GB2471154A

GB2471154A - Changeable display sign with lockable frame.

Info

Publication number: GB2471154A
Application number: GB1006668A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Pierce Hughes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-04-21
Filing date: 2010-04-21
Publication date: 2010-12-22
Anticipated expiration: 2030-04-21
Also published as: GB2471154B; GB2471263A; GB201006668D0; GB0906772D0; GB2471263B

Abstract

A sign comprising a robust, readily changeable, and easily manufactured display panel 10 is disclosed. Visual information is presented on the display panel. The sign has a frame, the frame being suitable for mounting on a supporting structure such as a post 32. The frame is suitable for carrying the display panel 10 such that is visual information is visible from outside the frame. The frame comprises a backing component 22 and a bezel 24 between which the display panel 10 can be retained. The frame components include securing formations 50, 80 that can be mutually interengaged to secure the components 22, 24 of the frame together and locking means 84 by which disengagement of the securing means can be prevented until the locking means is released. The securing formations may comprise tabs / tongues 50 which engage with clips 80. The sign may be attached to a post by straps 62 passing through slots in the frame.

Description

This invention relates to signs. It relates particularly, but not exclusively, to signs that will be mounted on a support such as a post and used to display information in a public place in a manner that is resistant to damage (malicious or otherwise) and which allows the information displayed to be changed readily.

There are many applications for signs that can be mounted on a support such as an upright post. A particular example of such an application is the use of signs to display passenger information for bus and other public transport systems. Such signs must typically include information that is specific to a particular location. For example, each bus stop has a particular timetable or set of timetables for the services available from it. Moreover, systems have been developed that allow a passenger to obtain real-time information about services using the short messaging service (SMS "text" messages) from a cellular telephone. This involves allocating a unique code to each bus stop and displaying the code where is can be read by passengers. Therefore, the signage required is not only highly diverse, it is also subject to change when timetables are changed. In addition to the matter that is unique to each stop, there will also typically be a large amount of matter that is common to many stops, such as corporate information that identifies the provider of the bus services.

One way in which such signs are implemented is to provide a display case within which indicia can be placed. The display case has a transparent front panel through which the indicia can be seen. This type of sign typically requires a quite complex use of tools to open the case when the indicia are to be changed. Also, the front panel, if made of glass, is expensive and subject to breakage, and if made of plastic, is likely to loose its transparency over time, which obscures the indicia.

An alternative approach is to produce a display panel that carries indicia on a display surface and that is secured directly to a post by metal straps. These panels are difficult to produce and tend to deteriorate over time as the applied indica fade or peel. Changing the sign requires the straps to be released and re-applied, which is inconvenient and requires some skill.

An aim of this invention is to provide a system whereby signs can be produced to display customised indicia using low-cost equipment, that are durable and that can be changed using only simple tools and procedures To this end, this invention provides a sign comprising a display panel upon which visual information is presented and a frame, the frame being suitable for mounting on a supporting structure, and suitable for carrying the display panel such that is visual information is visible from outside the frame, wherein the frame comprises first and second components between which the display panel can be retained, the frame components including securing means that can be mutually interengaged to secure the components together and locking means by which disengagement of the securing means can be prevented until the locking means is released.

This arrangement allows the display panel to be changed by disassembly of the frame without having to remove the frame from the structure upon which it is supported.

In preferred embodiments, the securing means are operable to secure or release the securing means is achieved by mutually sliding the first and second components of the frame in a direction that is generally parallel to a plane of the display panel. The securing means may include mutually-engageable clips.

The locking means may include a deflectable clip that is carried on or integral with one of the components of the frame for engagement with the other of the components of the frame to prevent mutual sliding movement of the components of the frame in a direction that would disengage the securing means. The locking means may be deflected in order to allow sliding movement and thereby allow the securing means to be disengaged and components of the frame to be separated.

In embodiments of the invention, the first component of the frame is a base that can be connected to a supporting structure. The base may be connected to a supporting structure by one or more straps each of which surrounds a part of the supporting structure (for example, a post) and passes through slots in the base. A spacer may be associated with each strap to be disposed between the base and the supporting structure to stabilise the base. Alternatively or additionally, there may be one or more apertures through the base through which fasteners can be passed to secure the base to a flat surface.

In typical applications of embodiments of this invention, the visual information on the display panel comprises fixed information, that is common to a large number of display panels, and variable information that is unique or common to only a small number of display panels.

Alternatively or additionally, the visual information on the display may include indicia that are determined by regulation or statute. Such information must be updated in the event that the relevant regulation or statute should change.

Advantageously, the display panel includes a plurality of layers, the fixed information and the variable information being carried on different layers of the display panel. In such embodiments, the panel may include a base sheet fonTned from a clear plastic material of suitable toughness and rigidity. In such embodiments, a backing sheet may cover substantially the entire rear surface of the base sheet. The backing sheet typically has a display surface, in contact with the rear surface where it is help by the adhesive. The display surface may carry the fixed portion of the information, which is visible through the base sheet. A transparent sheet may be adhered to a region of the rear surface. The variable information may be carried on the transparent sheet. The transparent sheet is advantageously formed from thin, flexible, transparent plastic material. In such a case, the front, adhesive surface of the label may be applied to a suitable part of the display surface of the backing sheet.

From another aspect, this invention provides a system for making signs embodying the first aspect of the invention, in which data for generating the variable portion of the indicia is stored in a computer database, the system including an application to extract data from the database and to print multiple variable information on multiple transparent sheets.

Such a system could be implemented on a conventional office computer. The computer could also drive a printer (such as a laser printer or an ink-jet printer) to print the transparent sheets.

Alternatively or additionally, the system could generate an output file to be printed at a remote location.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a panel that displays information that might typically be installed at a bus stop; Figures 2, 3 and 4 show, from the front, the rear, and in cross-section respectively, a sign being an embodiment of the invention attached to a supporting post; Figures 5 and 6 are exploded views of the sign of Figures 2 to 4; Figure 7 is a part cut-away view of the sign of Figures 2 to 4 with frame components displaced such that they can be separated; Figure 8 is a part sectional view of the sign of Figures 2 to 4; Figure 9 is a part sectional view of a locking arrangement of the sign of Figures to 4; Figure 10 shows an abutment of the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4; Figure 11 is a cross-section through a display panel suitable for use in an embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 shows an alternative panel that displays information that might typically be installed in any public place; Figure 13 shows one of several clips that can be included in embodiments of the invention to retain a display panel; and Figure 14 shows a modification of a locking arrangement in an alternative embodiment of the invention.

With reference to Figure 1, a panel 10 for display at a bus stop includes two different types of information. There is information that is common to a large number of bus stops, such as the identity 12 of the service provider, directions for use of the information system 14, and so forth. These will be referred to as the "fixed information". There is also information that is specific to a particular bus stop. In this example, this includes the name 16 of the location of the stop (which may be common to a small number of stops), and a code 18 that can identify the stop, which is unique. (The panel 10 thereby acts as an identification device for a stop.) These will be referred to as the "variable information".

The sign comprises the display panel 10, a frame 20 within which the panel 10 is retained, and, optionally, securing assemblies for connecting the frame 20 to a support such as a post 32. As shown in Figure 4, the frame 20 comprises a backing component 22 and a bezel 24, each being formed as a respective one-piece plastic moulding. Each of these components of the sign will be described in detail below.

The display panel 10, in this embodiment, is constructed using the systems and method disclosed in European Patent No. 1 074 961 of the present applicant. Such a method of constructing a panel is particularly suited for application in embodiments of the present invention because it allows convenient and cost-effective production of panels that include fixed and variable information. The exposed surface of such a panel that is presented to display the information is a continuous sheet of plastic material. This is durable and will not peel as it ages. By careful selection of the material, it is also possible to ensure that the panel remains legible throughout its life. Details of the construction of the panel will be given

towards the end of this specification.

The display panel 10 has a generally rectangular periphery having two long and two short sides with a ratio of length of approximately 2:1. An edge portion of the display panel will be hidden from view when it is installed in the sign, and this is not used to display any information. Within the edge portion, several rectangular slots 36 are formed that pass through the display panel 10. Each slot has a long axis that is parallel to the edge to which it is closest.

The backing component 22 has a periphery that is shaped as a rectangle with rounded corners, of dimension slightly greater than that of the display panel 10. The backing component 22 has a planar base plate 40 that has a rear surface (shown in Fig. 3) that is generally flat. A peripheral wall 42 surrounds the base plate 40 and projects normally from a front surface of the base plate 40. Several strengthening webs 44 of a similar height to the peripheral wall 42 extend in a grid arrangement across the front surface of the base plate 40.

Several peripheral locking regions 48 are formed in the periphery of the backing component 22. Each locking region 48 includes a locating tongue 50, to serve as a locking means, projects part-way into each locking region 48 in a direction that is parallel to the long axis of the base plate 40, all of the tongues 50 projecting by a similar distance.

The backing component 22 has several locating regions 54 spaced along its long axis. Each locating region 54 comprises a central region of the base plate 40 that is reinforced by a grid of closely-spaced webs. Centrally of the grid of webs, a hole 56 is formed through the base plate 40. A respective slot 58 that passes through the base plate 40 extends in a direction parallel to the long axis of the base plate 40 to each side of the grid of webs.

A respective securing assembly can be associated with each of the locating regions 54. Each securing assembly comprises a mounting block 60 and a securing strap 62. The mounting block 60 has a rear surface that is curved to conform to the shape and size of a post 32 on which it is to be placed. (Blocks 60 with different radius curves may be provided to allow mounting of the sign to different posts or other objects.) A flat front surface of the block 60 carries one or more tapered peg 64 that can enter into a respective hole 56 of the base plate 40 to locate the block 62 in place on the back plate 40. Each peg 64 may have a barbed formation that prevents or resists its subsequent removal from the hole 56.

The backing component 22 may optionally include several mounting holes 70 that are formed through the base plate 40. These can be used to secure the backing component 22 to a flat surface using fasteners, such as screws, passed through the holes 70. The mounting holes 70 may be manufactured with a closing membrane of thin plastic that can be knocked out to open the hole 70 for use.

The bezel 24 has a peripheral shape of a rectangle with rounded corners, and has outer dimensions that are slightly larger than those of the backing component 22, and it has a cross-sectional shape that is generally L-shaped. Therefore, the bezel has a peripheral wall 74 that can closely surround periphery of the base plate 40, and a front wall 76 that can overlie an edge portion of the backing component 22.

Several tabs 78 project from the front wall 76 in a direction parallel to the peripheral wall 74.

Each tab 78 is rectangular, and extends for a short distance along the length of the front wall.

The tabs 78 are located and dimensioned such that each tab 78 can enter and be retained within a respective one of the slots 36 in the display panel 10. This serves to locate the display panel 10 in the correct position within the bezel 24, and therefore within the assembled frame 20.

An alternative arrangement for retaining the display panel 10 is shown in Figure 13. In this arrangement, a plurality of resilient barbed clips 100. These engage with edge regions of the display panel 0 The bezel 24 carries a plurality of securing clips 80. Each securing clip 80 is configured to interact with a respective one of the locating tongues 50 of the base component 22. This takes place as follows. First, the bezel 24 is placed on the base component 22 displaced slightly downward from its final assembled position. Each securing clip 80 passes into a respective indented region 48 passing the locating tongue 50. The bezel 24 is then displaced towards its final position, whereupon each clip 80 passes under the corresponding tongue 50, whereby the bezel 24 becomes secured to the base component 22.

Once the bezel 24 is displaced to its final position, its periphery closely corresponds to that of the base component 22. A locking assembly then engages to resist subsequent movement of the bezel 24 away from the final position.

The locking assembly 84 comprises a resilient tongue 84 formed as part of the base component 22 that extends from one of the webs 44 of the base component close to a short edge. The greater part of the tongue 84 extends parallel to the long axis of the base component 22. The tongue 84 then ends with a locking shoulder that extends parallel to the short axis and a lead-in section that extends at an angle of about 300 to the long axis. The lead-in section and the shoulder thereby form a barb-like arrangement. The locking assembly further includes a locking abutment 86 that is carried on the front wall 76 of the bezel 24. The locking abutment includes a locking face that extends parallel to the short axis of the backing components 22 and that faces the nearest edge of the backing component 22. As the bezel 24 is displaced towards its final position, the lead-in portion of the locking tongue makes contact with the locking abutment 86, which causes resilient displacement of the locking tongue 86 in the direction of the short axis of the base component 22. The shoulder then passes the locking face of the locking abutment 86, whereupon is "snaps" back towards its normal position. The locking shoulder then abuts the locking face and thereby prevents movement of the bezel 24 away from its final position. The frame 20 is thus completed and, with the panel 10 in place, forms a complete sign.

An abutment 92 is provided to cooperate with the tongue 84. The abutment 84 is formed as a flange that projects upwards from the base plate 40 and extends at right angles to the lead-in section of the tongue 84; its cross-sectional shape is shown in detail in Figure 10. The abutment 84 has a lead-in section 94 that slopes away from the base plate from its end close to the tongue 84. At the end of the abutment opposite the lead-in section 94 there is a raised section 98 with a recess 96 between the lead-in section 94 and the raised section 98.

Release holes 88 are formed through the peripheral walls 42, 74 of the base plate 22 and the bezel 24. When the bezel 24 is in its final position, the release holes 88 are aligned, to form a continuous passage from the outside of the frame 20 to the inside. At its inner end, the release hole opens adjacent to the lead-in section of the locking tongue 84. By inserting a thin, stiff rod into the release holes, it is possible to displace the locking tongue 84 such that its shoulder can pass the locking abutment 86. The locking tongue 84 passes over the lead-in section 94 of the abutment 92, and then drops into the recess 96. This prevents return of the tongue 84 when the rod is withdrawn. This allows the bezel 24 to be slid downwards to a position shown in Figure 7, thereby allowing it to be removed from the base component 22. The panel can then be removed, exchanged for another. The locking tongue 84 can then be released from the recess 96 in the abutment 92 thereby allowing it to return to its normal position before the bezel is 42 replaced. The raised section 98 of the abutment 92 prevents the tongue 84 being damaged be being bent too far.

Embodiments of the invention may include an alternative or additional locking arrangement, as shown in Figure 14. In such embodiments, one or more additional locking tongues 102 are provided instead of or in addition to the locking tongue 84. Each additional locking tongue 102 has essentially the same shape and function as the locking tongue 84. However, each additional locking tongue 102 is formed as a separate moulding that is secured to the base plate 22 by a fastener 104, such as a screw. Formations of the base plate 22 and the moulding interengage to prevent the moulding rotating about the fastener 104. By forming the additional tongue 102 as a separate moulding, it can be made of a material different from that of the base plate 22, which means that it can be stronger or more resilient than an integrally formed tongue, as at 84.

To install the sign in place on a pole 32, securing assemblies suitable for the post in question are selected and installed onto the backing component 22 by introducing each of their pegs 64 into a respective hole 56. The securing strap 62 of each securing component is then passed around the pole 32 and through each of the slots 58 of the corresponding locating region 54.

The securing straps 62 are then tightened and locked to prevent their further removal. The lock is preferably located within the frame in the interest of providing a neat appearance and reducing the likelihood of tampering. Once the backing component is in place, the display panel 10 is located in the bezel 24, which is then secured in place on the backing component 22 to complete the frame.

It will be understood that it is possible to change the panel 10 without removing the backing component 22 from the pole 32 (or whatever other object it might be mounted on). No tool is required other than a rod suitable for releasing the locking tongue 84.

With reference to Figure 11, the display panel 10, the construction of a first example of such a plate 110 will now be described.

The panel 10 comprises a base sheet 130 shaped and dimensioned to the size of panel required. The base sheet 130 is formed from a clear plastic material of suitable toughness and rigidity for its particular application. For example, a material such as a shatter-resistant polycarbonate or an acrylic may be suitable. A rear surface 132 has a transparent layer of high-tack adhesive applied to it, which is protected by a removable cover sheet (not shown) during manufacture.

A backing sheet 142 covers substantially the entire rear surface 132 of the base sheet 130.

The backing sheet 142 has a display surface, in contact with the rear surface 132 where it is help by the adhesive. The display surface carries the fixed portion of the information, which is visible through the base sheet 130. Where security against counterfeiting is desired, a hologram 114 may be adhered to the backing sheet 142 before it is applied to the base sheet 130, such that the hologram 114 is also visible through the base sheet 130. In this embodiment, the backing sheet 130 is formed from thin opaque plastic material, printed with coloured indicia as required.

A transparent sheet 136 is adhered to a region of the rear surface 132. The variable portion of the indicia is printed on the transparent sheet, using methods much as those described above.

The transparent sheet 136 is formed from thin, flexible, transparent plastic material. For example, adhesive labels. In such a case, the front, adhesive surface of the label is applied to a suitable part of the display surface of the backing sheet 142, preferably to overlie the hologram 114, before the backing sheet 142 is applied to the base sheet 130.

Thus, it will be understood that a display panel 10 can be constructed with the entirety of its variable information 116 printed onto the transparent sheet 136 using simple and inexpensive printing apparatus, such as a conventional office laser or ink-jet printer. Data for generating the variable portion of the indicia can be derived from a computer database. It is a straightforward matter for one skilled in computing technology to implement an application to extract data from the database and to print multiple variable information 116 on multiple transparent sheets 136. (Or to generate variable information for incorporation in other ways into or on a display panel 10.) Such a system could be implemented on a conventional office computer which could also drive a printer to print the sheets, or the system could generate an output file to be printed at a remote location.

Preferably, the adhesive layer of the base sheet 130 is of greater strength than the adhesive that holds the hologram 114 onto the backing sheet 142. If an attempt is made to peel the baking sheet 142 away from the base sheet 130, the hologram 114 will be pulled off the backing sheet 142, causing it to be damaged in the process. This provides clear evidence of an attempt to tamper with the panel. Thus, an attempt to alter or otherwise tamper with the variable portion of the information will result in destruction of the panel. It will therefore be understood that such a panel has inherent tamper-resistant properties. The properties of the various adhesives used in embodiments of the invention are selected as to maxirnise the disruption and damage caused to the various components of the device during an attempt to separate its layers after it has been assembled.

When assembled into a panel 10, the base sheet 130, hologram 114, and backing sheet 142 are disposed in layers, one on another, as shown in Figure 11.

It will be seen that the exposed surface of the panel 10 is a continuous, smooth plastic surface which means that it offers resistance to damage through weathering and malicious attack. It can also be readily cleaned.

Figure 12 shows an alternative panel 10' that can be incorporated into a sign in a manner identical to that described above. In this case, the panel is identical to a large number of other panels that will be used to produce identical signs to be installed at various locations.

Although the information is fixed, its content is determined by statute law and regulations made in relation to the statute. For example, reference is made to a particular Act and Section, as well as a relevant penalty. The penalty is likely to be revised from-time-to-time.

Therefore, in the event that the statute or regulation should change, all such signs must be updated promptly. The features of these embodiments lend themselves to this, since it is possible to provide robust and durable signs using low-cost techniques, and updated panels can then be installed quickly and conveniently.

Claims

Claims 1. A sign comprising a display panel upon which visual information is presented and a frame, the frame being suitable for mounting on a supporting structure, and suitable for carrying the display panel such that is visual information is visible from outside the frame, wherein the frame comprises first and second components between which the display panel can be retained, the frame components including securing means that can be mutually interengaged to secure the components together and locking means by which disengagement of the securing means can be prevented until the locking means is released.
2. A sign according to claim 1 in which the securing means are operable to secure or release the securing means is achieved by mutually sliding the first and second components of the frame in a direction that is generally parallel to a plane of the display panel.
3. A sign according to claim 1 in which the securing means includes mutually-engageable clips.
4. A sign according to any preceding claim in which the locking means includes a deflectable clip that is carried on or integral with one of the components of the frame for engagement with the other of the components of the frame to prevent mutual sliding movement of the components of the frame frame in a direction that would disengage the securing means.
5. A sign according to claim 4 in which the locking means can be deflected in order to allow sliding movement and thereby allow the securing means to be disengaged and components of the frame to be separated.
6. A sign according to any preceding claim in which the first component of the frame is a base that can be connected to a supporting structure.
7. A sign according to claim 6 in which the base can be connected to a supporting structure by one or more straps, each of which surrounds part of the supporting structure and passes through slots in the base.
8. A sign according to claim 7 having a spacer associated with each strap to be disposed between the base and the supporting structure to stabilise the base.
9. A sign according to any one of claims 6 to 8 having one or more apertures through the base through which fasteners can be passed to secure the base to a flat surface.
10. A sign according to any one of claims 6 to 9 in which the second component of the frame is a bezel, having a central aperture through which the visual information on the display panel can be seen.
11. A sign according to any preceding claim in which the visual information on the display panel includes information that is determined by statute and/or regulation.
12. A sign according to any preceding claim in which the visual information on the display panel comprises fixed information, that is common to a large number of display panels, and variable information that is unique or common to only a small number of display panels.
13. A sign according to claim 12 in which the display panel includes a plurality of layers, the fixed information and the variable information being carried on different layers of the display panel.
14. A sign according to claim 13 in which the panel includes a base sheet formed from a clear plastic material of suitable toughness and rigidity.
15. A sign according to claim 14 in which a backing sheet covers substantially the entire rear surface of the base sheet.
16. A sign according to claim 15 in which the backing sheet has a display surface in contact with the rear surface where it is help by the adhesive.
17. A sign according to claim 16 in which the display surface carries the fixed portion of the information, which is visible through the base sheet.
18. A sign according to any one of claims 14 to 17 in which a transparent sheet is adhered to a region of the rear surface of the base sheet.
19. A sign according to claim 18 in which the variable information is carried on the transparent sheet.
20. A sign according to claim 18 or claim 19 in which the transparent sheet is formed from thin, flexible, transparent plastic material.
21. A sign according to claim 20 in which the front, adhesive surface of the label is applied to a suitable part of the display surface of the backing sheet.
22. A sign substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
23. A system for making signs according to any preceding claim in which data for generating the variable portion of the indicia is stored in a computer database, the system including an application to extract data from the database and to print multiple variable information on multiple transparent sheets.
24. A system according to claim 23 implemented on a conventional office computer.
25. A system according to claim 23 or claim 24 further including a printer to print the transparent sheets.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A system for making signs, in which each sign comprises a display panel upon which visual information is presented and a frame, the frame being suitable for mounting on a supporting structure, and suitable for carrying the display panel such that is visual information is visible from outside the frame, wherein the frame comprises first and second components between which the display panel can be retained, the frame components including securing Q 10 means that can be mutually interengaged to secure the components together and locking means by which disengagement of the securing means can be prevented until the locking 0) means is released, and the system further including which data for generating the variable portion of the indicia is stored in a computer database, the system including a software CO application to extract data from the database and to print multiple variable information on multiple transparent sheets.2. A system according to claim 1 implemented on a conventional office computer.3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2 further including a printer to print the transparent sheets.4. A system according to any preceding claim in which the securing means are operable to secure or release the securing means is achieved by mutually sliding the first and second components of the frame in a direction that is generally parallel to a plane of the display panel.5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in which the securing means includes mutually-engageable clips.6. A system according to any preceding claim in which the locking means includes a deflectable clip that is carried on or integral with one of the components of the frame for engagement with the other of the components of the frame to prevent mutual sliding movement of the components of the frame in a direction that would disengage the securing means.7. A system according to claim 6 in which the locking means can be deflected in order to allow sliding movement and thereby allow the securing means to be disengaged and components of the frame to be separated.8. A system according to any preceding claim in which the first component of the frame is a base that can be connected to a supporting structure.9. A sign according to claim 8 in which the base can be connected to a supporting Q structure by one or more straps, each of which surrounds part of the supporting structure and passes through slots in the base. a)10. A system according to claim 9 having a spacer associated with each strap to be CO 15 disposed between the base and the supporting structure to stabilise the base.11. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 10 having one or more apertures through the base through which fasteners can be passed to secure the base to a flat surface.12. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 11 in which the second component of the frame is a bezel, having a central aperture through which the visual information on the display panel can be seen.13. A system according to any preceding claim in which the visual information on the display panel includes information that is determined by statute and/or regulation.14. A system according to any preceding claim in which the visual information on the display panel comprises fixed information, that is common to a large number of display panels, and variable information that is unique or common to only a small number of display panels.15. A system according to claim 14 in which the display panel includes a plurality of layers, the fixed information and the variable information being carried on different layers of the display panel.16. A system according to claim 15 in which the panel includes a base sheet formed from a clear plastic material of suitable toughness and rigidity.17. A system according to claim 16 in which a backing sheet covers substantially the entire rear surface of the base sheet.18. A system according to claim 17 in which the backing sheet has a display surface in contact with the rear surface where it is help by the adhesive.19. A system according to claim 18 in which the display surface carries the fixed portion of Q the information, which is visible through the base sheet.0) 20. A system according to any one of claims 16 to 19 in which a transparent sheet is adhered to a region of the rear surface of the base sheet. C)21. A system according to claim 20 in which the variable information is carried on the transparent sheet.22. A system according to claim 20 or claim 21 in which the transparent sheet is formed from thin, flexible, transparent plastic material.23. A system according to claim 22 in which the front, adhesive surface of the label is applied to a suitable part of the display surface of the backing sheet.24. A system for making signs substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.