MOUNTING DEVICE

Abstract: The present invention relates to mounting devices (2) for use in securing an object, such as a sign, to a supporting post via a channel (4) having inturned lips (8) attached to the object. In one aspect, the mounting device (2) is formed from a resiliently flexible strap (10) adapted to be passed around the post and tightened, the strap (10) having a region (12) adapted for attachment to the channel comprising a substantially flat plate portion (14) for insertion into the channel to be retained therein by the inturned lips (8), the plate portion (14) being bounded by narrower neck regions (16, 18) adapted to extend through the channel mouth. In a second aspect, the mounting device and strap are formed separately, the mounting device having slot means to receive the strap. The mounting devices have the advantage that they are convenient and easy to assemble ready for use in the field.

Description: MOUNTING DEVICE Field of the Invention The present invention relates to mounting devices, and more particularly to mounting devices for use in securing an object, such as a sign, to a supporting post. Background of the Invention In the past, mounting devices have often comprised multiple parts that need to be assembled together to provide a device which is then used to fix a sign to a post. These mounting devices can be somewhat expensive to make and inconvenient to assemble m the field. Accordingly, there is a need for a mounting device which is cheaper to manufacture and/or easier to use. Summary of the Invention In a first aspect, the present invention provides a mounting device for securing an object to a post comprising a resiliently flexible strap adapted to be passed around the post and tightened, the strap having a region adapted for attachment to a channel member attached to the object, the channel member having a mouth restricted by inturned lips, said attachment region of the strap comprising a substantially flat plate portion for insertion into the channel to be retained therein by the inturned lips, the plate portion being bounded by narrower neck regions adapted to extend through the channel mouth. Accordingly, in this aspect the present invention provides a mounting device in which the attachment portion is formed integrally with the strap. This allows the mounting device to be made as a single component. Thus, the mounting device can be punched out from a metal strapping, eg stainless steel, and then folded into the conformation of the finished mounting device. In one embodiment, the strap is provided at one of its ends with a buckle to allow the ends of the strap to be fastened around the post when the strap has been tightened, eg using a suitable tensioning tool. In an alternative embodiment, the strap can be provided with flanges at its ends, apertured for adjustable interconnection by a nut and a bolt. In a variation of this embodiment, the flanged ends of the strap meet in the region of one end of the plate portion. In this case, a bolt having a head adapted to be retained in the channel can be inserted into the channel so that a shank of the bolt protrudes through the mouth of the channel. The flanged ends can then be located over the shank of the bolt to be secured by a nut. This has the advantage of securing the mounting device to the channel at more than one location. Advantageously, the head of the bolt can be shaped to prevent the bolt head turning in the channel when the nut is tightened. An example of this is a channel having a dove-tail cross-section and a bolt having a square head chamfered along two parallel sides to match the dove-tail cross-section of the channel. In some embodiments, the attachment region may comprise a plurality of plate portions for insertion into the channel. In this case, each of the plate portions is provided with narrower neck regions adapted to extend through the channel mouth with the portion of the strap between closely adjacent plate portions preferably being formed into a bight adapted to seat against the post. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a mounting device for securing an object to a post with a resiliently flexible strap adapted to be passed around the post and tightened, the device having a region adapted for attachment to a channel member attached to the object, the channel member having a mouth restricted by inturned lips, said attachment region comprising a substantially flat plate portion for insertion into the channel to be retained therein by the inturned lip , wherein the mounting device is provided with slot means adapted to engage the strap. Accordingly, this aspect of the present invention provides a mounting device which can be formed as a single component and can be prepared for use by threading the strap through the slot means. This allows the device and strap to be readily preassembled for use in the field. In the first embodiment, the slot means are provided on slotted head portions attached to the plate portion via narrower neck regions adapted to extend through the channel mouth. In use, the strap can be threaded through a slot in one of the head portions, along the lower face of the plate portion and through a slot in the head portion at the opposite end of the device. The strap and device can then be inserted into the channel and the strap fastened around the post. Alternatively or additionally, the lower face of the plate portion can be formed or shaped to provide slot means for receiving the flexible strap. The second to fourth embodiments of this aspect of the invention describe ways of doing this. In the second embodiment, the slot means comprise loops formed on the lower face of the plate portion. A strap can be threaded through the loops to be retained by them. The ends of the strap are adapted to pass through the channel mouth when the device and strap are inserted into the channel. Conveniently, the loops also serve to increase the strength of the device. In the third embodiment, the slot means are provided by ridges longitudinally formed along the lower face of the plate portion. In use, the strap is retained by a slot defined by the ridges and the lower face of the plate portion. The strap and device can then be inserted into the channel with the ends of the straps passing through the channel mouth, for passing around the post. In the fourth embodiment, the slot means comprise a channel formed on the lower face of the plate portion. Conveniently, the channel can be formed by folding the sides of the plate portion under its lower face to form the channel for receiving a strap. The strap can then be threaded through the channel and used to secure the mounting device, and an object attached to it, to a post. In the second to fourth embodiments described above, preferably the plate portion is bounded by narrower neck regions, the neck regions being adapted to extend through the mouth of the channel member attached to the object. The neck regions help to locate the mounting device in the mouth of the channel member. Further, the attachment of the mounting device to the post can be enhanced by providing enlarged head portions attached to the neck portions, the head portions being adapted for seating against the post. Advantageously, the head portions can be provided with means to grip the post, to enhance the attachment of the mounting device to the post. Conveniently, the gripping means may be formed by bending one or more edges of the head portion remote from its neck portion towards its post-contacting face, to form one or more flanges suitable for gripping or biting into the post. Alternatively, teeth or other similar protrusions could be formed on the post-contacting faces of the head portions. Typically, the blank for forming into the mounting device can be punched out from sheet material, eg stainless steel strapping, and folded into the conformation of he finished device. This allows the mounting device tc be produced with relatively few operations and with very little wastage of material. Optionally, the mounting device may be provided with combinations of the slot means described above to enhance the engagement between the strap and the mounting device. In all aspects of the invention, preferably the width of the plate portion substantially matches the internal width of the channel to provide a snug fit between the channel and the mounting device. Advantageously, this helps to restrict rotation of the device about its longitudinal axis when it has been inserted into the channel. Preferably, the width of the strap used to engage the mounting device substantially matches the width of the channel mouth through which the strap passes to be fastened around the post. This helps to reduce movement of the strap in the mouth and so improves the engagement between the channel and the strap. Advantageously, the plate portion and/or head portion are swaged (eg by transverse rib formations) or otherwise formed so as to increase its resistance to distortion by the inturned lips of the channel as the strap is tightened or when the mounting device is under load. Preferably, the mounting device and the channel are made of materials of a different hardness so that in use one of the mounting device and channel can bite into the other when the strap is tightened around the post. This is found to enhance the attachment of the mounting device to the channel. This may be accomplished by providing neck portions which increase in width towards the plate portion providing edges which can bite into the channel lips when the strap is tightened. Preferably, the plate portion is provided with teeth on a face which in use abuts the inturned lips of the channel. The teeth are adapted to bite into the inturned lips when the strap is tightened, enhancing the attachment of the plate portion to the channel. The teeth are advantageously provided towards the ends of the plate adjacent to the narrow • neck portions. However, the extent to which the teeth can bite into the lips of the channel is limited by the flat plate portion coming into abutment with the lips of the channel. Preferably, the length of the plate is less than the diameter of the post, more preferably < % the diameter, and even more preferably < l Λ the diameter of the post, whereby the strap contacts more than half the circumference of the post. This helps the mounting device resist rotation about the post when it has been secured. Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of a mounting device of a first embodiment of the present invention when it is in place in the channel, the channel being shown in cross- section; Figure 2 shows a fragmentary cross-section through a portion of the strap showing how the ends of the strap may alternatively be connected using a buckle; Figure 3 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the mounting device when it is in place in the channel, the channel being shown in cross-section; Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the mounting device of figure 3, together with a channel used to attach the mounting device to a sign; Figure 5 shows the fragmentary perspective view of T. modification of the embodiment of figure 4; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, showing a strap connected to the mounting device; Figure 7 shows an enlarged, partial perspective view of a variant of the embodiment of figure 6; Figure 8 shows a longitudinal cross-section through the embodiment of figure 6; Fi re 9 shows a side view of the embodiment of figures 6 and 8 in place in the channel, with the channel being shown in cross-section; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention; Figure 11 shows a side view of the embodiment of figure 10 in place in the channel, with the channel being shown in cross-section; Figure 12 shows a partial perspective view of a mounting device combining features from figures 10, 11, 14 and 15; Figure 13 shows a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention having teeth on the plate portion; Figure 14 shows a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention having ridges along the longitudinal edges of plate portion; Figure 15 shows an end view of the device of figure 14, with the channel shown in cross section; Figure 16 shows a cross-section through a mounting device according to a fourth embodiment of the second aspect of the invention having channel formed by folding the edges of the plate portion under its lower face; Figure 17 shows a blank suitable for forming into the mounting device of Figure 16, with fold lines indicated by dotted lines; Figure 18 shows the side view of the mounting device of Figure 16 folded into its finished conformation, with the channel shown by dotted lines; Figure 19 shows a plan view of the mounting device of Figures 16 and 18; Figure 20 shows a cross-section through a mounting device similar to the device shown in Figure 16, but additionally having head portions for seating against a post; Figure 21 shows a blank suitable for forming into the mounting device of Figure 20, with dotted lines indicating fold lines; Figure 22 shows a side view of the mounting device of Figure 21, with the channel shown by dotted lines; and, Figure 23 shows a plan view of the mounting device of Figures 21 and 23. Detailed Description Referring to the figures, a mounting device 2 is used to secure an object, such as a sign, to a post (not shown) via a channel 4 attached to the rear of the object. The channel 4 has a narrow mouth 6 restricted by inturned lips 8. In the first aspect of the invention, the mounting device 2 is formed from resiliently flexible stainless steel strip (eg drawn from continuous strapping) and comprises a strap 10 adapted to be passed around the post and tightened, and an attachment region 12 comprising a substantially flat plate portion 14 for insertion into the channel 4. The plate portion 14 can be swaged, eg with transverse ribs, to increase its strength. The strap 10 is formed in two parts attached via neck portions 16, 18 to the plate portion 14. This allows the strap to be flexed around the post. The ends 22 of the strap 10 are adapted to be fastened together to secure the mounting device 2 around the post. In figure 1, a face 15 of the plate portion 14 is provided with teeth 26 adapted to bite into the lips 8 of the channel 4 when the strap is tightened. In addition, the neck portions 16, 18 increase in width towards the plate portion 14, defining edges which can cut into the channel A . The action of the teeth 26 and neck portions 16, 18 helps to enhance the connection between the channel 4 and the mounting device 2. In figure 1, the ends 22 of the strap are provided with flanges 24 having apertures 28. In use, the flanged ends 22 of the strap are fastened together by passing a bolt 27 through the apertures 28 flanges 24 and securing the ends 22 with a nut 25. Figure 2 shows an alternative way of securing the ends 22, 22' of the strap 10 with a buckle 30. The buckle 30 is pre-fitted to one end 22 of the strap by passing the end 22 through an aperture 32 in the buckle 30 and bending it back against the side of the buckle 30. When the strap needs to be fastened around a post, the free end 22' of the strap can then be passed through the aperture 32 and the strap tightened. The end 22' can be secured by bending it back against the buckle 30 and folding wings 34 inwardly. Figures 3 and 4 show an embodiment of the present invention in which the ends of the strap 22 are fastened together using a bolt 36 having a head 40 which is slidably retained in the channel 4. Thus, the head 40 of the bolt 36 is retained by the inturned lips 8 of the channel, while the shank 38 of the bolt protrudes through the channel mouth. The ends 22 of the strap have apertures 28 to allow them to locate over the shank 38 of the bolt and are retained on the shank 38 by nut 42. Thus, the mounting device 2 is retained in the channel 4 at two locations by the plate portion 14 and the head of the bolt 36. Figure 4 shows how the head 40 of the bolt 36 has chamfered sides to match the cross-section of the channel 4. The chamfered sides of the bolt 36 prevent it turning in the channel 4 when the nut 42 is fitted and tightened. Figure 4 also shows how neck portions 16, 18 can be provided which increase in width towards the plate portion 14 and so are adapted to bite into the lips 8 of the channel when the strap 10 is tightened. In figure 5, the strap 10 is provided with a second plate portion 14a having narrow neck portions 16a, 18a provided between the apertured ends of the strap 22 and the first plate portion 14. The two plate portions 14, 14a are separated by a bight portion 44 having a U-shaped cross- section. The bight portion 44 is adapted to seat against the post to improve the fit between the strap 10 and the surface of the post. Figures 6 to 9 show an embodiment of the present invention in which a strap 10 is connected to the mounting device 2 through slotted head portions 50. The head portions 50 are attached to the plate portion 14 via narrower neck regions 52 and are provided with slots 54, 54'. In use, the strap 10 is threaded through one of the slots 54, fed along the lower face of the plate portion 14 and through the second slot 54'. The combined mounting device 2 and strap 10 can then be inserted into the channel 4 so that the neck portions 52 extend through the channel mouth 6. The ends of the strap 10 can then be flexed around the post and tightened and fastened to secure an object attached to the channel 4 to the post. Figure 9 shows how the width of the mounting device 2 closely matches the internal width of the channel 4, while the width of the strap 10 closely matches the width of the channel mouth. These features provide an accurate fit between the channel, mounting device and strap to help to reduce movement between their. Figure 7 shows an alternative way of connecting the strap 10 to the head 50 by providing a loop 56 raised from the surface of the head 50 through which the strap 10 can be readed. Tures 10 and 11 show a mounting device comprising ^ utachment means 12 having a plate portion 14 for insertion into the channel 4. A strap 10 is threaded through loops 58 formed on the lower face of the plate portion 14. The mounting device is further provided with neck portions 52 adapted to protrude through the mouth 6 of the channel 4. The neck portions 52 help to centre the mounting device 2 in the channel and increase in width towards the plate portion 14 defining edges which can cut into the channel lips to enhance the connection between the channel 4 and the mounting device 2. As in the embodiment of figure 9, the width of the mounting device 2 closely matches the internal width of the channel, while the width of the strap closely matches the width of the channel mouth. Figures 14 and 15 show a similar mounting device 2 to that depicted in figures 10 and 11, with the loops being replaced by longitudinal ridges 60 provided on the lower face of the plate portion 14. The ridges 60 and the lower face of the plate portion 14 define a slot 62 which retains the strap 10. As in figures 9 to 11, the width of the mounting device 2 closely matches the internal width of the channel, while the width of the strap closely matches the width of the channel mouth. Figure 12 combines the features of figures 10 and 11 and 14 and 15 to produce a mounting device 2 having strap- retaining loops 58 and ridges 60 forming a slot 62. Figure 13 shows part of a mounting device that is substantially flat and has loops 58 to retain the strap 10 provided on its lower face. The device 2 has teeth 26 provided on the plate portion 14 which can bite into the channel lips to enhance the connection between the channel 4 and mounting device 2 when the strap is tightened. Figures 17 and 21 show blanks suitable for punching out and forming into mounting devices 2 shown in figures 16 and 20. In these figures, solid lines 68 indicate cuts to be made into the blank, while dotted lines 70, 72, 74 indicate lines along which the blank can be folded into the conformation of the finished mounting device. The hatched portions show the waste material from the blanks. The blank of figure 17 has panel 14 for forming a plate portion, two neck-forming panels 52 and panels 66 for folding under the lower face of the plate portion 14 to form channel 62. The blank of figure 21 is additionally provided with head portion-forming panels 60, attached to the neck portions 52. The blank of figure 17 is formed into the mounting device 2 shown in figures 18, 18 and 20 by folding panels 66 under the lower face of the plate portion 14 along lines 70, to define a channel 62 for retaining a strap (not shown) , the strap for attaching the mounting device 2 to a post. Neck- forming panels 52 are bent upwardly along lines 72 to form mutually outwardly inclined neck portions 52 that stand proud of the plate portion 14. Figures 18 and 19 show additional views of the finished mounting device 2, showing how the neck portions 52 are disposed relative to the plate port"'on 14 and, in figure 18, showing the channel 62 in dotted lints. The blank of figure 21 has panels 66 for forming a channel 62 and neck-forming panels 52, in the same way as the mounting device of figure 17. In addition, this embodiment is provided with panels for forming head portions 60. These panels 60 are folded along lines 74 to provide flanges 63 for gripping the post. As in the previous embodiment, figures 22 and 23 show additional views of the mounting device in its finished conformation, showing how head portions 60 are inclined with the neck portions 52, for engagement with the post. In use, the relatively large area of the head portions 60 provides a large contact area between the mounting device and the post, thereby enhancing the stability of the mounting device on the post. The flanges 63 help to enhance the connection between the mounting device 2 and the post, as they will tend to bite into the post as a strap, threaded through the mounting device and around the post, is tightened.

Claims: CLAIMS : 1. A mounting device for securing an object to a post with a resiliently flexible strap adapted to be passed around the post and tightened, the device having a region adapted for attachment to a channel member attached to the object, the channel member having a mouth restricted by inturned lips, said attachment region comprising a substantially flat plate portion for insertion into the channel to be retained therein by the inturned lips, wherein the mounting device is provided with slot means adapted to engage the strap. 2. A mounting device according to claim 1 wherein the slot means are provided on slotted head portions attached to the plate portion via narrower neck regions adapted to extend through the channel mouth. 3. A mounting device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a lower face of the plate portion is provided with ■loops, ridges and/or a channel to receive the strap. 4. A mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the plate portion is bounded by narrower neck regions, the neck regions being adapted to extend through the mouth of the channel member attached to the object, thereby to help to locate the mounting device in the mouth of the channel member. 5. A mounting device according to claim 4 additionally comprising enlarged head portions attached to the neck portions, the head portions being adapted for seating against the post. 6. A mounting device according to claim 5 wherein the head portions are provided with means to grip the post, whereby to enhance the attachment of the mounting device to the post . 7. A mounting device for securing an object to a post comprising a resiliently flexible strap adapted to be passed around the post and tightened, the strap having a region adapted for attachment to a channel member attached to the object, the channel member having a mouth restricted by inturned lips, said attachment region of the strap comprising a substantially flat plate portion for insertion into the channel to be retained therein by the inturned lips, the plate portion being bounded by narrower neck regions adapted to extend through the channel mouth. 8. A mounting device according to claim 7 wherein the attachment portion is formed integrally with the strap. 9. A mounting device according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the strap is provided with flanges at its ends, the flanges being apertured for adjustable interconnection by a nut and a bolt, the bolt having a head adapted to be ■ retained in the channel, thereby providing an additional location for securing the mounting device to the channel. 10. A mounting device according to any one claims 7 to 9 wherein the attachment region comprises a plurality of plate portions for insertion into the channel, each of plate portions being provided with narrower neck regions adapted to extend through the channel mouth. 11. A mounting device according to claim 10 wherein the strap between one or more of the adjacent plate portions defines a bight for seating against the post. 12. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the width of the plate portion substantially matches the internal width of the channel to provide a snug fit between the channel and the mounting device and to restrict rotation of the device about its longitudinal axis when it has been inserted into the channel. 13. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the plate portion and/or head portion are swaged or otherwise formed so as to increase their resistance to distortion by the inturned lips of the channel as the strap is tightened or when the mounting device is under load. 14. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting device and the channel are made of materials of a different hardness so that in use one of the mounting device and channel can bite into the other when the strap is tightened around the post. 15. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the plate portion is provided with teeth on a face which in use abuts the inturned lips of the channel, the teeth biting into the inturned lips when the strap is tightened, enhancing the attachment of the plate portion to the channel. 16. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the length of the plate portion is less than or equal to half the diameter of the post, whereby the strap contacts more than half the circumference of the post.

Inventors: HEARD ROBERT ARTHUR HENDERSON, HEARD, ROBERT, ARTHUR, HENDERSON
Applicants: HEARD ROBERT ARTHUR H, SIGNFIX LTD, HEARD, ROBERT, ARTHUR, HENDERSON, SIGNFIX LIMITED
Application year: 1995
Main classification: G09F7
IPC codes: G09F7