Covering elements for guideposts, for covering or modifying temporarily the original signs

Abstract

 The invention concerns covering elements to apply on guideposts, for covering or modifying the original signs temporarily in case of works, celebrations, fairs, markets, or other events which request a different traffic regulation.
The described elements are constituted by covers with a shaping corresponding to the signs to be covered, equipped with fixing means (3), for example of elastic type.
The covering elements can have imprinted the name and the badge of the proper Authorities and can be provided with a transparent pocket, for inserting eventual explanatory indications. They can also represent a different guidepost, provided with reflecting films.

Description

[0001] The present invention concerns covering elements to apply on guideposts, for covering or modifying temporarily the original signs in case of works, celebrations, fairs, markets or other events which request a different traffic regulation.

[0002] In these cases temporary provisional covers are actually used, constituted usually by refusal bags, fixed with adhesive tape. These coverings are unaesthetic, they tear in case of strong wind and cause the formation of condensation, so corroding the sign metal support.

[0003] Besides, their application and subsequent removal is laborious and often cause the spreading of covering material residuals in the environment.

[0004] Further drawback is that the adhesive belt used for fixing these coverings often cause the covering of sign parts and/or the covering itself, involving sometimes the hard interpretation of the original or modified sign and the partial removal of the drawing of the signs as consequence of the covering or adhesive removal.

[0005] The objects of the present invention are to propose temporary covering elements on guideposts, quickly applicable and rapidly removable, retrievable, lasting and also suitable for furnishing explanatory indications, or alternative signs, and which are aesthetically pleasant. These coverings can be used by the proper Authorities for modifying the traffic regulation.
The described elements are constituted by covers with a shaping corresponding to those of the signs to be covered, equipped with elastics, or other fast fixing means, for example, Velcro, belts, strings, hooks, suction cups, or similar.

[0006] The covering elements can have imprinted the name and the badge of the proper Authorities and can be provided with a transparent pocket, for inserting eventual explanatory indications and/or authorizations.

[0007] These covering elements can also represent a different guidepost, by using paints or reflecting films.

[0008] The invention is now described in details, referring to the following drawings, which illustrate only by way of example some of its embodiments.

• Figures 1 and 2 show respectively a front and rear views of the covering object of the present invention, for circle shaped guideposts;
• Figures 3 and 4 show respectively a front and rear views of the covering for square shaped guideposts;
• Figures 5 and 6 show respectively a front and rear views of the covering for rhombus shaped guideposts;
• Figures 7 and 8 show respectively a front and rear views of the covering for rectangular shaped guideposts;
• Figure 9 shows a front view of a circular cover equipped with a transparent pocket, for inserting an interchangeable notice;
• Figure 10 shows a circular covering with another road sign printed, or however applied thereon;
• Figures 11 and 12 show respectively a front and rear views of the covering for triangle shaped guideposts;
• Figures 13 and 14 show respectively a front and rear views of the covering for octagonal shaped guideposts;
• Figure 15 and 16 show a front and/or rear views of a second embodiment of the covering element, with respectively two types of fixing means;
• Figures 17 and 18 show respectively a front and side views of a third embodiment of the covering element.

[0009] The coverings shown in figures 1-14 are constituted by "caps" with shape and sizes correspondent to the guideposts to be covered. The caps has a front surface closed 1 and a peripheral edge 2, to which an elastic element 3 is joined, for example inserted in the folded end of the edge 2. This elastic element 3 allows the fast application of the covering on the signs to be covered, the firmly keeping in the right position for all the needed time and the fast and easy removal when the original sign have to be brought back into use.

[0010] In case of big size guideposts, as for example in figure 8, between the two opposite longer edges can be placed one or more belts 4, or similar, for avoiding that particularly violence gusts can deform or unthread the covering.

[0011] The air passing through the external edge allows the ventilation of the metal parts under the covering so avoiding the condensate formation and the consequent corrosion of the sign metal support.

[0012] On the front surface 1 of the covering can be imprinted the name and the symbol of the proper Authorities in charge for making the modification in the guidepost.

[0013] A variant, shown in figure 9, provides that on the covering is applied a transparent pocket 5, for inserting interchangeable notices and/or authorizations.

[0014] Another variant, shown in figure 10, provides that on the front surface 1 of the covering is represented a different guidepost, by using paints or reflecting films according to law, so the cover, beside covering temporarily the original sings, represents directly the substitutive sign.

[0015] The cover could also be partial, for covering only a part of a sign, for example to cover some directional arrows.

[0016] For applying and fixing the covering, in substitution or in addition to the peripheral elastic element, belts, strings, Velcro, press studs, zip, or other known means can be used.

[0017] A second embodiment, shown in figures 15 and 16, provides that the covering is of an "envelope" and/or bag type, namely with front and rear surfaces closed and the lower side opened, in order to put it onto the sign like a sheath.
A third embodiment, shown in figures 16 and 17, provides that the covering is constituted by panels or rigid cases, applied to the relative sign by means of suction cups 7, hooks 8, supports and the like.

[0018] It is advantageous to notice that the materials used for the covering are preferably of flexible type, for example cloth, plasticized fabric or paper, plastic films, adhesive or not.

[0019] In any case, the covering shape correspondent to the sign one, the fast application means with a firm tightness, the openings through which the ventilation of the covered sign is ensured, the possibility of subsequent reutilization and the one of giving explanatory or different indications, allow to fulfil all the specified objects.

Claims

1. Covering elements for guideposts, for covering or modifying temporarily the original signs, characterized in that they are constituted by covers with a shaping almost correspondent to the signs to be covered, provided with a front surface (1) and with fixing means (3) to said signs.

2. Covering elements according to claim 1, characterized in that further include support elements such as a transparent pocket (5), fit to contain interchangeable explanatory indications.

3. Covering elements according to claim 1, characterized in that on said front surfaces (1) of the covering is represented a modified road sign or indication as regards the one covered by said covering element.

4. Covering elements according to claim 1, characterized in that said fixing means (3) are essentially constituted by elastic elements, belts, strings, Velcro, press studs, zip and similar.

5. Covering elements according to claim 1, characterized in that each covering is cap shaped, provided with a peripheral edge (2) folded at the back, to which said fixing means (3) are joined.

6. Covering elements according to claim 5, characterized in that further include belts (4) placed between almost opposite areas of said peripheral edge (2).

7. Covering elements according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said covering is bag shaped, provided with said front surface (1) and an opposite rear surface, that are both closed, and with a lower opening (6) between said front and rear surface, to which said fixing means (3) are joined.

8. Covering elements according to claim 1, characterized in that said coverings are constituted by panels or rigid cases, the contact surface thereof are provided with said fixing means such as suction cups (7) and/or hooks (8).

9. Covering elements according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said coverings are constituted by a partial cover, fit for covering only a portion of said sign.

10. Covering elements according to claim 1, characterized in that the material used for said coverings are of flexible type, preferably cloth, plasticized fabric or paper, plastic films.

Drawing