MODULAR SIGN

Abstract

A modular sign including a spacer assembly affixed to graphic panels is provided. The modular sign is movable between a knock-down configuration and an erected configuration. In the knock-down configuration, the spacer assembly lays flat on a back surface of the graphic panels. In the erected configuration, the spacer assembly is positioned behind the graphic panels so as to provide a support structure for the graphic panels while simultaneously being at least partially concealed by the graphic panels. The modular sign is moved from the knock-down configuration to the erected configuration by rotating the graphic panels up and away from a flat surface and is secured in the erected configuration by inserting a key flap into a keyhole. Once the modular sign is in the erected configuration, it can be installed onto a tube and/or another support structure, such as a register sign.

Claims

1. A modular sign that is moveable between a knockdown configuration and an erected configuration, the sign comprising a spacer assembly, the spacer assembly comprising: a front top flange defining a key aperture; a rear top flange comprising a key flap, said key flap being moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration; and opposed front and rear panels hingedly coupled to respective front and rear top flanges, wherein the spacer assembly moves from a flat configuration to a three-dimensional configuration when the modular sign is moved from the knock-down configuration to the erected configuration, wherein said front and rear panels are generally parallel with each other and are generally parallel with each of said front and rear top flanges when said spacer assembly is in the flat configuration, wherein said rear top flange extends at least partially over said front top flange when said spacer assembly is in the three-dimensional configuration, thereby forming a top panel, wherein said front and rear panels are generally parallel with each other and are generally perpendicular to said top panel when said spacer assembly is in the three-dimensional configuration, and wherein said key flap is perpendicular to said rear top flange when said key flap is in the deployed configuration.

2. The sign of claim 1, wherein said key flap comprises: a central portion comprising opposed proximal and distal ends, said proximal end of said central portion of said key flap being hingedly coupled to said rear top flange; and left and right tabs extending from respective left and right sides of said central portion, wherein said left and right tabs are displaced from said proximal end of said central portion such that said rear top flange defines respective left and right key slots extending between a bottom surface of said rear top panel and respective top edges of said left and right tabs when said key flap is in the deployed configuration.

3. The sign of claim 2, wherein said key flap extends through said key aperture, thereby securing said spacer assembly in a locked configuration.

4. The sign of claim 3, wherein a periphery of said key flap defines a first pattern and wherein a periphery of said key aperture defines a second pattern, the first pattern being essentially the same as the first pattern such that said front top flange defines left and right protrusions associated with respective left and right key slots.

5. The sign of claim 4, wherein said left and right protrusions of said front top flange extend into respective left and right key slots when said spacer assembly is in the locked configuration.

6. The sign of claim 5, further comprising a vertical support member defining an interior area, said vertical support member extending through a bottom panel of said spacer assembly towards said top panel of said spacer assembly, a top end of the vertical support member defining a top opening in communication with said interior area of said vertical support member, wherein said key flap extends through said top opening of said vertical support member such that a distal end of said key flap is positioned in said interior area of said vertical support member, and wherein a width of said key flap is equal to an inner diameter of said vertical support member.

7. The sign of claim 6, wherein said bottom panel defines an end profile that is moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the open configuration of said end profile is configured to allow the sign to move in and out of lateral engagement with a vertical member, and wherein the closed configuration of said end profile is configured to restrict lateral movement of the sign relative to the vertical member.

8. The sign of claim 7, further comprising a securing feature extending from said bottom panel, wherein said securing feature is moveable between a stowed configuration and deployed configuration, thereby moving said end profile of said bottom panel between the closed configuration and the open configuration, respectively, wherein said securing feature is parallel with said bottom panel when said securing feature is in the stowed configuration, and wherein said securing feature is angled away from said bottom panel when said securing feature in in the deployed configuration.

9. The sign of claim 8, further comprising an additional securing feature extending from a first end of said top panel, said first end of said top panel defining an end profile.

10. The sign of claim 1, further comprising a vertical support member defining an interior area, said vertical support member extending through a bottom panel of said spacer assembly towards said top panel of said spacer assembly, a top end of the vertical support member defining a top opening in communication with said interior area of said vertical support member, wherein said key flap extends through said top opening of said vertical support member such that a distal end of said key flap is positioned in said interior area of said vertical support member, and wherein a width of said key flap is equal to an inner diameter of said vertical support member.

11. A method of forming a modular sign that is moveable between a knockdown configuration and an erected configuration, the method comprising: forming a spacer assembly in a flat configuration, said spacer assembly having: a front top flange defining a key aperture; a rear top flange comprising a key flap, said key flap being moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration; and opposed front and rear panels hingedly coupled to respective front and rear top flanges; folding said spacer assembly from the flat configuration to a three dimensional configuration, the folding step comprising: positioning the front and rear panels relative to each other so that they are parallel with each other but displaced from each other; folding the front top flange until it is generally perpendicular to the front panel such that that the front top flange extends from a top edge of the front panel towards a top edge of the rear panel; folding the rear top flange over the front top flange so as to form a top panel; aligning the key flap with the key aperture; folding the key flap through the key aperture until the key flap is perpendicular with the top panel, thereby moving the key flap to the deployed configuration.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising forming the key flap such that the rear top flange defines left and right key slots extending between a bottom surface of said rear top panel and respective top edges of said left and right tabs when said key flap is in the deployed configuration.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising forming the key aperture such that the front top flange defines left and right protrusions associated with respective left and right key slots, wherein a periphery of the key flap defines a first pattern, wherein a periphery of the key aperture defines a second pattern, the first pattern being essentially the same as the first pattern.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising positioning extending left and right protrusions into respective left and right key slots, thereby moving the spacer assembly to a locked configuration.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising extending a vertical support member through a bottom panel of the spacer assembly towards the top panel of the spacer assembly and extending the key flap through a top opening of the vertical support member such that a distal end of the key flap is positioned in an interior area of the vertical support member, wherein a width of the key flap is equal to an inner diameter of the vertical support member.

16. The method of claim 6, further comprising forming an end profile of the bottom panel, the end profile being moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the open configuration of the end profile is configured to allow the sign to move in and out of lateral engagement with a vertical member, and wherein the closed configuration of the end profile is configured to restrict lateral movement of the sign relative to the vertical member.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising forming a securing feature extending from the bottom panel, wherein the securing feature is moveable between a stowed configuration and deployed configuration, thereby moving the end profile of the bottom panel between the closed configuration and the open configuration, respectively, wherein the securing feature is parallel with the bottom panel when the securing feature is in the stowed configuration, and wherein the securing feature is angled away from the bottom panel when the securing feature in in the deployed configuration.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising forming an additional securing feature extending from a first end of the top panel, the first end of the top panel defining an end profile.

19. A method of securing a modular sign to a vertical support member, the method comprising: moving the sign to a secured configuration; and inserting a key flap of the sign through a top opening of the vertical support member, wherein the angle of the key flap relative to a top panel of the modular sign remains constant as the key flap is inserted through the top opening of the vertical support member.

20. The method of claim 20, further comprising folding the key flap relative to the top panel until the key flap is perpendicular to the top panel, wherein a width of the key flap is equal to an inner diameter of the vertical support member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a top view of the modular sign shown in a knock-down configuration with excess material surrounding the graphic panels.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a top view of a first piece of material that has been die cut into two rectangular graphic panels and excess material that includes indexing holes.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a top view of the spacer assembly when the spacer assembly is in a flat configuration.

[0020] FIG. 4A is a front view of a modular sign supported by a vertical support member.

[0021] FIG. 4B is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 4A with the modular sign being removed from the vertical support member, a key flap being shown in a stowed configuration.

[0022] FIG. 4C is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 4A with the modular sign being removed from the vertical support member, the key flap being shown in a deployed configuration.

[0023] FIG. 4D is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 4A, the key flap being received by an interior area of the vertical support member.

[0024] FIG. 4E is a side view of the modular sign of FIG. 4A.

[0025] FIG. 5A is a front view of a modular sign supported by a support structure and secured to a vertical support member.

[0026] FIG. 5B is a side view of the modular sign of FIG. 5A with the modular sign being removed from the support structure and vertical support member, securing features being shown in respective stowed configurations.

[0027] FIG. 5C is a side view of the modular sign of FIG. 5A with the modular sign being removed from the support structure and vertical support member, the securing features being shown in respective retracted configurations.

[0028] FIG. 5D is a side view of the modular sign of FIG. 5A, the securing features being shown in respective unlocked configurations.

[0029] FIG. 5E is a side view of the modular sign of FIG. 5A, the securing features being shown in respective locked configurations.

[0030] FIG. 6A shows an elevation side view of a rear top flange of the present invention shown with a key flap in a deployed configuration such that the rear top flange defines left and right key slots.

[0031] FIG. 6B is a sectional view of a front top flange of the present invention taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 3, line 6B-6B extending through a key aperture defined by the front top flange.

[0032] FIG. 6C shows the key flap of FIG. 6A extending through the key aperture of FIG. 6B such that a portion of the front top flange of FIG. 6B extends into each of the left and right key slots.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0033] As required, a detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0034] The present invention is directed to a modular sign 10 that includes a spacer assembly 100 coupled to a back surface of one or more graphic panel 200. The modular sign 10 is movable between a knock-down configuration and an erected configuration. In the knock-down configuration, the spacer assembly 100 lays flat against the back surface of the one or more graphic panel 200. In this way, the modular sign 10 can be easily shipped and/or stored. In the erected configuration, the modular sign is configured to be supported by a vertical support member and/or other support structure, such as a register sign on top of a register pole.

[0035] In some embodiments, excess material 204 surrounds the graphic panel 200. In some such embodiments, the excess material 204 protects one or more edge of the graphic panel 200. In other embodiments, the excess material 204 is helpful in positioning the graphic panel 200 relative to another graphic panel 200 and/or relative to the spacer assembly 100. In some such embodiments, the excess material 204 is not removed until after the spacer assembly 100 is secured to each graphic panel 200. In other embodiments, excess material (not shown) surrounds the spacer assembly 100. In some embodiments, the graphic panels 200 and/or the spacer assembly 100 are shipped and/or stored with excess material so as to provide additional protection to the graphic panels 200 and/or the spacer assembly 100 when the modular sign 10 is in the knock-down configuration. In such embodiments, a user simply removes the excess material prior to moving the modular sign to the erected configuration.

[0036] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the modular sign includes a spacer assembly indexing feature 102 that is associated with the spacer assembly 100. In some such embodiments, the modular sign further includes a corresponding graphic panel indexing feature 202 that is associated with one or more graphic panel 200. In some embodiments, alignment of the spacer assembly indexing feature 102 with the graphic panel indexing feature 202 causes the spacing feature 100 to align with the one or more graphic panel 200. In this way, the indexing features 102, 202 assist in positioning and orienting the spacer assembly 100 relative to the graphic panels 200. In some such embodiments, the spacer assembly indexing feature is included in the excess material surrounding the spacer assembly 100. In other such embodiments, the graphic panel indexing feature 204 is included in the excess material 204 surrounding the one or more graphic panel 200 so that the indexing features do not interfere with the graphic panels themselves.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the spacer assembly 100 includes opposed front 110 and rear 120 panels, each having opposed proximal 112, 122 and distal 114, 124 ends. In some such embodiments, the spacer assembly 100 further includes a bottom panel 130 extending between respective proximal ends 112, 122 of the front 110 and rear 120 panels. In other such embodiments, the spacer assembly 100 further includes a front top flange 150 extending from the distal end 114 of the front panel 110. In still other such embodiments, the spacer assembly 100 further includes a rear top flange 160 extending from the distal end 124 of the rear panel 120.

[0038] In preferred embodiments, the spacer assembly 100 is moveable between a flat configuration and a three-dimensional configuration. In some embodiments, the spacer assembly 100 is in the flat configuration when the modular sign 10 is in the knock-down configuration. In other embodiments, the spacer assembly 100 is in the three-dimensional configuration when the modular sign 10 is in the erected configuration. In still other embodiments, the spacer assembly 10 is moved from its flat configuration to its three-dimensional configuration when the modular sign 10 is moved from its knock-down configuration to its erected configuration.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present invention, the front top flange 150 is displaced from the rear top flange 160 when the spacer assembly 100 is in the flat configuration. In some such embodiments, the rear top flange 160 is folded over the front top flange 150 when the spacer assembly 100 is in the three-dimensional configuration. In some embodiments, the rear top flange 160 defines a key flap 165 and the front top flange 150 defines a key aperture 155 such that when the spacer assembly 100 is in the three-dimensional configuration, the key aperture 155 is configured to selectively receive the key flap 165 so as to lock the rear top flange 160 to the front top flange 150, thereby creating a top panel.

[0040] In some embodiments, the key flap 165 is moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. In some such embodiments, the key flap 165 is in the stowed configuration when the spacer assembly 100 is in its flat configuration and/or when the modular sign is in its knock-down configuration. In other such embodiments, moving the key flap 165 from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration when the spacer assembly 100 is in the three-dimensional configuration allows the key flap 165 to be received by the key aperture 155, thereby moving the spacer assembly 100 and/or the modular sign 10 from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration.

[0041] In some embodiments, the key flap includes opposed proximal and distal ends and opposed left and right sides extending therebetween. In some such embodiments, a central portion of the proximal end of the key flap is hingedly coupled to the rear top flange of the spacer assembly such that the key flap 165 is moveable between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. In some embodiments, the left side of the key flap is generally parallel with the right side of said key flap. In some embodiments, the key flap is parallel with the top panel when the key flap is in the stowed configuration and is angled away from the top panel and is configured to interface with a top end of a vertical support member so as to provide lateral support for the modular sign when the key flap is in the deployed configuration. In some embodiments, the left and right sides of the key flap are defined by respective left 261 and right 262 tabs extending from a central portion 265 of the key flap 165, the left 261 and right 262 tabs being configured so as to define respective left 361 and right 362 key slots positioned between the rear top panel and the left and right tabs when the key flap is in the deployed configuration. In some embodiments, the key flap extends vertically downward from the top panel when the key flap is in the deployed configuration. In some embodiments, the key flap is formed from the rear top flange and the front top flange defines a key aperture that is configured to receive the key flap by moving the key flap from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration when the spacer assembly is in the three-dimensional configuration, thereby moving the spacer assembly from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration by causing the key flap to engage with the front top flange such that the front top flange extends into the left and right key slots.

[0042] In some embodiments, the spacer assembly 100 is retained in its three-dimensional configuration when it is in the locked configuration. In some such embodiments, the spacer assembly 100 is moveable from its locked configuration to its unlocked configuration by moving the key flap 165 from its deployed configuration to its stowed configuration, thereby removing the key flap 165 from the key aperture 155. In some such embodiments, the spacer assembly 100 is moveable from its three-dimensional configuration to its flat configuration when it is in its unlocked configuration.

[0043] In some embodiments, the modular sign 10 is retained in its erected configuration when it is in the locked configuration. In some such embodiments, the modular sign 10 is moveable from its locked configuration to its unlocked configuration by moving the key flap 165 from its deployed configuration to its stowed configuration, thereby removing the key flap 165 from the key aperture 155. In some such embodiments, the modular sign 10 is moveable from its erected configuration to its knock-down configuration when it is in its unlocked configuration.

[0044] In some embodiments, the bottom panel 130 defines an aperture 135 that is configured to receive a vertical support member 20, such as a pole or tube. In some embodiments, the spacer assembly 100 is configured such that the modular sign 10 is capable of sliding over a top end of the vertical support member 20. In some such embodiments, the top panel is configured to interface with the top end of the vertical support member 20 so as to provide vertical support for the modular sign 10. In some embodiments, the key flap 165 is configured to interface with the top end of the vertical support member 20 so as to provide lateral support for the modular sign. For instance, in some embodiments, the vertical support member is a fiber or paper tube that defines an exterior diameter and an interior diameter. In some such embodiments, the aperture 135 of the bottom panel 130 is configured to receive the exterior diameter of the fiber tube and the key flap 165 is configured to be received by the interior diameter of the fiber tube.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the modular sign includes a graphic panel 200 coupled to the front panel 110 of the spacer assembly 100. In some embodiments, the graphic panel 200 extends past the proximal 112 and distal 114 ends of the front panel 110 so as to fully or partially conceal the spacer assembly 100 when the modular sign is in the erected configuration.

[0046] In some embodiments, the modular sign includes a graphic panel 200 coupled to each of the front 110 and rear 120 panels. In some such embodiments, the graphic panels 200 extend below the bottom panel 130 of the spacer assembly so as to create a channel 105 that is configured to receive one or more support structure, such as the top of a register sign. In this way, the modular sign 10 can be slid over the support structure so as to be supported by the support structure.

[0047] In some embodiments, the spacer assembly 100 includes one or more securing feature 180 extending from one or more panel, such as the top panel and/or the bottom panel. In some such embodiments, the securing feature 180 is configured to selectively secure the modular sign 10 relative to the support structure. In some such embodiments, the securing feature 180 is positioned adjacent to an end profile 132 in the bottom panel 130, an end profile 152 in the front top flange 150, and/or an end profile 162 in the rear top flange 160.

[0048] In some embodiments, the securing feature 180 is movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the stowed configuration, the securing feature 180 is relatively flat with a corresponding panel, such as a top panel or a bottom panel, so as to accommodate storage of the spacer assembly 100. In the deployed configuration, the securing feature 180 is folded up and away from the corresponding panel so as to accommodate moving the securing feature past a vertical support member.

[0049] In some embodiments, the securing feature 180 is configured to interface with a vertical support member, such as a vertical pole positioned adjacent to the support structure. In some such embodiments, the module sign 10 can be slid onto the support structure and towards the vertical support member until the end profile receives the vertical support member.

[0050] In some embodiments, the securing feature 180 is movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the unlocked configuration, the securing feature 180 allows the modular sign to be moved into position relative to a support structure by allowing the vertical support member to be received by one or more end profile. In the locked configuration, the securing feature 180 prevents or otherwise inhibits the modular sign 10 from moving away from the support structure by preventing the modular sign 10 from moving away from the vertical member. In some embodiments, the stowed configuration

[0051] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the securing feature 180 is a tab member extending adjacent to the end profile 132 of the bottom panel 130. In other embodiments, not shown, the front top flange 150 includes a tab member (not shown) extending adjacent to the end profile 152 of the front top flange 150. In still other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the securing feature 180 is a tab member extending adjacent to the end profile 162 of the rear top flange 160.

[0052] In use, a user, such as a store employee, can quickly and easily move the modular sign 10 from the knock-down configuration to the erected configuration by: removing excess material from the graphic panels and/or the spacer assembly (if necessary); placing the modular sign 10 on a flat surface with a front surface of each graphic panel 200 resting on the flat surface; rotating the front and rear graphic panels up and away from the flat surface such that the front 110 and rear 120 panels of the spacer assembly 100 are approximately perpendicular to the bottom panel 130; and folding the front 150 and rear 160 top flanges against each other so as to create a top panel extending between the front 110 and rear 120 panels. The user can then quickly and easily secure the modular sign in the erected configuration by folding the key flap 165 of the rear top flange 160 down into the key aperture 155 of the front top flange 150.

[0053] After the modular sign 10 is in the erected configuration, the user can selectively install the modular sign onto a vertical support member, such as a tube, and/or onto another support structure, such as a register sign. To additionally secure the modular sign to the tube, the user can selectively insert the key flap of the spacer assembly 100 into an interior diameter of the tube. To additionally secure the modular sign to a register sign, the user can selectively move one or more securing feature 180 from a stowed and/or locked configuration to a deployed and/or unlocked configuration, such as by rotating the securing feature away from a corresponding panel. In some embodiments, the user can then slide the modular sign 10 towards a vertical member until the vertical member is received by an end profile of one or more panel of the spacer assembly. In some embodiments, the user can then selectively move the securing feature to a stowed and/or locked configuration so as to secure the modular sign to the vertical member.

[0054] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventions is by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

[0055] Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention has been described by reference to an exemplary embodiment, and the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that certain changes, modification or variations may be made in embodying the above invention, and in the construction thereof, other than those specifically set forth herein, may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modification or variations are to be considered as being within the overall scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall with in the true spirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the attached claims, all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0056] Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the invention is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims.

[0057] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.