Patent ID: 7997033
Filing Date: 2011-08-16
Classification: G09F

Abstract:
1. A multi-panel system for making a sign blank having a mounting surface, comprising: at least a first and a second pultruded fiberglass sign panels, each panel having: (a) a sign side having a substantially flat and continuous sign surface and having a first end and a second end; (b) a back side having a first edge and a second edge that are parallel and located on opposite ends of the back side, wherein the first end of the sign side extends outwardly past the first edge of the back side to form an angled protrusion, and wherein the second end of the sign side is shaped to have an angled notch of dimensions corresponding to the angled protrusion; (c) a first channel end protruding outwardly from the first edge of the back side forming an angle of about 90° with the back side, wherein a distal end of the first channel protrusion is furthest away from the back side; (d) a second channel end protruding outwardly from the second edge of the back side forming an angle of about 90° with the back side, wherein a distal end of the second channel protrusion is furthest away from the back side; and (e) at least one mounting channel extending inwardly from the distal end of at least one of the first channel end or second channel end of the first or second pultruded fiberglass panel; wherein, the first channel end of the first pultruded fiberglass sign panel is fastened substantially adjacent to the second pultruded fiberglass sign panel; the first and the second pultruded fiberglass sign panels are connected lengthwise along the second edge of the first channel end of the first pultruded fiberglass sign panel, wherein the angled protrusion of the first end of the sign side of the first pultruded fiberglass sign panel overlaps the angled notch of the sign side of the second pultruded fiberglass sign panel, forming the substantially flat and continuous sign surface on the sign side of the multi-panel system and forming the mounting surface on the distal ends of the first and second channel protrusions, wherein the overlap of the angled protrusion and the angled notch create a non-perpendicular hidden seam between the sign panels at the sign side, wherein the first or second pultruded fiberglass sign panel comprises a first interlocking face extending outwardly from the first channel end and a second interlocking face extending outwardly from the second channel end, wherein the first and second interlocking faces are substantially perpendicular to the sign surface, wherein the second interlocking face on the first sign panel can engage the first interlocking face on the second sign panel to fully couple the first and second sign panels together such that additional connection between the panels is not required a wherein the at least one mounting channel has an inner periphery that forms an empty space enclosed on three sides for attachment to a post or mounting bracket to display the sign blank, and wherein the at least one mounting channel permits the sign blank to be retrofit to existing fastening devices on the post or mounting bracket of highway signs.