GB2489290A

GB2489290A - Non-circular cross-section post for mounting a sign

Info

Publication number: GB2489290A
Application number: GB1110459.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Nicklin
Original assignee: Signpost Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Signpost Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2011-03-22
Filing date: 2011-06-21
Publication date: 2012-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 2031-06-21
Also published as: GB201104770D0; GB2489290B; GB201110459D0

Abstract

A post 10 for mounting a sign, such as a road sign (12, Fig. 3) has a generally circular cross section but with a flat area 14 on one side. A first diameter of the post extends substantially centrally through the flat area 14 and to a notional circumference as if the flat area was not there, and is greater than a second diameter which is perpendicular to the first diameter. The first diameter but extending only to the flat area is substantially equal to the second diameter. As the sign 12 is engageable against the flat area 14, this provides a substantial resistance against twisting of the sign 12 on the post 10. The mounting arrangement for the sign preferably comprises a band or clip 18 which forms a loop around the post and which can be tightened onto it.

Description

This invention concerns posts for mounting signs such as road signs, and also a sign assembly.

In many instances it has become conventional to use circular section posts for mounting road signs and the like. Circular section posts enable signs to be mounted at any required inclination. They are also generally strong and aesthetically pleasing. A problem with circular section posts is that signs mounted thereon can be turned relatively easy away from an intended inclination such turning may be due to vandalism, a desire to mislead or amuse, or by persons wishing to avoid the consequence of a sign. In the latter instance a road sign may be turned to avoid the command or information thereof being legally enforceable. A significant amount of time and effort and hence cost, is currently incurred in realigning such signs.

According to the present invention there is provided a post for mounting signs, the post having a generally circular cross section but with a flat area on one side, with a first diameter of the post extending substantially centrally through the flat area and to a notional circumference as if the flat area was not there, being greater than a second diameter perpendicular to the first diameter.

The post width along the first diameter but extending only to the flat area, may be between 0.95 and 1.05 of the second diameter, and may substantially equal the second diameter. The second diameter may be a standard post diameter, and may be substantially any of 76mm, 89mm or 114mm.

The length of the flat area may be between 0.3 and 0.5 of the second diameter, and more particularly between 0.36 and 0.44 of the second diameter.

The post may be made of steel, and may be made of galvanised steel.

The post may be formed by rolling a sheet of material to a required profile and welding the material to form a closed hollow section member. The post may be precision rolled to standard EN10305-.3 In an alternative arrangement the post may be made of aluminium.

The post may be made by extrusion or rolling.

In a further alternative arrangement the post may be made of a composite material.

The post may be coated with a plastics material and may be coated with PVC. Alternatively the post may be painted.

The invention further provides a sign assembly, the assembly including a post according to any of the preceding eight paragraphs, a sign, and a mounting arrangement for mounting the sign on the post.

The sign may be mounted against the flat area on the post.

The mounting arrangement may include a band or clip extending from the sign in a loop around the post, which band or clip can be tightened onto the post to hold the sign thereon.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. 1 is a cross sectional plan view through a post according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view of a sign assembly according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a perspective rear view of the sign assembly of Fig. 2; and Fig. 4 is a perspective front view of the sign assembly of Fig. 2.

Fig. 1 shows a post 10 for mounting a sign such as a sign 12 shown in Figs. 2 to 4. The post 10 has a generally circular cross sectional shape but with a flat area 14 provided on one side. The notional diameter of the post through the flat area 14, shown by the line X, is greater than the diameter parallel to the flat area 14, shown by the line Y. The diameter to the centre of the flat area 14 is in fact substantially equal to the post diameter parallel to the flat area 14. The post 10 is made of precision rolled steel which is welded following rolling. The tube of the post 10 is precision rolled to EN 10305 -3 is Fig. 1 shows a steel post 10 of a notional standard 76mm diameter, which in fact has a diameter of 76.1 mm. The diameter to the center of the flat area 14 is also substantially 76.1mm as indicated. The length of the flat area is 3Omm.lt is though to be realised that the invention is applicable to different sized posts, and for instance would be applicable to standard sized posts such as 89 or 114mm diameter parts.

Figs. 2 to 4 show the post 10 mounting the sign 12, which could for instance be a road sign such as a no through road sign. As is conventional two parallel outwardly open lengths of channel section 16 are provided on the rear of the sign 12. A band or clip 18 extends from each respective length of channel section 16 in a loop to surround the post 10.

A first end 20 of the band or clip 18 is fixed in the respective channel section 16, though can slide therealong, whilst a second end 22 is mounted on a bolt 24 which slidingly locates in the channel section 16. The second end 22 has an opening which extends over the bolt 24, and a nut 26 engages against the second end 22. The nut 26 can be tightened onto the bolt 24 to tighten the band or clip 18 onto the post 10 to retain the sign 12 thereon.

In contrast to conventional arrangements, as the sign 12 is engageable against the flat area 14 this provides a substantial resistance against twisting of the sign 12 on the post 10 as outlined above. The post 10 is such as to provide generally a similar appearance to conventional round posts.

Furthermore the post 10 can be used with conventional mounting arrangements as shown by the band or clip 18 as used with round posts.

Conventionally round posts are generally closed at their upper end by a plastics material cap, and such a plastics cap also fits onto the post 10, as shown in Fig 3. Therefore the above described system operates in a similar manner to existing conventional arrangements using the same components, but also provides a very significant resistance to unauthorised twisting of signs, thereby alleviating the previous problems outlined above.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance the post may be a different size or the shape thereof could be varied slightly. A different sign could be mounted thereon by a different method. The post may be made of galvanised steel. If required the post may be plastic coated for instance with PVC by powder coating. If required the post may be painted. In an alternative arrangement the post may be made of aluminium and could be made by extrusion or rolling. As a further alternative the post could be made of composite materials.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A post for mounting signs, the post having a generally circular cross section but with a flat area on one side, with a first diameter of the post extending substantially centrally through the flat area and to a notional circumference as if the flat area was not there, being greater than a second diameter perpendicular to the first diameter.
2. A post for mounting signs according to claim 1, in which the post width along the first diameter but extending only to the flat area, is between 0.95 and 1.05 of the second diameter.
3. A post for mounting signs according to claim 2, in which the post width along the first diameter but extending only to the flat area, is substantially equal to the second diameter.
4. A post for mounting signs according to any of the preceding claims, in which the second diameter is a standard post diameter.
5. A post for mounting signs according to claim 4, in which the second diameter is substantially any of 76mm, 89mm or 114mm.
6. A post for mounting signs according to any of the preceding claims, in which the length of the flat area is between 0.3 and 0.5 of the second diameter.
7. A post for mounting signs according to claim 6 in which the length of the flat area is between 0.36 and 0.44 of the second diameter.
B. A post for mounting signs according to any of the preceding claims, in which the post is made of steel.
9. A post for mounting signs according to claim 8, in which the post is made of galvanised steel.
10. A post for mounting signs according to any of the preceding claims, in which the post is formed by rolling a sheet of material to a required profile and welding the material to form a closed hollow section member.
11. A post for mounting signs according to claim 10, in which the post is precision rolled to standard EN1 0305-3.
12. A post for mounting signs according to any of claims 1 to 7, in which the post is made of aluminium,
13. A post for mounting signs according to claim 12, in which the post is made by extrusion or rolling.
14. A post for mounting signs according to any of claims 1 to 6, in which the post is made of a composite material.
15. A post for mounting signs according to any of the preceding claims, in which the post is coated with a plastics material.
16. A post for mounting signs according to claim 5, in which the post is coated with PVC.
17. A post for mounting signs according to any of the preceding claims, in which the post is painted.16. A sign assembly, the assembly including a post according to any of the preceding claims, a sign, and a mounting arrangement for mounting the sign on the post.19. A sign assembly according to claim 18, in which the sign is mounted against the flat area on the post.20. A sign assembly according to claims 18 or 19, in which the mounting arrangement includes a band or clip extending from the sign in a loop around the post, which band or clip can be tightened onto the post to hold the sign thereon.21. A post for mounting signs substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.22. A sign assembly substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.23. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.