Abstract:
A moisture-protected, bi-directionally viewable portable sign display having a rectangular frame with a removable side that enables configuring a plurality of indicia bearing signs and which is supported by a removable support structure that includes features to prevent moisture damage.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The presently disclosed invention is directed towards advertising display signs. More particularly, the present invention relates to a moisture protected, bi-directional portable sign display having a rectangular frame with a removable side that enables configuring a plurality of signs having indicia and which is supported by a removable support structure that includes features to prevent moisture damage. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Relatively recent changes in American society mean that mass advertisers can no longer simply rely on television commercials and magazine ads to get their products noticed. Today&#39;s consumer is often much more knowledgeable and leads a lifestyle which does not expose them to conventional advertising mediums and the associated repetitious jingles of days past. 
         [0004]    While “over-the-air” television viewership is down, cable television does not readily fill the advertising void because they may not have a suitable advertising viewership or structure, satellite radio systems in cars do not have commercials, and the Internet often uses specific targeting methods for advertising while missing the general population. Additionally, today&#39;s consumers readily see through marketing hype and are not likely to be swayed by advertising that serves no purpose in their lives. 
         [0005]    While traditional advertising venues are not as effective as they once were and while many newer advertising venues are limited in effectiveness, people continue to drive. Thus the curb-side along roads, highways, and sidewalks remain a viable advertising location. 
         [0006]    However, the need for advertising that supplies useful marketing information remains. Beneficially such advertising should be presented in a unique and eye-catching way. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, there exists a need for a way to present marketing and promotional information in an eye catching, fun-filled, and different manner. Ideally that way would always be visible, attention grabbing, would effectively improve sales, and would be relatively low in both initial cost and long term maintenance. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The principles of the present invention provide for a device that provides promotional information in an eye catching, fun-filled, and different manner. That device can be implemented at low cost and can be used in a way that is always visible and attention grabbing. 
         [0009]    A portable display that is in accord with the invention has a frame assembly with a three-sided structure comprised of a top, a fixed side, and a bottom. The top and fixed sides include first slots, second slots, and storage slots that are disposed between the first and second slots. The frame assembly further includes a downward protruding insert. 
         [0010]    The portable display also includes a removable side that is configured to be received by the top and bottom. Also included is a horizontal support structure with a receiver for receiving the insert, and at least one (1) adjustable leg that is attached to the horizontal support structure. The first slots are configured to retain a first sign panel to be visible from a first direction, the second slots are configured to retain a second sign panel to be visible from a second direction, while the storage slots are configured to store at least one (1) sign panel. 
         [0011]    Beneficially the portable display includes at least two (2) sign panels having indicia on both sides and which are made from a rugged weather-resistant material. Preferably the bottom is an open structure having two (2) vertical side plates and a plurality of interconnecting rods. A mating plate is available for attaching the removable side to the top. In practice threaded apertures will be use to retain the removable side to the mating plate 
         [0012]    Another portable display that is in accord with the present invention includes a frame assembly having a top and a fixed side with first slots, second slots, and storage slots and an open frame bottom attached at one (1) end to the fixed side. The bottom includes two (2) vertical side plates and a plurality of interconnecting rods. The frame assembly further includes a first downward protruding first insert that is received by a first horizontal support structure. A removable side is configured to be received by the top and bottom while the first horizontal support structure is used to attach a first leg. The first slots are configured to retain a first sign panel visible from a first direction, the second slots are configured to retain a second sign panel visible from a second direction, and the storage slots are configured to retain at least one non-viewable sign panel. 
         [0013]    The portable display beneficially includes a first sign panel inserted into the first slots, a second sign panel inserted into the second slots, and a third sign panel inserted into the storage slots. Preferably at least the first sign panel has indicia on both sides. The portable display preferably further includes a mating plate for attaching the removable side to the top and threaded apertures for retaining the removable side to the mating plate. The removable side may include a first exterior slot aligned with the first slots and a second exterior slot aligned with the second slots. In practice the removable side may include a downward protruding second insert and a mounting plate for attaching to the bottom. A second horizontal support structure having a second receiver can receiving the second insert, while a second leg having an aperture can be attached to the second horizontal support structure. 
         [0014]    Yet another portable display that is in accord with the present invention may include a frame assembly having both a top and a fixed side with first slots, second slots, and storage slots disposed between the first and second slots. The frame assembly further includes an open frame bottom that is attached at one (1) end to the fixed side. The bottom has two (2) vertical side plates and a plurality of interconnecting rods. The frame assembly further includes a downward protruding first insert. The portable display further includes a removable side that is configured to be received by the top and bottom. The removable side includes a downward protruding second insert. A first horizontal support structure has a first receiver for receiving the first insert, a second horizontal support structure having a second receiver receives the second insert. A first pair of adjustable legs are attached to the first horizontal support structure while a second pair of adjustable legs are attached to the second horizontal support structure. The first slots are configured to retain a first sign panel visible from a first direction, the second slots are configured to retain a second sign panel visible from a second direction; and the storage slots are configured beneficially includes a sign panel inserted into the first slots and a second sign panel inserted into the second slots. The removable side preferably includes a first exterior slot aligned with the first slots and a second exterior slot aligned with the second slots. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a portable display  10  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the portable display  10  shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3   a  is close-up view of a frame assembly  20  and support structure assembly  60   b  used in the portable display  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3   b  is side cut-away view of part of the frame assembly  20  and a first side plate  30  of the portable display  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4   a  is a perspective view of a second side member  26  and a top member  24  of the frame assembly  20  shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b;    
           [0021]      FIG. 4   b  is a section view of the top member  24  taken along section line A-A of  FIG. 4   a;    
           [0022]      FIG. 5  presents a cutaway view of a section of the side members  22 ,  26  of the frame assembly  20  shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b ; and, 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of an adjustable leg portion  68  of the support structure assembly  60   a  and  60   b.    
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
               10  portable signage display apparatus 
               20  frame assembly 
               22  first side member 
               24  top member 
               26  second side member 
               28  bottom member 
               30  first side plate 
               32  second side plate 
               34  support rod 
               36  first mating plate 
               38  fastener aperture 
               40  insert 
               42   a  sign slot 
               42   b  storage slot 
               44  threaded aperture 
               46  second mating plate 
               52   a  horizontal signage slot 
               52   b  horizontal storage slot 
               60   a  first support structure assembly  60   b  second support structure assembly 
               62  cross-member 
               64  connector 
               66  receiver 
               68  adjustable leg 
               70  footplate 
               72  anchoring aperture 
               80  welded nut fastener 
               82  fastener 
               100  signage panel 
               105  indicia 
           
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0053]    The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
         [0054]    The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
         [0055]      FIG. 1  shows a side perspective view of a portable display  10  that is in accord with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The portable display  10  provides a portable, free-standing rectangular frame assembly  20  which houses and vertically displays a plurality of user-provided sign panels  100 . The frame assembly  20  includes a single removable side  26  that enables easy insertion or repositioning of displayed sign panels  100  to provide bi-directional displays of viewing of indicia  105 . Typically such indicia  105  will be printed on the sign panels  100 . 
         [0056]    It is understood that variously sized models of portable display  10  and frame assemblies  20  will be made available in a variety of heights and widths that are suitable for displaying different sized sign panels  100 . Such sign panels  100  will be made available in accord with a user&#39;s preference. It is envisioned that the sign panels  100  will be made using a rugged weather-resistant material similar to commercially-available products such as ALCOBOND®, DIBOND®, and the like. The sign panels  100  are further envisioned as being double sided and having indicia  105  on both sides. Typical indicia  105  may be advertisements, sports names/logos, personal names, various images and symbols, pictures, and the like. The very nature of the double sided sign panels  100  enables easy flipping to present other indicia  105 . 
         [0057]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the frame assembly  20  also includes a pair of horizontal support structures  60   a ,  60   b  to provide stable positioning of the portable display  10  on the ground or other surface. The frame assembly  20  also includes specific features that prevent moisture, snow, or ice, which could damage the portable display  10 , from accumulating within the frame assembly  20 . 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the frame assembly  20  provides a rectangular structure having a first side member  22 , a top member  24 , the removable second side member  26 , and a bottom member  28 . Referring now also to  FIG. 5 , the top member  24  and the side members  22 ,  26  form a three-sided structure that is preferably made using slotted rectangular metal forms having sign slots  42   a  for retaining sign panels  100  and storage slots  42   b  for storing and hiding extra or different sign panels  100 . The sign slots  42   a  have inner surfaces that capture the edges of the sign panels  100 . 
         [0059]    Referring back to  FIG. 3   a , the bottom member  28  has an open construction comprised of vertical side plates  30 ,  32  and a plurality of interconnecting rods  34  onto which the sign panels  100  rest. This configuration provides drainage and ventilation for water, snow, and the like (also see  FIG. 3   b ). 
         [0060]    Referring once again to  FIG. 2 , the first side member  22 , top member  24 , and bottom member  28  form a unitary three-sided structure that is preferably formed by welding at right angles. As previously noted the top and bottom ends of the second side member  26  are removable from the top member  24  and the bottom member  28 . This allows a user to easily remove the second side member  26  to enable insertion, rearrangement, and removal of the sign panels  100 . 
         [0061]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3   a , the bottom ends of the vertical side members  22 ,  26  each include an insert  40  which fits into a respective receiver  66  of the first support structure assembly  60   a  and the second support structure assembly  60   b . Each support structure assembly  60   a ,  60   b  also includes a pair of vertically adjustable legs  68  which enable stable positioning of the portable display  10  on the ground surface or other surface. 
         [0062]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , the second side member  26  provides a fastening attachment to the bottom member  28  that runs at a right angle by abutting a first mounting plate  36  against the second side member  26 . The first mounting plate  36  comprises a downward facing surface that extends from the bottom member  28 . The first mounting plate  36  is securely fastened to inside the second side member  26  via fasteners  82  that pass through aligned fastener apertures  38  and into threaded apertures  44 . The fasteners  82  are envisioned as being threaded members having integral heads that beneficially require a specialized tool for installation or removal. Such fasteners are available as star key fasteners, socket head cap screws, and the like. The special features of the fasteners  82  are intended to reduce tampering and unauthorized disassembly of the portable display  10 . 
         [0063]    As noted, the second side member  26  inserts into the second support structure assembly  60   b  using an insert  40  that enters into a receiver  66 . The preferred embodiment of the insert  40  and receiver  66  are rectangular tubing elements. Such enables easy assembly and prevents twisting. The receiver  66  beneficially includes a welded nut fastener  80  and a fastener  82 . The second side member  26  is securely retained within the receiver  66  by attaching the fastener  82  to obtain a pinching grip against the internal insert  40 . In a similar manner, the first side member  22  is fixed to the first support structure assembly  60   a  using an insert  40  and a receiver  66  (reference  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
         [0064]    Positioning a sign panel  100  is illustrated in  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b  and  5 . A sign panel  100  is inserted into a sign slot portion  42   a  of the second side member  26  and supported by the support rods  34  of the bottom member  32 . 
         [0065]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  respectively provide perspective and section views of the second side  26  and top  24  members. The second side member  26  attaches to the top member  24  via a second mating plate  46 . Attachment is performed by abutting the top member  24  against the second mating plate  46  and then tightening using a fastener  82  that passes through aligned threaded apertures  44  and fastener apertures  38 . 
         [0066]    The top member  24  includes a pair of horizontal sign slots  52   a  and a horizontal storage slot  52   b  that are beneficially machined or formed along the top member  24 . The horizontal sign slots  52   a  are configured to align with the previously described sign slots  42   a  of the first  22  and second  26  side members. Collectively the sign slots  52   a ,  42   a  can receive two (2) sign panels  100  to provide bi-directional indicia  105 . Furthermore, the top storage slot  52   b  aligns with the side storage slots  42   b  to provide a convenient storage location for other sign panels  100 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cutaway section of the side members  22 ,  26  and shows the sign slots  42   a  and storage slot  42   b  in more detail. The side members  22 ,  26  act in conjunction with the previously described top member  24  to securely position the sign panels  100  along the outer edges. The side members  22 ,  26  also show the storage slot  42   b  that aligns with the top storage slot  52   b  (reference  FIG. 4   b ) to provide storage for a plurality of sign panels  100  for subsequent use. 
         [0068]      FIG. 6  presents a side perspective view of an adjustable leg  68  of the support structure assemblies  60   a ,  60   b . The first support structure assembly  60   a  provides an attachment and support for the first side member  22 . The second support structure assembly  60   b  provides attachment and support for the second side member  26 . Each support structure assembly  60   a ,  60   b  comprises a unitary weldment having a cross-member  62 , a pair of connectors  64 , and the receiver  66 . The integral receiver  66  (See  FIG. 1 ) is located on top of, and along a cross-member  62 . 
         [0069]    Each connector  64  is located at an end of the cross-member  62 . Each connector  64  preferably comprises a length of rectangular tubing approximately six (6) inches in length and angled downward and outward from the cross-member  62  at approximately a forty-five degree (45°) angle. Each connector  64  has internal dimensions that closely receive an adjustable leg  68 . There are four (4) adjustable legs  68 . Additionally, each connector  64  comprises a welded nut fastener  80  having a threaded fastener  82  on a side surface. In use, an adjustable leg  68  is inserted through each connector  64  and a respective fastener  82  is then threaded into nut fastener  80  and tightened to obtain a pinching grip. Each adjustable leg  68  preferably comprises a length of rectangular tubing having a footplate  70  welded to a bottom end portion. Each leg  68  is adjustable to position the frame assembly  20  as desired. 
         [0070]    The adjustable legs  68  each include a welded footplate  70 . Each footplate  70  is preferably a rectangular section of flat stock that is angled with respect to its leg  68  to be parallel with the ground. Each footplate  70  includes a drilled or formed anchoring aperture  72  that enables a user to stake out or otherwise anchor the portable display  10  to the ground. 
         [0071]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the portable display  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0072]    The method of installing and using the portable display  10  is achieved by: procuring a portable display  10  having a desired height and width dimensions; obtaining sign panels  100  dimensioned to fit the frame assembly  20 , preferably those sign panels  100  will have indicia  105  on both sides; removing the second side member  26  from the top  24  and bottom  28  members by removing the fasteners  82  using a specialized tool; inserting a sign panel  100  into the horizontal slot  52   a  of the top member  24  until seated within the corresponding slot  42   a  of the first side member  22 ; installing a second signage panel  100  in like manner within the remaining horizontal signage slot  52   a  and vertical signage slot  42   a ; inserting additional signage panels  100  into the horizontal storage slot portion  52   b  of the top member  24  and vertical storage slot portion  42   b  of the first side member  22 , as desired; affixing the second side member  26  to the top  24  and bottom  28  members using respective second mating plate  46  and first mating plate  36  portions; replacing and tightening the previously removed fasteners  82 ; attaching the first  60   a  and second  60   b  support structure assemblies to respective first  22  and second  26  side members by inserting insert portions  40  into receiver portions  66 , respectively; securing the support structure assemblies  60   a ,  60   b  to the first  22  and second  26  side members by tightening the fasteners  82  to establish a pinching grip; placing the portable display  10  on the ground; adjusting the adjustable leg portions  68  by motioning the adjustable legs  68  within corresponding connectors  64  until obtaining a desired position of the frame assembly  20 ; securing the adjustable legs  68  in position by tightening the fastener portions  82  of each connector  64  until obtaining a secure pinching grip; anchoring the footplate  70  of each adjustable leg  68  to the ground, if desired, using the anchoring apertures  72  to stake or otherwise anchor the portable display  10  to the ground; and, benefiting from a portable and attractive display of signage panels  100  afforded a user of the present invention  10 . 
         [0073]    The method of reconfiguring the portable display  10  to display additional sign panels  100  envisioned to have different indicia  105  may be achieved by removing the second side member  26  as previously described; removing, flipping, and reinserting the previously displayed sign panels  100  within the sign slots  42   a ,  52   a  to display the previously hidden side surface of the sign panels  100 , or; replacing the previously displayed sign panels  100  with other sign panels  100  stored within the sign slots  42   b ,  52   b ; and, replacing the second side member  26 . 
         [0074]    Another method of using the portable display  10  is procuring and inserting a single sign panel  100  within the centrally-positioned storage slot  42   b ; assembling the frame assembly  20  and support structures  60   a ,  60   b  as previously described; and, displaying the desired indicia  105 . 
         [0075]    The portable display  10  may be completely disassembled by loosening and/or removing the fasteners  82  using a specialized tool designed to install or remove the fasteners  82 , thus allowing the portable display  10  to be transported in a common motor vehicle, truck, or trailer, as desired. 
         [0076]    The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.