Modular signpost system
09741269 ยท 2017-08-22
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
G09F7/18
PHYSICS
E04H17/1465
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E04H17/1447
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E04H17/1439
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
G09F7/22
PHYSICS
Y10T403/55
GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
E04H17/1413
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
International classification
G09F15/00
PHYSICS
G09F7/18
PHYSICS
Abstract
An improved system for simply assembling, installing, and customizing a signpost. In one exemplary embodiment, the assembled signpost may define a semi-modular post-with-arm structure configured to receive one or more signs via one or more attachment components. The attachment component(s) may be adjustably attached/positioned at any length along the extended arm component. Moreover, the extended arm component, and any signs engaged thereto, may be supported by the post component. Moreover, the post component, the extended arm component, and any signs engaged thereto, may be rigidly yet detachably engaged to a supporting substrate via an anchoring component. The anchoring component may be specifically designed to engage discreetly with the supporting substrate under cover of the post component. Moreover, the assembled signpost may comprise a decorative add-on sub-system intended to make the over-all system more aesthetically pleasing to the intended audience.
Claims
1. A signpost system comprising: a sign attachment component; an extended arm component comprising an elongated groove extended along the extended arm component length, the elongated groove configured to receive the sign attachment component such that the relative position of the sign attachment component is adjustable along the length of the extended arm component; a post component defining a hollow interior and a pair of complimentary openings, the post component configured to receive the extended arm component through the pair of complimentary openings such that a traversing portion of the extended arm component is positioned within the hollow interior, the traversing portion of the extended arm component including an engagement slot located within the elongated groove; and an engagement key comprising an engagement end and a retention end, the engagement end configured to cooperate with the engagement slot within the hollow interior; wherein, when the post component receives the extended arm component through the pair of complimentary openings such that the traversing portion of the extended arm component is positioned within the hollow interior, and when the engagement end of the engagement key cooperates with the engagement slot that is located within the elongated groove: the post component supports the extended arm component; and the retention end of the engagement key prevents the extended arm component from displacing relative to the post component.
2. The signpost system of claim 1, additionally comprising: an anchoring component configured to detachably engage with a supporting substrate; wherein the post component is additionally configured to receive a portion of the anchoring component into the hollow interior; and wherein, when the post component receives the portion of the anchoring component: the anchoring component supports the post component in an upright position, and the post component hides the anchoring component from view.
3. The signpost system of claim 1: wherein the sign attachment component comprises a plurality of clips.
4. The signpost system of claim 1, wherein the post component comprises at least one serially appended extension sub-component configured to increase the length of the post component.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) In the Figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise indicated. For reference numerals with letter character designations such as (102a) or (102b), or (102a) and (102a), the letter character designations and/or prime or double prime designations may differentiate two like parts or elements present in the same Figure or suggest that additional like parts or elements not shown in the Figure may be envisioned. Letter character designations and/or prime or double prime designations for reference numerals may be omitted in the description of a Figure when it is intended that a reference numeral refer to a subsystem such that it encompasses all parts having the same reference numeral in all Figures.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(11) The term exemplary is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects.
(12) The present disclosure is related to a system for simply assembling, installing, and customizing a signpost. In one exemplary embodiment of the system, one important aspect is the structural design of the assembled signpost. The structural design is simple, elegant, and stable, resulting from affordable, simple-to-manufacture, and user-friendly components/sub-systems that form a sturdy, stable, and scalable post-with-arm structure.
(13) More specifically, each individual component/sub-system may have a structural design that serves a specific function, resulting in simplified manufacturing and simplified end-user use. Moreover, each individual component/sub-system may have minimal material costs, resulting in more simplified manufacturing. Moreover, each individual component/sub-system may have optimized dimensions, density and volume, resulting in more simplified manufacturing, and more simplified end-user use, and simplified shipping/storage. Moreover, each individual component/sub-system may allow for various ways-of-assembly with the other component(s)/subsystem(s), resulting in simplified and customized end-user use.
(14) In another exemplary embodiment of the system, the assembled signpost may define a semi-modular post-with-arm structure. The extended arm component may be configured to receive one or more signs via one or more attachment components. The attachment component(s) may be adjustably attached/positioned at any length along the extended arm component such that any attached sign is not off-center, crooked, or awkwardly positioned off of the extended arm component. Moreover, the extended arm may be a modular sub-system comprising equally sized sub-attachment components. Additional sub-attachment components may be engaged to the extended arm component to increase or reduce its length.
(15) Furthermore, the extended arm component, and any signs engaged thereto, may be supported by the post component. The post component may be configured to adjust the height of the extended arm component for the assembled signpost. The post component may be a modular sub-system comprising equally sized sub-post components. Additional sub-post components may be engaged to the post component to increase or reduce its length and, therefore, increase the height of the extended arm component. The post component may also be a mechanical subsystem configured to increase the height of the extended arm component without need for additional attachments.
(16) Furthermore, the post component with the extended arm component may be configured to adjust the extension length of the arm off of the post, and/or adjust the shape of the overall post-with-arm structure. The junction between the extended arm component and the post component may have an adjustable angle. The junction between the extended arm component and the post component may also be adjustable such that the overall shape of the assembled signpost may vary along the spectrum defined by the -shape through the
-shape through the
-shape.
(17) Furthermore, the post component, the extended arm component, and any signs engaged thereto, may be rigidly yet detachably engaged to a supporting substrate via an anchoring component. The anchoring component may be a simple-to-install, no-tools-required barb configured for insertion into the supporting substrate. A user may readily (using their own body weight, for example) engage the anchoring component with the supporting substrate. Moreover, so as to not complicate the design, manufacturing, or utility of the anchoring component, the anchoring component may be specifically designed to engage discreetly with the supporting substrate under cover of the post component. In this way, the post component and the majority of any other visible component may be manufactured from affordable composite and/or synthetic materials that may not be able to rigidly engage with the supporting substrate.
(18) In another exemplary embodiment of the system, the assembled signpost may comprise a decorative add-on sub-system intended to make the over-all system more aesthetically pleasing to the intended audience. The decorative add-on sub-system may be shaped into classic/modern ornamental features and designs configured for attachment to the assembled sign post at any component.
(19) Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure only, and not for purposes of limiting the same,
(20) Consequently, the signpost 100 and/or any of its components/sub-systems may be scaled to various sizes and customized in shape/color/aesthetic appearance, based on the type of signage 10, the intended audience, and/or the intended goal for presenting the signage 10 in the first place. For example, the signpost 100 may be a real estate FOR SALE sign (sufficiently wide and tall to hold an appropriate sign that is visible from both sides of a nearby road, and sufficiently bright colored to facilitate catching the attention of the intended audience, for example), or the signpost 100 may be an understated business sign (sufficiently wide and tall to hold an appropriate sign that is visible to those specifically looking for the business, and sufficiently matching of any surrounding aesthetics to complement the architectural and design features inherently around it, for example). One of ordinary skill in the art understands that regardless of the specific type of signage, the present disclosure provides various inventive aspects and elements that are applicable to various disparate circumstances.
(21) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(22) More specifically, the extended arm component 101 is one exemplary embodiment of a horizontal panel arm. When assembled with the semi-modular post sub-system 120 (described in greater detail herein), the horizontal panel arm 101 extends laterally relative to the post sub-system 120 to define an angle of between about 85.00 degree and about 95.00 degrees, and preferably about 90.00 degrees. The extended arm component 101 is held in place and supported by the semi-modular post sub-system 120 (described in greater detail herein) such that the extended arm component 101 bears and translates its own weight and the weight of any signage 10. Moreover, the extended arm component 101 is held in place and supported by the semi-modular post sub-system 120 such that the assembled signpost 100 defines/retains an -shape despite any heavy loads or external forces.
(23) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(24) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(25) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(26) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(27) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(28) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(29) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(30) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(31) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(32) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(33) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(34) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(35) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(36) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(37) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(38) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(39) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(40) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(41) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(42) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(43) Referring now to
(44) As previously stated, the extended arm component, when assembled with the semi-modular post sub-system 120, extends laterally off of the semi-modular post sub-system 120 to form an -shape. More specifically, the extended arm component 101 traverses the arm-to-post primary sub-component 121 via an opening 125.
(45) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of -shape through the
-shape through the
-shape.
(46) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(47) Furthermore, as previously stated, the semi-modular post sub-system 120 holds in place and supports the extended arm component 101 at a certain height. The arm-to-post primary sub-component 121 is detachably engaged to the extension sub-component 135a via the engagement sub-component 127a. More specifically, one end of the engagement sub-component 127a is slipped inside of the hollow interior 123a of the arm-to-post primary sub-component 121, and the other end is slipped inside of the hollow interior 123c of the extension sub-component 135a. This establishes a friction-fit attachment between the sub-components. In this way, the semi-modular post sub-system 120 has an extendable length and, therefore, is configured to adjust the height of the extended arm component 101.
(48) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(49) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of -shaped cross-section 131. The engagement sub-component 127a may be defined by various differently shaped cross-sections (e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, circular; depending on the specific embodiment). Moreover, because of the
-shaped cross-section 131, the engagement sub-component 127a is configured to readily slip inside of the hollow interior 123a of the arm-to-post primary sub-component 121 and the hollow interior 123c of the extension sub-component 135a. Moreover, because of the
-shaped cross-section 131, a user can easily pinch the engagement sub-component 127a to release the friction-fit between it and the arm-to-post primary sub-component 121 and/or the extension sub-component 135a.
(50) Furthermore, as previously stated, the sign attachment sub-system 140 holds in place and supports the signage 10 off of the extended arm component 101. Two rider clips 140a and 140a are held in place and supported along the upper T-shaped channel 103a. A user can insert/slide the rider clips 140a and 140a into the channel 103a via the end(s) of the extended arm component 101 (best seen in
(51) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(52) Furthermore, as previously stated, the anchoring component 160 holds in place, supports, and maintains the vertical orientation of the semi-modular post sub-system 120. The anchoring component 160, being a ground stake, comprises an exemplary embodiment of a stake body 162, a supporting substrate flange 164, and secondary flanges 166. One of ordinary skill in the art understands that the anchoring component 160 may comprise various other external or internal components/sub-systems.
(53) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(54) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(55) Furthermore, as previously stated, the decorative add-on sub-system 180 makes the assembled signpost 100 look like a classic carved wooden signpost. The pointed, extended arm caps 180a and 180a complement the squared cross section 110 of the extended arm component 101 but also have a slightly larger profile. A user can attach the pointed, extended arm caps 180a and 180a to the ends of the extended arm component 101, respectively, via a friction-fit. In this way, the extended arm caps 180a and 180a are configured to detachably cap the ends of the extended arm component 101. Moreover, the pointed, extended arm caps 180a and 180a are configured to cap off the hollow interior 115 and the T-shaped channels 103.
(56) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(57) Referring now to
(58) As previously stated, the extended arm component 101 and the sign attachment sub-system 140, via the T-shaped channels 103, adjustably hold in place and support the signage 10. The rider clips 140a and 140a each respectively comprise an engagement end 141 configured to complement the T-shaped channel 103a. A user can insert/slide the engagement end 141a of the rider clip 140a, for example, into the channel 103a via the exposed end of the extended arm component 101, when the pointed, extended arm cap 180a is removed. In this way, the rider clip 140a is configured for adjustable positioning along the length of the extended arm component 101. Moreover, the pointed, extended arm cap 180a is configured to cap the T-shaped channel 103a and, therefore, prevent inadvertent disengagement of the rider clip 140a from the extended arm component 101.
(59) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(60) Referring now to
(61) As previously stated, the extended arm component 101 extends laterally off of the semi-modular post sub-system 120 to form an -shape. More specifically, the extended arm component 101 traverses the arm-to-post primary sub-component 121 of the semi-modular post sub-system 120 via the opening 124 such that the extended arm component 101 extends across the hollow interior 123a. The extended arm component 101 remains in this fixed position, despite heavy loads, due to the engagement key 105 being received by the engagement slot 107 within the hollow interior 123a of the arm-to-post primary sub-component 121 (best seen in
(62) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(63) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(64) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of
(65) Referring now to
(66) As previously stated, the engagement key 105 is received by the engagement slot 107 within the hollow interior 123a of the arm-to-post primary sub-component 121. More specifically, in this particular embodiment, the assembled signpost 100 demands that the extended arm component 101 traverse the arm-to-post primary sub-component 121 such the engagement slot 107 is positioned/aligned within the hollow interior 123a. A user can insert the engagement end 111 into the engagement slot 107 within the hollow interior 123a such that the retention end 113 rests on top of the extended arm component 101 along the T-shaped channel 103a. In this way, the extended arm component 101 is configured to retain/fix the orientation/alignment of the assembled signpost 100. More specifically, the retention end 113 of the extended arm component 101 is configured to prevent the extended arm component 101 for moving/sliding further through the opening 125 of the arm-to-post primary sub-component 121.
(67) Referring now to
(68) It is envisioned that the components or sub-systems of the assembled signpost 100 may be one contiguous discrete piece that is forged or cast molded. It is also envisioned that the components or sub-systems of the assembled signpost 100 may be a composite of multiple discrete and/or non-discrete sub-component pieces that are permanently and/or detachably engaged with one another. One of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that the components or sub-systems of the assembled signpost 100 may be made of any material(s). One of ordinary skill in the art of manufacturing understands the intricacies and fine details of building and structuring the components or sub-systems of the assembled signpost 100.
(69) It is also envisioned that the components or sub-systems of the assembled signpost 100 may be in and of itself, or superficially lined by, a corrosive resistant material(s) and/or a friction reducing material(s). This is especially true for any region of the components or sub-systems of the assembled signpost 100 that may be in contact with the external environment and/or any other articulable part of the signpost 100. It is also envisioned that the dimensions of the components or sub-systems of the assembled signpost 100 are not limited by what is depicted in the FIGS. One of ordinary skill in the art understands that the components or sub-systems of the assembled signpost 100 may be scaled in size for any application or use.
(70) Alternative embodiments for the system and method of the present disclosure will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, although selected aspects have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be understood that various substitutions and alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.