Sign display support apparatus

A signing display support apparatus utilizing a fastening element at the corners of a frame member, the fastening element having a connector element, preferably of elastic material, that is affixed diagonally to a non-elastic securing element. The securing element has a member for cinching up a stiffening element that retains a wire element therethrough. As four or more of the fastening elements are deployed peripherally around the interior of a frame member, the wire element is deployed through the stiffening elements and the positioning of the stiffening elements is determined by the selectable length of the securing elements.

FIELD OF INVENTION 
This invention relates to signs and, more particularly to an apparatus for 
supporting sign elements within a frame member. Specifically, this 
invention teaches the construction of an apparatus for the suspension of 
electrified sign elements within the area of a frame member. 
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 
Sign materials are typically fitted to a frame and quite often the frame 
itself may be purchased to accommodate a slightly larger or smaller 
display. This is because the clips or fastening means have no adjustment 
and cannot materially accomodate a larger or smaller display within the 
frame. 
Fitting a display to a frame member is more complicated if the display is 
electrified, as with an array of lights in a grid to spell out or outline 
a display figures; the wiring should be hidden from view and the lighting 
elements themselves supported within the display. Moreover, as indicated, 
special frames must often be built to insure a proper sizing of display 
within the frame member. 
The present invention relates to a means for supporting electrified 
lighting element and to allow their arrangement and subsequent display 
within a frame member while concurrently hiding or camouflaging the wiring 
thereof as well as the support means to the display. 
This invention further relates to a means for varying the size of the 
display support mechanism thereby allowing many different sizes of 
displays to be supported within a given frame member area. 
This invention also relates to a means for fastening a display support 
means to a frame member and for providing mechanical and magnetic means 
for adhering the support structure to the frame or other suitable mounting 
surfaces. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
The following cited references are considered to be exemplary of the U.S. 
prior art. They are: 
______________________________________ 
Inventor 
______________________________________ 
U.S. Pat. No. 
3,702,033 Coleman 
2,499,731 Derington 
2,154,088 Guba 
Design Patent Nos. 
1,959,936 Escalante 
241,282 Mihojevich 
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U.S. Pat. No. 3,702,033, issued to Coleman, discloses a display device 
having arrangements of lights both in the interior and exterior of the 
frame. 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,499,731, issued to Derington, discloses a translucent sheet 
of material secured in position over a window to display Christmas 
greetings or decorations. 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,154,088, to Guba discloses an arrangement of illuminating 
elements or electric lamps upon a support to form an advertising message. 
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 1,9959,936, issued to Escalante and Des. b 241,282 to 
Mihojevich, discloses ornamental designs for illuminated display signs. 
None of the above cited references, taken singularly or in combination 
disclose the specific construction of the present invention in any way so 
as to bear upon the claims as appended hereto. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
An object of the present invention is to provide means for adapting the 
size of an illuminated display to the size of a frame member, to position, 
align and expand or contract the arrayed lighting elements to fit the size 
or area available within a frame member. 
Another object of the invention is to provide fastening means to affix the 
apparatus to any suitable mounting surface such as a frame member and 
further to provide a variety of adhering means, such as threaded 
fasteners, VELCRO or magnetized means of attaching the signing display 
apparatus to a mounting surface. 
Another object of the sign display apparatus is to provide means for 
guiding or aligning a wire filament element to selectively tighten or 
loosen the filament as needed for any individual sign element display.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Reference is now made to the drawing in which like numerals relate to like 
elements throughout. The sign display support apparatus includes fastening 
means 12, such as an angle bracket to fit within a corner of a frame 
member 28. Fastening means 12 may, optionally have a magnetized strip (not 
shown) affixed to lower surface 12", or VELCRO strip affixed thereto to 
supplemental adhere fastening means 12 to any suitable mounting surface 
where threaded fastening are inappropriate. 
A connector element 14 is removably affixed to the fastening means 12 and 
is constructed of any suitable pliable, preferably elastic material. 
Connector element 14 attaches to fastening means 12 by a recess. Connector 
element 14 is removable from fastening means 12 so as to allow the 
connector element 14 to be slidably removed from fastening means 12. 
Fastening means 12 has a plurality of apertures therethrough for the 
insertion of threaded screws to affix fastening means 12 to a frame member 
or other suitable mounting surface and further may be magnetized to 
provide still another method of attachment. 
Connector element 14 has attached thereto securing element 16 that extends 
substantially diagonally outward from connector element 14. Securing 
element 16 has a non-elastic construction of any suitable, preferably 
transparent material; the linear extension of non-elastic securing element 
16 distributes any coefficient of loading to the elastic properties of 
connector element 14 to provide thereby a stable support platform that yet 
absorbs vibrations and impacts on the display; the loading coefficient 
being distributed through connector element 14 directly to fastening means 
12. 
Securing element 16 has cinching means 18 such as a hook and loop 
construction to draw up and secure in the open terminal end 16' of 
securing element 16. Stiffening element 24 is slidably deployed along the 
length of securing element 16; stiffening element 24 being substantially 
centered on securing element 16 and transversely deployed thereto. 
Stiffening element 24 is configured to accept a wire element therethrough 
and has a vee-configuration 24' providing a guideway recess that 
effectively guides a wire element through apex 22 to contain and direct a 
wire element 26 through the sign display support apparatus. The apparatus, 
containing the wire element 26 allows the wire element 26 to be slidably 
adjusted within the frame member 28. 
Wire element 26 defines a peripheral configuration within frame member 28 
as the wire or filament element 26 is deployed or strung through a 
plurality of corner mounted fastening means 12. 
The area or size of the area of this peripheral wire configuration is 
regulated by recourse to securing element 16, that adjusts the net 
effective length of stiffening element 24 into or away from its respective 
fastening means 12. 
As securing element 16 is lengthened or shortened, the stiffening element 
24 and its captive wire or filament element 26 is drawn in closer or 
conversely is disposed outwardly to increase the net size of a display 
area as defined by the periphery configuration of the filament element 26. 
Sign elements 32 may be electrified, the wires to same being hidden or 
camouflaged behind support element 30, which is a translucent sheeting 
material placed within frame member 28; the translucent quality of the 
glass visually disguising the base or plugs of the lighting elements 32. A 
matte frame 36 adds yet another element of visual appeal to the sign 
material by hiding any visual reference to the wire element or support 
means. 
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the 
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily 
occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the 
invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and 
accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents, which may be 
resorted to, fall within the scope of the invention.