Portable sign assembly

The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to a sign assembly. In one embodiment, a sign assembly includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel extends between an upper portion and an opposite lower portion. The second panel extends between an upper portion and an opposite lower portion. The first and second panels are pivotably coupled to one another about a pivot axis such that the sign assembly is positionable in an open configuration and a closed configuration. Further forms, embodiments, features, and aspects are disclosed herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to sign assemblies which may be used for advertising, providing instruction or displaying information, amongst other things. Sign assemblies may be located indoors or outdoors. Some sign assemblies may be portable and thus may be repositioned in different locations.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to sign assemblies. In one non-limiting embodiment, a sign assembly includes a first panel extending between an upper portion and an opposite lower portion. The lower portion may be configured to be positioned on a surface underlying the sign assembly. The first panel includes a receptacle positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion and configured to receive a placard. The receptacle includes a recessed surface substantially corresponding in size and shape to the placard and including a convex configuration.

In another non-limiting embodiment, a sign assembly includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel includes a first hinge member spaced a first distance from a first edge of the first panel and a second hinge member spaced a second distance less than the first distance from a second edge of the first panel. The second panel includes a first hinge member and a second hinge member, the first hinge member spaced a first distance from a first edge of the second panel and the second hinge member spaced a second distance less than the first distance from a second edge of the second panel. The hinge members of the first panel are configured to engage with the hinge members of the second panel to pivotably couple the first and second panels to one another.

In still another embodiment, a sign assembly includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel extends between an upper portion and an opposite lower portion and includes a first opening defining a first upper end. The second panel extends between an upper portion and an opposite lower portion and includes a second opening defining a second upper end. The first and second panels are pivotably coupled to one another about a pivot axis positioned below the first and second openings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of promoting an understanding of the disclosed subject matter, reference will now be made to the following embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the subject matter is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the described subject matter, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the subject matter. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to sign assemblies. In one non-limiting embodiment, a sign assembly includes a first panel and a second panel which are pivotably coupled to one another. In this arrangement, the first and second panels may be pivoted relative to each other between open and closed configurations of the sign assembly. Further details regarding this and other subject matter is provided herein below.

More particularly, with general reference toFIGS. 1-7, one non-limiting embodiment of a sign assembly1is illustrated in various perspective, side and top views. Sign assembly1includes a first panel100and a second panel200which are pivotably coupled to one another such that sign assembly1may be positioned in an open configuration as illustrated inFIGS. 1-4for example, and a closed configuration as illustrated inFIGS. 5-7for example. Further details regarding features of the illustrated forms of the first panel100and the second panel200are provided below. It should be understood that in other non-illustrated embodiments, first panel100and second panel200may include one or more features in addition to or in lieu of those described in this document, or may include fewer features than those described herein.

A first panel100extends between an upper portion116and an opposite lower portion118. The lower portion118is configured to be positioned on a surface underlying the sign assembly1, such as a finished floor, pavement, or soil, just to provide a few non-limiting examples. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion118includes a first leg120spaced apart from a second leg122. In other non-illustrated embodiments, legs120and122may be omitted from the lower portion118and the lower portion118may be configured to directly engage a surface underlying the sign assembly1without legs120and122. Alternatively, the lower portion118may include just one leg or more than two legs.

As illustrated for example inFIGS. 1 and 3, the first panel100includes a receptacle136positioned between the upper portion116and the lower portion118. Receptacle136includes a surface134which is recessed relative to an outer surface140of first panel100. Surface134includes a convex configuration which will be discussed in further detail below. The first panel100also includes a plurality of retaining members138positioned between recessed surface134and the outer surface140. For the sake of clarity, only a few of retaining members138are identified in the Figures. The first panel100also includes openings142, which are positioned at corners of receptacle136in the illustrated embodiment, although other variations are contemplated. The recessed surface134, receptacle136, retaining members138, and the openings142will be discussed in further detail below.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1,3, and5for example, the first panel100includes an opening126positioned between an upper end124of first panel100and the receptacle136. The opening126includes an arcuate upper surface128opposite a linear lower surface130. The upper end124includes an arcuate end surface132which generally corresponds to arcuate upper surface128, although variations between surfaces128and132are possible. In non-illustrated embodiments, the arcuate upper surface128or the arcuate end surface132may be semi-circular, linear or any other configuration. Similarly, linear lower surface130is illustrated as an example only and may also be semi-circular, arcuate or any other configuration. Accordingly, in non-illustrated embodiments, the opening126may be substantially oval, circular, square, rectangular, elongate, or any other shape or configuration, including combinations of the foregoing shapes.

As illustrated for example in FIGS.1and8-11, the opening126and the upper end124are configured to facilitate convenient transport and positioning of the sign assembly1. For example, the upper end124can be used as a handle and a person may grasp the upper end124of the sign assembly1to manipulate its location. Additionally, a person may engage the sign assembly1by lifting on arcuate upper surface128by positioning at least a portion of their hand through the opening126.

Turning now to the second panel200and with more particular reference toFIGS. 2 and 3, the second panel200extends between an upper portion216and an opposite lower portion218. It should be understood that the upper portion216and the lower portion218generally correspond to upper portion116and lower portion118of the first panel100.

The lower portion218is configured to be positioned on a surface underlying the sign assembly1, such as a finished floor, pavement, or soil, just to provide a few non-limiting examples. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion218includes a first leg220spaced apart from a second leg222. In other non-illustrated embodiments, legs220and222may be omitted from the lower portion218and the lower portion218may be configured to engage a surface underlying the sign assembly1. Alternatively, the lower portion218may include just one leg or more than two legs.

As illustrated for example inFIG. 2, the second panel200includes a receptacle236positioned between the upper portion216and the lower portion218. The receptacle236includes a surface234which is recessed relative to an outer surface240of the second panel200. Surface234includes a convex configuration which will be discussed in further detail below. The second panel200also includes a plurality of retaining members238positioned between the recessed surface234and the outer surface240. For the sake of clarity, only a few of the retaining members238are identified in the Figures. The second panel200also includes openings242, which are positioned at corners of receptacle236in the illustrated embodiment, although other variations are contemplated. The recessed surface234, receptacle236, retaining members238, and openings242will be discussed in further detail below.

As illustrated inFIG. 2for example, the second panel200includes an opening226positioned between the upper end224of the second panel200and the receptacle236. The opening226includes an arcuate upper surface228opposite a linear lower surface230. The upper end224includes an arcuate end surface232which generally corresponds to arcuate upper surface228, although variations between surface228and232are possible. In non-illustrated embodiments, the arcuate upper surface228or the arcuate end surface232may be semi-circular, linear or any other configuration. Similarly, linear lower surface230is illustrated as an example only and may also be semi-circular, arcuate or any other configuration. Accordingly, in non-illustrated embodiments, the opening226may be substantially oval, circular, square, rectangular, elongate, or any other shape or configuration, including combinations of the foregoing shapes.

The opening226and the upper end224are configured to facilitate convenient transport and positioning of the sign assembly1. For example, the upper end224can be used as a handle and a person may grasp the upper end224of the sign assembly1to manipulate its location. Additionally, a person may engage the sign assembly1by lifting on arcuate upper surface228by positioning at least a portion of their hand through the opening226.

In the illustrated embodiment of sign assembly1, the first panel100and the second panel200are substantially identical. In this form, panels100,200may facilitate, inter alia, more efficient manufacture of the sign assembly. For example, if all or part of the sign assembly1is molded, then the substantially identical relationship of panels100,200may allow all or part of both panels to be manufactured using a single mold. Alternatively, the substantially identical relationship of panels100,200may allow both panels to be manufactured using similar or substantially identical molds.

In non-illustrated embodiments, the first panel100and the second panel200may not have a substantially identical relationship. For example, one or more features described relating to the first panel100or the second panel200may be omitted without the corresponding feature on the other panel being omitted. The first panel100and the second panel200are pivotably coupled to one another such that sign assembly1may be positioned between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Turning toFIG. 6for example, the first panel100includes hinge members144and146and the second panel200includes hinge members244and246. Hinge member144of the first panel100engages with the hinge member246of the second panel200. Similarly, hinge member146of the first panel100engages with the hinge member244of the second panel200. As illustrated, each of hinge members144,146,244,246include three sub-members, although variations in the configuration of hinge members144,146,244,246are possible. A pin, bolt or other similar component (not shown) is positioned through aligned apertures of hinge members144and246and hinge members146and244in order to maintain engagement therebetween. An axis A1extends through hinge members144,146,244,246and defines a pivot axis about which the first panel100and the second panel200rotate with respect to each other.

The first panel100also includes oppositely positioned lateral edges148and150and the second panel200includes oppositely positioned lateral edges248and250. The lateral most sub-member of hinge member144is spaced inwardly from lateral edge148at a distance D1. The lateral most sub-member of hinge member146is spaced inwardly from lateral edge150at a distance D2. The lateral most sub-member of hinge member244is spaced inwardly from lateral edge248at a distance D3. The lateral most sub-member of hinge member246is spaced inwardly from lateral edge250at a distance D4.

Distance D2is less than distance D1and distance D4is less than D3. Distance D1is substantially the same as distance D3, and distance D2is substantially the same as distance D4. The difference between the distances D1and D3with respect to D2and D4is substantially equal to the width of a sub-member of hinge members144,146,244,246. This positioning allows hinge member144to properly engage with hinge member246and hinge member146to engage with hinge member244. Additionally, the positioning permits edge148to be substantially aligned with edge250when the first panel100and the second panel200are pivotably coupled. Similarly, the positioning permits edge150to be substantially aligned with edge248when the first panel100and the second panel200are pivotably coupled.

Amongst other things, the aligned edges may protect the sign assembly1from damage in case of a side impact to the sign assembly1by distributing the force of the impact to both aligned edges, and/or eliminate a protruding edge which can be engaged by wind, a passer-by or other force that displaces sign assembly1.

In non-illustrated embodiments, the edges148,250or150,248may not be aligned. Furthermore, D1may not be equal to D3and D2may not be equal to D4. In some embodiments, D2may not be less than D1and/or D4may not be less than D3. Non-illustrated embodiments include sign assemblies in which distances D1, D2, D3, and D4may be interchanged in a variety of alternative configurations.

Additionally, while the widths of the sub-members of hinge members144,146,244,246are illustrated as being substantially equal, it should be understood that the sub-members may include varying widths in non-illustrated forms. Furthermore, non-illustrated sign assemblies include embodiments where hinge members144,146,244,246have any number of sub-members or a single sub member. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, sign assembly1includes the first panel100which has only one hinge member and second panel200which only has one hinge member. In this form, the single hinge member on each of first and second panels100,200may extend across all or part of the distance between lateral edges148,150and248,250, respectively. Alternatively, the first panel100may have any number of hinge members and the second panel200may have any number of hinge members.

As illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11, hinge members144and146and axis A1are positioned below the opening126and the upper end124. In this embodiment, opening126does not extend to either hinge members144or146. The positioning and the features of the first panel100substantially correspond to the positioning and features of the second panel200. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, hinge members244,246, the opening226, and the upper end224are substantially identical in structure and positioning to the corresponding features of the first panel100. However, non-illustrated embodiments contemplate sign assemblies including first and second panels100,200with non-identical features and or positioning of such features.

The hinge members144,146,244, and246positioned at distances D1, D2, D3, and D4relative to lateral edges148,150,248,250and below upper ends124,224may be such that the hinge members144,146,244, and246are shielded or protected from an impact to the sign assembly1. Additionally or alternatively, such positioning may also protect the hinge members144,146,244, and246from weather damage when the sign assembly1is in the open configuration, such as for example, deterioration from prolonged sun exposure or moisture damage from rain, snow or other precipitation.

Amongst other things, the configuration of the sign assembly1may reduce or prevent interference with or manipulation of the hinge members144,146,244,246when the sign assembly1is in the open configuration. For example, when the sign assembly1is in the open configuration, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4for example, the upper portions116and216generally obstruct access to the hinge members from the top of the sign assembly1. Further, when sign assembly1is in the open configuration, the distances D1, D2, D3, and D4from lateral edges148,150,148,250may reduce or prevent interference with or manipulation of the hinge members144,146,244from the sides of the sign assembly1.

The configuration of the sign assembly1may also reduce or prevent interference with or manipulation of the hinge members144,146, when the sign assembly1is in the closed configuration. For example, the distances D1, D2, D3, and D4from lateral edges148,150,248and250may be such that the hinge members are not readily accessible or reachable when the sign assembly1is in the closed configuration. As illustrated inFIG. 6for example, a distance D5between the first panel100and the second panel200and the positioning of the hinge members below the upper ends124,224may be such that access to hinge members144,146,244, and246is generally obstructed.

In addition, the configuration of the sign assembly1may be such that interference with, damage to or manipulation of the hinge members144,146,244and246is reduced or prevented in either the closed or open configurations.

As indicated above, a pin, bolt or other similar component (not shown) is positioned through aligned apertures of hinge members144and246and hinge members146and244in order to maintain engagement therebetween. In other embodiments, the hinge members144,146,244,246may include other hinge structures to couple the corresponding hinge members to pivotably connect the first panel100and the second panel200. For example, hinge member144may include projections which engage with corresponding receptacles in hinge member246or vice versa, and/or hinge member146may include projections which engage with corresponding receptacles in hinge member244or vice versa.

As illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11, the first panel100includes ribs or struts160configured to provide reinforcement to the first panel100. Specifically, the ribs160are positioned on a side of the recessed surface134facing second panel200and may contribute to the structure of the convex configuration of recessed surface134discussed below. The second panel200also includes ribs or struts260(FIG. 1) configured to provide reinforcement to the second panel200. Specifically, the ribs260are positioned on a side of the recessed surface234facing first panel100and may contribute to the structure of the convex configuration of recessed surface234discussed below.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, the receptacle136is configured to receive a placard170. Each of the plurality of retaining members138define a space configured to receive a portion of the placard170between the recessed surface134and the respective retaining member138. When the placard170is placed in the receptacle136, the plurality of retaining members138retain the placard170in receptacle136.

Although the illustrated embodiment includes a number of the plurality of retaining members138, it should be understood that in non-illustrated embodiments, first panel100may include any number of retaining members138, including only one retaining member138or none at all. In certain forms, the retaining members138may be elongate or may be channels configured to receive a portion of the placard170. The retaining members138may be positioned anywhere on the sign assembly, and are not limited to edges of the panels. In some embodiments, additional retaining members138may be located near features similar to the upper portion116and/or similar to the lower portion118.

As illustrated in the Figures, the openings142extend through the recessed surface134and are configured to receive a corner of the placard170. When the placard170is placed in the receptacle136, the corners of the placard170positioned in the openings142also assist in retaining the placard170in the receptacle136. Forms in which openings142are omitted and only retaining members138retain placard170in receptacle136are also possible, and it is also possible that panel member100only includes openings142in the absence of retaining members38to retain placard170in receptacle136.

In the illustrated embodiment, the placard170includes a rectangular configuration. However, in non-illustrated embodiments, the placard may have an alternatively shaped configuration, including, for example, square, circular, oval, or any other shape or any combination thereof.

The first panel100includes four openings142, although it should be understood that variations in the number of openings142are possible. In forms where placard170includes a configuration having one or more corners, the number of openings142may correspond to the number of corners of the placard170. In other embodiments, the number of openings142may be more or less than the number of corners of the placard170. In forms where placard170includes a configuration that is free from corners or includes rounded corners, placard170may be retained in receptacle136by retaining members138only and without assistance from openings142which may or may not be omitted from panel100.

Referring now toFIGS. 9 and 9A, further details regarding the convex configuration of recessed surface134will be provided. The recessed surface134includes a convexity extending along an axis A2as illustrated in the cross-section view ofFIG. 9Ataken along view line9A-9A inFIG. 9. In other embodiments, the recessed surface134may also include a convexity extending along an axis orthogonal to axis A2. The convex configuration of recessed surface134is also illustrated inFIG. 3as well as other figures.

The convex configuration of the recessed surface134provides the placard170with a convex configuration corresponding to the convex configuration of recessed surface134when the placard170is placed in the receptacle136. In one form, the placard170is substantially planar and resilient such that, if deformed, it is disposed to recoil or spring back to its planar shape. When the placard170is placed in the receptacle136and obtains a convex configuration from recessed surface134, the resilience of the placard170assists in retaining placard170in the receptacle136. More particularly, the resilience of the placard170may dispose portions of the placard170against the plurality of retaining members138to assist in retaining the placard170in the receptacle136. Additionally or alternatively, the resilience of the placard170may dispose corners of the placard170against the first panel100near the openings142to retain the placard170in the receptacle136.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1,2and4for example, a strut300is removably coupled to the first panel100and the second panel200. The strut300can also be referred to as a cross member. Referring now toFIG. 7, the strut300includes a protrusion302and an oppositely positioned protrusion (not shown) on a first end304and a protrusion306and an oppositely positioned protrusion (not shown) on a second end308.

The strut300includes support members314. For the sake of clarity, only a few of the support members314are identified in the Figures. The support members314are arranged in a triangular pattern and run the length of the strut300and can provide structural support to the strut300. In non-illustrated forms, there may be any number of support members314or no support members. Alternatively, in non-illustrated forms the support members314may not run the entire length of the strut300. Support members314may also be arranged in a pattern other than the illustrated triangular pattern. For example, support members314may be arranged in a square, rectangular, cross-hatch, or any other configuration that provides structural support.

As illustrated inFIG. 2for example, the sign assembly1includes a second strut400. The second strut400substantially corresponds to strut300and also includes oppositely positioned protrusions on opposite first and second ends. Strut400also includes support members414which may be include the same configuration as described above in connection with support member314of strut300. In non-illustrated forms, sign assembly1may include any number of struts that may be similar to strut300or strut400or may not include any struts or similar structures.

Referring now toFIGS. 10 and 11for example, the first panel100includes coupling members162,164,166and168. The coupling members162,164,166and168each include corresponding openings172,174,176, and178(illustrated inFIG. 10). Each opening172,174,176, and178is configured to receive any one of the protrusions of strut300. The coupling members162,164,166and168are positioned substantially orthogonal to a plane corresponding to the first panel100. The coupling members162,164,166and168are resilient and tend to return to the substantially orthogonal position when deformed. The second panel200also includes coupling members, some of which may not be shown in the Figures, which are substantially similar and correspond to the coupling members of the first panel100. The coupling members of second panel200also include corresponding openings, some of which may not be shown in the Figures.

The coupling members of first panel100and second panel200are arranged in corresponding pairs. For example, coupling members162and164define a first pair while coupling members166and168define a second pair. Each corresponding pair of coupling members forms snap hinge couplings configured to facilitate removable coupling with the struts300,400. The coupling members of each corresponding pair are positioned a distance D6from each other. Distance D6may be substantially equal to a width of the struts300,400, although it should be understood that distance D6may also be slightly less than the width of the struts300,400because the coupling members are resilient.

One end of struts300,400may be inserted between a corresponding pair of coupling members. For example, the first end304of strut300may be inserted between coupling members162,164. Coupling members162and164may be deformed from their orthogonal position to allow the first end304including the protrusions to be inserted in between the coupling members162and164. The first end304may be positioned such that the protrusions are aligned with openings172and174such that when the coupling members162and164return to their orthogonal positions the first end304is removably coupled to the first panel100. This attachment may also be referred to as a snap hinge attachment or snap hinge coupling configuration. Either end of the struts300and400may be similarly inserted into any of the corresponding pairs of coupling members for attachment to either the first panel100or the second panel200.

In the illustrated example, the struts300and400are substantially identical on their respective first and second ends. This configuration allows any end of the strut300to interchangeably engage to any of the corresponding coupling members. Additionally, the struts300and400are configured such that the struts may be rotated 180 degrees around their respective longitudinal axis and interchangeably engage to any of the corresponding coupling members.

In non-illustrated embodiments, struts similar or differing from struts300and400may couple to only one of the coupling members of first and second panels100,200. In addition, a panel may have any number of coupling members and the struts may be configured to couple to any number of coupling members. In some variations, the sign assembly may include only one strut or may include any number of struts. In other non-illustrated forms, struts300,400may be omitted from sign assembly1.

Sign assembly1may be positioned between an open configuration as illustrated inFIGS. 1-4for example, and a closed configuration as illustrated inFIGS. 5-7for example. When the sign assembly1is in the closed position, the first panel100and the second panel200are substantially parallel. In the closed position the sign may be carried by a person by either upper end124or upper end224, or both.

The configuration of the hinge members144,146,244and246extending from the first and second panels100,200and positioned below the upper ends124,224helps facilitate movement of sign assembly1to the open configuration. For example, one or both of the upper ends124,224may be displaced towards each other and thereby provide a lever-like action that pivots one or both of the panels100,200to the open configuration as illustrated inFIG. 4.

The sign assembly1may be configured such that both of the upper ends124,224may be grasped by one hand of a person when the sign assembly1is in the closed configuration. Using only one hand, a person may displace the upper ends124,224towards each other to move the sign assembly1to the open configuration. The configuration of the sign assembly1may be such that leverage of the configuration of the sign assembly1may assist in opening the sign assembly1with one hand.

Even in forms where the sign assembly1is configured such that both of the upper ends124,224may not be grasped by one hand of a person, the leverage provided by the configuration of the sign assembly1may assist in positioning the sign assembly1in the open configuration.

In the illustrated form, when the sign assembly1is in the open position, the upper end124is engaged with the upper end224(FIG. 3). Engagement of the upper ends124and224may add to stability of the sign assembly1when it is in the open position. Additionally, engagement of the upper ends124and224may protect the hinge members and/or struts. In non-illustrated forms, upper ends similar to124and224may be positioned close to each other but may not be engaged when the sign assembly1is in the open configuration.

Referring now toFIG. 3, the sign assembly1may also include a retaining element500. The retaining element500is configured to retain the upper ends124and224in engagement with or in close proximity to one another when the sign assembly1is in the open configuration. The retaining member500may be configured to directly engage the upper ends124,224, and may be, for example, in the form of a strap, hook and loop strap, cable, line or wire or any similar component. Retaining member500may also be may be any type of fastener that mechanically or otherwise retains the upper ends124and224in engagement or close proximity to one another, non-limiting examples of which include bolts, screws, buckles, buttons, cable ties, clamps, clasps, clips, pins, latches, slides, grommets, rings, ties, and magnets. In the illustrated form, retaining element500is positioned through openings126,226and around the upper ends124,224to retain the upper ends124,224in engagement, although other variations in the positioning of retaining element500are possible.

When the sign assembly1is in the closed configuration, the retaining element500may be engaged with one panel of the sign assembly1, or it may be removed from the sign assembly1. In other examples, the retaining element500may be configured to engage both panels100,200when the sign assembly1is in the closed configuration in order to maintain sign assembly1in the closed configuration.

The struts300and400may be coupled to both the first panel100and the second panel200to help retain the sign assembly1in the open position. The struts300and400may also be disengaged from either the first panel100or the second panel200as illustrated for example inFIG. 6. When either strut300or400is disengaged from one panel and engaged with the other panel, the strut may pivotably rotate as illustrated by rotational lines inFIG. 4. The struts300,400may rotate about an axis of rotation defined by the protrusions of struts300,400.

The axes that the struts300and400rotate about are substantially parallel to the axis of rotation A1of the hinge members144,146,244and246coupling the first panel100and the second panel200.

The struts300and400may be disengaged from either the first panel100or the second panel200such that the struts300,400may be rotated to a folded position as illustrated for example inFIG. 6. When the struts300,400are in the folded position, the sign assembly1may be positioned to the closed configuration. The struts300,400may be rotated to a folded position along either the first panel100or the second panel200because the snap hinge attachments may be disconnected from either panel. Furthermore, the struts300,400may be completely disconnected from the sign assembly1and removed.