Abstract:
The present invention is a support and carry system for use with slow moving vehicles having an existing slow moving vehicle support bracket; an extension bar constructed and arranged to be placed in said existing support bracket; an upper support bracket assembly, said upper support bracket dependent on said extension bar, said upper bracket assembly constructed and arranged to receive signage indicating a slow moving vehicle.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     In many States, a slow moving vehicle (SMV) is required to have safety signage such that persons approaching the SMV from the rear are given warning relating to that vehicle&#39;s speed in the flow of traffic. Many farm vehicles are required to have SMV signage affixed thereto. The common SMV sign is typically a reflective triangle. Many vehicles, such as farm tractors and farm equipment, have a bracket for an SMV sign affixed thereto at the time of sale. A difficulty has arisen when a user of such SMV desire to use the bracket for a secondary use. While there may be an opportunity to use the existing bracket, the removal of SMV signage presents a problem as most States have laws requiring the display of said signage. There is a need for users of SMV to utilize the existing bracket and comply with local laws regarding display of SMV signage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention addresses a need by providing a structure incorporating a secondary bracket whereby an existing bracket normally used for SMV signage is utilized for a dual purpose. The secondary bracket is on an assembly whereby the existing bracket can be utilized to carry other articles and SMV signage is displayed and viewable from persons at the rear of SMV. 
     In one embodiment the present invention is a support and carry system for use with slow moving vehicles, said system comprising:
         an existing slow moving vehicle support bracket;   an extension bar constructed and arranged to be placed in said existing support bracket;   an upper support bracket assembly, said upper support bracket dependent on said extension bar, said upper bracket assembly constructed and arranged to receive signage indicating a slow moving vehicle.       

     The extension bar has a horizontal support structure connected thereon. The horizontal support is any of a rectangular or circular shelf configured for carrying. The shelf can carry a storage box, water cooler and the like. However, regardless of the article carried, the SMV sign must not be obstructed. The SMV sign must be visible from the rear. 
     The extension bar includes at least one stabilizing member arranged above a horizontal support structure. There can be a curved stabilizing support to hold a water cooler or can be bracketed to secure a storage box. The stabilizing bar is vertically positioned above the horizontal support structure. 
     In one embodiment, the extension bar is a fixed length. Alternatively, the extension bar is a vertically adjustable bar, wherein said adjust is vertically upward from said existing support plate. 
     The system extension bar, in one embodiment, has structure to secure an article into a secure position on a horizontal support structure connected thereon. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of the assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a separated plan view of the assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an embodiment with an extended bracket holder according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an embodiment whereby a toolbox is incorporated for use in the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of the extended bracket of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an embodiment whereby a support plate is incorporated for use in the bracket assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a further embodiment whereby a round support plate is incorporated for use in the system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of the assembly of the present invention showing SMV signage on a secondary bracket assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Assembly  5  is a bracket assembly as is known in the art. Bracket assembly generally comprises a main support bracket  10 . Said main support bracket  10  is formed of a unitary back plate  12 . Said back plate  12  generally being a unitary piece terminating in first curved portion  16   a  and second curved portion  16   b . Said curved portion  16   a  and  16   b  defining internal support bracket cavity  18 . Said portions  16   a  and  16   b  have first terminal end  14   a  and second terminal end  14   b . As is known in the art, main support bracket  10  generally has an internal slanted structure for receiving a removable connecting plate assembly  20 . Said connecting plate assembly  20  having a first removable connecting plate  22  and a perpendicular support portion  24 . As best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , bracket assembly  5  is constructed and arranged to receive removable support assembly  20 . In one embodiment extension bar  32  is placed within cavity of support plate  18 , extension plate  32  has an upper terminal end  34  with upper support bracket assembly  40  affixed thereto. In this particular embodiment a secondary removable connecting plate (not shown) can be inserted into upper support bracket  40  as needed. As best seen in  FIG. 8 , a slow moving vehicle (SMV) warning sign  120  is affixed to the upper or secondary bracket  40  and is visible from persons behind a vehicle utilizing the present invention. In general use, a secondary bracket such as upper support bracket  40  is used in order to affix safety signage relating to operation to a slow moving vehicle. 
     In use, a typical slow moving vehicle has support bracket  10  in which a safety sign is typically affixed. In order to utilize bracket  10  for additional uses as set forth herein, it becomes necessary to provide a secondary bracket such as upper support bracket  40  in which a safety sign may be supported thereon. The SMV sign  120  is removed from bracket  10  and a secondary structure is inserted thereto. Examples of secondary structure embodied in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  6  and  7 . The secondary structure may be constructed and arranged for a variety of particular uses. Uses may include, but would not be limited to support of a storage box as in  FIG. 4 . A shelf support in which a variety of articles may be rested thereon as in  FIG. 6  or a circular support as in  FIG. 7  that supports a typical water cooler (not shown). Regardless of the secondary structure, it is important that at least one secondary bracket, such as upper support bracket assembly  40  is accessible and provides an unobstructed line of sight to a safety sign affixed thereon. As best seen in  FIG. 4  a secondary bracket  40  is visible above a storage box  45  in storage box arrangement  70 . In this particular embodiment, a support plate  52  is constructed and arranged to sit flush against storage box  45 . Structure  52  may further encompass fastening means such as screws or ribbons (not shown) such that storage box  45  is secured thereto. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , assembly  80  encompasses the upper support bracket assembly  40  and further has a support structure  82  affixed to support bar  88 . Said support bar  82  further encompasses a first support end  84  and a second support end  86 . Support bar  82 , being placed above support plate  60 . Plate support  90  is constructed and arranged to support plate  60 . In this particular arrangement, articles may be stored on support plate  60  and slow moving vehicle signage is affixed on upper support bracket assembly  40 . 
     The general configurations may change, but the invention should provide for a secondary bracket assembly to be attached to the SMV bracket of a vehicle such that the conventional SMV bracket is used as a holder and SMV signage is displayed on the secondary bracket, as is shown in  FIG. 8  but understood to be part of the various embodiments of the invention. 
     While the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.