GB2555876A

GB2555876A - Temporary sign

Info

Publication number: GB2555876A
Application number: GB1704998.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Whiteley Christopher
Original assignee: Oxford Plastic Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Oxford Plastic Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2016-11-11
Filing date: 2017-03-29
Publication date: 2018-05-16
Also published as: GB201704998D0

Abstract

The sign comprises a support structure 10 and a sign board 12, the support structure being foldable between an in use and folded configuration. The support structure includes a stay of substantially channel shaped section and at least one ballast member is received within the channel of the stay. The support structure may take the form of a main section and a rear prop pivotally connected to the mains section. The stay may be co-operable with the prop to hold the prop in a position angled to the main body. The stay may be pivotally connected to the main section. Also disclosed is a temporary sign comprising a support structure, a sign board and a mounting arrangement, the arrangement comprising a series of first mounting features provided on the support structure and a second series of mounting features provided on the sign board such that the sign board can be mounted upon the support structure in a range of positions.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Temporary sign Abstract Title: Temporary Sign (57) The sign comprises a support structure 10 and a sign board 12, the support structure being foldable between an in use and folded configuration. The support structure includes a stay of substantially channel shaped section and at least one ballast member is received within the channel of the stay. The support structure may take the form of a main section and a rear prop pivotally connected to the mains section. The stay may be co-operable with the prop to hold the prop in a position angled to the main body. The stay may be pivotally connected to the main section. Also disclosed is a temporary sign comprising a support structure, a sign board and a mounting arrangement, the arrangement comprising a series of first mounting features provided on the support structure and a second series of mounting features provided on the sign board such that the sign board can be mounted upon the support structure in a range of positions.

Figure 1

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

1/3

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

313

Figure 7

Figure 9

Temporary Sign

This invention relates to a sign for installation, temporarily, to provide information to passers-by. By way of example, it may be used near works undertaken on a road surface to provide information to vehicle drivers. The information provided may take a range of forms. For example, it may serve simply to warn vehicle drivers of the presence of the works. Alternatively, the sign may be used to provide instructions to vehicle drivers, for example providing an indication of the lane they should use or direction in which they should steer their vehicles. Other uses of the sign may be to advise of temporary road closures or to indicate diversion routes. The invention may be employed in other applications, for example to provide information to pedestrians.

A number of temporary sign arrangements are known. By way of example, arrangements are known in which a relatively heavy base is placed upon the ground in the location at which the sign is to be used, and an appropriate sign board is attached thereto in such a manner as to ensure that the sign board is held in an upstanding condition. Other known arrangements are of A-board like, folding form.

In many countries and region, local regulations specify that the sign board of the sign must be held at least a predetermined minimum height above the ground surface. There are some circumstances in which it is desired to provide a single sign with two or more sign boards. By way of example, if the sign is being used to indicate that there are works ahead, then the sign may carry one sign board bearing a graphic indication that works are being undertaken and another board indicating how far ahead the works are taking place. Whilst designs of temporary sign are known in which it may be possible to support two or more sign boards, the lowermost one of the sign boards will typically be at too low a height above the ground surface than is required to comply with the local regulations. In arrangements of this type, it is known to provide systems whereby the legs of the sign can be extended to increase the display height.

In order to be relatively easy to store and transport, it is desirable for the sign to be foldable to a relatively compact configuration, and to be manufactured from relatively low density materials so as to be of low weight. Whilst this may aid handling and storage, there is a risk, especially with relatively low weight signs, that they are susceptible to being knocked or blown over. In order to counter this, sand bags or other ballast may be located upon parts of the signs. However, this is inconvenient, and there is the risk that the addition of the ballast may be omitted leaving the sign in a potentially unstable condition.

It is an object of the invention to provide a temporary sign in which at least some of the disadvantages associated with known signs, for example the disadvantages set out hereinbefore, are overcome or are of reduced impact.

According to the invention there is provided a temporary sign comprising a support structure and a sign board, the support structure being foldable between an in use configuration in which parts thereof are angled to one another, and a folded configuration, the support structure including a stay of substantially channel shaped section, at least in part, the sign further comprising at least one ballast member received within the channel of the stay.

The support structure preferably takes the form of a main section, a rear prop pivotally connected, adjacent its upper end, to the main section, the stay being cooperable with the prop to hold the prop in a position angled to the plane of the main body, in use. The stay is preferably pivotally connected to the main section. The stay conveniently includes an opening through which part of the prop extends. The prop is preferably provided with a stop serving, in use, to prevent or restrict separation of the prop from the stay.

In the folded configuration, the prop and the stay are preferably substantially parallel to one another. In the folded configuration, the stay is preferably substantially parallel to the main section.

The support structure is preferably of moulded plastics material form.

The stay is of substantially channel shaped section, at least in part, and such an arrangement is advantageous in that it allows the stay to be of relatively high strength, resisting bending thereof, whilst being of low weight.

Retainer means are preferably provided to retain the ballast member within the channel of the stay. By way of example, the ballast member may be provided with openings, and the retainer means may comprise pegs provided on the stay, located within the channel, and caps securable to the pegs. In use, the ballast member may be positioned such that the pegs extend into the openings, and the caps may be fitted to the pegs to secure the ballast member in position. The caps may be, for example, snap fitted onto the pegs. However, other retaining techniques may be used. For example, they could be secured in position using adhesive, welding, screw threaded fittings or any other suitable technique. Alternatively, the stay may be designed in such a manner that the ballast member is held captive therein in a snap fit type manner.

By locating the ballast member within the channel, movement of the support structure to its folded configuration is not impeded. The ballast member can be left permanently attached to the stay. Accordingly, the risk of the sign being left in an unstable condition is reduced.

The pivotal connection between the stay and the main section is preferably defined by a pair of laterally extending projections provided upon the stay and receivable within corresponding retaining features provided upon the main section. The projections are preferably provided upon reilient arms deflectable towards one another to reduce the separation of the projections to allow assembly of the stay to the main section. The ballast member preferably serves to restrict deflection of the arms such that, once the ballast member is fitted, separation of the stay from the main section is not permitted.

The pivotal connection between the prop and the main section is preferably defined by a pair of laterally extending projections provided upon the prop and receivable within corresponding retaining features provided upon the main section. The projections are preferably provided upon reilient arms deflectable towards one another to reduce the separation of the projections to allow assembly of the prop to the main section. The main section is preferably provided with a feature that, in certain orientations of the prop, is located between the arms and resists deflection of the arms towards one another, thereby resisting separation of the prop from the main section.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a temporary sign comprising a support structure and a sign board, and a mounting arrangement whereby the sign board is mounted, in use, upon the support structure, the mounting arrangement comprising a series of first mounting features provided on the support structure and a series of second mounting features provided on the sign board, wherein the first and second mounting features are located in such a manner as to allow the sign board to be mounted upon the support structure in a range of positions.

Preferably, the mounting features are located to allow the sign board to be mounted at a range of heights. Accordingly, the sign board can be installed at a desired height above the ground, ensuring that local regulations are complied with. Alternatively, or additionally, the mounting features may be arranged to allow the sign board to be mounted in a plurality of orientations. Accordingly, if the sign takes the form of an arrow, the board can be mounted in such a manner that the arrow points in a desired direction.

The first and second mounting features conveniently take the form of openings provided upon the support structure and openings provided in the sign board, at least some of the openings aligning in use, and one or more threaded fittings such as screws or nuts and bolts extending through the aligned openings and securing the sign board to the support structure.

The sign board is conveniently of moulded plastics material form to which a print sheet or panel bearing a desired image is fixed.

The support structure preferably takes the form of a main section, a rear prop pivotally connected, adjacent its upper end, to the main section, and a stay cooperable with the prop to hold the prop in a position angled to the plane of the main body, in use. The stay is preferably pivotally connected to the main section. The stay conveniently includes an opening through which part of the prop extends. The prop is preferably provided with a stop serving, in use, to prevent or restrict separation of the prop from the stay.

The support structure is conveniently foldable between an in use configuration in which the prop and the main body are angled to one another, and a folded configuration in which the prop and the stay are substantially parallel to one another. In the folded configuration, the stay is preferably substantially parallel to the main section.

The support structure is preferably of moulded plastics material form.

The stay is conveniently of substantially channel shaped section, at least in part. Such an arrangement is advantageous in that it allows the stay to be of relatively high strength, resisting bending thereof, whilst being of low weight.

The sign preferably further comprises at least one ballast member. The ballast member is preferably receivable within the channel of the stay. Retainer means are preferably provided to retain the ballast member within the channel of the stay. By way of example, the ballast member may be provided with openings, and the retainer means may comprise pegs provided on the stay, located within the channel, and caps securable to the pegs. In use, the ballast member may be positioned such that the pegs extend into the openings, and the caps may be fitted to the pegs to secure the ballast member in position. The caps may be, for example, snap fitted onto the pegs. However, other retaining techniques may be used. For example, they could be secured in position using adhesive, welding, screw threaded fittings or any other suitable technique.

It will be appreciated that many of the optional features recited hereinbefore may be applied to either aspect of the invention.

The invention will further be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a temporary sign in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in its in use configuration;

Figure 2 is a rear view illustrating a similar temporary sign (with a differently shaped sign board) in a folded configuration;

Figure 3 is a view showing the sign board of the sign of Figure 2 in greater detail;

Figure 4 is a side view showing two signs of the type shown in Figure 2 in a stacked configuration;

Figures 5 and 6 are views illustrating parts of the support structure in greater detail;

Figure 7 is an exploded view illustrating another embodiment of the invention; and

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate parts of the sign of Figure 7.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, a temporary sign is illustrated, the sign being intended to be erected where works are being undertaken on or near a road surface to provide information to passers-by such as vehicle drivers. Whilst this represents one use of the sign, it will be appreciated that it may be used in other applications, for example in crowd management applications in which information needs to be conveyed to members of the public.

The sign comprises a support structure 10 to which a sign board 12 is mounted in such a manner that, in use, the sign board 12 is supported in a substantially upstanding configuration.

The support structure 10 comprises a main, front section 14 including a pair of legs 16 integrally formed with a central part 18. To the rear of the main section 14 is pivotally mounted a prop 20, the pivotal connection being achieved through the use of appropriately shaped formations moulded into the main section 14 and an end part of the prop 20. Also pivotally mounted to the rear of the main section 14 is a stay 22. As shown, the stay 22 is pivotally connected adjacent the lower ends of the legs 16. The pivotal connection of the stay 22 to the main section 14 is conveniently formed by formations integrally moulded into the stay 22 and the main section 14.

The stay 22 includes, adjacent its end remote from the main section 14, an opening 24 through which the prop 20 extends. The lower end of the prop 20 is provided with a formation 26 restricting passage of that part of the prop 20 through the opening 24.

The stay 22, prop 20 and parts of the main section 14 are of substantially channel shaped form, enhancing the stiffness thereof whilst allowing these parts of the sign to be of relatively low weight and to be of relatively low manufacturing cost, involving the use of relatively little material. These part of the support structure 10 are conveniently of moulded plastics material form. It will be appreciated, however, that this need not always be the case and that other materials may be used if desired. Furthermore, the design is such that the stay 22, when in the folded condition, is located within the channel defined by the legs 16 and central part 18 of the main section 14. Accordingly, when in the folded condition, the sign is of relatively compact, thin form. The design allows several signs of this design to be stacked upon one another in a convenient manner, there aiding storage and transportation thereof, as shown in Figure 4.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention the main section 14 is provided, as best seen in Figure 2, with a series of first mounting features in the form of openings 28. Some of the openings 28 are provided along the centreline of the central part 18, and others are spaced from the centre line.

The sign board 14 is of moulded plastics material form and comprises a generally flat display panel 30 to which a sheet or board bearing an image to be displayed is affixed, for example using a suitable adhesive. Alternatively, the image may be printed or otherwise applied directly to the panel 30. The shape of the sign board 14 is chosen to suit the application in which it is to be used. By way of example, it may be of triangular (see Figure 1), circular (see Figures 2 to 4), square or rectangular form.

As best seen in Figure 3, the sign board 14 is provided with a series of second mounting features in the form of openings 32. The sign board 14 is provided with a greater number of openings 32 than the main section 14, and the locations of the openings 32 are such that when the sign board 14 is held at a first height above the ground, certain of the openings 32 align with certain of the openings 28, and when the sign board 14 is held at a second height above the ground, one or more others of the openings 32 align with corresponding ones of the openings 28. Screw threaded fasteners, for example in the form of screws or bolts, extend through the aligned openings 28, 32 and serve to secure the sign board 14 to the support structure 10.

It will be appreciated that the arrangement described hereinbefore is advantageous in that the sign board 12 may be secured to the support structure 10 at a range of different heights above the ground. If positioned at a relatively great height above the ground, a second sign board may be attached to the support structure 10 beneath the aforementioned sign board 12, with both sign boards supported at a sufficiently great height above ground as to comply with local regulations.

Depending upon the shape and purpose of the sign, it may be desirable in some circumstances to allow the sign board 12 to be secured to the support structure 10 in a range of orientations. By way of example, where the image carried by the sign board takes the form of an arrow, by adjusting the orientation of the sign board 12 on the support structure 10, the arrow can be arranged to point in a desired direction. The openings 32 provided on the sign board 12 are conveniently arranged to align with the openings 28 in each of the desired orientations, thereby allowing the sign board 12 to be secured in position in each of these orientations.

It will be appreciated that the arrangement described hereinbefore is advantageous, therefore, in that it can be used to support two or more sign boards 12, to ensure that the sign boards 12 are supported at an acceptable height above the ground, and to allow the sign boards 12 to be orientated as desired.

As described hereinbefore, the stay 22 is of channel shaped form. The channel thereof is orientated such that it is upwardly open, in use. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in accordance with another aspect of the invention a ballast weight 34 is conveniently provided, the ballast weight 34 being shaped in such a manner as to allow it to be received within the channel of the stay 22, conveniently being received entirely within the channel. The stay 22 is, as illustrated, provided with retainer means operable to secure the ballast weight 34 in position. The retainer means comprises pegs 36 secured to the stay 22 and located within the channel, the ballast weight 34 being provided with openings that are able to align with the pegs 36 such that when the ballast weight 34 is received within the channel, the pegs 36 extend into and through the openings. Caps 38 are securable to the pegs 36, the caps 38 being of diameter greater than the openings provided in the ballast weight 34 such that, when fitted, the caps 38 hold the weight captive to the stay 22. The caps 38 may be secured in position using any suitable technique. By way of example, they may be snap fitted to the pegs 36. It will be appreciated that this represents merely one way of securing the caps 38 in position and that a number of other techniques may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

As illustrated, the stay 22 is conveniently of V- or U-shaped form, including a pair of channel section limbs 22a, 22b. Conveniently, respective ballast weights 34 are retained within each of the limbs 22a, 22b.

The ballast weights 34 are conveniently of cast metallic or dense plastics material form. The caps 38 are conveniently of brightly coloured plastics material form, thereby making parts of the sign more eye-catching and so reducing the risk of the sign forming a trip hazard to passers-by. As can be seen in Figure 6, a similar ballast weight 34a may be secured to the prop to add additional ballast to the sign, if desired. The weight 34a may be secured in position using substantially the same design of retainer means as described hereinbefore.

It will be appreciated that the arrangement described hereinbefore is advantageous in that the ballast weights may be permanently installed. Accordingly, when the sign is used, there is no need to apply a separate ballast weight to the sign. The risk of the sign being left in an unstable condition is thus reduced.

As the ballast weights 34 are received entirely within the channels of the limbs 22a, 22b of the stay 22, it will be appreciated that the presence of the ballast weights 34 does not negatively impact upon the ability of the sign to be folded for transportation and storage, and neither does it impact upon the ability of two or more of the signs to be stacked when in their folded condition.

Conveniently, for manufacturing efficiency, the support structure may be fabricated from a relatively small quantity of a relatively high cost structural plastics materials, either of virgin or recycled form, with the ballast being provided by a relatively large quantity of relatively low cost, dense plastics material. By way of example, for a sign of overall mass in the region of 7.5kg, 3.0kg of high cost materials may be used, and 3.5kg of low cost materials. In contrast, in a conventional arrangement all of the sign may be formed from the expensive material.

The ballast material is located within the relatively strong, stiff material of the support structure. Whilst described as being retained using a retainer arrangement, in some applications it may simply be located in position but not positively retained therein.

It will be appreciated that the invention allows the ballast weights to be located low down on the sign, in substantially the optimal position to enhance stability.

Figures 7 to 9 illustrate a modification to the arrangement described hereinbefore. In most respects the arrangement of Figures 7 to 9 is substantially the same as described hereinbefore, and so only the significant differences therebetween are described below.

In the arrangement of Figures 7 to 9, the limbs 22a, 22b of the stay 22 are of bifurcated form, each defining a pair of substantially parallel, spaced resilient arms 22c. Each of the arms 22c carries an integrally formed projection 22d that, in use, is received within a corresponding opening formed in the sidewalls of the lower parts of the legs 16. The location of the projections 22d within the openings serves to pivotally connect the stay 22 to the legs 16.

During assembly of the sign, the arms 22c associated with each limb 22a, 22b are resiliently deflected towards one another, reducing the spacing of the associated projections 22d to allow the end part of the limb 22a, 22b to be received within the channel defined by the associated leg 16. The arms 22c are then allowed to deflect back to their rest position, the projections 22d being received within the openings provided in the legs to pivotally secure the stay 22 to the legs 16. Subsequently, the ballast weights 34 are located within the channel shaped sections of the limbs 22a, 22b. The presence of the ballast weights 34 prevents or restricts deflection of the arms 22c of each limb towards one another, and so prevents separation of the stay 22 from the legs 16.

As shown in Figure 8, the limbs 22a, 22b are provided with inwardly directed retaining fingers 22e which, together with a peg 36 and cap or star washer 38, serve to hold the ballast weights 34 in position.

The prop 20, like the stay 22, is of bifurcated form, defining a pair of substantially parallel, spaced arms 20a which may be deflected towards one another. Each arm 20a includes an integral projection 20b receivable within respective openings 20c formed in features 20d provided on the main section 14. Located between the features 20d, but offset slightly from the openings 20c, is a projection 20e (see Figure 9) which, in a number of orientations of the prop 20 relative to the main section 14, sits between the arms 20a, resisting or limiting deflection of the arms 20a towards one another.

During assembly, the arms 20a are deflected towards one another and the end of the prop 20 is introduced between the features 20d with the prop 20 held in an orientation substantially perpendicular to the plane of the main section 14. The arms 20a are then released, deflecting back to their rest positions with the projections 20b located within the respective openings 20c. In normal use, the prop 20 is not perpendicular to the main section 14, but rather is angled acutely relative thereto, and in this range of positions, the projection 20e sits between the arms 20a, thereby resisting deflection of the arms 20a towards one another and so resisting separation of the prop 20 from the main section.

It will be appreciated that the arrangement of Figures 7 to 9 is advantageous in that assembly is relatively simple and that unintentional separation of parts of the sign from one another is resisted. The sign, whilst relatively simple to assemble, is of robust form.

The stay 22 is preferably provided, close to its end remote from the legs 16, with a projection 22f receivable between resilient projections 20f provided on the main section 14 when the stay 22 occupies a folded, stowed condition. It will be appreciated that the location of the projection 22f in this manner serves to retain the stay 22 in its folded condition which assists handling of the sign as undesired movement of the stay 22 is avoided. When the sign is to be used, the stay 22 is pulled to withdraw the projection 22f from between the projections 20f, allowing the sign to be moved to its in-use condition.

Whilst certain embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be appreciated that a wide range of modifications and alterations may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A temporary sign comprising a support structure and a sign board, the support structure being foldable between an in use configuration in which parts thereof are angled to one another, and a folded configuration, the support structure including a stay of substantially channel shaped section, at least in part, the sign further comprising at least one ballast member received within the channel of the stay.

2. A sign according to Claim 1, wherein the support structure takes the form of a main section, a rear prop pivotally connected, adjacent its upper end, to the main section, and the stay is cooperable with the prop to hold the prop in a position angled to the plane of the main body, in use.

3. A sign according to Claim 2, wherein the stay is pivotally connected to the main section.

4. A sign according to Claim 3, wherein the pivotal connection between the stay and the main section is defined by a pair of laterally extending projections provided upon the stay and receivable within corresponding retaining features provided upon the main section.

5. A sign according to Claim 4, wherein the projections are provided upon reilient arms deflectable towards one another to reduce the separation of the projections to allow assembly of the stay to the main section.

6. A sign according to Claim 5, wherein the ballast member serves to restrict deflection of the arms, in use, such that, once the ballast member is fitted, separation of the stay from the main section is not permitted.

7. A sign according to any of Claims 2 to 6, wherein the stay includes an opening through which part of the prop extends.

8. A sign according to Claim 7 wherein the prop is provided with a stop serving, in use, to prevent or restrict separation of the prop from the stay.

9. A sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein retainer means are provided to retain the ballast member within the channel of the stay.

10. A sign according to Claim 9, wherein the ballast member is provided with openings, and the retainer means comprise pegs provided on the stay, located within the channel, and caps securable to the pegs.

11. A sign according to Claim 2 or any of Claims 3 to 10 when dependent directly or indirectly upon Claim 2, wherein the pivotal connection between the prop and the main section is defined by a pair of laterally extending projections provided upon the prop and receivable within corresponding retaining features provided upon the main section.

12. A sign according to Claim 11, wherein the projections are provided upon reilient arms deflectable towards one another to reduce the separation of the projections to allow assembly of the prop to the main section.

13. A sign according to Claim 12, wherein the main section is provided with a feature that, in certain orientations of the prop, is located between the arms and resists deflection of the arms towards one another, thereby resisting separation of the prop from the main section.

14. A temporary sign comprising a support structure and a sign board, and a mounting arrangement whereby the sign board is mounted, in use, upon the support structure, the mounting arrangement comprising a series of first mounting features provided on the support structure and a series of second mounting features provided on the sign board, wherein the first and second mounting features are located in such a manner as to allow the sign board to be mounted upon the support structure in a range of positions.

15. A sign according to Claim 14, wherein the mounting features are located to allow the sign board to be mounted at a range of heights.

16. A sign according to Claim 14 or Claim 15, wherein the mounting features are located so as to allow the sign board to be mounted in a plurality of orientations.

17. A sign according to any of Claims 14 to 16, wherein the first and second mounting features take the form of openings provided upon the support structure and openings provided in the sign board, at least some of the openings aligning in use, and one or more threaded fittings such as screws or nuts and bolts extending through the aligned openings and securing the sign board to the support structure.

18. A sign according to any of Claims 14 to 17, wherein the sign board is of moulded plastics material form to which a print sheet or panel bearing a desired image is fixed, or upon which an image is printed.

19. A sign according to any of Claims 14 to 18, wherein the support structure takes the form of a main section, a rear prop pivotally connected, adjacent its upper end, to the main section, and a stay cooperable with the prop to hold the prop in a position angled to the plane of the main body, in use.

20. A sign according to Claim 19, wherein the stay is pivotally connected to the main section.

21. A sign according to Claim 19 or Claim 20, wherein the stay includes an opening through which part of the prop extends.

22. A sign according to Claim 21, wherein the prop is provided with a stop serving, in use, to prevent or restrict separation of the prop from the stay.

23. A sign according to any of Claims 21 to 22, wherein the support structure is foldable between an in use configuration in which the prop and the main body are angled to one another, and a folded configuration in which the prop and the stay are substantially parallel to one another.

24. A sign according to any of Claims 19 to 23, wherein the stay is of substantially channel shaped section, at least in part.

25. A sign according to Claim 24, further comprising at least one ballast member.

26. A sign according to Claim 25, wherein the ballast member is receivable within the channel of the stay.

27. A sign according to Claim 26, wherein retainer means are provided to retain the 5 ballast member within the channel of the stay.

28. A sign according to Claim 27, wherein the ballast member is provided with openings, and the retainer means comprise pegs provided on the stay, located within the channel, and caps securable to the pegs.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1704998.2 Examiner: Miss Erin Bunton