Airfield sign cover

Abstract

A modular airfield sign cover having a sheet with ends formed with eyelets and dedicated end-securing bungee cord like securing laces with an enlarged ball to secure the cover ends. Zippered halves or grommet/cord combinations secured to each side permit the sides to be folded and secured together to encapsulate an airfield sign in the cover. An air gap formed at a top edge of an enclosed airfield sign permits airflow between the cover and sign. Air-flow frames formed on or secured to an inner surface of the cover engage a sign and include air-flow slots to permit air entering the air gap to flow down over the sign sides. Air-gap studs secured to the inner surface of the cover space the cover from the sign sides to allow air to freely pass over the sign.

Claims

1. An airport sign cover comprising: a cover segment having an inner surface and an outer surface and having two sides and two ends; a pair of air-flow frames defining at least one air gap, and secured to the inner surface of the cover segment, and spaced about a center line of the cover segment, wherein each of the pair of air-flow frames comprises an elongate upper air-flow segment with a first shoulder extending downwardly from, and proximal to, a distal lateral end of the upper air-flow segment and a second shoulder extending downwardly from the upper air-flow segment at a position laterally inwardly from the first shoulder segment and at least one air-gap slot formed in the upper air-flow segment between an inner surface of the first shoulder and an outer surface of the second shoulder; and, at least one gap stud secured to an inner surface of the cover segment.

2. The airport sign cover of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of end grommets formed on, or secured to, the cover segment proximal the cover ends; and, an end cord secured to the grommets.

3. The airport sign of claim 2 further comprising a spherical chord anchor secured to an end of the end cord.

4. The airport sign cover of claim 3 further comprising a plurality of side grommets formed on or secured to the cover segment proximal the cover sides and a side cord secured to the side grommets.

5. The airport sign cover of claim 4 further comprising a cord anchor secured to an end of the side cord.

6. The airport sign of claim 1 further comprising axial end shoulders extending downwardly from axial ends of the upper air-flow segment.

7. An airport sign cover comprising: a cover segment having an inner surface and an outer surface and having two sides and two ends; and, a pair of air-flow frames defining at least one air gap, and secured to the inner surface of the cover segment, and spaced about a center line of the cover segment, wherein each of the pair of air-flow frames comprises an elongate upper air-flow segment with a shoulder extending downwardly from, and distal to, a lateral end of the upper air-flow segment and at least one air-gap slot formed in the upper air-flow segment between the lateral end and an outer surface of the shoulder.

8. The airport sign cover of claim 7 further comprising at least one gap stud secured to an inner surface of the cover segment.

9. The airport sign cover of claim 8 further comprising a plurality of end grommets formed on, or secured to, the cover segment proximal the cover ends; and, an end cord secured to the grommets.

10. The airport sign cover of claim 9 further comprising a spherical chord anchor secured to an end of the end cord.

11. The airport sign cover of claim 10 further comprising a plurality of side grommets formed on or secured to the cover segment proximal the cover sides and a side cord secured to the side grommets.

12. The airport sign cover of claim 11 further comprising a cord anchor secured to an end of the side cord.

13. An airport sign cover comprising: a cover segment having an inner surface and an outer surface and having two sides and two ends; and, a pair of air-flow frames defining a plurality of air gaps, and secured to the inner surface of the cover segment, and spaced about a center line of the cover segment, wherein each of the pair of air-flow frames comprises an elongate upper air-flow segment with a shoulder extending downwardly from, and distal to, a distal lateral end of the upper air-flow segment, at least one air-gap slot formed in the upper air-flow segment between the distal lateral end and an outer surface of the shoulder and axial end shoulders extending downwardly from axial ends of the upper air-flow segment.

14. The airport sign cover of claim 13 further comprising at least one gap stud secured to an inner surface of the cover segment.

15. The airport sign cover of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of end grommets formed on, or secured to, the cover segment proximal the cover ends; and, an end cord secured to the grommets.

16. The airport sign of claim 15 further comprising a spherical chord anchor secured to an end of the end cord.

17. The airport sign of claim 16 further comprising a plurality of side grommets formed on or secured to the cover segment proximal the cover sides and a side cord secured to the side grommets.

18. The airport sign of claim 17 further comprising a cord anchor secured to an end of the side cord.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an airport sign cover according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

(2) FIG. 2 is a side view of the airport sign cover shown in FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 is a front view of the airport sign cover shown in FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 4 is a top side perspective view of the airport sign cover shown in FIG. 1 positioned over an airport sign.

(5) FIG. 5 is a top side perspective view of the airport sign cover shown in FIG. 1 secured to an airport sign.

(6) FIG. 6 is a top front perspective view of a modular multi-piece airport sign cover according to the embodiment of the disclosure shown in FIG. 1 with the modular cover positioned over a multi-section airport sign.

(7) FIG. 7 is a front view of the modular multi-piece airport sign cover shown in FIG. 6.

(8) FIG. 8 is a front view of a modular airport sign cover according to the embodiment of the disclosure shown in FIG. 1 secured to a section of an airport sign.

(9) FIG. 9 is a scanned photo of the airport sign cover shown in FIG. 1.

(10) FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an airfield sign cover with S-shaped curved edges according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

(11) FIG. 11 is a top side perspective view of the sign cover shown in FIG. 10 with the sign cover S-shaped curved edges secured together.

(12) FIG. 12 is a side view in elevation of the sign cover shown in FIG. 10 with the S-shaped curved edges of the side and ends overlapped and secured together with multiple bungee cords.

(13) FIG. 13 is a side view in elevation of the sign cover shown in FIG. 10 with the S-shaped curved edges of the side secured together with a single bungee cord.

(14) FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a sign cover with zig zag edges according to a further embodiment of the disclosure.

(15) FIG. 15 is a top side perspective view of the sign cover shown in FIG. 13 with the sign cover zig zag edges secured together.

(16) FIG. 16 is a side view in elevation of the sign cover shown in FIG. 13 with the zig zag edges of the side and ends overlapped and secured with multiple bungee cords.

(17) FIG. 17 is a side view in elevation of the sign cover shown in FIG. 10 with the S-shaped curved edges of the side secured together with a single bungee cord.

(18) FIG. 18 is a top plan view of an airfield sign cover with S-shaped curved edges with zipper components according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure.

(19) FIG. 19 is a top side perspective view of the sign cover shown in FIG. 18 with the sign cover S-shaped curved edges secured together with the zipper components.

(20) FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a sign cover with zig zag edges with zipper components according to a further embodiment of the disclosure.

(21) FIG. 21 is a top side perspective view of the sign cover shown in FIG. 20 with the sign cover zig zag edges secured together with the zipper components.

(22) FIG. 22 is a top plan view of a sign cover with air-flow frames and air-gap studs according to a yet further embodiment of the disclosure.

(23) FIG. 23 is a side view in elevation of the sign cover shown in FIG. 22 secured to an airfield sign.

(24) FIG. 24 is a front view in elevation of the sign cover shown in FIG. 22 secured to an airfield sign.

(25) FIG. 25 is a top, side perspective view in partial phantom of an air-flow frame with a single air-gap slot according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

(26) FIG. 26 is a side view in partial phantom of the air-flow frame shown in FIG. 25.

(27) FIG. 27 is a top, side perspective view in partial phantom of an air-flow frame with multiple air-gap slots according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

(28) FIG. 28 is a side, sectional view of the sign cover shown in FIG. 22 secured over an airfield sign.

(29) FIG. 29 is a side view in partial phantom of an air-flow frame according to a further embodiment of the disclosure.

(30) FIG. 30 is a top, side perspective view in partial phantom of an air-flow frame with multiple air-gap slots and axial end shoulders according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

(31) In one aspect of the disclosure as shown in FIGS. 1-9, an airfield sign cover, shown generally as 10, includes a water repellent sheet 12 in the form of a rectangle. A first set of eyelets 16 are secured proximal to a sheet first end 14. Eyelets 16 may be equally spaced along the length of sheet first end 14, or may be positioned irregularly spaced proximal to sheet end 14.

(32) A sheet second end 18, opposite sheet first end 14, has a second set of eyelets 20 secured proximal to the second sheet end. The second set of eyelets 20 may be spaced equidistantly along the length of second sheet end 18, or may be distributed in an irregularly spaced pattern proximal to the second sheet end.

(33) A first side 22 of sign cover 10 has two halves of a conventional zipper secured to the sidewall with each zipper half secured to opposing ends of the sidewall and each spaced from a center point of first sidewall 22. A gap 19 is formed between the zipper halves. A first zipper half 24 includes a first set of zipper teeth 26 bounded by first zipper half end stops 28. Secured to zipper teeth 24 is a slider/pull tab 30 that functions to join corresponding zipper teeth as explained in more detail herein.

(34) A second zipper half 32 includes a second set of zipper teeth 34 bounded by a second end stop 36 and a zipper pin 38. The same configuration of a first zipper half and a second zipper half is repeated on a second side 40 of sign cover 10 opposite first side 22. On second side 40, a second gap 27 is formed between the zipper halves. To engage the zipper halves, the following procedure is used.

(35) As shown in FIG. 2, to secure sign cover 10 to an airfield sign 11, sign cover 10 is placed over sign 11 with the approximate mid-section of the sign cover positioned at the top of sign 11. It should be understood that the alignment of the mid-section to the top of the sign can be offset as long as each section of the sign cover fully covers a side of airfield sign 11. To secure the ends of sign cover 10 around the edges of sign 11, the folded edge of first side 22 is aligned so that zipper pin 38 can be inserted into slider/pull tab 30. Once pin 38 is positively engaged with slider/pull tab 30, the slider is urged up along the aligned teeth of first teeth set 26 and second teeth set 34. The slider is urged up the teeth sets until end stops 28 and 36 are reached. Once this step is accomplished, first side 22 becomes a closed end that encloses an end of sign 11. The same procedure is applied to the zipper structure secured to second side 40.

(36) With the zippers fully engaged, an air gap 42 between the top of sign 11 and the flexion point (mid-section or offset mid-section) of the folded sign cover 10 at the center point of first side 22 is formed. This gap is continuous across the width of sign cover 10 and provides an access point for the infusion of air along the top edge of sign 11 and any gap that may exist between sign cover 10 and sign 11 over its entire height and width.

(37) As shown in FIGS. 1-9, sign cover 10 has a first end 14 formed with a first plurality of grommets 16 spaced regularly or irregularly along the end and displaced from the edge of the end. A second end 18 opposite first end 14 is formed with a second plurality of grommets 20 also spaced regularly or irregularly along the end and displaced from the edge of end 18. Grommets 16 and 20 provide structural features that permit the ends to be secured together.

(38) To secure first end 14 to second end 18, a set of strings, ropes, cinching straps or bungee cords, each designated as 52, are used in conjunction with the grommets. In one embodiment, a leading end of a bungee cord 52 is inserted into a single grommet 16 from first end 14. The bungee cord is then pulled under sign 11 and threaded through a corresponding grommet 20 on second end 18. A bungee cord anchor ball 54 is secured to a trailing end of bungee cord 52 and is dimensioned to have a diameter greater than the diameter of the grommet opening. After the leading end of bungee cord 52 is inserted into grommet 20, the bungee cord is pull taught so that anchor ball 54 registers against grommet 16. The leading end of bungee cord 52 is next pulled over the adjoined edges of first end 14 and second end 18 and looped back over anchor ball 52 and secured to the anchor ball via a loop formed at the bungee cord leading end or tied to the anchor ball. The same procedure is performed for each set of corresponding aligned grommets in first end 14 and second end 18. Once all the grommet sets have been secured, first end 14 is secured to second end 18 around the bottom end of sign 11 to completely enclose sign 11 in sign cover 10.

(39) For signs wider than the width of sign cover 10, multiple sign covers 10 can be joined together to increase the width of the sign cover as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. One or more covers may be secured around a portion of an airfield sign to block just a portion of the sign as shown in FIG. 8. Any of these configurations with any of the embodiments disclosed herein is accomplished by securing the corresponding zipper teeth sets of two sign covers with their sides aligned adjacently to one another. The same zipper closing procedure used to secure a single cover side around a sign is used to secure two sides of adjacent sign covers. Once the sign cover segments are secured to one another, the assembled larger sign cover is placed over the large sign with the center point of the sides positioned adjacent the top of the sign. The folded sides of the larger sign cover are now secured together using the same zipper closing procedure disclosed herein. The long bottom ends of the joined sign covers are then secured together with strings, ropes or bungee cords as described for a single section sign cover 10.

(40) With the modular configuration of sign cover 10, an infinite number of sign covers can be joined together to accommodate any size sign. The width of sign cover 10 can also be varied from one modular sign cover to another to customize the fit of an assembled sign cover relative to a specifically sized sign. The same is true of the length of the sign covers. The lengths can be customized to accommodate the height of any specific sign 11 so as to permit the ends of the sign cover to wrap around the bottom end of the sign when the sign cover is draped over the sign. It should further be understood that a single string, rope or bungee cord can be used to secure all the aligned grommets of the sign cover ends by weaving the rope or bungee cord through the grommet pairs in an alternating pattern until all the grommet pairs are secured together. It should further be understood that grommets can be substituted for zipper sets on the cover sides and a similar substitution can be made for grommets on the sign cover ends, i.e., the grommets sets replaced by zipper sets.

(41) Referring now to FIGS. 10-13, in another aspect of the disclosure, an airfield sign cover designated generally as 10 includes sides and/or ends with S-shaped edges that form mechanically interlocking features to secure the sign cover about a sign. In this embodiment, grommets are used to secure the sides and/or ends that are formed with the S-shaped edges. Zipper systems may also be used for the S-shaped edges, but grommets provide more flexibility in how the S-shaped edges are joined. If either the ends or sides are formed with straight edges, the zipper systems disclosed for sign cover 10 may be used in place of grommets. As used herein, elements referenced with primed numbers in one embodiment correspond to elements in other embodiments referenced with the same number either unprimed or differently primed.

(42) Sign cover 10 has a first side 22 formed with an S-shaped edge with a gap 19 about a center point of the side. The convex segments 21 and concave segments 23 alternate to form the S-shaped pattern. In one embodiment, grommets 25 are formed or secured set back from the edge of each convex and concave segment. When sign cover 10 is draped over a sign 11, the adjoining edge ends of first side 22 are aligned so that a convex segment 21 is aligned with a concave segment 23. Once the segments are aligned, dedicated strings, ropes, cinching straps or bungee cords 52 are used to secure the aligned grommets together in the same manner disclosed for the grommet bungee cord system for sign cover 10. The same S-shaped edge with gap 27 may be formed on a second side 40 with the same grommet arrangement and side securing procedure involving bungee cords 52. It should be understood that the sides of sign cover 10 do not have to be formed with the same type of edge. Illustratively, one side may be formed with an S-shaped edge while the second side is formed with a straight or other shaped edge.

(43) The S-shaped edge of first side 22 provides an additional advantageous configuration to secure the side to enclose a sign 11. Instead of aligning the concave segments with the convex segments, the segments can be overlapped with the corresponding grommets of the segments aligned one over the other as shown in FIG. 12. This provides a more robust side closure and reduces the amount of rope or bungee cord needed to secure the side edge together. It also provides the opportunity to use a single rope or bungee cord weaved through the aligned grommets in an alternating pattern to secure the edge as shown in FIG. 13.

(44) With either securing procedure, an air gap 42 is formed between the top of sign 11 and the flexion point of the folded sign cover 10 at the center point of first side 22 is formed. This gap continues across the width of sign cover 10 and provides an access point for the infusion of air along the top edge of sign 11 and any gap that may exist between sign cover 10 and sign 11 over its entire height and width.

(45) With respect to the ends of sign cover 10, sign cover 10 has a first end 14 having an S-shaped edge comprising a series of alternating convex segments and concave segments. In one embodiment, grommets 16 are formed or secured set back from the edge of each convex and concave segment. A second end 18 opposite first end 14 is formed with an S-shaped edge comprising a series of alternating convex segments and concave segments. A second set of grommets 20 are formed or secured set back from the edge of the side and each grommet 20 is dedicated to a single convex segment or concave segment. Grommets 16 and 20 provide structural features that permit the ends to be secured together.

(46) To secure first end 14 to second end 18, a set of strings, ropes or bungee cords, each designated as 52, are used in conjunction with the grommets. Once the ends are aligned so that corresponding complimentary convex and concave segments from each end are aligned, a leading end of a bungee cord 52 is inserted into a single grommet 16 from first end 14. The bungee cord is then pulled under sign 11 and threaded through a corresponding grommet 20 on second end 18. A bungee cord anchor ball 54 is secured to a trailing end of bungee cord 52 and is dimensioned to have a diameter greater than the diameter of the grommet opening. After the leading end of bungee cord 52 is inserted into grommet 20, the bungee cord is pull taught so that anchor ball 54 registers against grommet 16. The leading end of bungee cord 52 is next pulled over the adjoined edges of first end 14 and second end 18 and looped back over anchor ball 52 and secured to the anchor ball via loop formed at the bungee cord leading end or tied to the anchor ball. The same procedure is performed for each set of corresponding aligned grommets in first end 14 and second end 18. Once all the grommet sets have been secured, first end 14 is secured to second end 18 around the bottom end of sign 11 to completely enclose the sign in sign cover 10.

(47) The S-shaped edges of first end 14 and second end 18 provides an additional advantageous configuration to secure the side to enclose a sign 11. Instead of aligning the concave segments with the convex segments, the segments can be overlapped with the corresponding grommets of the segments aligned one over the other as shown in FIG. 12. This provides a more robust side closure and reduces the amount of rope or bungee cord needed to secure the side edge together. It also provides the opportunity to use a single rope or bungee cord weaved through the aligned grommets in an alternating pattern to secure the sign cover ends as shown in FIG. 13.

(48) Referring now to FIGS. 14-17, in another aspect of the disclosure, an airfield sign cover designated generally as 10 includes sides and/or ends with zig-zag shaped edges that form mechanically interlocking features to secure the sign cover about a sign. In this embodiment, grommets are used to secure the sides and/or ends that are formed with the zig-zag shaped edges. Zipper systems may also be used for the zig-zag shaped edges by using separate zipper systems for each section of the zig-zag edge. If either the ends or sides are formed with straight edges, the zipper systems disclosed for sign cover 10 may be used in place of grommets.

(49) Sign cover 10 has a first side 22 formed with a zig-zag shaped edge. The extended segments 21 and the receded segments 23 alternate to form the zig-zag shaped pattern. In one embodiment, grommets 25 are formed or secured set back from the edge of each extended and receded segment. When sign cover 10 is draped over a sign 11, the adjoining edge ends of first side 22 are aligned so that an extended segment 21 is aligned with a receded segment 23. Once the segments are aligned, dedicated strings, ropes or bungee cords 52 are used to secure the aligned grommets together in the same manner disclosed for the grommet bungee cord system for sign cover 10. The same zig-zag shaped edge may be formed on a second side 40 with the same grommet arrangement and side securing procedure involving bungee cords 52. It should be understood that the sides of sign cover 10 do not have to be formed with the same type of edge. Illustratively, one side may be formed with an S-shaped edge while the second side is formed with a zig-zag or straight edge.

(50) The zig-zag shaped edge of first side 22 provides an additional advantageous configuration to secure the side to enclose a sign 11. Instead of aligning the extended segments with the receded segments, the segments can be overlapped with the corresponding grommets of the segments aligned one over the other as shown in FIG. 16. This provides a more robust side closure and reduces the amount of rope or bungee cord needed to secure the side edge together. It also provides the opportunity to use a single rope or bungee cord weaved through the aligned grommets in an alternating pattern to secure the edge as shown in FIG. 17.

(51) With either securing procedure, an air gap 42 is formed between the top of sign 11 and the flexion point of the folded sign cover 10 at the center point of first side 22 is formed. The same fold and gap exist on second side 40. This gap continues across the width of sign cover 10 and provides an access point for the infusion of air along the top edge of sign 11 and any gap that may exist between sign cover 10 and sign 11 over its entire height and width.

(52) With respect to the ends of sign cover 10, sign cover 10 has a first end 14 having a zig-zag shaped edge comprising a series of alternating extended segments and receded segments. In one embodiment, grommets 16 are formed or secured set back from the edge of each extended and receded segment. A second end 18 opposite first end 14 is formed with a zig-zag shaped edge comprising a series of alternating extended segments and receded segments. A second set of grommets 20 are formed or secured set back from the edge of the side and each grommet 20 is dedicated to a single extended segment or receded segment. Grommets 16 and 20 provide structural features that permit the ends to be secured together.

(53) To secure first end 14 to second end 18, a set of strings, ropes, cinching straps or bungee cords, each designated as 52, are used in conjunction with the grommets. Once the ends are aligned so that corresponding complimentary extended and receded segments from each end are aligned, a leading end of a bungee cord 52 is inserted into a single grommet 16 from first end 14. The bungee cord is then pulled under sign 11 and threaded through a corresponding grommet 50 on second end 18. A bungee cord anchor ball 54 is secured to a trailing end of bungee cord 52 and is dimensioned to have a diameter greater than the diameter of the grommet opening. After the leading end of bungee cord 52 is inserted into grommet 20, the bungee cord is pull taught so that anchor ball 54 registers against grommet 16. The leading end of bungee cord 52 is next pulled over the adjoined edges of first end 14 and second end 18 and looped back over anchor ball 52 and secured to the anchor ball via loop formed at the bungee cord leading end or tied to the anchor ball. The same procedure is performed for each set of corresponding aligned grommets in first end 14 and second end 18. Once all the grommet sets have been secured, first end 14 is secured to second end 18 around the bottom end of sign 11 to completely enclose the sign in sign cover 10.

(54) The zig-zag shaped edges of first end 14 and second end 18 provide an additional advantageous configuration to secure the side to enclose a sign 11. Instead of aligning the extended segments with the receded segments, the segments can be overlapped with the corresponding grommets of the segments aligned one over the other as shown in FIG. 16. This provides a more robust side closure and reduces the amount of rope or bungee cord needed to secure the side edge together. It also provides the opportunity to use a single rope or bungee cord weaved through the aligned grommets in an alternating pattern to secure the sign cover ends as shown in FIG. 17.

(55) Referring now to FIGS. 18-19, in yet another aspect of the disclosure, an airfield sign cover designated generally as 10 includes sides and/or ends with S-shaped edges that form mechanically interlocking features to secure the sign cover about a sign. In this embodiment, zipper systems used to secure the S-shaped edges. Even though the sides and/or ends are formed with S-shaped edges, the zipper systems disclosed for sign cover 10 are used in place of grommets.

(56) Sign cover 10 has a first side 22 formed with an S-shaped edge with a gap 19 about a center point of the side. The convex segments 21 and concave segments 23 alternate to form the S-shaped pattern. First side 22 of sign cover 10 has two halves of a conventional zipper secured to the sidewall with each zipper half secured to opposing ends of the sidewall and each spaced from a center point of first sidewall 22. A gap 19 is formed between the zipper halves. A first zipper half 24 includes a first set of zipper teeth 26 bounded by first zipper half end stops 28. Secured to zipper teeth 24 is a slider/pull tab 30 that functions to join corresponding zipper teeth as explained in more detail herein.

(57) A second zipper half 32 includes a second set of zipper teeth 34 bounded by a second end stop 36 and a zipper pin 38. The same configuration of a first zipper half and a second zipper half is repeated on a second side 40 of sign cover 10 opposite first side 22. On second side 40, a second gap 27 is formed between the zipper halves. To engage the zipper halves, the following procedure is used.

(58) As shown in FIG. 19, to secure sign cover 10 to an airfield sign 11, sign cover 10 is placed over sign 11 with the approximate mid-section of the sign cover positioned at the top of sign 11. It should be understood that the alignment of the mid-section to the top of the sign can be offset as long as each section of the sign cover fully covers a side of airfield sign 11. To secure the ends of sign cover 10 around the edges of sign 11, the folded edge of first side 22 is aligned so that zipper pin 38 can be inserted into slider/pull tab 30. Once pin 38 is positively engaged with slider/pull tab 30, the slider is urged up along the aligned teeth of first teeth set 26 and second teeth set 34. The slider is urged up the teeth sets until end stops 28 and 36 are reached. Once this step is accomplished, first side 22 becomes a closed end that encloses an end of sign 11. The same procedure is applied to the zipper structure secured to second side 40.

(59) With the zippers fully engaged, an air gap 42 between the top of sign 11 and the flexion point (mid-section or offset mid-section) of the folded sign cover 10 at the center point of first side 22 is formed. This gap is continuous across the width of sign cover 10 and provides an access point for the infusion of air along the top edge of sign 11 and any gap that may exist between sign cover 10 and sign 11 over its entire height and width. It should be understood that the sides of sign cover 10 do not have to be formed with the same type of edge. Illustratively, one side may be formed with an S-shaped edge while the second side is formed with a straight or other shaped edge.

(60) With respect to the ends of sign cover 10, sign cover 10 has a first end 14 having an S-shaped edge comprising a series of alternating convex segments and concave segments. In one embodiment, grommets 16 are formed or secured set back from the edge of each convex and concave segment. A second end 18 opposite first end 14 is formed with an S-shaped edge comprising a series of alternating convex segments and concave segments. A second set of grommets 20 are formed or secured set back from the edge of the side and each grommet 20 is dedicated to a single convex segment or concave segment. Grommets 16 and 20 provide structural features that permit the ends to be secured together.

(61) To secure first end 14 to second end 18, a set of strings, ropes or bungee cords, each designated as 52, are used in conjunction with the grommets. Once the ends are aligned so that corresponding complimentary convex and concave segments from each end are aligned, a leading end of a bungee cord 52 is inserted into a single grommet 16 from first end 14. The bungee cord is then pulled under sign 11 and threaded through a corresponding grommet 20 on second end 18. A bungee cord anchor ball 54 is secured to a trailing end of bungee cord 52 and is dimensioned to have a diameter greater than the diameter of the grommet opening. After the leading end of bungee cord 52 is inserted into grommet 20, the bungee cord is pull taught so that anchor ball 54 registers against grommet 16. The leading end of bungee cord 52 is next pulled over the adjoined edges of first end 14 and second end 18 and looped back over anchor ball 52 and secured to the anchor ball via loop formed at the bungee cord leading end or tied to the anchor ball. The same procedure is performed for each set of corresponding aligned grommets in first end 14 and second end 18. Once all the grommet sets have been secured, first end 14 is secured to second end 18 around the bottom end of sign 11 to completely enclose the sign in sign cover 10.

(62) Referring now to FIGS. 20-21, in a yet further aspect of the disclosure, an airfield sign cover designated generally as 10.sup.IV includes sides and/or ends with zig-zag shaped edges that form mechanically interlocking features to secure the sign cover about a sign. In this embodiment, zipper systems used to secure the zig-zag shaped edges. Even though the sides and/or ends are formed with zig-zag shaped edges, the zipper systems disclosed for sign cover 10 are used in place of grommets.

(63) Sign cover 10.sup.IV has a first side 22.sup.IV formed with a zig zag edge with a gap 19 about a center point of the side. Extended segments 21.sup.IV and the receded segments 23.sup.IV alternate to form the zig-zag shaped pattern. When sign cover 10.sup.IV is draped over a sign 11, the adjoining edge ends of first side 22.sup.IV are aligned so that an extended segment 21.sup.IV is aligned with a receded segment 23.sup.IV. First side 22.sup.IV of sign cover 10.sup.IV has two halves of a conventional zipper secured to the sidewall with each zipper half secured to opposing ends of the sidewall and each spaced from a center point of first sidewall 22.sup.IV. A gap 19.sup.IV is formed between the zipper halves. A first zipper half 24.sup.IV includes a first set of zipper teeth 26.sup.IV bounded by first zipper half end stops 28.sup.IV. Secured to zipper teeth 24.sup.IV is a slider/pull tab 30.sup.IV that functions to join corresponding zipper teeth as explained in more detail herein.

(64) A second zipper half 32.sup.IV includes a second set of zipper teeth 34.sup.IV bounded by a second end stop 36.sup.IV and a zipper pin 38.sup.IV. The same configuration of a first zipper half and a second zipper half is repeated on a second side 40.sup.IV of sign cover 10.sup.IV opposite first side 22.sup.IV. On second side 40.sup.IV, a second gap 27.sup.IV is formed between the zipper halves. To engage the zipper halves, the following procedure is used.

(65) As shown in FIG. 21, to secure sign cover 10.sup.IV to an airfield sign 11, sign cover 10.sup.IV is placed over sign 11 with the approximate mid-section of the sign cover positioned at the top of sign 11. It should be understood that the alignment of the mid-section to the top of the sign can be offset as long as each section of the sign cover fully covers a side of airfield sign 11. To secure the ends of sign cover 10.sup.IV around the edges of sign 11, the folded edge of first side 22.sup.IV is aligned so that zipper pin 38.sup.IV can be inserted into slider/pull tab 30.sup.IV. Once pin 38.sup.IV is positively engaged with slider/pull tab 30.sup.IV, the slider is urged up along the aligned teeth of first teeth set 26.sup.IV and second teeth set 34.sup.IV. The slider is urged up the teeth sets until end stops 28.sup.IV and 36.sup.IV are reached. Once this step is accomplished, first side 22.sup.IV becomes a closed end that encloses an end of sign 11. The same procedure is applied to the zipper structure secured to second side 40.sup.IV.

(66) With the zippers fully engaged, an air gap 42.sup.IV between the top of sign 11 and the flexion point (mid-section or offset mid-section) of the folded sign cover 10.sup.IV at the center point of first side 22.sup.IV is formed. This gap is continuous across the width of sign cover 10.sup.IV and provides an access point for the infusion of air along the top edge of sign 11 and any gap that may exist between sign cover 10.sup.IV and sign 11 over its entire height and width. It should be understood that the sides of sign cover 10.sup.IV do not have to be formed with the same type of edge. Illustratively, one side may be formed with a zig-zag shaped edge while the second side is formed with a straight or other shaped edge.

(67) With respect to the ends of sign cover 10.sup.IV, sign cover 10.sup.IV has a first end 14v having a zig-zag shaped edge comprising a series of alternating extended segments and receded segments. In one embodiment, grommets 16.sup.IV are formed or secured set back from the edge of each convex and concave segment. A second end 18.sup.IV opposite first end 14.sup.IV is formed with a zig-zag shaped edge comprising a series of alternating extended segments and receded segments. A second set of grommets 20.sup.IV are formed or secured set back from the edge of the side and each grommet 20.sup.IV is dedicated to a single extended segment or receded segment. Grommets 16.sup.IV and 20.sup.IV provide structural features that permit the ends to be secured together.

(68) To secure first end 14.sup.IV to second end 18.sup.IV, a set of strings, ropes or bungee cords, each designated as 52.sup.IV, are used in conjunction with the grommets. Once the ends are aligned so that corresponding complimentary extended and receded segments from each end are aligned, a leading end of a bungee cord 52.sup.IV is inserted into a single grommet 16.sup.IV from first end 14.sup.IV. The bungee cord is then pulled under sign 11 and threaded through a corresponding grommet 20.sup.IV on second end 18.sup.IV. A bungee cord anchor ball 54.sup.IV is secured to a trailing end of bungee cord 52.sup.IV and is dimensioned to have a diameter greater than the diameter of the grommet opening. After the leading end of bungee cord 52.sup.IV is inserted into grommet 20.sup.IV, the bungee cord is pull taught so that anchor ball 54.sup.IV registers against grommet 16.sup.IV. The leading end of bungee cord 52.sup.IV is next pulled over the adjoined edges of first end 14.sup.IV and second end 18.sup.IV and looped back over anchor ball 52.sup.IV and secured to the anchor ball via loop formed at the bungee cord leading end or tied to the anchor ball. The same procedure is performed for each set of corresponding aligned grommets in first end 14.sup.IV and second end 18.sup.IV. Once all the grommet sets have been secured, first end 14.sup.IV is secured to second end 18.sup.IV around the bottom end of sign 11 to completely enclose the sign in sign cover 10.sup.IV. It should be understood that the ends of sign cover 10.sup.IV can be formed with other shaped edges including straight edges as disclosed herein for other embodiments of the disclosure.

(69) Referring now to FIGS. 22-28, in a further aspect of the disclosure, an airfield sign cover, shown generally as 10.sup.V, includes a water repellent sheet 12.sup.V in the general form of a rectangle. It should be understood that the general shape of the sheet can differ from that of a rectangle and remain within the scope of the disclosure. As an illustrative, non-limiting example, the general shape of the sheet can be that of an oval or square. The shape of the object being covered by the sign cover will impact the overall shape of the sheet.

(70) A first set of eyelets 16.sup.V are secured proximal to a sheet first end 14.sup.V. Eyelets 16.sup.V may be equally spaced along the length of sheet first end 14.sup.V, or may be positioned irregularly spaced proximal to sheet end 14.sup.V. A sheet second end 18.sup.V, opposite sheet first end 14.sup.V, has a second set of eyelets 20.sup.V secured proximal to the second sheet end. The second set of eyelets 20.sup.V may be spaced equidistantly along the length of second sheet end 18.sup.V, or may be distributed in an irregularly spaced pattern proximal to the second sheet end.

(71) A first side 22.sup.V of sign cover 10.sup.V has two halves of a conventional zipper secured to the sidewall with each zipper half secured to opposing ends of the sidewall and each spaced from a center point of first sidewall 22.sup.V. A gap 19.sup.V is formed between the zipper halves. A first zipper half 24.sup.V includes a first set of zipper teeth 26.sup.V bounded by first zipper half end stops 28.sup.V. Secured to zipper teeth 24.sup.V is a slider/pull tab 30.sup.V that functions to join corresponding zipper teeth as explained in more detail herein.

(72) A second zipper half 32.sup.V includes a second set of zipper teeth 34.sup.V bounded by a second end stop 36.sup.V and a zipper pin 38.sup.V. The same configuration of a first zipper half and a second zipper half is repeated on a second side 40.sup.V of sign cover 10.sup.V opposite first side 22.sup.V. On second side 40.sup.V, a second gap 27.sup.V is formed between the zipper halves. To engage the zipper halves, the following procedure is used.

(73) As shown in FIG. 23, to secure sign cover 10.sup.V to an airfield sign 11.sup.V, sign cover 10.sup.V is placed over sign 11.sup.V with the approximate mid-section of the sign cover positioned at the top of sign 11.sup.V. It should be understood that the alignment of the mid-section to the top of the sign is substantially fixed by the presence of air-flow frames 60 disclosed in more detail below. To secure the ends of sign cover 10.sup.V around the edges of sign 11.sup.V, the folded edge of first side 22.sup.V is aligned so that zipper pin 38.sup.V can be inserted into slider/pull tab 30.sup.V. Once pin 38.sup.V is positively engaged with slider/pull tab 30.sup.V, the slider is urged up along the aligned teeth of first teeth set 26.sup.V and second teeth set 34.sup.V. The slider is urged up the teeth sets until end stops 28.sup.V and 36.sup.V are reached. Once this step is accomplished, first side 22.sup.V becomes a closed end that encloses an end of sign 11.sup.V. The same procedure is applied to the zipper structure secured to second side 40.sup.V.

(74) With the zippers fully engaged, an air gap 42.sup.V between the top of sign 11.sup.V and the flexion point (mid-section or offset mid-section) of the folded sign cover 10.sup.V at the center point of first side 22.sup.V is formed. This gap is continuous across the width of sign cover 10.sup.V and provides an access point for the infusion of air along the top edge of sign 11.sup.V and any gap that may exist between sign cover 10.sup.V and sign 11.sup.V over its entire height and width.

(75) To improve the flow of air about sign 11.sup.V, a pair of air-flow frames 60 are secured to an inner surface of cover 10.sup.V and spaced about a centerline 61. Each air-flow frame 60 has a length dimension shorter than the width dimension of the cover so that the ends of the air-flow frames are set back from the side edges of the cover. This enables the cover sides to be secured together about the ends of the sign as disclosed more fully herein. Each air-flow frame 60 further has a top air-flow frame segment 62 and a first shoulder segment 64 extending downwardly from a distal lateral edge 65 of the top air-flow frame segment. The distal lateral edge 65 is defined as the lateral edge of the top air-flow frame segment most distal from the centerline of the cover. A proximal lateral edge 67 of the top air-flow frame segment is the lateral edge closest to centerline. First shoulder segment 64 may or may not extend the entire length of top air-flow segment 62. In one embodiment, first shoulder segment 64 is discontinuous and only extends downwardly from the ends of the edge from which they extend.

(76) Air-flow frames 60 have a second shoulder segment 66 that extends downwardly from top air-flow segment 62 from an area spaced laterally inwardly from first shoulder segment 64 of the top-airflow segment. Second shoulder segment 66 is structured to engage the side of a sign 11.sup.V and lock the position of cover 10.sup.V to the sign. Second shoulder segment 66 may extend the entire length of air-flow frame 60 or may be discontinuous and extend downwardly from the ends of top air-flow segment 62. One (FIG. 25) or more (FIG. 27) air gap slots 68 are formed in top air-flow segment 62 and are structurally and functionally through-bores. Air gap slot 68 is formed so as to exit between the first shoulder segment 64 and the second shoulder segment 66. The presence of the air gap slots permits air flowing through gap 42.sup.V formed at the top of the cover 10.sup.V when secured to sign 11.sup.V to flow down through the slots to the sides of the sign.

(77) To maintain a gap between the inner surface of cover 10.sup.V and the sides of sign 11.sup.V, gap studs 70 may be secured at various locations on the inner surface of cover 10.sup.V distal from center line 61, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 28. It should be understood that only one gap stud 70 may be used per side or multiple gap studs may be used per side and remain within the scope of the disclosure. It should be understood further that the cross-sectional shape of the gap studs may have any regular or irregular geometric shape. The tips may be radiused, blunt, flat, pointed or any combination of shapes. Gap stud 70 may be modular or be formed with cover 10.sup.V.

(78) In an alternate embodiment, air-flow frames, designated generally as 60, are formed without first shoulder segment 64 as shown in FIG. 29. In this embodiment, a shoulder segment 66 is set back from a lateral, distal end 65 of top air-flow segment 62 and extends downwardly from air-flow segment 62. Shoulder segment 66 can extend down from top air-flow segment 62 at any point between its ends as long as it is set back from the lateral, distal end, i.e., the end most distal from an airfield sign when cover 10.sup.V is placed on the sign. One or more air-gap slot(s) 68 is/are formed in top air-flow segment 62 as one or more through-bores between a lateral, distal end of segment 62 and an outer surface of shoulder segment 66. The lateral, distal end of top air-flow segment 62 functions like first shoulder segment 64 to create a gap between the inner surface of the cover and the sides of the sign to permit air to flow along the sides of the sign. An inner surface of shoulder segment 66 will register against an airfield sign when cover 10.sup.V is positioned on an airfield sign. The lateral, distal end of top air-flow segment 62 will register against, or be connected to, an inner surface of cover 10.sup.V. When cover 10.sup.V is placed over a sign, air-gap slot(s) 68 will permit air entering gap 42.sup.V to flow down through top air-flow segment 62 and over the airfield sign, underneath cover 10.sup.V. In a yet further embodiment, the ends of air-flow frames 60 may be formed with axial end shoulders, 69 and 71 (as shown in FIG. 30), to wrap around the upper corners of sign 11.sup.V to further lock the position of cover 10.sup.V laterally and axially onto the sign.

(79) As shown in FIGS. 22-24 and 28, a sign cover, designated generally as 10.sup.V, has a first end 14.sup.V formed with a first plurality of grommets 16.sup.V spaced regularly or irregularly along the end and displaced from the edge of the end. A second end 18.sup.V opposite first end 14.sup.V is formed with a second plurality of grommets 20.sup.V also spaced regularly or irregularly along the end and displaced from the edge of end 18.sup.V. Grommets 16.sup.V and 20.sup.V provide structural features that permit the ends to be secured together.

(80) To secure first end 14.sup.V to second end 18.sup.V, a set of strings, ropes, cinching straps or bungee cords, each designated as 52.sup.V, are used in conjunction with the grommets. In one embodiment, a leading end of a bungee cord 52.sup.V is inserted into a single grommet 16.sup.V from first end 14.sup.V. The bungee cord is then pulled under sign 11.sup.V and threaded through a corresponding grommet 20.sup.V on second end 18.sup.V. A bungee cord anchor ball 54.sup.V is secured to a trailing end of bungee cord 52.sup.V and is dimensioned to have a diameter greater than the diameter of the grommet opening. After the leading end of bungee cord 52.sup.V is inserted into grommet 20.sup.V, the bungee cord is pull taught so that anchor ball 54.sup.V registers against grommet 16.sup.V. The leading end of bungee cord 52.sup.V is next pulled over the adjoined edges of first end 14.sup.V and second end 18.sup.V and looped back over anchor ball 52.sup.V and secured to the anchor ball via a loop formed at the bungee cord leading end or tied to the anchor ball. The same procedure is performed for each set of corresponding aligned grommets in first end 14.sup.V and second end 18.sup.V. Once all the grommet sets have been secured, first end 14.sup.V is secured to second end 18.sup.V around the bottom end of sign 11.sup.V to completely enclose sign 11.sup.V in sign cover 10.sup.V.

(81) For signs wider than the width of sign cover 10.sup.V, multiple sign covers 10.sup.V can be joined together to increase the width of the sign cover as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. One or more covers may be secured around a portion of an airfield sign to block just a portion of the sign as shown in FIG. 8. Any of these configurations with any of the embodiments disclosed herein is accomplished by securing the corresponding zipper teeth sets of two sign covers with their sides aligned adjacently to one another. The same zipper closing procedure used to secure a single cover side around a sign is used to secure two sides of adjacent sign covers. Once the sign cover segments are secured to one another, the assembled larger sign cover is placed over the large sign with the center point of the sides positioned adjacent the top of the sign. The folded sides of the larger sign cover are now secured together using the same zipper closing procedure disclosed herein. The long bottom ends of the joined sign covers are then secured together with strings, ropes or bungee cords as described for a single section sign cover 10.

(82) With the modular configuration of sign cover 10.sup.V, an infinite number of sign covers can be joined together to accommodate any size sign. The width of sign cover 10.sup.V can also be varied from one modular sign cover to another to customize the fit of an assembled sign cover relative to a specifically sized sign. The same is true of the length of the sign covers. The lengths can be customized to accommodate the height of any specific sign 11.sup.V so as to permit the ends of the sign cover to wrap around the bottom end of the sign when the sign cover is draped over the sign. It should further be understood that a single string, rope or bungee cord can be used to secure all the aligned grommets of the sign cover ends by weaving the rope or bungee cord through the grommet pairs in an alternating pattern until all the grommet pairs are secured together. It should further be understood that grommets can be substituted for zipper sets on the cover sides and a similar substitution can be made for grommets on the sign cover ends, i.e., the grommets sets replaced by zipper sets.

(83) The materials used to make any of the embodiments of the cover sign can include illustratively canvas, rubber, and any composite material that is sufficiently flexible to be draped over an airfield sign and permit the edges to be flexed together and joined. Ideally, the material should be water repellent and UV resistant. To those ends, surface treatments may be used to provide the desired resistant properties. With respect to the air-flow frames and gap studs, any flexible or rigid material may be used to construct these components. Elastomeric materials, such as rubber and reground used tires, also may be used for the air-flow frames and gap studs due to the advantageous gripping effect of the rubber that will enhance the securement of the covers to the signs.

(84) While the present disclosure has been described in connection with several embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Illustratively, sign cover edge shapes may take on any shape that provides interlocking surfaces to improve the sealing function of the joined surfaces. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. What I claim as new and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is