Abstract:
A signage manufacturing method including providing a sign blank printing on the sign blank, and positioning adhesive on an inner surface of the sign blank so that, when the blank is folded along a transverse median line so that the inner surface is brought into adhesive engagement with opposing portions of itself, a pocket is formed therebetween having an opening along a portion of the edge of the blank opposite to the folded edge through which a sign support structure can be frictionally received.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/901,247, entitled SIGNAGE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME, filed Jul. 28, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,517; which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/633,906, entitled SIGNAGE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME, filed, Apr. 17, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,696; which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/268,844, entitled TWO-SIDED YARD SIGN AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME, filed Jun. 30, 1994, now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to signage, and in particular to a two-sided yard sign with adhesively connected halves or panels forming a pocket to receive a wire bail in frictional engagement therewith. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Various types of signage have heretofore been devised to meet the requirements of particular applications. Resistance to the elements can be an important factor in exterior signage. Temporary signage generally requires some ability to resist the elements, but for shorter time periods than permanent exterior signage. 
     Examples of temporary exterior signage include signs promoting political candidates, signs advertising particular events, and commercial signage such as signs which offer property for sale or lease be kept as low as possible so that the maximum number of signs can be procured with a given amount of funds. Other important factors for political and advertising signage include sign blanks consisting of single panels printed on both sides and attached to wooden mounting stakes. However, such stakes tend to obscure at least a portion of one side of the single panel and moreover complicate assembly since the stakes must be driven and the signs attached thereto, generally with mechanical fastening means such as staples or nails. 
     Another type of temporary signage which is commonly used for political and commercial purposes consists of a sign blank printed on one side with mirror, reverse image subject matter on both halves and provided with a medial fold line for displaying the same image on both sides when the sign blank is folded double. The side edges of such previous two-sided signs were commonly stapled to form downwardly-open pockets between the sign panels. Such signs could be installed by providing wire bails with inverted U-shaped configurations which were driven into the ground and then partly inserted into the sign pocket for mounting same. Such previous signage suffered a disadvantage in that the stapling of the side edges was not readily accomplished with existing automated equipment for printing and folding signs, and tended to slow the assembly and installation of signage in the field. Thus, stapling the folded sign blanks tended to either add to the expense of manufacturing such signage, or if left to the field installer tended to increase the labor required for field assembly and installation. 
     Automated equipment is commercially available for cutting, printing, folding and gluing various products from sheet materials. For example, containers such as boxes and envelopes are often manufactured using automated equipment for cutting blanks from paper and card stock, printing selected surfaces and panels, folding the printed blank and adhesively connecting certain panels at adhesive seams to provide the necessary pockets, enclosures, etc. Such equipment is highly developed in the envelope manufacturing field and is capable of automatically manufacturing large quantities of envelopes and similar products at relatively rapid rates. 
     Heretofore such automated manufacturing equipment has not been used in the production of signage with the advantages and features of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In the practice of the present invention, a two-sided yard sign assembly is provided which includes a sign and a bail for mounting the sign thereon. The sign is formed from a blank including inner and outer surfaces and is divided into two halves or panels by a medial, scored fold line. Each panel is printed with subject matter on the blank outer surface. The subject matter on each panel can be a reverse, mirror image of the subject matter on the other panel whereby both sides of the folded sign present the same image. A pair of adhesive strips are applied to the sign inner surface in parallel relation with respect to side edges thereof and form side seams when the sign blank is folded. The wire bail has an inverted U-shaped configuration and is adapted for driving into the ground and for insertion into a pocket formed by the sign blank. 
     In the practice of the method of the present invention, automated equipment is utilized for printing, scoring and folding the sign blank, and for applying the adhesive strips thereto. The wire bail can be bent from a length of wire to its desired configuration. 
     OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION 
     The principal objects and advantages of the present invention include: providing a two-sided yard sign assembly; providing such a sign assembly which can be manufactured with automated equipment; providing such a sign assembly which has a sign blank with printing on an exterior surface thereof and which is folded and glued to form a two-sided sign with a downwardly-open pocket; providing such a sign assembly which can be frictionally mounted on a wire bail; providing such a sign assembly which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture; providing such a sign assembly which is relatively easy to assemble; providing such a sign assembly which can be manufactured for a relatively low cost; providing such a sign assembly with good aesthetic qualities; providing such a sign assembly which presents a uniform appearance from both sides; and providing such a sign assembly which is particularly well adapted for temporary usage. 
     Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. 
     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. 
     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a two-sided yard sign assembly embodying the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a blank thereof, particularly showing an outer surface thereof. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the blank, particularly showing an outer surface thereof. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the blank, particularly showing an inner surface thereof. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the blank, shown being folded. 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view thereof. 
     FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a wire bail thereof. 
     FIG. 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view thereof taken generally along line  8 — 8  in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a stick-mounted sign assembly comprising a first modified or alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view thereof. 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a sign blank thereof in its unfolded configuration. 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the sign blank being folded. 
     FIG. 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the stick-mounted 
     sign assembly taken generally along line  13 — 13  in FIG.  9 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
     I. Introduction and Environment 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. 
     Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
     Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, the words “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “rightwardly” and “leftwardly” will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the embodiment being described and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of a similar import. 
     Referring to the drawings in more detail, the reference numeral  2  generally designates a two-sided yard sign assembly embodying the present invention. The sign assembly  2  generally comprises a sign  4  and a bail  6 . 
     II. Sign 4 
     The sign  4  can comprise any suitable, printable material such as card stock. The sign  4  includes: inner and outer surfaces  8 ,  10 ; opposite, parallel side edges  12 ; opposite end edges  14 ; and first and second halves  16   a ,  16   b  demarcated by a medial line  18  extending between said side edges  12  in parallel, spaced relation generally midway between the end edges  14 . 
     A sign blank  20  is formed as shown in FIG. 2 with a generally, flat, rectangular configuration. Suitable printing  22  is applied to the sign blank outer surface  10  and can comprise identical subject matter printed as reverse, mirror images  24   a,b  on the respective sign blank halves  16   a ,  16   b.    
     The printing  22  can comprise any suitable ink or coating material, which preferably is sufficiently weatherproof for the ambient conditions to which the sign assembly  2  will be exposed. Waterproof and water-resistant inks and coatings are well known and can be utilized for applying the printing  22  for use in exterior environments. Moreover, a relatively high gloss finish may be preferred for the printing  22  for aesthetic purposes. 
     A score line  26  is formed along the medial line  18  in the sign blank outer surface  10  to facilitate folding. The printing  22  can include suitable center line markings  28  to locate the score line  26 . A pair of adhesive strips  30  are applied to the sign blank inner surface  8  between the end edges  14  thereof and form unsecured edge portions  32  adjacent respective side edges  12  and an unsecured middle portion  34  bounded by the adhesive strips  30  and the end edges  14 . With the sign blank  20  in its folded configuration, a pocket  36  is formed between the inner surface  8  of the sign blank halves  16   a ,  16   b  which is bounded by side seams  38  formed by the adhesively attached adhesive strips  30  and by a top edge  40  formed along the score line  26 . The pocket  36  is downwardly open along the end edges  14  between the side seams  38 . 
     III. Bail 6 
     The bail  6  includes first and second legs  42   a,b  with upper ends  44   a,b  and lower ends  46   a,b . A bail cross piece  48  extends between the legs  42   a ,  42   b  and includes cross piece ends  50   a ,  50   b  respectively connected to the leg upper ends  44   a ,  44   b  at bail corners  52   a ,  52   b . The bail  6  can comprise a single piece of a suitable material, such as steel wire, bent at the bail corners  52   a ,  52   b  to form the general configuration of an inverted “U”. 
     IV. Manufacturing Method 
     A method of manufacturing the yard signage  2  includes the steps of cutting a rectangular sign blank  20  from a suitable material such as card stock, scoring the sign blank  20  along a medial line  18  to form a score line  26  and printing an outer surface  10  of the sign blank  20  with indicia or messages comprising reverse mirror images  24   a ,  24   b  on opposite sign blank halves  16   a ,  16   b . The adhesive strips  30  are applied to the sign blank inner surface  8  in parallel, spaced relation with respect to the side edges  12  between the middle portion  34  and respective unsecured edges  32 . The sign blank  20 , with printing and adhesive applied thereto, is then folded along the score line  26 , the respective opposed portions of the adhesive strips  30  engage each other along the side seams  38  and a downwardly open pocket  36  is formed. 
     The bail  6  can be cut from steel wire stock to a suitable length and bent to form the corners  52   a ,  52   b.    
     Final assembly of the yard signage  2  can be accomplished either as part of the manufacturing process in situ when the signage  2  is installed. However, in many situations it would be more convenient to first install the bail  6  by embedding the lower ends  46   a ,  46   b  of its legs  42   a ,  42   b  in the ground, and then placing the sign  4  thereover by inserting the cross piece  48  and the leg upper ends  44   a ,  44   b  into the pocket  36  to a position where the cross piece  48  is in closely-spaced proximity to the sign top edge  40 . An installer can thus grasp the bail  6  at its cross piece  48  to facilitate exerting a downward force on the bail  6  to force its legs  42   a ,  42   b  a sufficient distance into the ground. Moreover, installation of the bail  6  prior to placing the sign  4  can reduce the possibility of damage to the sign  4  which might otherwise might occur during installation. For example, if the sign  4  is mounted on the bail  6  prior to installation and the bail  6  buckles under downward pressure, the sign  4  could be torn. However, by placing the bail  6  prior to mounting the sign  4 , the bail  6  can be straightened relatively easily if bent during installation, and an undamaged sign  4  can be mounted on a restraightened bail  6  without noticeably effecting the appearance of the completed signage  2 . 
     The folded sign  4  cooperates with the bail  6  to provide a relatively secure frictional engagement therebetween without the necessity of additional fastening means under normal conditions. More specifically, the spacing of the seams  38  is slightly greater than the width of the bail  6  whereby compression spaces  54  are formed between the side seams  38  and respective bail legs  42   a ,  42   b , which compression spaces  54  have widths W which have a predetermined ratio with respect to the diameter D of the legs  42   a ,  42   b . Such ratio is preferably between 2:1 and 8:1 whereby insertion of the bail  6  into the pocket  36  forces the sign blank halves  16   a ,  16   b  to diverge across the compression spaces  54  and thus tightly clamp the bail  6 . Such clamping force can be increased by reducing the width W of the compression spaces  54  and vice-versa. However, if the compression spaces  54  are too narrow (i.e., the W/D ratio is too low), the sign blank  20  can be creased in a manner which would reduce its frictional holding power and possibly form an unsightly crease in the sign blank outer surface  10 . By properly preselecting the W/D ratio, taking into the account the nature of the material comprising the sign blank  20 , a relatively tight, frictional engagement can be formed between the sign  4  and the bail  6  whereby the assembled signage  2  resists disassembly under typical ambient conditions, at least for the limited periods of time appropriate for temporary signage. The adhesive strips  30  can form relatively secure side seams  38  with the sign blank inner surface secured in relatively flat, coextensive engagement over substantially the entire inner surface  8  whereby the aforedescribed frictional holding power on the bail  6  can be maximized. 
     V. Modified Embodiment Stick-Mounted Sign Assembly  102   
     A stick-mounted sign assembly  102  comprising a modified or alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9-13 and is generally designated by the reference numeral  102 . The stick-mounted sign assembly  102  includes a sign blank  104  with inner and outer surfaces  106   a,b , opposite ends  107  and inner and outer pairs of adhesive strips  108   a,b . A fold line  110  extends medially across the sign blank  104 . 
     As shown in FIG. 11, the outer adhesive strips  108   b  can be located in spaced relation inwardly from sign blank side edges  112 , with the inner pair of adhesive strips  108   a  located in spaced relation inwardly from the outer pair of adhesive strips  108   b . The adhesive strips  108   a,b  are located in generally parallel relation with respect to the side edges  112  whereby automated equipment can be used for applying the adhesive strips  108   a,b  to the sign blank inner surface  106   a.    
     The sign blank  104  is folded along its medial fold line  110  to form a finished sign  114 . Messages  116  in the form of promotional material, advertising, campaign slogans and the like can be printed on the sign blank outer surface  116   b.    
     With the sign blank  104  folded to form the finished sign  114 , a pocket  118  is formed between the inner pair of adhesive strips  108   a . The pocket is open at adjacent, lower edges  120  of the sign  114  and extends to an upper edge  122  of the sign  114 , which is located at the fold line  110 . 
     The stick-mounted sign assembly  102  includes a stick  124  with faces  126 , edges  128  and upper and lower ends  130   a,b . The stick  124  is inserted in the pocket  118  with its upper end  130   a  located within the pocket  118  and its faces  126  engaged by the sign blank inner surface  106   a . The stick edges  128  are positioned in proximity to the inner adhesive strips  108   a . The resiliency of the sign blank  104  tends to frictionally grip the stick  124 , particularly adjacent to the edges  128  as shown in FIG.  13 . The stick  124  is thus relatively securely, but removably, mounted on the stick  124 . A method of manufacturing the stick-mounted sign assembly  102  is similar to the method described in connection with the two-sided yard sign assembly  2 , except that two pairs of adhesive strips  108   a,b  are provided and the stick  124  is inserted in the finished sign  114 . It will be appreciated that in lieu of a stick  124  with a blunt lower end  130   b , a stick with a sharpened lower end could be provided for ground insertion whereby the stick-mounted sign assembly  102  could be used as a yard sign or the like. It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown. 
     It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.