Abstract:
A base for supporting variable signage comprising a support surface with front and back planar surfaces extending therefrom. Opposed side surfaces extend between the front and back planar surfaces. Each planar surface includes at least two opposed channels adapted to receive and support a changeable signage against the planar surface. At least one signage support receptacle is formed integral with the base.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to a display sign base. More particularly, it relates to a sign base designed to accommodate changeable messages in multiple support and signage configurations. 
     Various types of signage systems are known in the art. These signage systems range from signs permanently attached to support structures permanently fixed at a display location, for example, street signs; to signs permanently attached to moveable support structures, for example, real estate signs; to moveable supports with interchangeable signs. The supports can include embedded posts, spiked rods that penetrate the ground, and various portable bases. The portable bases include metal or plastic tube frames, hollow structures capable of being filled with sand or water for stability, and various other configurations. 
     A problem common to most prior portable bases is that the bases are generally designed to accommodated only a single support and signage configuration. Additionally, many of the prior portable bases are designed with a low profile to occupy a minimum space. As a result, the bases are out of view and often pose a tripping hazard to pedestrians passing by the signs. Other bases are provided with a higher profile, however, the higher profile often results in a less stable base susceptible to wind and the like. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a portable sign base which provides a stable support for multiple signage and support configurations. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention relates to a base for supporting variable signage. The base includes a support surface with front and back planar surfaces extending therefrom. Opposed side surfaces, preferably having a trapezoidal profile, extend between the front and back planar surfaces. Each planar surface includes at least two opposed channels adapted to receive and support a changeable signage against the planar surface. At least one signage support receptacle is formed integral with the base. The signage support receptacles are preferably configured to support various sign supports including rods, polls, square tubing and the like. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a sign base in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the sign base of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the sign base of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the sign base of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is a bottom elevation plan view of the sign base of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the sign base of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line  7 — 7  in FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line  8 — 8 in FIG. 4 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sign lock component. 
     FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line  10 — 10  in FIG.  4 . 
     FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of the sign base of FIG. 1 showing alternate sign support configuration 
     FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line  13 — 13  in FIG.  11 . 
     FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along the line  14 — 14  in FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing an alternate sign support configuration. 
     FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the sign base of FIG.  16 . 
     FIG. 18 is a front elevation of the sign base of FIG.  16 . 
     FIG. 19 is a side elevation of the sign base of FIG.  16 . 
     FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the sign base of FIG.  16 . 
     FIG. 21 is a bottom plan view of the sigh base of FIG.  16 . 
     FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the sign base of FIG.  22 . 
     FIG. 24 is a front elevation of the sign base of FIG.  22 . 
     FIG. 25 is a front elevation of the sign base of FIG.  22 . 
     FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the sign base of FIG.  22 . 
     FIG. 27 is a bottom plan view of the sign base of FIG.  22 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The preferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood with reference to the drawings, wherein like elements are designated by like numerals throughout. 
     FIGS. 1 through 14 illustrate the basic structure of the preferred embodiment of the sign base  10  of the present invention. The sign base  10  preferably includes a front surface  12 , a rear surface  14 , an upper surface  16 , a lower surface  18  and side surfaces  17  and  19  defining a single triangular unit having a hollow interior chamber  35 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the lower surface  18  preferably has a rectangular configuration with the longer sides extending between the two side surfaces  17  and  19 . The lower surface  18  includes foot pads  8  at each corner. The rectangular configuration in conjunction with the foot pads  8  provide the base  10  a stable support surface. The contact points defined by the foot pads  8  also help prevent sliding of the unit. The center portion of the lower surface  18  is defined by a cavity  5 , the function of which will be described in more detail hereinafter. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, each side surface  17 ,  19  has a generally trapezoidal configuration with its longer edge extending along a respective shorter edge of the lower surface  18 . Each side surface  17 ,  19  includes a lower notch  7  along its lower edge which extends into the cavity  5  thereby defining a lifting handle on each side of the sign base  10 . The lower surface foot pads  8  further raise the notches  7 , thereby making the handles more accessible. 
     Referring to FIGS.  1  and  6 - 8 , the upper surface  16  extends between the shorter edges of the side surfaces  17 ,  19 . The upper surface  16  includes a pair of sign rod receptacles  22 . More or fewer sign rod receptacles  22  can be provided. Each receptacle  22  includes a recessed aperture  23  through which a portion of a sign rod  21  can be passed. A groove  24  extends from each recessed aperture  23 . The grooves  24  are configured to receive a bend portion of the sign rod  21 , thereby providing a stop and preventing the sign rod  21  from rotating. The sign rods  21  extend up from the bend portions above the upper surface  16  to receive a sign  75 . The rods  21  are preferably configured to receive a plastic corrugated sign. The opposite end of each sign rod  21  is preferably threaded and extends through an aperture  27  in the lower surface aligned with the receptacle aperture  23 . The cavity  5  allows a wing nut  73  or the like to be secured to the threaded portion of the rod  21  extending through aperture  27 . The upper surface  16  also preferably includes an opening  34  which may be used to fill the internal chamber  35  of base  10  with weight material  37 , for example water or sand. 
     To prevent removal of the signage  75  from rods  21 , a lock component  29  can be provided in conjunction with one or both of the rods  21 . Referring to FIG. 9, an illustrative lock component  29  is shown. The lock component  29  includes a first apertured portion  29   a  through which the rod  21  can be passed and which seats adjacent the recessed aperture  23 . Once the rod  21  is secured, the lock component  29  is maintained in position by the bend portion of the rod  21 , as shown in FIG.  8 . The lock component  29  includes a second apertured portion  29   b  which extends adjacent the signage  75 . Referring to FIG. 7, the signage  75  can be provided with an aperture  76  which aligns with the aperture in the lock component  29 . A lock, bolt or the like (not shown) can then be extended through the apertures and secured. 
     Referring to FIGS.  1  and  10 - 14 , an external groove  11  extends along each side surface  17 , 19  and the upper surface  16 . The groove  11  is configured to receive metal or plastic sign frame tubing. Tap holes  80  may be provided at various locations within the groove  11  for receiving tap screws  82  or the like for securing the frame tubing  25  to the base  10 . 
     Illustrative frame tubing signage and support arrangements are shown in FIGS. 11-14. In the example shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the support frame  25  includes two side support tubes  25   a  with upper and lower horizontal tubes  25   b,c  extending therebetween. The side tubes  25   a  and lower tube  25   c  include a continuous slot  26   a  and the upper tube  25   b  has a through slot  26   b.  Signage  75  is inserted through the through slot  26   b  and maintained in the continuous slot  26   a.  Other configurations of slotted frame tubing can be supported by the groove  11 . 
     In the example shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, a tube base  25   a  is secured in the groove  11  with a support rod  26   b  extending up therefrom. Various signage  75 , including banners, can be secured to the support rod  26   b  in various known manners. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and  7 , the front an d rear surfaces  12 ,  14  extend from the longer edge of the lower surface  18  inward to the narrower upper surface  16 . The front and rear surfaces  12 , 14  each preferably include an upper channel  13  and a lower channel  15  adapted to receive changeable signage  46  therein. The signage  46  is slidably mounted within the channels  13 ,  15  which serve to hold the edges of the signage  46  in position. If it is desired to change the signage 6   46 , such can be removed and a new indicia inserted in its place. The channels  13 ,  15  preferably extend across the width of the surface, but may be segmented to provide support at spaced locations. The channels  13 , 15  can be formed integral with the surfaces  12 , 14  or can be formed separately and secured thereto. 
     FIG. 15 shows an alternate sign support configuration. In this embodiment, fill opening  34  is also configured to receive a frame tubing support  25  from which signage  75  can be supported. The opening  34  preferably has a square configuration to prevent rotation of the frame tubing support  25 . The internal chamber  35  is provided with a seat  39  which receives and supports the frame tubing support  25 . 
     FIGS. 16-21 illustrate an alternate embodiment  100  of the present invention. Sign base  100  has a structure similar to that of sign base  10 , with the addition of an external protrusion  131  extending from each side surface  17 ,  19  adjacent the notch  7 . The protrusion defines a more substantial handle. Additionally, the protrusion  131  includes a groove  133  aligned with the side surface groove  11 . The bottom surface of the protrusion groove  133  provides a larger platform to support the support tubing  25 . 
     FIGS. 22-27 illustrate another alternate: embodiment  200  of the present invention. Sign base  200  has a structure similar to that of sign base  10 , with the addition of clips  240  positioned adjacent the lower channel  15  on the front  12  and rear  14  surfaces. The clips  240  provide supports for a protective overlay (not shown) if such is used. Alternatively, the channels  13 ,  15  can be configured such that a protective overlay can be inserted therein in addition to the advertising indicia  46 .