REALTY SIGNS AND YARD POSTS

Abstract

A method for making a modular realty signpost comprises providing a first vertical sign component made from extruded vinyl tubing and a second horizontal sign component made from extruded vinyl tubing, said horizontal component sized and designed to intersect and connect within the vertical component. The method makes angled cuts into one end of the vertical component and at least one end of the horizontal component, heats the angled cuts and then folds them together to form tapered tips to at least one end of said components.

Claims

1. A method for making a realty signpost from a vertical vinyl tubing component and a horizontal vinyl tubing component, said method comprising: making one or more angled cuts into one end of the vertical vinyl tubing component and into at least one end of the horizontal vinyl tubing component; heating the angled cuts; and folding the angled cuts to form one tapered tip to the vertical vinyl tubing component and at least one tapered tip to the horizontal vinyl tubing component, none of said tapered tips requiring a separate capping element.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein each vinyl tubing component has a rectangular cross-section exterior.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein each vinyl tubing component has a square-shaped cross-section exterior.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein each end is provided with four angled cuts, 45 degrees from a center to each vinyl tubing component sidewall.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the tapered tip terminates in a joined point.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the horizontal vinyl tubing component includes a tapered tip at opposed ends.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the horizontal vinyl tubing component has a smaller cross-section width than the vertical vinyl tubing component.

8. The method of claim 7, which further comprises: cutting an aperture through opposed sides of the vertical vinyl tubing component, said aperture being sized for the horizontal vinyl tubing component to be inserted therein and pulled at least partially therethrough.

9. A method for making an improved realty signpost from a minimum number of component parts, said method comprising: providing a vertical vinyl tubing component with a rectangular cross-section, said vertical component having a first dimensional thickness; providing a horizontal vinyl tubing component with a rectangular cross-section, said horizontal component having a second dimensional thickness that is smaller than the first dimensional thickness of the vertical vinyl tubing component; cutting an aperture through opposed sides of the vertical vinyl tubing component, said aperture being sized for inserting the horizontal vinyl tubing component therethrough making one or more angled cuts into one end of the vertical vinyl tubing component and into at least one end of the horizontal vinyl tubing component; heating the angled cuts; and folding the angled cuts to form one tapered tip to the vertical vinyl tubing component and at least one tapered tip to the horizontal vinyl tubing component, none of said tapered tips requiring a separate capping element.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the horizontal vinyl tubing component has a square-shaped cross-section.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the vertical vinyl tubing component has a square-shaped cross-section.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein each vinyl tubing component end is provided with four angled cuts, 45 degrees from a center to each vinyl tubing component sidewall.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein the tapered tip terminates in a joined point.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein the horizontal vinyl tubing component includes a tapered tip at opposed ends.

15. A method for making an improved realty signpost from a minimum number of component parts, said method comprising: providing a vertical vinyl tubing component with a square cross-section, said vertical component having a first dimensional thickness; providing a horizontal vinyl tubing component with a square cross-section, said horizontal component having a second dimensional thickness that is smaller than the first dimensional thickness of the vertical vinyl tubing component; cutting an aperture through opposed sides of the vertical vinyl tubing component in order for the horizontal vinyl tubing component to be inserted therethrough and tightly held thereby; making one or more 45 degree angled cuts into one end of the vertical vinyl tubing component and both ends of the horizontal vinyl tubing component; heating the angled cuts; and folding the angled cuts to form one tapered tip to the vertical vinyl tubing component and tapered tips to both ends of the horizontal vinyl tubing component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Further features, objects and advantages of this invention will be made clearer from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of signpost on a silhouetted mounting stake per one embodiment of this invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 shows segmentally, in perspective view, the various elements to the signpost, stake, clips and realty sign from FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of mounting stake for use with the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of clip and sign bracket;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective, exploded view showing the clip from FIG. 4 as modified with additional straps for use on an existing wooden realty signpost;

[0020] FIG. 6 is an underside perspective view of the fully assembled clip unit from FIG. 5;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a segmentally separated, perspective view of the various components of realty sign before assembling together;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view, in partial cutaway, showing a beveled edge to one vinyl post having its forward most end cut per one embodiment of this invention;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view, in partial cutaway, showing the cut edges from FIG. 8 on a platen for heating before joinder;

[0024] FIG. 10 shows two perspective views, in partial cutaway, with the post taken off the platen in the lower view and then folded toward one another for joining along immediately adjacent edges in the upper view;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal perspective view showing the underside to the one preferred embodiment of vertical vinyl arm from which clips and a realty sign would be installed;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view, in cutaway, showing the fin end to one mounting stake according to the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of one assembled clip and sign bracket configuration according to one embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 14 is a close up perspective view of the clip and bracket from FIG. 13 with a realty sign attachment bolt extended there through, said clip being installed into the vinyl arm of FIG. 11;

[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view photo showing three clips/brackets in a vinyl arm for holding a realty sign according to the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a 3-post commercial realty sign per a first alternative embodiment;

[0031] FIG. 17A shows, in adjacent perspective views, a first alternate sign tip with a single beveled flap to an inclined arm end; and

[0032] FIG. 17B shows, in adjacent perspective views, a second alternate sign tip with a single beveled flap to a squared arm end.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Referring now to the drawings, there is shown several embodiments of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, common elements are commonly numbered in the respective views. For the alternative embodiment, common elements are consistently numbered though in the next hundred series.

[0034] With reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, there is shown a realty sign 5 extending from modular signpost, generally 10, according to one preferred embodiment. Any and all relative dimensions of component parts are merely representative. This invention may also be sized and/or shaped differently. For instance, when using a vertical post as a mailbox support or one of many vinyl fence posts, it will surely be shorter than the realty posts depicted in the drawings. And when used as other than permanent realty signs (i.e., for temporary for sale purposes), vinyl or PVC posts weigh substantially less than their wooden counterparts. Depending on which wood materials are used and/or whether such woods are pressure treated, signpost 10 may weigh as little as 10 to 25% of its current wooden equivalent.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first (vertical) sign section 12 of signpost 10 would generally measure about 68 to 80 inches in total length with 72 long standard posts being preferred. It is understood, however, that for some applications (such as for visibility above/over hedges and/or higher yard fencing, still longer vertical post constructions would also be made by this invention. For most realty sign applications, the horizontal component 14 should extend about 40 to 50 inches with a 48 long standard post arm being preferred. After cutting that bevel and forming its outer tips 16, 18, that horizontal arm measures about 46 inches overall.

[0036] Unlike prior art posts that have to be partially buried; all of the foregoing is useable above ground. Fitting at least partially into an aperture 20 cut or preformed into first vertical section 12 is that second (horizontal) section 14. On a preferred basis, vertical post 12 measures about 4 inches across, from outer wall to the opposing outer wall. The horizontal post 14 measures about 3.5 inches across. When at least the vertical post has a hollow interior (if not both vertical and horizontal sections), the invention anticipates horizontal section 14 storing mostly inside vertical section 12 when not assembled for realty advertising purposes.

[0037] Preferably, second sign section 14 extends perpendicular to first section 12, i.e. at a 90 angle relative to each other. In some instances, however, it may be aesthetically distinctive to make the two main sections extend at other than a right angle to one another. Mounted on either the first section, second section of both sections is an optional flyer box (not shown).

[0038] A realtor (realty company) sign 5 hangs from the underside 22 to the second (horizontal) sign section with a plurality of clip/bracket combinations, generally 24. As seen in FIG. 4, a top end 26 to each clip has multiple bends for easily fitting into pre-drilled clip holes H in the underside 22 to second section 14. Ideally, these clip/brackets 24 and clip holes H are commonly spaced apart, preferably about 10 to 12 inches from one another (and not necessarily from the center of the cross arm per se), more preferably 11 inches apart, for a more universal application of this invention and use by multiple realty companies in multiple regions of the country.

[0039] It has been determined that a set of two clip/brackets 24 towards opposite ends of the realty sign will not suffice to protect sign 5 from unduly bending in a strong wind. Optimally, a sign fastened with at least three (preferably commonly spaced) clip brackets 24 will provide better attachment AND better protection against potential wind damage. In an alternate embodiment (not shown), there are four clip/bracket combinations per yard sign/signpost.

[0040] There are two ways to install a typical realty sign 5 onto signpost 10: (1) all three bracket ends 28 are first joined with bolts B (or otherwise attached) through apertures A in the top of sign 5 before all three clip/brackets 24 are wiggled into their corresponding holes H in the underside 22 to horizontal (second) sign section 14. Alternately, (2) all three clip/brackets 24 (alone) are first inserted into their respective holes H in horizontal sign section 14 after which main sign 5 gets connected, via bolts B, to the pre-installed clips. Because typical realty signs are made from rigid sheet metal (most often, aluminum), it may not be possible to install an inflexible sign into a horizontal bar one clip/bracket at a time.

[0041] The aforementioned clip/bracket combination should also work, with modification, for hanging signs from an existing wooden crossbeam. FIGS. 5 and 6 show one such modification scheme. Particularly clip/brackets 124 therein would be inserted into holes H cut or drilled into the underside of a wooden crossbeam W after which cover brackets 130 would be installed with bolts or screws (not shown).

[0042] One can always hang additional/supplemental signs, via S-hooks, for example, beneath main realty sign 5 according to this invention. These S-hooks may be crimped to permanently attach an agent's name, website and/or phone info below the main signage, such crimping intended to prevent the secondary sign from blowing off in the wind. Into the top surface of second (horizontal) section 14, one may also position another informational banner (not shown).

[0043] One preferred means for mounting vertical member 12, i.e. the dart/stake or anchor 32, is also shown (silhouetted in FIG. 1 and focused on in FIG. 3. That representative dart 32 measures about 30 inches in total length with its fins 34 extending about 18 inches or slightly more than halfway. In most applications, at least about 3 to 4 inches of fins 34 get countersunk when dart/anchor 32 is first driven into the ground. With that arrangement, there is little to no chance that vertical post 12 and signage mounted onto said anchor will lean at an odd angle (i.e. other than 90 degrees or perpendicular to the ground) or otherwise be susceptible to rocking back and forth.

[0044] It is understood that fins 34 to dart/anchor 32 would rest against the four corners of a post having a generally rectangular, preferably square, interior cross-section. In other variations, dart/anchor 32 may have oval, circular, star, triangular or polygonal shapes for fitting snugly against the sides of a vertical post 12 whose innermost cavity I would be correspondingly shaped.

[0045] It is preferred that dart/anchor component be manufactured from steel or aluminum.

[0046] While other materials such as sturdy plastics or composites may be substituted therefor, the driving installation of such post anchors makes metal darts preferable. These darts may be coated or painted to be more rust resistant. They can also be sprayed with lubricant before positioning at or near the ground for easier driving to the desired depth.

[0047] FIGS. 7 through 10 depict some of the preferred method steps for making a representative horizontal member 14 according to this invention. It is part of the whole assembly as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows a section of vinyl tubing T having a hollow interior I, and generally square-shaped in cross-section. A first end of that tubing T is cut, preferably into 4 wedge-shaped tips angled at about 45 degrees for forming a crimped end C. In FIG. 9, that crimped end C is placed on a platen or other heating means to sufficiently warm the material so as to be folded onto itself whereupon adjacent edges E will come near one another or possibly even contact with each other to form a tip (either 16 or 18). Those steps are sequentially shown in the two views at accompanying FIG. 10. After sufficient cooling, holes H for the clip/brackets (24) are cut into the underside 22 of post 14 as best seen in accompanying FIG. 11.

[0048] FIG. 12 is a focused view of the one preferred embodiment of dart/anchor 32 (and its plurality of fins 34 onto which vertical post 12 is ultimately positioned. FIGS. 13 through 15 focus on the clip/bracket and its mounting of a swinging realty sign 5.

[0049] FIG. 16 shows yet another embodiment using 2 or more vertical posts 214 for hanging commercial realty sign panels (plural). As depicted, there are 3 such posts installed to form a corner display, with two panels angled at least about 90 degrees apart from each other.

[0050] FIG. 17A shows a first alternate tip end 316 with only one, single slanted face/surface (rather than beveling inwardly from all four corners). In the left side view, that slanted angle face F has been cut and readied for attachment to the remainder of the end piece (usually with the application of at least some edging heat).

[0051] FIG. 17B shows a second alternative tip end 416, this one having no bevel/slant whatsoever. In its left view, a panel P is prepared before folding and heating onto itself resulting in a substantially flat outermost tip end that runs perpendicular to the overall length (or height) of its horizontal (or vertical) post member 414.

EXAMPLE

Vinyl Sign Post Manufacture and Installation

IUpright (44 Square Vinyl Extrusion)

[0052] AChop Saw [0053] 1Set Runoff At 72 And Cut To Length

[0054] BCopy Router [0055] 1Clamp Upright With Top End Of Upright Lined Up With Front Cutout Mark And Route 3 Square In Upright Using Template [0056] 2Spin Upright Over And Clamp With Top End Lined Up With Back Cutout Mark And Route 3 Square In Upright Using Template

[0057] CTip Cutting Saw [0058] 1Clamp Top End Of Upright In Saw Cradle With Top End Against Stop. Lower Saw Blade And Cut Though Post Until Saw Hits Lower Stop [0059] 2Spin Post 90 And Repeat Step 1 [0060] 3Repeat Steps 2 And 1 On Remaining Sides

[0061] DTip Forming Machine [0062] 1Place Top End Of Upright On Table And Slide Toward Heath Platens Until End Hits Stop [0063] 2Pull Up Lever And Bring Heat Platens In Contact With Sides Of Upright [0064] 3Heat Sides Of Upright For About 1.5 Min. [0065] 4Move Heaters Away From Sides And Bend Leaves Inward And Line Leave Points TogetherHold Until CoolAbout 30 Sec. [0066] 5Spin Upright 90 And Repeat Steps 1-4 For Other 2 Leaves

IICross Arm (3.3. Square Vinyl Extrusion)

[0067] AChop Saw [0068] 1Set Runoff to 48 And Cut To Length

[0069] BCopy Router [0070] 1Lay Story Pole On X-Arm And Mark The Center Lines For The Hanger Clip Cutouts And The Locator Cutout [0071] 2Clamp X-Arm In Router Lining Up One Of The Hanger Clip Cutout Centerlines With The Centerline On Table And Rout Out The X-Arm Using Hanger Clip Cutout Template [0072] 3Repeat Step 2 For Remaining Two Hanger Clip Centerlines [0073] 4REPEAT Step 2 For Locator Cutout Center-Line Using Locator Cutout Template

[0074] CTip Cutting Saw [0075] 1-Perform Steps 1-3 Detailed In I Upright C-Tip Cutting Saw On Both Ends of X-Arm

[0076] DTip forming Machine [0077] 1Perform Steps 1-5 Detailed In I Upright [0078] DTip Forming Machine On Both Ends Of X-Arm

IIIHanger Clips ( 3/16 Utility Wire And 0.030 S.S. Strap)

[0079] AMetal Shear [0080] 1Place Strapping In Gauge And Shear To Length (6)

[0081] BPress With Hanger Tooling Installed [0082] 1Place Wire In Tooling And Press Form Hanger [0083] 2Cut to Length With Wire Cutters

[0084] CArbor Press With Assembly Tooling Installed [0085] 1Bend Strap In Half Around Center Of Hanger [0086] 2Place Unit In Assembly Tooling And Press Strap Around Hanger [0087] 3Turn Hanger Clip Over and Repeat Step 2

[0088] DSpot Welder [0089] 1Place Hanger Clip In Spot Welder Tongs From Edge Of Strap And Near Crimp At Hanger Wire And Spot Weld [0090] 2Repeat Step 1 From Edge On Other Edge Of Strap

[0091] EDrill Press [0092] 1Place Hanger Clip In Vice Set-Up And Drill 5/16 Hole Through Center Of Strapping

[0093] While certain illustrative embodiments have been shown in the photographs and described above in considerable detail, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed.