Abstract:
A wind sail sign system for mounting to existing sign structural columns and a method of raising or lowering a wind sail sign over and around other signs comprising a winch assembly and guide elements. The wind sail sign of the instant invention is constructed of lightweight materials, quick-change frame assemblies and laminated panels.

Description:
This is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 07/956,367, filed Oct. 5, 1992, now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to signs and particularly to highway display signs of the type commonly employed along the roadways of interstate highways or shopping malls. This invention is even more related to wind sail-type signs that are hinged at the top to allow some degree of motion as a result of wind force. 
     2. General Background 
     Wind sail signs have been used for many years to reduce the resistance loads created by strong winds on the support columns. The movement of these types of signs have proven effective in attracting the attention of those who pass. Signs of this type usually are permanently mounted, not easily accessible, inherently dangerous, and costly to change any type of display. To overcome some of these problems, other inventors such as A. L. BAUERS ET AL U.S. Pat. No. 2,522,157 devised a method of changing or lowering the poster panels from a sign frame to reduce sign damage from high winds. GEORGE R. ASACHIKA, U.S. Pat. No. 2,591,494, also devised a sign structure having a channel in which rollers located on each side of the sign are guided to raise or lower the sign frame during high wind conditions. 
     The teachings of Bauers and Asachika do not anticipate the possibility of raising and lowering a wind sail sign without the use of a guide channel or the possibility of erecting such signs utilizing existing sign structures. The prior art does not address a means for raising or lowering a sign while maneuvering over/around an obstruction. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The wind sail sign system of the present invention consists of a new and novel approach to improving existing roadside signs and free standing sign structures using the wind sail sign principles. 
     Existing roadside signs generally do not justify their cost due to over-design of the support structures because of their height and the lack of movement. Wind sail signs are designed to &#34;spill&#34; the wind thereby reducing wind load on the support structure and, as an added benefit, provide motion that is eye-catching. 
     Most roadside signs are of the fixed panel type, meaning the whole panel must be replaced, when a change in the message is required, often an expensive and tedious process. Even when signs have changeable message capability, the process of changing is a hazardous operation, requiring personnel to work from high ladders. Where sail signs are employed, the danger to personnel is multiplied due to wind movement of the sign. 
     Now that gasoline stations often sell other items such as food to lure travelers of the road, advertising such items is becoming more competitive. Messages describing such items need to be changed frequently and inexpensively to keep pace with the changing market. Therefore, a simple, attractive, inexpensive, and easily changeable sign system is needed. 
     It is an object of the present invention to improve sail sign systems, having a universal support structure, in a manner whereby they can be easily adapted to existing roadside sign structures. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a means for changing a wind sail sign message panel from ground level. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a means for raising and lowering a sign from over or between other signs. 
     Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved sail sign having quick-change, laminated paper panels. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a double column roadside sign structure with the adaptations of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the sail sign system with a portion of the lighting fixture cut away for clarity. 
     FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sail sign lighting fixture and support structure. 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the sail sign support structure taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3 and a partial view of the sail sign exposing the sail sign&#39;s support cable attachments. Support cable and guide line pulley arrangements are also shown. 
     FIG. 5 is a partial cross-section view of the sail sign and sail sign support structure taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4. 
     FIG. 6 is a partial cross-section view of the sail sign and sail sign support structure taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 4. 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the sail sign support structure taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 4. 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the lighting fixture taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 3. 
     FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the winch assembly shown mounted on a sign column. 
     FIG. 10 is a front view of the winch assembly with cover removed for clarity. 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of the winch assembly with cover open showing cable tensioning means. 
     FIG. 12 is an isometric view of adaptations of the present invention to a dual column roadside sign structure showing a method of guiding a wind sail sign to or from ground level with guide lines. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring first to FIG. 1, the present invention can be easily mounted on almost any signs column. The wind sail sign 5 structural support 1 can be secured to sign columns 3 either cantilevered or supported between the columns of existing signs 2. Each wind sail sign 5 can be independently highlighted by installing lighting fixtures 9. The wind sail sign system as shown in FIG. 2 comprises the wind sail sign 5, its support structure 1, a lighting fixture assembly 9 is required, a winch assembly 7 with support cables 15 and control guide lines 13. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, the wind sail sign support structure 1 is attached to a sign column 3 in a cantilevered manner. The lighting fixture assembly 9 is secured to the sign column 3 and wind sail sign structure 1 by cross braces. 
     FIG. 4 provides an understanding of the support cables 15, guide lines 13, and guide system which preferably includes a channel located inside the structural support 1. The wind sail sign 5 is supported by support cables 15 attached to a pair of hinge assemblies 17 via pulleys 20 and 20&#39; held in tension by the winch 6 and spring arrangement 12. Sufficient cable length is secured on the winch 6 drum to allow the wind sail sign 5 to be lowered to ground level. The guide lines 13 pass through a set of ring guides 30 along each side of the wind sail sign 5 and have weights 16 attached at the end. The free ends of the guide lines 13 are secured to a cleat 27 located inside the winch assembly 7 (FIGS. 9-11). Sufficient length of control guide line 13 is provided to allow the weights 16 to reach ground level when released. Each guide line 13 extends over a pair of spaced pulleys 31 and 31&#39;. Pulleys 20 and 20&#39; and 31 and 31&#39; are mounted within the channel 32 which is secured within the support structure by fasteners 18 which are located outside of the support structure to allow for easy removal and maintenance. The channel 32 extends through a slot 33 in the bottom surface of the support structure. 
     As shown in cross-section in FIG. 5 &amp; 6 the wind sail sign 5 is comprised of two display tension frame assembles 19 surrounding a foam core 23. The foam core is weather sealed by aluminum foil 35 on each face. A laminated display paper 21 is held firmly in place by tension frame assemblies 19. Hinge assemblies 17 are attached to re-enforcing plates 25 bent at 90 degrees and located adjacent the foam core 23 at each corner of the wind sail sign 5 and further serve to secure the opposing display tension frames 19 in a box-like manner around the perimeter of the foam core 23. Conduits 14 serve as guides for support cables 15 and control guide lines 13 and further provide protection from the elements and vandalism. 
     The winch assembly 7 as shown in FIG. 9,10 &amp; 11 comprises a housing having a lockable and pivotal front cover 8, a winch assembly 6 with a removable handle, which can be motor driven by a power wrench if desired, a clearing arrangement 27 for securing the control guide lines 13, and a biasing means 12 for maintaining even tension on the support cables 15. 
     When lowering the wind sail sign 5 for any reason, the guide lines 13 are released, allowing the weighted ends 16 to drop to ground level where one or two people can control the swinging motion of the wind sail sign 5. Another person can release the winch and slowly begin lowering the wind sail sign 5 while those guiding the wind sail sign 5 via the control guide lines 13 maintain control even when the wind sail sign 5 is being passed over another sign as shown in FIG. 12. 
     An alternative method of raising or lowering the wind sail sign 5 is anticipated by providing ground anchoring eyes, (not shown), located at an appropriate distance and angle, to provide clearance for the sign around other obstructions. One person could thread the ends of the guide lines through the anchor eye and thereby provide control and guidance of the wind sail sign while operating the winch 7.