Card – picture – or sign exhibiting – Signs – Magnetic attaching feature
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-31
2001-10-09
Green, Brian K. (Department: 3628)
Card, picture, or sign exhibiting
Signs
Magnetic attaching feature
C040S611050, C248S467000, C248S469000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06298591
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a modular sign system, i.e. a sign system which consists of one or more sign elements, any one or more of which can be easily replaced.
There are many sign systems wherein there is a need to replace parts of the sign from time to time. One representative example would be the types of signs commonly seen in cafeterias and delicatessens. Such signs may consist of promotional materials and a menu of daily specialties. The material presented on the sign is subject to change on a periodic basis and it would obviously be beneficial to replace only those portions of the sign which are to be changed, rather than the entire sign. Very often, rather than undertaking the expense of professional signage, the messages which are subject to change are simply written by hand on a blackboard or the like.
Thus, there exists a need for a modular sign system in which individual parts of the sign can be easily and inexpensively replaced without compromising the quality of the signage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A modular sign in accordance with the invention comprises a backing sheet made of a magnetic material, a chassis for supporting the backing sheet to provide a stable platform, and one or more sign inserts mounted on the magnetic backing sheet. A light transmitting protective sheet may cover the sign insert(s). The sign insert(s) or cover sheet contain a thin coating of material which is magnetically attracted to the magnetic backing sheet so that the insert(s) are retained on the sign. In a preferred embodiment, the backing sheet is magnetic tape which includes means for aligning the sign insert(s) on the backing sheet.
In one embodiment, the magnetic backing sheet comprises magnetic tape which is attached to the chassis so as to form a frame for the sign inserts. The undersurface of the light transmitting cover sheet contains a coating of a magnetically attractive material which conforms to the magnetic tape. The magnetic attraction between the magnetic tape and the magnetically attractive material on the cover sheet retains the sign inserts in position. The protective sheet itself may function as the sign insert, for example, if the sign indicia is printed on the undersurface of the protective sheet. Alternatively, the protective sheet may be laminated to a paper, plastic or other light weight carrier which contains the sign indicia.
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Darby & Darby
Green Brian K.
Visual Graphic Systems Inc.
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