Abstract:
A collapsible signaling device bearing a pair of opposed message panels is convertible between a display configuration and a compact linear storage configuration. The message panels are joined together at spaced apart points along their periphery using spacers to form a pocket having an internal cavity. A mast is insertable within the pocket and is joined to the panel members at its upper end. A pair of struts of spring material are joined at one end to the upper end of the mast and are joined at their lower ends to a slider member which is slidably movable with respect to the mast. As the slider member is advanced toward the upper end of the mast, the struts are outwardly bowed imparting outwardly directed tension to the periphery of the message panels.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention pertains to signs bearing a pair of opposed message panels and in particular to such signs which can be collapsed and roll up for compact linear storage.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Safety warning signs play an important role in protecting school children at crossing sites as well as construction workers at road side and other construction locations. Temporary signs may mounted for free standing operation or may be hand held. One important type of sign includes a pair of opposed message panels typically bearing the legends “STOP” and “SLOW”. A worker or crossing guard standing alongside a mounted sign can rotate the sign as desired to display the appropriate message. Similarly, hand held signs can be rotated to display the appropriate message to oncoming motorists.  
         [0005]     Because of their temporary nature, these types of signs are usually carried with other equipment in an automobile or other vehicle, and are extracted as needed. Functionally, the signs could be constructed with rigid message panels and this will provide oncoming motorists and others with the desired safety warning. However, many users prefer the sign to take on a linear or elongated storage configuration, rather than a flat panel configuration. Examples of roll up signs are found in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,256 as well as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,694,711; 5,729,926; 5,551,177; and 5,598,654. In general, the signs described in these patents are provided with a number of different styles of panel-supporting framework which is collapsible or otherwise configurable to assume a compact storage configuration. However, there is a continued desired for sign systems which are readily configurable between storage and display positions. It has also been found desirable to provide such sign systems with the ability to assume a linear or elongated storage configuration.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The present invention provides improvements over the prior art by providing an inexpensive collapsible sign system that can be quickly converted between storage and display configurations. Sign systems according to principles of the present invention are preferably joined together to form a unitary assembly, although variations in which the assemblies are broken into two or more components can be provided.  
         [0007]     There is an object of the present invention to provide collapsible, opposed message panel sign systems which are lightweight and which can be readily configured into a linear or elongated semi-cylindrical storage configuration.  
         [0008]     A further object of the present invention is to provide such sign panel systems with improved internal tensioning for opposed message panels of fabric or other flexible configuration. It is also an object of the present invention to provide sign panel systems in which flexible message panels having a reflective coating are maintained in a taut planer display configuration, substantially free of waves or wrinkles which might produce an unintended dazzle effect in nighttime conditions once objected to focused, point sources of light.  
         [0009]     These and other objects, according to principles of the present invention, are provided in a collapsible signaling device, including a pair of opposed message panels joined at their marginal edges to form a pocket member. The panels are joined together utilizing spacers so as to form an internal volume within the pocket member. A mast is inserted within the pocket member and is secured to the pocket member at its upper end. A pair of struts or bands of spring material extend along the mast and are joined at one end to the upper portion of the mast. A slider member slidably movable with respect to the mast is joined to the remaining ends of the struts. When the slider member is inserted increasing amounts within the mast, the struts mast and slider member cooperate to cause the struts to bow outwardly and to contact at least some of the spacers thus applying outwardly directed tension to a series of points about the outer periphery of the sign panels. This maintains the sign panels in a taut, planer configuration. A lock member holds the slider in desired position relative to the mast, maintaining the sign panels in a display configuration. To store the signaling device, the lock member is released allowing withdrawal of the slider from the mast. Upon sufficient withdrawal, tension on the struts is released allowing the struts to lie alongside the mast. The message panels can then be rolled about the mast to form a linear or elongated, substantially cylindrical, storage configuration. In one embodiment, the slider member comprises a tube telescopically insertable within a tubular mast. In a second embodiment, the slider member comprises a collar slidably movable along the mast. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]      FIG. 1  shows a first embodiment of a signaling device in a fully opened display configuration;  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  shows the display device in a fully closed and wrapped storage configuration;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the signaling device of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  shows the internal structure of the signaling device in a fully opened configuration;  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  shows the internal structure of the signaling device in an intermediate, partially open configuration;  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  shows the internal structure of the signaling device in a fully closed configuration;  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is a rear elevational view of the signaling device in a fully closed, unwrapped configuration;  
         [0017]      FIG. 8   a  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  8   a - 8   a  of  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 8   b  is a cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 8   a  showing a subsequent sequence of operation;  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  is a fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 9 , but showing an alternative fastening arrangement;  
         [0021]      FIG. 11  shows the alternative display device in a fully opened configuration;  
         [0022]      FIG. 12  shows the alternative display device in a fully closed and wrapped configuration;  
         [0023]      FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 14  shows the internal structure of the alternative signaling device in a fully opened configuration;  
         [0025]      FIG. 15  shows the internal structure of the alternative signaling device in an intermediate, partially open configuration;  
         [0026]      FIG. 16  shows the internal structure of the alternative signaling device in a fully closed configuration;  
         [0027]      FIG. 17  is a rear elevational view of the alternative signaling device;  
         [0028]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  18   a - 18   a  of  FIG. 14 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 18   b  is a cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 18   a  showing a subsequent sequence of operation;  
         [0030]      FIG. 19  is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 13 ; and  
         [0031]      FIG. 20  is a fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 19  but showing an alternative fastening arrangement  
         [0032]      FIG. 21  is a fragmentary perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of a signaling device according to principles of the present invention:  
         [0033]      FIG. 22  is a front elevational view thereof:  
         [0034]      FIG. 23  is a side elevational view thereof:  
         [0035]      FIG. 24  is a fragmentary perspective view of a further embodiment of signaling device according of principles of the present invention:  
         [0036]      FIG. 25  is a front elevational view thereof:  
         [0037]      FIG. 26  is a side elevational view thereof:  
         [0038]      FIG. 27  is a fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment of signaling device according principles of the present invention:  
         [0039]      FIG. 28  is a front elevational view thereof:  
         [0040]      FIG. 29  is a side elevational view thereof:  
         [0041]      FIG. 30  is another fragmentary perspective view of signaling device according to principles of the present invention:  
         [0042]      FIG. 31  is a front elevational view thereof: and  
         [0043]      FIG. 32  is a side elevational view thereof.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0044]     Turning now to the drawings and initially to  FIGS. 1-10 , a first embodiment of a collapsible signaling device according to principles of the present invention is generally indicated at  10 . As will be seen herein, signaling device  10  is readily configurable between a fully opened display configuration illustrated in  FIG. 1  and a storage configuration illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Signaling device  10  includes a pair of opposed message panels  12 ,  14  which preferably have the same shape and size and are arranged in a registered, overlying relationship. If desired, the message panels could be made of rigid or semi-rigid material. However, further advantages made possible by the present invention are attained in signaling device arrangements in which the message panels are flexible, such as message panels of fabric and especially reflective, coated fabric compositions.  
         [0045]     As can be seen by comparing  FIGS. 4 and 7 , the opposed message panels bear different indicia. In the illustrated embodiment, message panel  12  displays the safety message “STOP” while message panel  14  displays the safety message “SLOW.” As mentioned, the message panels have the same shape and size. In the preferred embodiment, the message panels  12 ,  14  have an octagonal margin or outer edge  16 ,  18  with corners  20 ,  22 , respectively. Referring to  FIG. 4 , message panel  12  bears the legend “STOP” and accordingly the octagonal field of the display surface of the message panel is appropriately octagonal in shape. As is customary, the background color of message panel  12  is red and the message lettering is white. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the message panel  14  bears the legend “SLOW” which is conventionally displayed on a diamond-shaped field. Accordingly, message panel  14  includes a message field  26  which has a diamond shape and which is safety yellow in color, with lettering in black. The outer portion  28  lying between message field  26  and outer edge  18  is made non-conspicuous so as to avoid confusing the general indication of a warning message provided by the diamond-shaped message field  26 . In the preferred embodiment, outer area  28  has a black color, although sky gray, sky blue or other colors are possible.  
         [0046]     As indicated above, the opposed message panels  12 ,  14  have the same shape and size, although the present invention contemplates other arrangements. For example, the message panels could have different shapes or sizes if desired. Further, the message panels need not contain a text message, a color-keyed message background, or a shape-keyed message field.  
         [0047]     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1-7 , and in particular to  FIG. 4 , the message panels  12 ,  14  are joined together at their corners  20 ,  22  using spacers  30  and rivet fasteners  32  which extend through the message panels  12 ,  14  and the intervening spacers  30  in the manner indicated in  FIGS. 3 and 9 . As indicated in  FIG. 9 , rivets  32  are preferably of hollow construction and back up washers  34  are provided at each rivet head. In the preferred embodiment, spacers  30  have a cylindrical shape although other shapes may be employed, if desired. The circular shape of spacers  30  is preferred for their cooperation with spring bands  38 , shown for example in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0048]     Turning now to  FIGS. 4-6 , signaling device  10  includes telescopically interfitting arrangement of an upper mast  40  and a lower slider  42 . In the preferred embodiment, mast  40  and slider  42  have generally tubular configurations with slider  42  telescopically interfitting within mast  40 . Preferably, slider  42  freely undergoes longitudinal movement within mast  40 . As can be seen for example in  FIGS. 4-6 , spring bands  38  are arranged on either side of mast  40  and slider  42 . In the fully closed position illustrated in  FIG. 6 , bands  38  lie generally parallel to and adjacent mast  40  and slider  42 . As can been seen in  FIGS. 4-6 , spring bands  38  have a band-like flat spring configuration and are preferably rectangular in cross section. The upper ends of bands  38  are pivotally connected to the upper end of mast  40  at pin connections  50 . The lower ends of bands  38  are pivotally connected at  52  to slider  42 . In the preferred embodiment, the upper ends of panels  12 ,  14  are secured with a threaded fastener  56  to the upper end of mast  40 . By collapsing the spring bands  38 , as indicated in  FIG. 6 , and removing threaded fastener  56 , the joined message panels  12 ,  14  can be conveniently removed from the internal structure of signaling device  10 . Preferably, with the use of rivet fasteners  32 , the outer periphery of the sign panels  12 ,  14  are joined together with spacers  22  to form a pocket subassembly. If desired, removable fasteners can be employed to join the outer peripheries of the message panels to allow their separation from one another, although this has not been found necessary or desirable in the preferred embodiment.  
         [0049]     Turning now to  FIGS. 4-6 , operation of the signaling device will be described. In  FIGS. 4-6 , the signaling device is portrayed in exploded pictorial format for explanatory purposes. In use, the message panels in  FIGS. 4-6  are joined together, preferably permanently in the outer periphery and most preferably at the corners of their outer edges. In  FIG. 4 , the signaling device is shown in a fully opened display position with spring bands  38  fully expanded in an arcuate, generally part circular shape. In the fully expanded configuration, spring bands  38  preferably contact some or all of the spacers  22  so as to exert an outwardly directed force through the spacers and rivet fasteners to the message panels. Accordingly, it is generally preferred that outwardly directed tension forces be applied to the corners of the message panels to maintain the message panels in a taut condition. This arrangement provides the highest performance for the message panels, particularly for message panels made of reflective material, where it is important to maintain the message panels in a flat, generally planar condition to display the clearest message indication.  
         [0050]     As mentioned, the message panels rely on the multi-point spaced array of outwardly directed tensioning forces imparted to the rollers, rivets and message panels by spring bands  38 . These outwardly directed forces are maintained by a preselected amount of telescopic interfitting of slider  42  within mast  40 . In the fully-opened position illustrated in  FIG. 4 , mast  40  and slider  42  are locked together to prevent relative telescopic movement. Virtually any locking arrangement can be employed, although the preferred locking arrangement as illustrated in  FIG. 8   a , includes a ramp button  60  secured to one end of a flat spring  62 , held captive within slider  42 . An aperture  64  formed in mast  40  (see  FIG. 8   b ) allows the ramp button  60  to engage mast  40  in the manner indicated in  FIG. 8   a , thus locking the mast and slider together in fixed position.  
         [0051]     By depressing the ramp button in the manner indicated in  FIG. 8   b , slider  42  is allowed downward movement in the direction of arrow  66 . Downward movement in the direction of arrow  66  is aided by stored spring force within spring bands  38  which tend to assume the fully-relaxed position illustrated in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 5  illustrates an intermediate operating position temporarily assumed by the signaling device upon release of ramp button  60  in the manner indicated in  FIG. 8   b . Slider  42  through its pivotal coupling  52  to spring bands  38  experiences a downwardly directed tension force developed by the pivotal fixation of the upper ends of spring bands  38  to the upper end of mast  40 , utilizing pivotal connections  50 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , outward tension forces are relaxed in all but two of the spacers, located in the lower portion of the signaling device. If left unimpeded, slider  42  continues a downward motion relative to mast  40  with the spring bands  38  assuming a position substantially parallel to and closely spaced about opposing sides of mast  40  and slider  42  (see  FIG. 6 ). When the signaling device  10  is employed with a sign stand base or other mounting for slider  42 , the slider will be maintained in a stationary position while mast  40  will be made to travel in an upward direction throughout the sequence of operation explained above with reference to  FIGS. 4-6 . In either event, with relative telescopic motion of the slider, stored energy in spring bands  38  is relaxed, allowing the spring bands to collapse against or close to mast  40  and slider  42 .  
         [0052]     In the preferred embodiment, mast  40  and slider  42  are made of relatively rigid material such as aluminum or plastic, although virtually any materials known today can be employed for the purpose. For example, lightweight filled fiberglass composites may offer advantages in certain applications. If desired, mast  40  and slider  42  can exhibit a certain amount of flexibility, provided the relative telescopic movement of the two members is not substantially impaired. As mentioned, it is generally preferred that the mast and slider members have a tubular configuration. Preferably, these members are hollow for weight reduction purposes. If desired, hollow plastic tubing can be employed. For example, mast  40  can be made of 1.5 inch diameter Schedule  40  plastic pipe or the like, if desired. The use of plastic pipe materials is particularly attractive when the signaling device  10  is to be hand held.  FIG. 2  shows the signaling device  10  in the fully-collapsed configuration of  FIG. 6  with the message panels  12 ,  14  rolled about the mast and slider to form an elongated generally cylindrical storage package which is favored for its compactness and easy stowability. Thus, the signaling device  10  is particularly suitable for use by emergency or temporary personnel who carry a range of equipment in addition to the signaling device.  
         [0053]     Turning now to  FIG. 10 , an alternative construction similar to that of  FIG. 9  is shown. In  FIG. 9 , the cylindrical spacer  30  is fixedly secured to message panels  12 ,  14  by rivet fastener  32 . In  FIG. 10 , an internal spacer  70  is employed to provide spacer  30  a rotational mounting, allowing spacer  30  to freely rotate about rivet fastener  32 . This arrangement reduces wear on the outer surfaces of the spacers arising from contact with spring bands  38  and assures a reliable, positive displacement of the spring bands when multiple points of contact are simultaneously established in the manner indicated in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0054]     Turning now to  FIGS. 11-20 , an alternative signaling device is indicated at  110 . As will be seen herein, signaling device  110  includes many of the same components as described above with reference to signaling device  10 . For example, signaling device  110  includes opposed message panels  12 ,  14  joined together to form a pocket assembly, using spacers  22  and rivet fasteners and washers  32 ,  34 . In the preceding embodiment, mast  40  of signaling device  10  has a length corresponding generally to the height of the message panels, as can be seen for example in  FIG. 4 . In signaling device  110 , mast  40  is substantially longer, extending well beyond the message panel as can be seen for example in  FIG. 16 . In message panel  110 , the upper ends of spring bands  38  are attached to the upper end of mast  40  as in the preceding embodiment. However; the lower ends of spring bands  38  are attached to a sliding collar  150  which has an internal bore dimensioned for sliding reception of mast  40 , as illustrated for example in  FIG. 18   a . As can be seen in  FIG. 18   b , sliding collar  150  includes an aperture  152  dimensioned to receive ramp button  60 , in the manner indicated in  FIG. 18   a  showing the sliding collar  150  and mast  40  locked together.  
         [0055]     Operation of the signaling device  110  is the same as that described above with respect to signaling device  10 . With reference to  FIGS. 14-16 , signaling device  110  is initially shown in a fully-opened display configuration, with collar  150  locked to mast  40  in the manner indicated in  FIG. 18   a . By depressing ramp button  60 , collar  150  is allowed to slide in a downward direction of arrows  156 , as illustrated in  FIG. 18   b . Signaling device  110  is then allowed to take on the temporary intermediate configuration illustrated in  FIG. 15 , with spring bands  38  partially collapsed, bearing only against the lowermost pair of spacers  22 . The stored energy in spring bands  38  biases slider collar  150  for further sliding displacement until the spring bands  38  are relaxed in the manner indicated in  FIG. 16 . In the preferred embodiment, sliding collar  150  is made of a plastic material while mast  40  comprises a hollow aluminum tube.  
         [0056]     Referring now to  FIGS. 21-32  alternative embodiments of signaling devices according to principles of the present invention are shown. In summary, the signaling devices shown  FIGS. 21-32  resemble the signaling devices shown above, except that the flat metal springs have been replaced with non metallic spring elements. Preferably, the spring elements of  FIGS. 21-32  comprise plastic-like materials exhibiting an ability to store a spring force when deflected from a rest position. Most preferably, the spring elements of  FIGS. 21-32  comprise conventional fiberglass rounds and ribs.  
         [0057]     Referring now to  FIGS. 21-23 , signaling device  200  is substantially identical to signaling device  10  shown above in  FIGS. 1-10 , except that the flat springs or spring bands  38  are replaced by a non metallic, preferably fiberglass rod  210 . Preferably, rod  210  has the same overall length and bending force as spring bands  38 . Whereas the spring bands  38  are conventionally prepared for attachment using metal forming techniques, the fiberglass rods  210  require a mounting bracket  212  preferably made of molded plastic material. Bracket  212  includes a cylindrical recess to receive the free end of fiberglass  210 , as illustrated in  FIG. 21 . The remaining bottom end of bracket  212  includes a clevis portion  214  defining a slot  216  for receiving an ear  218  constructed from or otherwise joined to slider  42 . A rivet connection  222  secures the mounted bracket to slider  42 . If desired, the fiberglass rod  210  can be secured to mounting bracket  212  with an epoxy resin or other adhesive.  
         [0058]     Turning now to  FIGS. 24-26 , signaling device  230  generally resembles signaling device  110  described above with reference to  FIGS. 11-20 , but with the spring band  38  replaced with a non metallic spring element  210 , preferably of fiberglass construction. Signaling device  230  includes a mounting bracket  232  having a first end defining a recess for receiving the free end of fiberglass rod  210  and a second end  234  defining slots  236 ,  238  for receiving the mounting ears  240 ,  242  of sliding collar  150 . Except for the addition of mounted ears  240 ,  242 , sliding collar  150  of  FIG. 24  is substantially identical to the collar of  FIGS. 18   a ,  18   b  for example. A line  152  is provided, as shown in  FIG. 24 , by receiving the button protrusion  60  shown in  FIGS. 18   a ,  18   b.    
         [0059]     Turning now to  FIGS. 27-29  a signaling device  250  is substantially identical to the signaling device  230  described above with reference to  FIGS. 24-26 , except that the cylindrical non metallic spring element  210  is replaced by a non metallic spring element  252  having a bar shape with an elongated rectangular cross section.  
         [0060]     Referring to  FIGS. 30-32 , signaling device  270  is substantially identical to signaling device  230  described above with reference to  FIGS. 24-26 , except that the cylindrical non metallic spring element  210  is replaced with a non metallic spring element  272  having a bar shape with a generally rectangular cross section. Preferably, the spring element  272  is of conventional fiberglass ribbed construction, as is the spring element  252  show in  FIG. 27 .  
         [0061]     Operation of the signaling devices shown in  FIGS. 21-32  is substantially identical to operation of signaling devices shown in the proceeding  FIGS. 1-20 . If different spring characteristics are desired, the non metallic spring elements of  FIGS. 21-32  can be replaced with conventional non metallic spring elements.  
         [0062]     The drawings and the foregoing descriptions are not intended to represent the only forms of the invention in regard to the details of its construction and manner of operation. Changes in form and in the proportion of parts, as well as the substitution of equivalents, are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient; and although specific terms have been employed, they are intended in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being delineated by the following claims.