create the retainer in use. The retainer may incorporate wtness or tell-tale features indicating attempted removal. In such circumstances microencapsuated dye may create colour "bruising" when the retainer is over stressed. Furthermore, the retainer may be formed from a luminescent material such that presence of a retainer can be readily seen from ground level as a deterrent or indicator of installation.

Claims

Claims 1. A mounting for signage, the mounting comprising a channel to retain a stud projected from the channel upon which a reinforcing saddle is presented to inhibit divergence of the channel, the mounting having a S retainer end presented upon a retainer associated with the stud, the retainer including elements to extend either side of the saddle to substantially retain the retainer end in use and to present an entrant part of the retainer end to the channel over a range of positions spaced relative to the saddle across the channel.
2. A mounting as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elements include pegs to the side of the saddle.
3. A mounting as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the retainer is configured to sandwich parts of the retainer end.
4. A mounting as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the saddle is *:. 15 formed from a robust material in comparison with the channel.I
5. A mounting as claimed in claim 4 wherein the robust material is :. stainless steel. * II.
6. A mounting as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the retainer is formed from a plastics material. .
7. A mounting as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the retainer comprises a number of parts folded and hinged together to facilitate positioning of the saddle and/or retention of the retainer end in use.
8. A mounting as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the retainer is formed from material to allow under compression a bias to be created for retention of position in use.
9. A mounting as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the retainer end has a T section to provide the entrant part to enter the channel in use.
10. A mounting as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the mounting comprises a strip or band with a retainer end at each end of the strip or band with the strip or band extending around a support in use.
11. A mounting for signage substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
12. A retainer for association with a retainer end upon a stud, the retainer including elements to extend either side of a reinforcing saddle in use to substantially retain the retainer end in use in order to present an entrant portion of the retainer end to a channel within which a stud io upon which the saddle is retained over a range of spaced positions relative to the stud position.
13. A retainer as claimed in claim 12 wherein the elements include pegs to the side of the saddle.
14. A retainer as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the retainer is *:: : is configured to sandwich parts of the retainer end. S. *I..
15. A retainer as claimed in any of claims 12 to 14 wherein the saddle is formed from a robust material in comparison with the channel.
16. A retainer as claimed in claim 15 wherein the robust material is 0. ** : * *. stainless steel. 4. .* 20
17. A retainer as claimed in any of claims 12 to 16 wherein the retainer is formed from a plastics material.
18. A retainer as claimed in any of claims 12 to 17 wherein the retainer comprises a number of parts folded and hinged together to facilitate positioning of the saddle and/or retention of the retainer end in use.
19. A retainer as claimed in any of claims 12 to 18 wherein the retainer is formed from material to allow under compression a bias to be created for retention of position in use.
20. A retainer as claimed in any of claims 12 to 19 wherein the retainer end has a T section to provide the entrant part to enter the channel in use.
21. A retainer as claimed in any of claims 12 to 20 wherein the mounting comprises a strip or band with a retainer end at each end of the strip or band with the strip or band extending around a support in use.
22. A retainer substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.* S.:. ** : * *5* * . **� :r * * S **