Patent ID: 9305475
Filing Date: 2016-04-05
CPC Classification: E01F,F21L,G09F

Claim Text:
1. A multipurpose sign base for supporting a roadway safety sign comprising an upstanding mast having at least an upper mast component and a lower mast component that are telescopically extensible and retractable, and that have a gas spring interposed therebetween to aid in raising the upper mast member relative to the lower mast member by releasing energy stored by the gas spring during lowering of the upper mast member relatively to the lower mast member; an elongate ground surface engageable horizontally extending support member rigidly connected to the lower mast component at a right angle to extend toward a hitch member of a vehicle; and a diagonal brace having a lower end rigidly connected to the elongate ground surface engageable support member and an upper end rigidly connected to the lower mast component, with a right triangle being defined between portions of the lower mast member, the ground surface engageable support member, and the diagonal brace, and with structurally weakened breakaway connections being provided in the diagonal brace and the lower mast member at locations near the ground engageable support member.