A READILY DEPLOYABLE SIGN STAND

Abstract

 A sign stand comprises a base, and a sign supporting frame; wherein the frame incorporates a portion from which a sign may be hung, in use, and two legs; the legs being pivotably engaged to the base; the base comprising leg receiving portions located on opposite sides of the base; the leg receiving portions being shaped and configured to receive at least a lower portion of the legs; the frame being pivotable relative to the base at least between a first position where the frame is collapsed relative to the base and a second position where the frame is held upwardly by the leg receiving portions; wherein the base comprises surfaces against which the lower leg portions abut during the pivoting of the frame relative to the base from the first position to the second position; the surfaces providing one or more slopes which are configured to gradually prise apart the legs during pivoting and guide the lower leg portions to snap into the leg receiving portions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification is concerned with the field of sign stands for example sign stands which may be used outside on pavements or in front of commercial premises. In certain embodiments, these are generally referred to self-standing sign stands.

Background of the Invention

[0002] The closest prior art is the Applicant's own prior publication GB 2511118 which discloses a collapsible sign stand with a frame and a base. The frame is secured by a longitudinal bar in an elongate aperture which is open underneath the base to allow the elongate bar to be slotted in. The base portion may therefore be simply placed inside the frame and lowered onto the bar. The frame is loose in order to allow it to be displaced upwards without necessarily lifting the base. The base is biased so that once the frame is lifted sufficiently the lower leg portions of the frame are free from supporting shoulders and allow the rotation to take place into a collapsed position.

[0003] One of the drawbacks of the prior art is that it may readily be displaced from a collapsed position to a fully deployed position whilst equally being simply collapsed from the fully deployed position. This would allow not only operators to collapse the sign but third parties. One of the objective technical problems which certain embodiments of the invention seek to address, is to provide a readily deployable sign stand which primarily may be displaced from a collapsed position to a fully deployed position. This would allow straightforward transportation in a flat configuration and deployment rapidly by an operator without any screws or other attachment means. Once the sign is fully deployed, one of the objective technical problems which certain embodiments seek to address is the ability to once more collapse the sign stand with considerably difficulty and skill than the simple deployment process. Whilst achieving these overall aims certain embodiments also seek to simplify the process and the components required for such a sign stand.

Summary of Invention

[0004] In a first broad, independent aspect, the invention comprises a sign stand comprising a base, and a sign supporting frame; wherein the frame incorporates a portion from which a sign may be hung, in use, and two legs; the legs being pivotably engaged to the base; the base comprising leg receiving portions located on opposite sides of the base; the leg receiving portions being shaped and configured to receive at least a lower portion of the legs; the frame being pivotable relative to the base at least between a first position where the frame is collapsed relative to the base and a second position where the frame is held upwardly by the leg receiving portions; wherein the base comprises surfaces against which the lower leg portions abut during the pivoting of the frame relative to the base from the first position to the second position; the surfaces providing one or more slopes which are configured to gradually prise apart the legs during pivoting and guide the lower leg portions to snap into the leg receiving portions.

[0005] This configuration is advantageous because it allows the sign stand to be transported in a collapsed form and erected straightforwardly when desired. In preferred embodiments, no screws or tools are required to change the positioning of the frame and to secure the sign stand in its fully deployed configuration.

[0006] In a subsidiary aspect, the invention comprises a sign stand, wherein the legs incorporate spigots; and the base incorporates corresponding circular holes for engagement of the spigots.

[0007] This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a precise pivot point. In certain embodiments, the spigots advantageously prevent upward movement of the frame when the frame is in its folded position, thus ensuring the frame remains tightly located on the base. This method may remove the need for screws to maintain contact between the base and frame. In certain embodiments, this configuration also allows the distance between lower leg portions to be varied during the displacement from a first position to a second position.

[0008] In a subsidiary aspect, the base incorporates a lower ground engaging surface and an upper surface; the leg receiving portions incorporating troughs which extend from the lower ground engaging surface to the upper surface.

[0009] The advantageous inclusion of troughs extending from the lower ground engaging surface to the upper surface, results in a greater contact area between the base and the leg portions. By increasing the contact area of the trough to the leg portion, the sign stand is potentially able to withstand harsher environments than prior art arrangements, including higher winds or higher forces in vandalism.

[0010] In a subsidiary aspect, the troughs incorporate two side surfaces and an inner most surface; the two side surfaces diverging from one another from the inner most surface in the outward direction.

[0011] Advantageously, this feature accommodates variance in tube sizing and in manufacturing tolerances. Diverging sides may also aid the operator in folding the frame from its upright position to a collapsed position.

[0012] In a subsidiary aspect, the two side surfaces are flat surfaces. This feature is advantageous because it provides a smoother surface for the leg portion to slide over when the frame is being pivoted. Reduction in friction provides the user with an easier operation of the sign.

[0013] In a subsidiary aspect, the leg receiving portions incorporate a rounded junction between the leg receiving portions and the surfaces for guiding the lower portions of the legs.

[0014] This feature is advantageous because it provides a smooth transition from the sloped surface to the trough of the frame. A rounded junction allows the frame to slide between the two surfaces, and results in a spread of the pressure exerted on the frame by the junction.

[0015] In a subsidiary aspect, the legs of the frame are closer together towards said lower portion of the legs than at an upper portion of the legs.

[0016] This configuration is advantageous because it provides a sign stand that does not require further attachments to secure the legs in place. The convergence of the leg portions at their lower end, advantageously results in the frame snapping into its upright positioning without the requirement of tools.

[0017] In a further subsidiary aspect, the base incorporates hollow portions located between said leg receiving portions.

[0018] This feature is advantageous because it reduces material use in the base construction. It also reverses conventional teaching in the art where fully solid bases are preferred with material being certainly provided about the prior art cross-bar located between the lower portions of the legs.

[0019] In a further subsidiary aspect, the base incorporates at least two substantially vertical ground engaging walls extending between the leg receiving portions.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the ground engaging walls advantageously reinforce the base top surface, as well as reinforcing the troughs, so as to maintain their positioning and prevent rotation or warping of the base over an extended period of use. In certain embodiments, the reinforcing of the trough further reinforces the sloped surfaces about the trough, preventing or at least reducing inward flexion of the sloped surfaces.

[0021] In a further subsidiary aspect, the base incorporates at least one further substantially vertical ground engaging wall extending in a direction perpendicular to at least two walls.

[0022] In certain embodiments, these walls reinforce the top surface of the base. These perpendicular walls may reinforce the walls between the troughs by reducing the lateral flexion of the walls.

[0023] In a further subsidiary aspect, the surfaces for engagement of the lower leg portions are provided about the periphery of the base and are smoother than a relatively rough further surface which is located within said smooth peripheral surfaces.

[0024] Advantageously, smooth surfaces for engagement of the leg portions may, in certain embodiments, provide less resistance when erecting the frame. The leg portions, when being displaced between collapsed and erected positions, contact the smooth surface, with reduced friction opposing their movement, which simplifies the deployment process.

[0025] In a further subsidiary aspect, the base incorporates ground-engaging walls which are equipped with spacers.

[0026] In certain embodiments, this feature is advantageous because the spacers prevent the wearing down of the walls of the ground engaging portion of the base. A further advantageous benefit of this feature is that, in certain embodiments, the spacers act to prevent any potential air lock between the base and the ground.

[0027] In a further subsidiary aspect, the frame is circular in cross-section. Advantageously, in certain embodiments, this provides an easier gripping portion for the operator when erecting the frame.

[0028] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the use of a frame of this kind aids in movement over the side surfaces of the base. A circular frame also advantageously provides for the use, in certain embodiments, of a circular gripper or attachment hook for attaching a sign to the frame.

[0029] In a further subsidiary aspect, the surfaces comprise at least a first slope which is between 30 and 60 degrees relative to the vertical and a second slope below said first slope which is closer to the vertical.

[0030] In certain embodiments, this feature is advantageous because it may result in the gradual prising apart of the leg portions when moving from a collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration. In certain embodiments, the second slope may encourage the snapping into place of the frame by being of a greater gradient, thus encouraging the frame into the respective troughs. This feature may also advantageously result in preventing the straightforward return to a folded embodiment by requiring greater exertion levels to overcome the greater gradient required to reverse the snapping of the frame into position.

[0031] In a further subsidiary aspect, the lower portion of the leg is spaced from the ground when in the second position.

[0032] In certain embodiments, this feature is advantageous because it may allow the elastomeric base to be dragged along the ground without abrading down or stretching the frame.

[0033] In a further broad independent aspect, the invention comprises a sign stand substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figures.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0034] 

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a frame with a sign.

Figure 2 shows a close up view of the lower leg portion of a frame.

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the lower leg portion.

Figure 4 shows a side elevation of the base of a sign stand.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of base.

Figure 6 shows the lower portion of the frame when assembled to the base.

Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the frame when collapsed or folded onto the base.

Figure 8 shows a close up of the curves of the base in perspective view.

Figure 9 shows a further view of the curves of the base in perspective view.

Figure 10 shows a plan view of the trough.

Figure 11 shows a side elevation of the trough of the base.

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the frame when collapsed onto the base.

Figure 13 shows a further plan view of the sign stand when collapsed onto a base.

Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the midway point of the collapsed position and the fully deployed position.

Figure 15 shows the fully deployed position in perspective view.

Figure 16 shows a plan view of the sign stand with one of the lower leg portions prised out of the circular spigot receiving hole.

Figure 17 shows a view from underneath the base.

Detailed Description

[0035] In figure 1, the frame 1 of a sign stand 35 is disassembled from a base 11 (shown for example in figure 4). Frame 1 comprises two legs 30 and 31. Each leg 30 and 31 comprises an upper leg portion 6 and lower leg portion 2. The lower leg portion is provide immediately below or around spigot 5. Legs 30 and 31 are integrally formed with a frame cross bar 8. The frame may thus be formed as a single metallic tube which is bent to form curved corner portions. Curved corner portions such as curved portion 7 are provided between the cross bar 8 and the leg portions. From the cross bar portion 8, two sign clips 9 are attached. The sign clips 9 can be a releasable clip or a single use permanent fixture, dependent upon the requirement.

[0036] Their material may preferably be of plastics material in order to limit any wear and tear when a sign is secured. A sign 10, in use, can be attached to clips 9.

[0037] The lower leg portion 2 comprises the leg end 3 featuring a protective end cap 4, and a spigot 5 extending laterally from the lower leg portion 2 into the portion between the legs 30 and 31. Legs 30 and 31 are constructed so as to be, prior to assembly to a base, at their widest apart at their upper leg portions 6, with the lower leg portions 2 converging somewhat toward one another. The angles of the curve portions 7 are selected to allow the convergence of legs 30 and 31.

[0038] Preferably, the frame 1 comprises a hollow tube of light metal, such as a steel or aluminium. The frame 1 is preferably hollow to reduce the overall weight of the sign stand 35, and aid in an operator operating the frame 1 in folding and unfolding. The frame is coated in order to protect the metal from premature oxidation.

[0039] Figure 2 shows the lower leg portion 2 from an elevated perspective, displaying the spigot 5 extending from the leg portion. Optionally, the spigot projects substantially at 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the lower leg portion. The spigot 5 in the displayed embodiment is welded to the lower leg portion 2. The spigot is preferably circular in cross-section. In an alternative embodiment, lower leg 2 may comprise a spigot receiving hole which may be configured to receive a spigot projecting into the hole from the base when the frame is attached to the base.

[0040] Figure 3 is a side view of the lower leg portion 2, clearly displaying the spigot 5 extending from the lower leg portion 2. Spigot 5 is welded to the lower leg portion 2, so as to be angled down at an angle of substantially 90 degrees to the axis of the leg. The angling of the spigot 5 is to align the spigot with a spigot engaging hole 19 (see for example figure 5) on the base 11. Preferably, the spigot 5 will be at least 5 centimetres in length. The diameter of the spigot is preferably selected to be at least 5% less than the diameter of its receiving hole in order to allow displacement of the spigot relative to the hole between the first and second position during its deployment.

[0041] In figure 4, base 11 comprises a centre portion 12 and smooth periphery portion 13 running the entire perimeter of the base 11. In another embodiment, the smooth periphery 13 does not extend beyond the lower leg 2 contacting portion of the sloped portions 23. The base further comprises sloped portions 23, each sloped portion 23 comprising a ground engaging lower angled side portion 15, a middle angled side portion 16 and a top portion 17 engaging upper angled side portion 21. The lower angle side portion 15 may preferably be between 0 to 15 degrees from the vertical axis Y. The middle angled side portion 16 may preferably be between 30 to 60 degrees from the vertical axis Y. The top portion 17 is almost perpendicular to the vertical axis Y.

[0042] The smooth periphery portion 13 enables the lower leg portion 2 to slide along the surface of the smooth portions. This reduces friction, and subsequently eases the operator's control during the displacement of the frame relative to the base whilst erecting the frame.

[0043] The ground engaging portion of the base 26 comprises a series of spacers 14. Each spacer extending at least 1 millimetre from the lower portions of the base, so as to provide a gap for ease of displacement of the sign and potentially avoid a complete enclosure to be formed between the lower most portion of the sign and the ground. Liquids may therefore readily flow under the sign and subsequently readily dry.

[0044] Preferably, the base 11 is composed of recycled material comprising both plastics material and metal. These may comprise recycled electrical cables or tyres. In one embodiment, the sign may be suitable for sliding on its ground engaging portion along the ground for displacement to and/or from a point of display.

[0045] Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of base 11. This view displays the supporting walls 18 of the base. The supporting walls extend from the top portion 17 and may be ground engaging at their lowest extending point. A circular spigot receiving hole 19 is located within the trough portion 20 and optionally fully traverses the wall in which it is provided. The angled side portions 15, 16, and 21 are displayed at the edge of the trough portion 20, and meet the edge of the trough portion 20 to form a rounded junction 24 as shown in figures 8 and 9.

[0046] Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of base 11 with leg portions 30 and 31 attached. The leg portions 30 and 31 are displayed in their locked upright position within the trough portion 20. The spigot 5 extends through the circular spigot receiving hole 19, extending into a hollow space 33 located between supporting walls 18 of the base.

[0047] In an optional configuration, leg end 3 does not meet the ground when in the locked upright position. It may for example be spaced from the ground to allow the sign to be dragged along the ground without the lower metallic portion of the frame becoming damaged. The end cap 4 is inserted in to the hollow cavity of the leg 34. The end cap desirably does not contact the ground when the legs 30 and 31 are in their locked upright position, however, in the event of ground contact, the end cap 4 can be scratched and rubbed along the ground, preventing damage to the leg end 3 preventing grinding down or scratching of the leg end 3. The spacing also aids in maintaining the length of the lower leg portion 2 which ensures equal lower leg portion contact with the trough portion 20 and subsequently equal resistance to each lower leg portion during the deployment of the sign from its collapsed position to its erected position. The end cap 4 is desirably composed of plastic, or rubber and features ribbed radial extensions 50 which engage the walls of the hollow end cavity of the leg 34 in order to secure the cap in place without any separate attachment means. Instead of securing a cap, alternative embodiments of the invention envisage the use of one or more wheels to be secured into the lower portion of the legs so that the sign may be rolled from one location to another.

[0048] Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of the base 11 with legs 30 and 31 in their folded position. In this embodiment, the legs have been pivoted about the spigot 5 within the spigot receiving hole 19. Legs 30 and 31 are held in position about the middle angled side portion. The spigot 5 within the spigot receiving hole 19 allows the frame 1 to flex about the angled side portions 15 and 16 without the frame 1 being drawn onto the upper angled side portion 21, which, in the presence of no spigot 5 would result in the frame 1 detaching from the base 11. The angle of the middle angled portion 16 provides a resting surface for the lower leg portion 2 to rest on in the collapsed position and will serve as part of the guide surfaces during the displacement from the collapsed position to the upright locked-in position. In this position, the frame 1 is maintained in its folded or collapsed position, by the sloped portion 23, the engagement of the spigot and the convergence of the lower leg portions 2 of the frame 1.

[0049] Figures 8 and 9 are side views of the sloped portions 23. The sloped portion comprises two angled portions which engage the frame 1, in use, when folded and folding. The middle angled side portion 16 and lower angled side portion 15 engage the frame in use. The middle angled side portion 16 is constructed at a shallower angle than the lower side portion 15 of about 30 degrees from the vertical axis Y to allow for gradual pivoting of the lower leg portion 2 about the spigot 5, ensuring the user can begin to pivot the frame 1 from its folded position with less resistance than would be provided by a steeper angle. The lower angled side portion 15 is at a sharper angle of about 90 degrees to actively encourage the lower leg portion 2 to snap into its upright position with the walls 22 of a trough portion 20.

[0050] The trough portion 20 as shown in figure 10 comprises internal side walls 22, each of which are angled to converge towards a trough base wall 25. The trough side walls 22 diverge from the trough base wall 25 to allow for varying sizes of frame 1 to be used with the base 11 and to accommodate variations in the diameter of the legs due to manufacturing tolerances. The side walls 22 also aid in easing the displacement of the frame from its collapsed position to its upright position. By angling the trough side walls, the lower leg portion 2 of the frame 1 can slide over the side walls, and over the rounded junction 24 onto the angled side portions 15 and 16.

[0051] Figure 10 is a top view of trough portion 20 of base 11. The spigot receiving hole is visible at the top of portion 20, toward the top surface 17 of the base. The smooth periphery portion 13 which allows the smooth running of the lower leg portion 2 along its surface is clearly contrasted with the rough texture of the centre portion 12. The centre portion 12 which comprises a rough surface, may be used by an operator to grip with their foot when pivoting the frame 1 from its upright position. The rough surface may act to increase the friction between an operator's foot/hand and the base 11 to aid in the gripping of the base 11 particularly during the phase of erecting the sign.

[0052] Figure 11 shows trough portion 20 from a side elevation. The spigot receiving hole 19 is located at the top of trough 20, beneath the top surface 17 and between the side walls 22 of the trough. The trough base wall 25, extends the length of the trough and is situated between the diverging walls 22 of the trough. The sloped portion 23 which comprises the angled side walls 15, 16 and 21 is clearly visible as it extends from the rounded junction 24 of the trough. The rounded junction 24 encourages the snapping of the frame into the trough 20 when erecting the sign, and may aid in beginning the sliding of the lower leg portion 2 should an operator wish to return the sign to its collapsed position. The rounded junction 24 is designed so as to complement the shape of the rounded frame 1, which can slide over the surface of each of the smooth angled side portions 15, 16 of the smooth periphery portion 13, whereas a sharp angled junction would subsequently provide a concentrated area of contact with the lower leg portion 2 of the frame when folded over the junction, which would result in concentrated pressure on the frame.

[0053] Figure 12 shows the frame 1 and base 11 assembled in the folded or collapsed form. The lower leg portion 2 of legs 30 and 31 are held in a divergent configuration when secured in the spigot holes and when resting against the sloped portion 23 of the base. The lower leg portions 2 of the frame 1 in the folded embodiment are maintained in contact with the middle sloped portion 16. The spigot 5 engages the spigot receiving hole 19 and is freely displaceable since there are provided no additional attachment means other than the engagement of the spigot relative to the corresponding spigot receiving hole. The flexion of the frame 1 which tends to bring the end leg portions closer together, maintains the frame 1 in contact with the base 11, and prevents the frame 1 from shifting upward and off of the base 11. The extension of the spigot 5 beyond the spigot receiving hole 19 into the hollow space 33 of the base 11 ensures the spigot is not pulled through and completely out of the spigot receiving hole 19. In an alternate embodiment, a spigot may be attached or may be part of the base and may correspond to a receiving hole in the lower leg portion 2. Optionally, a stopper pin or other suitable alternative attachment means would prevent the lower leg portion 2 from sliding off the spigot.

[0054] Figure 13 shows frame 1 in its folded or collapsed position about the base 11. The lower leg portions 2 of each leg 30, 31 diverge from one another whilst being secured about the base, thus increasing the angle between the upper leg portion 6 and the frame cross bar 8. The spigot 5 is angled into the spigot receiving hole 19 so that the lower leg portion 2 is maintained in contact with the middle angled side portion 16 of the sloped portion 23.

[0055] Figure 14 shows the frame 1 as it is pivoted about the spigot 5 midway between the collapsed position and its fully deployed position. Spigot 5 remains engaged with the spigot engaging hole 19 as the frame is guided into its upright position. The lower leg portions 2, when sliding along the surface of the middle angle portion 16 are diverged further, until their widest divergent point at the base of the lower angled portion 15.

[0056] When the frame 1 is encouraged by the operator onto the lower angled portion 15, the frame is guided over the rounded junction 24 into snapping into the trough portion 20, as less of the surface of the lower leg portion 2 is in contact with the sloped portion 23. The frame is encouraged over the rounded junction 24 by the opposing converging force of the frame, which results in a snapping of the frame 1 into its upright position.

[0057] The diverging walls 22 of the trough portion 20 provide abutment surfaces for receiving the lower leg portion 2. Both of the diverging walls 22 secure the frame in an upright or fully deployed position.

[0058] Figure 15 shows the frame 1 in its upright position. The lower leg portion 2 is located within the trough portion 20. The trough walls 22 extend to at least the level of the upper most point of the base, to increase the surface area of contact between the frame 1 and the base 11. The attachment of the frame to the base is thus achieved with no separate attachment means. The displacement of the frame from its upright position to its collapsed position is possible but deliberated difficult in order to avoid undue tampering with the sign stand. The sign stand is nevertheless capable of collapse by the operator sufficiently prising apart the lower leg portions so that these exit the trough and provided a rotation is applied to the frame relative to the base, the frame may once more rest against the sloping portion and be returned to the collapsed position shown in figure 12.

[0059] Figure 16 shows sign stand 35 being assembled. The spigot 5 of the right leg 30 is engaged into its, in use, position within the spigot receiving hole 19. The left leg 31 is diverged further away relative to the base 11 than right leg 30. The frame to leg cross bar curve portion 7 of the left leg 31 is further flexed, increasing the angle between the cross bar 8 and the left leg 30. The spigot 5 is lined up with the spigot receiving hole, and when in position, slides into the spigot receiving hole, aided by the encouragement of the converging force of the leg to crossbar curve portion 7. Once assembled, the frame is in its folded embodiment, as shown in figure 12, and can be transported.

[0060] Figure 17 shows the ground engaging portion 26 of the base 11. The ground engaging portion of the base comprises a series of supporting walls 18, and inter wall spaces 27, which form hollow space 33 (see figure 6). There a two walls 36 and 38 which extend from the trough region and form a first central aperture 39. Walls 36 and 38 are divergent and join a further wall 40 which completes a triangular shape of walls which together define central aperture 39. From wall 40, walls 37 and 41 extend laterally and define respectively with other neighbouring walls two side apertures 42 and 43. Side apertures 42 and 43 are also substantially triangular. A further laterally extending side wall 44 is provided and comprises two side portions 45 and 46 separated by a middle portion 47. Between wall 40 and wall 44 there are provided two further walls 48 and 49 which together with middle portion 47 form a rectangular aperture. This configuration of walls provides substantially two walls extending between the troughs 20 and 22 and several laterally extending walls which together form a rigid structure which can allow the base to rigidly retain its shape in use without requiring the volume of the base to be entirely filled with material. This kind of base may be employed with other sign stands as appropriate.

[0061] By utilising supporting walls 18 and hollow spaces 33, the weight of the base 11 is reduced. The support walls 18 meet the trough portion 20 to provide support and prevent the trough portion 20 and sloped portions 23 from being forced inward by the converging force of the leg portions 30, 31.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment, the frame's end portions 2 comprise a spigot receiving hole instead of a spigot in order to provide a pivot axis. The base 11 features spigots 5 extending from the upper portion of the trough base wall 25. In this embodiment, the spigot is long enough to extend beyond the furthest wall of the lower leg portion so as to prevent the frame from diverging beyond the spigot end point.

Claims

1. A sign stand comprising a base, and a sign supporting frame; wherein said frame incorporates a portion from which a sign may be hung, in use, and two legs; said legs being pivotably engaged to said base; said base comprising leg receiving portions located on opposite sides of said base; said leg receiving portions being shaped and configured to receive at least a lower portion of said legs; said frame being pivotable relative to said base at least between a first position where the frame is collapsed relative to said base and a second position where the frame is held upwardly by said leg receiving portions; wherein said base comprises surfaces against which said lower leg portions abut during the pivoting of said frame relative to said base from said first position to said second position; said surfaces providing one or more slopes which are configured to gradually prise apart said legs during pivoting and guide said lower leg portions to snap into said leg receiving portions.

2. A sign stand according to claim 1, wherein said legs incorporate spigots; and said base incorporates corresponding circular holes for engagement of said spigots.

3. A sign stand according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said base incorporates a lower ground engaging surface and an upper surface; said leg receiving portions incorporating troughs which extend from said lower ground engaging surface to said upper surface.

4. A sign stand according to claim 3, wherein said troughs incorporate two side surfaces and an inner most surface; said two side surfaces diverging from one another from said inner most surface in the outward direction.

5. A sign stand according to claim 4, wherein said two side surfaces are flat surfaces.

6. A sign stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said leg receiving portions incorporate a rounded junction between said leg receiving portions and said surfaces for guiding the lower portions of said legs.

7. A sign stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said legs are closer together towards said lower portion of the legs than at an upper portion of the legs.

8. A sign stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said base incorporates hollow portions located between said leg receiving portions.

9. A sign stand according to claim 8, wherein said base incorporates at least two substantially vertical ground engaging walls extending between said leg receiving portions.

10. A sign stand according to claim 9, wherein said base incorporates at least one further substantially vertical ground engaging wall extending in a direction perpendicular to said at least two walls.

11. A sign stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said surfaces for engagement of said lower leg portions are provided about the periphery of said base and are smoother than a relatively rough further surface which is located within said smooth peripheral surfaces.

12. A sign stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said base incorporates ground-engaging walls which are equipped with spacers.

13. A sign stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said frame is circular in cross-section.

14. A sign stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said surfaces comprises at least a first slope which is between 30 and 60 degrees relative to the vertical and a second slope below said first slope which is closer to the vertical.

15. A sign stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said lower portions of said legs are spaced from the ground when in said second position.

Amended claims

Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.

1. A sign stand (35) comprising a base (11), and a sign supporting frame (1); wherein said frame incorporates a portion (8) from which a sign may be hung, in use, and two legs; said legs being pivotably engaged to said base; said base comprising leg receiving portions located on opposite sides of said base (11);
said leg receiving portions each incorporating a trough (20) arranged to receive at least a lower portion of said legs (30, 31); where each trough (20) incorporates two side surfaces (22), and an inner most surface (25); a pivot being provided in each one of said troughs to facilitate the engagement of said legs to said base;
said frame (1) being pivotable relative to said base (11) at least between a first position where the frame is collapsed relative to said base and a second position where the frame is held upwardly by said leg receiving portions;
wherein said base comprises sloped surfaces (23) adjacent to said trough against which said lower leg portions abut during the pivoting of said frame relative to said base from said first position; said sloped surfaces (23) gradually increase width-wise in order to gradually prise apart said legs during pivoting;
wherein said sloped surfaces (23) and side surfaces (22) of said troughs are adjacent to facilitate snapping of the lower leg portions into said troughs as the frame is pivoted beyond said sloped surfaces (23) and into said troughs; whereby once snapped into position the lower leg portions are held upwardly between said side surfaces and said inner most surface of said troughs.

2. A sign stand according to claim 1, wherein said legs incorporate spigots (5); and said base (11) incorporates corresponding circular holes (19) for engagement of said spigots.

3. A sign stand according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said base incorporates a lower ground engaging surface (26) and an upper surface; said troughs (20) extending from said lower ground engaging surface to said upper surface.

4. A sign stand according to claim 3, wherein said two side surfaces of said troughs diverge from one another from said inner most surface in the outward direction.

5. A sign stand according to any preceding claim, wherein said two side surfaces (22) are flat surfaces.

6. A sign stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said leg receiving portions incorporate a rounded junction (24) between said leg receiving portions and said surfaces for guiding the lower portions of said legs.

7. A sign stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said legs (30, 31) are closer together towards said lower portion of the legs than at an upper portion of the legs.

8. A sign stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said base (11) incorporates hollow portions (33) located between said leg receiving portions.

9. A sign stand according to claim 8, wherein said base (11) incorporates at least two substantially vertical ground engaging walls (18) extending between said leg receiving portions.

10. A sign stand according to claim 9, wherein said base (11) incorporates at least one further substantially vertical ground engaging wall (44) extending in a direction perpendicular to said at least two walls.

11. A sign stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said surfaces for engagement of said lower leg portions are provided about the periphery of said base (11) and are smoother than a relatively rough further surface which is located within said smooth peripheral surfaces.

12. A sign stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said base (11) incorporates ground-engaging walls which are equipped with spacers (14).

13. A sign stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said frame (1) is circular in cross-section.

14. A sign stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said surfaces (22) comprises at least a first slope which is between 30 and 60 degrees relative to the vertical and a second slope below said first slope which is closer to the vertical.

15. A sign stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said lower portions of said legs are spaced from the ground when in said second position.

Drawing