BREAK RESISTANT PIVOTABLE SIGN BASE

Abstract

A sign base assembly, including a base plate, including a first top surface, a first bottom surface, and a protrusion extending from the first top surface in a first direction, a tube pivotably connected to the base plate, including a first end, a second end, and a through-hole extending from the first end to the second end, and a spring arranged at least partially in the through-hole, including a third end connected to the tube, and a fourth end connected to the base plate.

Claims

1. A sign base assembly, comprising: a base plate, including: a first top surface; a first bottom surface; and a protrusion extending from the first top surface in a first direction; a tube pivotably connected to the base plate, including: a first end; a second end; and a through-hole extending from the first end to the second end; and a spring arranged at least partially in the through-hole, including: a third end connected to the tube; and a fourth end connected to the base plate.

2. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein in a non-pivoted state, the protrusion is arranged completely within the tube.

3. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein in a non-pivoted state, the second end abuts against the first top surface and the spring comprises a first length.

4. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein in a pivoted state, the second end is at least partially separated from the first top surface and the spring comprises a second length, greater than the first length.

5. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein: the tube further comprises an inner plate arranged in the through-hole; and the third end is connected to the inner plate.

6. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the inner plate is arranged between and spaced apart from the first end and the second end.

7. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein: the inner plate comprises a through-bore; the third end comprises a connector; and the connector is arranged to extend through the through-bore to connect the spring to the tube and add tension to the spring.

8. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein in a non-pivoted state the spring is arranged completely within the tube.

9. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein: one of the base plate and the spring comprises a male connector component; the other of the base plate and the spring comprises a female connector component; and the male connector component is operatively arranged to engage the female connector component to connect the spring to the base plate.

10. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein: the male connector component comprises a hook; and the female connector component comprises a loop.

11. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the protrusion comprises: a second top surface; a second bottom surface; at least one side surface extending from the second bottom surface in the first direction; and a tapered surface connecting the at least one side surface with the second top surface, the tapered surface extending radially inward from the at least one side surface in the first direction.

12. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising a post removably connectable to the tube.

13. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 12, wherein the post is arranged to be inserted into the through-hole.

14. A sign base assembly, comprising: a base plate, including: a first top surface; a first bottom surface; and a protrusion extending from the first top surface in a first direction; a tube pivotably connected to the base plate, including: a first end; a second end; and a first through-hole extending from the first end to the second end; and a spring arranged at least partially in the first through-hole, including: a third end connected to the tube; and a fourth end connected to the base plate; wherein: in a non-pivoted state, the second end abuts against the first top surface; and in a pivoted state, the second end is at least partially separated from the first top surface.

15. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 14, wherein: the tube further comprises an inner plate arranged in the first through-hole; and the third end is connected to the inner plate.

16. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 15, wherein the inner plate is arranged between and spaced apart from the first end and the second end.

17. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 14, wherein in a non-pivoted state the spring is arranged completely within the tube.

18. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 14, wherein: one of the base plate and the spring comprises a male connector component; the other of the base plate and the spring comprises a female connector component; and the male connector component is operatively arranged to engage the female connector component to connect the spring to the base plate.

19. The sign base assembly as recited in claim 18, wherein: the male connector component comprises a hook; and the female connector component comprises a loop.

20. A sign base assembly, comprising: a base plate, including: a first top surface; a first bottom surface; and a first connector component; a tube displaceably connected to the base plate, including: a first end; a second end; a through-hole extending from the first end to the second end; and an inner plate arranged in the through-hole and spaced apart from the first end and the second end; and a spring arranged at least partially in the second through-hole, the spring including: a third end connected to the inner plate; and a fourth end including a second connector component connected to the first connector component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein as part of the specification. The drawings described herein illustrate embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter and are illustrative of selected principles and teachings of the present disclosure, in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts. However, the drawings do not illustrate all possible implementations of the presently disclosed subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0025] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a sign base assembly, in a non-pivoted state.

[0026] FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of the sign base assembly shown in FIG. 1A.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of the sign base assembly shown in FIG. 1A.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the base plate shown in FIG. 1A.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the base plate taken generally along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a sign base assembly in a non-pivoted state, with the spring in a first state.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the sign base assembly shown in FIG. 5, with the spring in a second state.

[0032] FIG. 7 is an exploded top perspective view of the sign base assembly shown in FIG. 5.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a sign base assembly, in a non-pivoted state.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the sign base assembly shown in FIG. 8, in a pivoted state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific assemblies and systems illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined herein. Hence, specific dimensions, directions, or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise. Also, although they may not be, like elements in various embodiments described herein may be commonly referred to with like reference numerals within this section of the application.

[0036] Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0037] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments.

[0038] Where used herein, the terms first, second, and so on, do not necessarily denote any ordinal, sequential, or priority relation, but are simply used to more clearly distinguish one element or set of elements from another, unless specified otherwise.

[0039] Where used herein, the term about when applied to a value is intended to mean within the tolerance range of the equipment used to produce the value, or, in some examples, is intended to mean plus or minus 10%, or plus or minus 5%, or plus or minus 1%, unless otherwise expressly specified.

[0040] It should be appreciated that the term substantially is synonymous with terms such as nearly, very nearly, about, approximately, around, bordering on, close to, essentially, in the neighborhood of, in the vicinity of, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term proximate is synonymous with terms such as nearby, close, adjacent, neighboring, immediate, adjoining, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term substantially is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.

[0041] Where used herein, the term exemplary is intended to mean an example of, serving as an example, or illustrative, and does not denote any preference or requirement with respect to a disclosed aspect or embodiment.

[0042] It should be understood that use of or in the present application is with respect to a non-exclusive arrangement, unless stated otherwise. For example, when saying that item x is A or B, it is understood that this can mean one of the following: (1) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (2) item x is both A and B. Alternately stated, the word or is not used to define an exclusive or arrangement. For example, an exclusive or arrangement for the statement item x is A or B would require that x can be only one of A and B. Furthermore, as used herein, and/or is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or a device comprising a second element and a third element.

[0043] Moreover, as used herein, the phrases comprises at least one of and comprising at least one of in combination with a system or element is intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of: a first element; a second element; and a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or a device comprising a second element and a third element. A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase used in at least one of: is used herein.

[0044] Adverting now to the figures, FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of sign base assembly 10, in a non-pivoted state. FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of sign base assembly 10. FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of sign base assembly 10. Sign base assembly 10 comprises base plate 20, tensioner or elastic element or spring 60, and tube 80. In an exemplary embodiment, sign base assembly 10 further comprises post 110 (see FIGS. 8-9). In FIGS. 1A-1B, tube 80 is shown in a transparent state such that spring 60 and its connection to tube 80 and base plate 20 can be more readily apparent.

[0045] Spring 60 comprises end 62, end 64, connector 66, and connector 68. End 64 is operatively arranged to engage base plate 20, specifically, top surface 40 of protrusion 38. Connector 68 is connected to end 64 and generally extends therefrom in direction D2. In an exemplary embodiment, connector 68 is a hook operatively arranged to extend through cutout 44 and through-hole 36, and engage bottom surface 42, to connect spring 60 to base plate 20, as will be described in greater detail below. Connector 66 is connected to end 62 and generally extends therefrom in direction D1. In an exemplary embodiment, connector 66 is an elongate member (e.g., a threaded rod) operatively arranged to extend through through-hole 94 in plate 92 to connect spring 60 to tube 80, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0046] Tube 80 comprises end 82, end 84, through-hole 86 extending from end 82 to end 84, and radially inward facing surface 88. In the non-pivoted state, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B and 5, tube 80 is arranged to completely enclose spring 60 and protrusion 38. For example, end 84 is arranged to engage top surface 22 such that side surfaces 46, 48, 50, and 52 are arranged radially within radially inward facing surface 88. In an exemplary embodiment, side surfaces 46, 48, 50, and 52 are operatively arranged to engage and/or abut against radially inward facing surface 88, in the non-pivoted state. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of side surfaces 46, 48, 50, and 52 are operatively arranged to be spaced apart from radially inward facing surface 88, in the non-pivoted state. End 82 is operatively arranged to engage post 110 (see FIGS. 8-9), as will be described in greater detail below. In an exemplary embodiment, tube 80 may further comprise hole 90 for connecting post 110 to tube 80, for example via connector 100 and connector 102.

[0047] Tube 80 further comprises plate 92 arranged in through-hole 86. Plate 92 is fixedly secured to radially inward facing surface 88 via any suitable means (e.g., welding, brazing, adhesive, etc.). Plate 92 is arranged axially between and spaced apart from end 82 and end 84. In an exemplary embodiment, plate 92 is arranged parallel to at least one of end 82 and end 84. Plate 92 comprises through-hole 94 arranged to engage connector 66. Thus, tube 80 is connected to base plate 20 via spring 60. Such connection allows for tube 80 to pivotably displace with respect to base plate 20, and also axially displace, for example in direction D1, with respect to base plate 20. Moreover, after displacement of tube 80 with respect to base plate 20, spring 60 pulls tube 80, and specifically end 84, back into engagement with protrusion 38. Tapered surfaces 54A-54D facilitate realignment of tube 80 with protrusion 38. In an exemplary embodiment, spring 60 is arranged radially between and spaced apart from radially inward facing surface 88. In an exemplary embodiment, spring 60 engages with or abuts against radially inward facing surface 88.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of base plate 20. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of base plate 20 taken generally along line 4-4 in FIG. 3. Base plate 20 comprises top surface 22, bottom surface 24, and at least one side or perimeter surface extending from top surface 22 to bottom surface 24 in direction D2, for example, side surface 26, side surface 28, side surface 30, and side surface 32. Bottom surface 24 is arranged to engage a base surface, for example, ground 2, as will be described in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 8-9. In an exemplary embodiment, base plate 20 comprises one or more through-holes 34 extending from top surface 22 to bottom surface 24 in direction D2. In an exemplary embodiment, through-holes 34 are arranged between and spaced apart from side surface 26, side surface 28, side surface 30, and side surface 32. Base plate 20 further comprises through-hole 36 extending from top surface 22 to bottom surface 24 in direction D2. In an exemplary embodiment, through-hole 36 is an elongate hole including length L1 (see FIG. 4) width W1 (see FIG. 3), wherein length L1 is greater than width W1.

[0049] Base plate 20 further comprises protrusion 38 extending from top surface 22 in direction D1. Protrusion 38 comprises top surface 40, bottom surface 42, and at least one side or perimeter surface extending from top surface 40 to bottom surface 42 in direction D2, for example, side surface 46, side surface 48, side surface 50, and side surface 52. Bottom surface 42 is connected to top surface 22 via any suitable means, for example, welding, brazing, bolts, screws, rivets, adhesive, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, base plate 20 and all of its components are integrally formed. In an exemplary embodiment, top surface 40 is arranged parallel to top surface 22. In an exemplary embodiment, protrusion 38 is arranged between and spaced apart from side surface 26, side surface 28, side surface 30, and side surface 32.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, side surface 46 faces radially outward and is connected to top surface 40 via tapered surface 54A. Tapered surface 54A extends radially inward in direction D1. In an exemplary embodiment, side surface 48 faces radially outward and is connected to top surface 40 via tapered surface 54B. Tapered surface 54B extends radially inward in direction D1. In an exemplary embodiment, side surface 50 faces radially outward and is connected to top surface 40 via tapered surface 54C. Tapered surface 54C extends radially inward in direction D1. In an exemplary embodiment, side surface 52 faces radially outward and is connected to top surface 40 via tapered surface 54D. Tapered surface 54B extends radially inward in direction D1. As best shown in FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment tapered surface 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D is arranged at angle with respect to side surface 46, 48, 50, 52, respectively. In an exemplary, angle is an acute angle, for example, 20. The arrangement of tapered surfaces 54A-54D allows for a greater pivoting movement of tube 80 with respect to base plate 20 in the pivoted state, and also facilitates realignment of tube 80 with protrusion 38 in the non-pivoted state.

[0051] Protrusion 38 further comprises cutout 44 extending therethrough from top surface 40 to bottom surface 42. Cutout 44 forms surface 44A extending radially inward from side surface 48 and surface 44B extending radially inward from side surface 50. In an exemplary embodiment, surface 44A is arranged perpendicular to surface 44B. In an exemplary embodiment, surface 44A is arranged non-perpendicular to surface 44B. Cutout 44 comprises length L2 (see FIG. 4), which is the length of surface 44A, and width W2 (see FIG. 3), which is the length of surface 44B. In an exemplary embodiment, length L2 is greater than width W2.

[0052] Cutout 44 is at least partially aligned with through-hole 36. In an exemplary embodiment, surface 44A is aligned with an elongate side of through-hole 36, as shown in FIGS. 2-3. Additionally, surface 44B is aligned with through-hole 36. For example, surface 44B may extend across through-hole 36 forming a secant with through-hole 36. Thus, a portion of through-hole 36 is exposed and a portion of through-hole 36 is arranged under, and aligned with, bottom surface 42. This arrangement allows for hook 68 to extend through protrusion 38 and through-hole 36, and engage bottom surface 42 to secure spring 60 to base plate 20. In an exemplary embodiment, when hook 68 is engaged with base plate 20, the arrangement of surface 44A adjacent to hook 68 prevents or resists rotational displacement of hook 68 with respect to base plate 20. In an exemplary embodiment, width W2 is equal to width W1. In an exemplary embodiment, length L1 is greater than length L2.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of sign base assembly 10 in a non-pivoted state, with spring 60 in a first state. in an unstretched state. FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of sign base assembly 10, with spring 60 in a second state. In FIGS. 5-6, tube 80 is shown in a transparent state such that spring 60 and its connection to tube 80 and base plate 20 can be more readily apparent. FIG. 7 is an exploded top perspective view of sign base assembly 10. Sign base assembly 10 as shown in FIGS. 5-7 is substantially the same as sign base assembly 10 as shown in FIGS. 1A-4. As shown, protrusion 36 comprises female connector or loop or hook 56 extending from top surface 42 in direction D1. Male connector 68 is arranged to engage female connector 56 is arranged to connect spring 60 to base plate 20. As such, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-7 there is no need for hole 36 in base plate 20 or cutout 44 in protrusion 38 to connect spring 60 to base plate 20. In an exemplary embodiment, protrusion 38 may or may not include tapered surfaces 54A-54D. As shown in FIG. 5, spring 60 is in a first state which may be, for example, a unstretched state or a substantially unloaded state. In the unstretched state, threaded rod 66 extends through through-hole 94. Nut 98, and optionally washer 96, is engaged with the end of threaded rod 66. Nut 98 can then be tightened against plate 92 to load spring 60. As shown in FIG. 6, spring 60 is arranged in a second state which may be, for example, a stretched or loaded state. Thus, the tension in spring 60 can be adjusted via threaded rod 66 and nut 98.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of sign base assembly 10, in a non-pivoted state. By non-pivoted state, it is meant that end 84 abuts against top surface 22, tube 80 completely encloses protrusion 38, and spring 60 is in a first stressed or stretched state thereby applying a first force to tube 80 in direction D2 against base plate 20. In the first stretched state, spring 60 comprises a first length. FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of sign base assembly 10 shown in FIG. 8, in a pivoted state. In FIG. 9, tube 80 is shown in a transparent state such that spring 60 and its connection to tube 80 and base plate 20 can be more readily apparent. By pivoted state, it is meant that end 84 is at least partially spaced apart from top surface 22, tube 80 may no longer completely enclose protrusion 38, and spring 60 is in a second stressed or stretched state thereby applying a second force to tube 80 in direction D2 toward base plate 20, the second force being greater than the first force. In the second stretched state, spring 60 comprises a second length, greater than the first length.

[0055] Post 110 comprises end 112, end 114, and at least one hole 116. End 114 is operatively arranged to be connected to tube 80. For example, end 114 is arranged in through-hole 86 such that one of holes 116 is aligned with hole 90. Fastener 100 is fed through hole 90 and hole 116 to secure post 110 to tube 80, for example, via fastener 102. In an exemplary embodiment, end 114 is operatively arranged to engage and/or abut against plate 92 within through-hole 86. End 112 is operatively arranged to be connected to sign 118. Sign 118 may be connected to post 110 via any suitable means, for example, via bolts or fasteners extending through sign 118 and hole(s) 116, welding, brazing, etc.

[0056] To assemble sign base assembly 10, end 64 of spring 60 is connected to base plate 20. For example, male connector or hook 68 extends through cutout 44 and through-hole 36, and engages bottom surface 42. In an exemplary embodiment, male connector or hook 68 is engaged with hook or loop 56 arranged on top surface 40 of protrusion 38 (see FIGS. 5-7). Tube 80 is arranged around spring 60 and end 62 is connected to tube 80. For example, threaded rod 66 extends through through-hole 94 in plate 92 and secured thereto via fastener or nut 98, and in an exemplary embodiment, washer 96. As fastener 98 is tightened tube 80 is pulled into engagement and alignment with protrusion 38 to form the non-pivoted state. It should be appreciated that nut 98 may be used to increase or decrease the tension of spring 60. For example, tightening nut 98 in the non-pivoted state increases the tension of spring 60 (i.e., increases the initial stretch of spring 60), providing greater resistance to pivotable displacement of tube 80 with respect to base plate 20 and a faster or stronger return from the pivoted state to the non-pivoted state. This may be desirable for larger or heavier signs and/or posts. Loosening nut 98 in the non-pivoted state decreases the tension of spring 60 (i.e., decreases the initial stretch of spring 60), providing less resistance to pivotable displacement of tube 80 with respect to base plate 20 and a slower or weaker return from the pivoted state to the non-pivoted state. This may be desirable for smaller or lighter signs and/or posts.

[0057] Base plate 20 is connected to ground 2 via any suitable means. For example, fasteners or threaded rods 120 may be embedded in ground 2 (e.g., via concrete). Fasteners 120 extend through holes 34 and base plate 120 is secured to ground 2 via fasteners or nuts 122. In an exemplary embodiment, base plate 20 may be at least partially embedded in ground 2 (e.g., via concrete). In such embodiments, top surface 22 may be arranged flush with ground 2 such that protrusion 38 extends in direction D1 therefrom, and end 84 engages or abuts against ground 2 in the non-pivoted state. Post 110 is connected to tube 80, for example by inserting end 114 into through-hole 86. Sign 118 is connected to post 110, for example, at or proximate end 112.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 9, when sign base assembly 10, namely, tube 80, post 110, and/or sign 118 is impacted by an external object, for example, vehicle 4, tube 80 is capable of pivotably displacing relative to base plate 120, forming the pivoted state of sign base assembly 10. This prevents the components of sign base assembly 10 from breaking. When the external object is removed from contact with sign base assembly 10, the tension of spring 60 pulls tube 80 back down around protrusion 38 of base plate 20, thereby returning sign base assembly 10 to the non-pivoted state.

[0059] It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0060] 2 Ground [0061] 4 Vehicle [0062] 10 Sign base assembly [0063] 20 Base plate [0064] 22 Top surface [0065] 24 Bottom surface [0066] 26 Side surface [0067] 28 Side surface [0068] 30 Side surface [0069] 32 Side surface [0070] 34 Holes [0071] 36 Hole [0072] 38 Protrusion [0073] 40 Top surface [0074] 42 Bottom surface [0075] 44 Cutout [0076] 44A Surface [0077] 44B Surface [0078] 46 Side surface [0079] 48 Side surface [0080] 50 Side surface [0081] 52 Side surface [0082] 54A Surface [0083] 54B Surface [0084] 54C Surface [0085] 54D Surface [0086] 56 Connector or loop [0087] 60 Spring [0088] 62 End [0089] 64 End [0090] 66 Connector [0091] 68 Connector [0092] 80 Tube [0093] 82 End [0094] 84 End [0095] 86 Through-hole [0096] 88 Radially inward facing surface [0097] 90 Hole [0098] 92 Plate [0099] 94 Through-hole [0100] 96 Washer [0101] 98 Fastener [0102] 100 Fastener [0103] 102 Fastener [0104] 110 Post [0105] 112 End [0106] 114 End [0107] 116 Hole(s) [0108] 118 Sign [0109] 120 Fastener [0110] 122 Fastener [0111] D1 Direction [0112] D2 Direction [0113] D3 Direction [0114] D4 Direction [0115] L1 Length [0116] L2 Length [0117] Angle