Field of the Invention
[0001] This invention relates to the field of sign stands of the kind used to display advertisements,
notices and the like particularly, but not exclusively, for outdoor use.
Background to the Invention
[0002] Portable sign stands such as those described above are commonly subjected to a variety
of harsh conditions, for example extremes of weather (wind, rain etc) and vandalism.
[0003] A number of known sign stands seek to reduce the effect of these conditions thus
prolonging the life of the sign stand but these are often necessarily complex in construction
and/or heavy and bulky.
[0004] A sign stand of relatively simple construction is described in UK patent application
number 89 061192.3 and subsequent International Patent application number PCT/GB90/00399
(A C EDWARDS PLC).
[0005] That document describes a display stand comprising a sheet metal display panel having
its lower edge faces fitted into a central slot in a base having a cambered top surface.
The design aims at providing stability out-of-doors in a high wind.
[0006] This sign stand suffers from a number of disadvantages. Portable sign stands of this
type often need to be carried to a new location (for example in and out of a shop)
but are relatively difficult to transport owing to the sheet metal display panel (which
is thin and possibly has sharp edges) and the heavy base.
[0007] In order to transport the sign stand, one needs either to dismantle it (time consuming,
especially if the sign stand has a number of fixings associated therewith) or to pick
it up by the sheet metal display panel which may have sharp edges and which may not
support the weight of the base. If the sign stand is transported in its assembled
state, the heavy base is prone to bang against the carrier's legs.
[0008] The display-panel-receiving slot may also retain liquid, for example rain water,
which runs into the slot from the surface of the display panel.
[0009] Furthermore the cambered base unit is liable to theft since, on removal of the display
panel, the base makes a convenient skateboard ramp!
[0010] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a sign stand which seeks
to alleviate these problems.
Summary of the Invention
[0011] According to the present invention, in its broadest aspect, there is provided a sign
stand comprising
abase unit; and
a sign-supporting frame member adapted, in use, to substantially surround at least
part of the perimeter of a display panel or the like supported thereby,
characterised in that said base unit and said frame member are initially disparate units adapted to be
assemble into said sign stand,
and in that the arrangement is such that, when so assembled, said base unit is located substantially
within the perimeter of said frame member.
[0012] Preferably, said base unit and said frame member are assemble into said sign stand
without the need for either tools to aid and/or effect the assembly or fixings (for
example screws) in order to fix said sign stand in its assembled form.
[0013] Ideally, said sign-supporting frame member is provided with a cross-member and the
ground-engaging surface of said base unit is provided with a channel suitable for
receiving said cross-member.
[0014] In a preferred form, said cross-member is continuous so as to join opposing limbs
of said frame member. Alternatively, said cross-member is discontinuous.
[0015] Advantageously, the cross-sectional shape of said frame member is selected so as
to provide a comfortable carrying means for the assembled sign stand. Preferably,
said frame member is of circular cross-section.
[0016] Ideally, said base unit is shaped so as to facilitate carriage of said assembled
sign stand. Preferably, this is achieved by the provision of a waisted plan form,
having no sharp corners.
[0017] In a further preferred form, said base unit is provided with one or more frame-member-gripping
recesses which, in use, grip said frame-member in the vicinity of each limb-cross-member
junction. Ideally, each frame-member-gripping recess is provided with a number of
ridges or protrusions which improve the gripping action.
[0018] Preferably, said sign stand is supplied in a so-called "flat pack" form, ready for
assembly. Preferably, each of said base unit and said sign-supporting frame member
can be supplied independently from one another.
[0019] It will be understood that the invention includes within its scope a base unit, sign-supporting
frame member and assembled sign stand substantially as described herein with reference
to and as illustrated by any appropriate combination of the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0020] In the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 is a front view of a sign stand embodying the present invention (not assembled);
Figure 2 is an end view of the sign stand of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a front view of the sign stand, indicating the method of assembly;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the assembled sign stand;
Figure 5 is an end view of the assembled sign stand;
Figure 6 is a top view of the assembled sign stand;
Figure 7 is a plan view, partly in section, of the base unit;
Figure 8 shows the base unit in section on line A-A in Figure 7;
Figure 9A is a view of the base unit in the direction X shown in Figure 7;
Figure 9B shows the base unit in section on line B-B in Figure 7;
Figure 10 is a view of the base unit in the direction Y shown in Figure 8; and
Figure 11 shows the base unit in section on line C-C in Figure 10.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
[0021] Figure 1 shows the sign stand 1 in its unassembled form. The sign stand comprises
a moulded PVC base unit 2 and a tubular sign-supporting frame member 3.
[0022] Frame member 3 is of a generally inverted U-shape, having two parallel vertical limbs
4A and 4B. The extremities of limbs 4A and 4B are joined by cross-member 5. In alternative
embodiment (not shown) cross-member 5 is discontinuous. In that alternative embodiment,
discontinuous cross-member 5 comprises two co-axial members (preferably of equal length)
projecting inwardly toward one another from each of limbs 4A and 4B.
[0023] The parallel limits 4A and 4B, the top member 4C and cross-member 5 define the perimeter
of frame member 3.
[0024] The tubular metal from which frame member 3 is constructed is of circular cross-section,
the diameter of which is selected to provide a convenient and comfortable means by
which the frame member 3 can be lifted. Cross-member 5 need not necessarily be of
the same cross-sectional area and/or shape.
[0025] A sheet metal display panel 6 is supported on frame member 3 by fixings 7. Display
panel 6 is supported in such a way that it can swing freely from its fixing points
(in windy conditions, for example). In normal circumstances, however, display panel
6 hangs vertically with its perimeter substantially surrounded by frame member 3.
[0026] Base unit 2 is moulded from recycled plasticised and unplasticised PVC. It is described
below in greater detail with reference to Figures 7-11, however from Figure 1 it can
be seen that base unit 2 is of a contoured shape having no sharp corners or edges.
Significantly, the base unit 2 has a waisted portion 8 and two frame-member-gripping
recesses 9. Base unit 2 may also be embossed or otherwise marked with a logo, for
example.
[0027] Referring to Figure 2, it can be seen that each of frame-member-gripping recesses
9 is provided with a number of ridges or protrusions 10, integral to the moulding,
whose function will be described below.
[0028] Figure 3 shows the method by which sign stand 1 is assembled. The sign stand 1 is
ideally supplied in a so-called "flat pack" form. In order to assemble the sign stand
1, the customer supports frame member in a generally vertical orientation and drops
base unit 2 into position over cross-member 5 in the manner indicated in Figure 3.
The ground-engaging surface of base unit 2 is provided with a slot or channel suitable
for receiving the cross-member 5 of frame member 3. This cross-member-receiving channel
(or slot) is designated by reference numeral 11 in the relevant Figures.
[0029] Cross-member 5 is located into cross-member-receiving channel 11 by the application
of a downward force on base unit 2. This can be easily provided by the customer's
foot. After such a force has been applied, the friction fit between base unit 2 and
frame member 3 secures the sign stand 1 in its assembled state.
[0030] Once base unit 2 has been correctly located as shown in Figure 4, sign stand 1 is
completely self-supporting. The cross-member-receiving channel 11 holds frame member
3 in a substantially vertical position and the shape and mass of base unit 2 ensures
that sign stand 1 is stable and unlikely to be blown or knocked over. Frame-member-gripping
recesses 9 also support frame member 3 by means of the pressure applied thereto by
ridges or protrusions 10. The arrangement of ridges or protrusions 10 also aids the
drainage of any liquid (for example rain water) which may run down the limbs 4A, 4B
of frame member 3.
[0031] Figures 4-6 show the assembled sign stand 1. In particular, Figure 6 shows the waisted
portion 8 of base unit 2. This shape is of particular importance when the assembled
sign stand 1 needs to be transported from one location to another. The customer simply
picks up the assembled sign stand 1 by gripping limbs 4A and 4B at a convenient height.
The sign stand 1 can be held conveniently close to the customer's body because of
waisted portion 8. A conventionally-shaped base unit (for example substantially circular
or rectangular when viewed from above) would be likely to inconveniently bang against
the legs of the customer.
[0032] This design of sign stand will reduce the likelihood of accidents during transportation
since the customer can grip the assembled sign stand at the most convenient height
for him/her and can hold the sign stand relatively close to his/her body; both of
these factors ensuring that the display panel 6 does not obstruct the customer's vision
as he/she transports the sign stand.
[0033] Figures 7-11 show base unit 2 in greater detail.
[0034] The ground-engaging surface of base unit 2 is provided with a cross-member-receiving
channel or slot 11 into which cross-member 5 fits snugly when sign stand 1 is assembled.
Base unit 2 is not a completely solid piece of PVC; the quantity of material required
is reduced (along with the overall mass) by the provision of a number of hollow chambers
12, separated by reinforcing ribs 13. Reinforcing ribs 13 provide rigidity for base
unit 2 and also help to grip the ground on which the base unit 2 is placed.
[0035] The ridges or protrusions 10 reduce the tendency of frame member 3 to slide within
frame-member-gripping recesses 9.
[0036] The particular shape of base unit 2 shown in the Figures is given by way of example
only. Other shapes of base unit are envisaged which can be located substantially within
the perimeter of the frame member.
[0037] The present invention thus provides a hard-wearing and stable sign stand with a number
of significant advantages. The sign stand, although preferably supplied in flat-pack
form, can be easily assembled by the customer (without the need for any tools or fixings)
into a sign stand having no readily apparent means of disassembly. If necessary, the
sign stand can be disassembled by the customer by forcibly separating base unit 2
and frame member 3.
[0038] This design is thus a deterrent to would-be thieves and the base unit shape is not
attractive to would-be skateboarders.
[0039] This type of sign stand usually needs to be transported (on a daily basis) in and
out of a shop for example, and the sign stand of the present invention facilitates
transportation by the waisted portion 8 of base unit 2 as well as the easily-grippable
limbs 4A and 4B of frame member 3. The contoured shape of base unit 2 reduces the
likelihood of knock injuries.
[0040] The construction of this sign stand, with the base unit inboard frame member 3 thus
provides an aesthetically-pleasing and stable sign stand which is both hard-wearing
and easy to assemble.
1. A sign stand comprising
a base unit; and
a sign-supporting frame member adapted, in use, to substantially surround at least
part of the perimeter of a display panel or the like supported thereby,
characterised in that said base unit and said frame member are initially disparate
units adapted to be assemblable into said sign stand, and in that the arrangement
is such that. when so assembled, said base unit is located substantially within the
perimeter of said frame member.
2. A sign stand as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said base unit and said frame member are
assemblable into said sign stand without the need for either tools to aid and/or effect
the assembly or fixings (for example screws) in order to fix said sign stand in its
assembled form.
3. A sign stand as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein said sign-supporting frame member
is provided with a cross-member and the ground-engaging surface of said base unit
is provided with a channel suitable for receiving said cross-member.
4. A sign stand as claimed in Claim 3 wherein said cross-member is continuous so as to
join opposing limbs of said frame member.
5. A sign stand as claimed in Claim 3 wherein said cross-member is discontinuous.
6. A sign stand as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the cross-sectional
shape of said frame member is selected so as to provide a comfortable carrying means
for the assembled sign stand.
7. A sign stand as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein said frame member is
of circular cross-section.
8. A sign stand as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein said base unit is shaped
so as to facilitate carriage of said assembled sign stand.
9. A sign stand as claimed in Claim 8 wherein said base unit is provided with a waisted
plan form, having no sharp corners.
10. A sign stand as claimed in any of Claims 3-9 wherein said base unit is provided with
one or more frame-mcmber-gripping recesses which. in use, grip said frame-member in
the vicinity of each limb-cross-member junction.
11. A sign stand as claimed in Claim 10 wherein each frame-member-gripping recess is provided
with a number of ridges or protrusions which improve the gripping action.
12. A sign stand as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein said sign stand is
supplied in a so-called "flat pack" form ready for assembly.