Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Machine or implement
Patent
1994-07-14
1997-01-07
Wood, Wynn E.
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Machine or implement
527201, 527361, 527362, 40605, 40607, 40624, 248 73, 2482184, 2482273, 2482301, 2482309, G09F 718
Patent
active
055905048
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to mounting devices suitable for the mounting of signs to supporting posts, although the mounting devices in one or more aspects of the invention could be used in other mounting situations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a series of earlier patents, for example GB 1416734, GB 1533412 and GB 2021390, I disclosed mounting devices suitable for securing a post to a reinforcing channel on the rear of a sign panel, the channel mouth being furnished with inturned lips to retain elements of the mounting device. The mounting devices were typically pressed from stainless steel sheet, and the reinforcing channels were normally made from extruded aluminium. The system has proved extremely successful for many years; however I have now conceived of a modification or departure from that successful design concept which appears in practice to be surprisingly advantageous, particularly providing a construction of considerable strength and durability while economising substantially in the materials and costs involved.
Another aspect of the invention deals with the problem of forming larger signs from two or more panels abutted edge to edge. Conventionally some kind of construction or device is provided to prevent light from passing through a gap between adjacent panels, it being virtually impossible to provide a light-tight joint between the panels by simple abutment. Such devices or constructions which are used in practice tend to be expensive, complicated, unreliable or in other ways unsatisfactory. I have conceived of a construction which provides distinct advantages over some of the available alternatives. This aspect of the invention can employ the improved mounting device referred to in the preceding paragraph, to make use of the advantages provided thereby.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an elongate reinforcing member for a sign panel, having in cross-section a foot portion for securing to the rear face of a sign panel and a head portion having a dove-tailed slot for engagement with a trapezoidal shaped head at the end of a strap for passing around a supporting post.
Preferably said trapezoidal shaped head at one end at least of the strap is cut in the flat sheet material of the strap. A said trapezoidal shaped head may be provided by the chamfered head of a bolt, the threaded shank of which extends through an aperture in an out-turned flange at the end of the strap and is tightenably retained by a nut.
The head of the reinforcing member is preferably connected to the foot by a leg, and preferably the head and leg together have a generally T-section.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an elongate reinforcing member for a sign panel, having in cross-section a foot-portion for securing to the rear face of a sign panel a head portion for attachment to a strap for passing around a supporting post, and a leg connecting the head and foot, the head being offset with respect to the leg so that the foot projects in the opposite direction for rivetting to a sign panel.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a sign formed from a plurality of panels abutted edge-to-edge, a main elongate reinforcing member having in cross-section a transverse head for attachment thereto of a mounting device for the sign, and a depending leg terminating in an offset foot secured to the rear of a first said sign panel adjacent an abutting edge of said panel, and an elongate co-operating member having a generally L-shaped cross-section comprising a foot portion secured to the rear of an adjacent second said sign panel at the edge abutting the first panel and an upright portion abutting the leg of the main reinforcing member, one of the reinforcing members having a flange at the foot projecting into a recess in the foot portion of the other reinforcing member.
The top of the upright portion of the co-operating reinforcing member is preferably offset to engage under the head of the main
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Heard Robert A. H.
Waite Terry
Saladino Laura A.
Signfix Limited
Wood Wynn E.
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