Abstract:
A sign system is disclosed in which a flexible sign panel is supported by light weight frame numbers such as fiberglass ribs joined together with a pivot connection. A sign panel of flexible material has a center section disposed between a pair of opposed sign panel portions. The center portion of the sign panel engages a cross member with the sign panel portions being folded over on either side of an upright support member. Free ends of the sign panel member are secured with a stretchable elastic cord, ribbon or the like, to a mounting member having a socket for receiving one end of the vertical support member. By engaging the mounting member and stretching the elastic cords, the mounting member is disposed over one end of the vertical support and one released, engages the vertical support holding the sign panel portions in a display position.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to collapsible warning signs which can be used either in or near a roadway to advise motorists as to caution conditions. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0002]    Over the years, different types of sign systems have been proposed for warning motorists of unusual caution conditions. Such conditions typically arise infrequently or only during certain parts of a work day. Accordingly, it is preferred that the sign systems be relatively light weight and subject to easy storage configurations. For example, roadway signs have been proposed utilizing flexible sign panels supported by framework which can be quickly and easily separated from the sign panel and collapsed for storage in a vehicle, for example. The framework for these types of sign systems originally included rigid metallic frame members but, increasingly, these are being replaced by frame members of epoxy rib construction. Such sign stands are typically employed on the side of the roadway or on the roadway edge so as to avoid unintentional contact with oncoming vehicles. If the roadway is reduced in size by traffic delineators such as cones or barricades, design systems may be employed adjacent to such delineator devices. 
         [0003]    It is generally desirable that the sign systems be self supporting, yet light weight and portable. Initially, the framework was supported by a system of collapsible support legs which, when folded out, resemble a tripod or similar structure for engaging the ground. Recently, monolithic slabs have been proposed for supporting an upright framework member. The slabs may be made of crumb rubber or the like pliable, resilient material for example. The use of these types of sign bases has been noted, in some applications, to improve crash worthiness of the sign system. 
         [0004]    Heretofore, temporary roadway warning signs have been employed largely by construction and repair crews that are deployed on or near a roadway surface. In the past, unusual, temporary caution conditions not associated with a construction event, such as school cross-walks, have been protected by human operators holding a warning sign. Even in construction areas, human operators are sometimes employed to manually present a caution sign to oncoming motorists. Increasingly, usage of in-street signing has been proposed for special events such as school crosswalks that are in use for only a small portion of the day. The Federal government and various State and local organizations have proposed their own Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). For example, one such manual is published by the Federal Highway Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. States and local governmental bodies have been inspired to either adopt or produce their own manual, drawing inspiration from the work done by the Federal government. Accordingly, attention is now being given to enhancing pedestrian crosswalks using improved in-street signage. Uniform in-street pedestrian crossing signs or reduced sized in-street School Advance Warning signs have been proposed in the Federal Highway Administration MUTCD Section 7B09. Even if similar signs are employed remote from a roadway surface, advantages can be obtained from the use of in-street signage. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention provides a novel and improved sign system. A first embodiment of a sign system, according to the present invention includes a flexible sign panel having a middle section and opposed free ends, along with a frame including first and second frame members pivotally joined together, with each frame member having opposed free ends. A mounting member defines a socket for receiving a first end of the first frame member, and at least one biasing tether connects the mounting member to at least one free end of the sign panel. The support members, the sign panel, the mounting member and the biasing tether cooperate such that, with the second support member engaging the middle section of the sign panel, the free ends of the sign panel are supported adjacent the first end of the first support member, and the second support member and the middle section of the sign panel are supported by the first support member at a point spaced from the first end of the first support member. 
         [0006]    The biasing tether may comprise a pair of bias cords having opposed ends extending from the free end of sign panel, with a central portion of the cord engaging the mounting member. Alternatively, the biasing tether could comprise a web of elastic material engaging a center portion of the sign panel free end. 
         [0007]    Preferably, the middle section of the sign panel is supported by the second support member which is located at approximately midway between ends of the sign panel, with opposed sign panel portions generally coextensive with one another, so that the free ends of the sign panel are positioned adjacent one another. Also, stiffeners are provided at the free ends of the sign panel. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, a sign system includes a flexible sign panel having a middle section and opposed free ends. A frame includes first and second frame members pivotally joined together, each frame member having opposed free ends, and a mounting member defining a socket receives a first end of the first frame member. At least one biasing tether connects the mounting member to at least one free end of the sign panel. The support members, the sign panel, the mounting member and the biasing tether cooperate such that, with the second support member engaging the middle section of the sign panel, the free ends of the sign panel are supported adjacent the first end of the first support member, and the second support member and the middle section of the sign panel are supported by the first support member at a point spaced from the first end of the first support member. Also included is a support base engaging the second end of the first support member, to engage the second end of the first support member, holding it in an upright position. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, a sign system includes a flexible sign panel having a middle section and opposed free ends, with stiffeners at the free ends and a frame including first and second frame members pivotally joined together, with each frame member having opposed free ends. The middle section of the sign panel is supported by the second support member and located at approximately midway between the ends of the sign panel, with opposed sign panel portions generally coextensive with one another, and with the free ends of the sign panel positioned adjacent one another. A mounting member defining a socket receives a first end of the first frame member, and at least one biasing tether connects the mounting member to at least one free end of the sign panel. The support members, the sign panel, the mounting member and the biasing tether cooperate such that, with the second support member engaging the middle section of the sign panel, the free ends of the sign panel are supported adjacent the first end of the first support member, and the second support member and the middle section of the sign panel are supported by the first support member at a point spaced from the first end of the first support member. 
         [0010]    In a further embodiment, a sign system includes a flexible sign panel having a middle section and opposed free ends, along with a frame including upright and cross frame members pivotally joined together, each frame member having opposed free ends and at least one engagement member on the upright support member. At least one biasing tether connects the at least one engagement member to the sign panel. The support members, the sign panel, the at least one engagement member and the biasing tether cooperate such that, with the second support member engaging the middle section of the sign panel, the free ends of the sign panel are supported adjacent the second end of the first support member, and the second support member and the middle section of the sign panel are supported by the second support member at a point spaced from the first end of the first support member. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, a sign panel kit includes a flexible sign panel having a middle section and opposed free ends, a frame including first and second frame members pivotally joined together, each frame member having opposed free ends and a mounting member defining a socket for receiving a first end of the first frame member. At least one biasing tether connects the mounting member to at least one free end of the sign panel. The support members, the sign panel, the mounting member and the biasing tether cooperating such that, with the second support member engaging the middle section of the sign panel, the free ends of the sign panel are supported adjacent the first end of the first support member, and the second support member and the middle section of the sign panel are supported by the first support member at a point spaced from the first end of the first support member. Also included is a container for carrying the sign panel, mounting member, tether and base. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    In the drawings: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a sign system illustrating the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view thereof; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective schematic view of the sign panel component thereof; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the sign system; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a mounting component used in the sign system; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view thereof; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view thereof; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a front elevational view thereof; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 10-12  show a sequence of operations for engaging a sign panel rib with the mounting member; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of kit components for a sign panel system; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a front elevational view of an alternative sign panel system; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a side elevational view thereof; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a front elevational view of an alternative mounting member arrangement; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  shows a portion of  FIG. 16 , taken on an enlarged scale; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative of the  FIG. 19  arrangement; 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a top plan view of the arrangement of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is a front elevational view of an alternative mounting component; 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  23 - 23  of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line  24 - 24  of  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  is a front elevational view of a further alternative embodiment of a mounting component; 
           [0036]      FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  26 - 26  of  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 27  and  FIG. 28  are cross-sectional views similar to those of  FIG. 26 , but showing stages of assembly of a sign system. 
           [0038]      FIG. 29  is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternative assembly for attaching the sign panel; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 30  is a fragmentary perspective view of another alternative assembly for attaching the sign panel. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0040]    The invention disclosed herein is, of course, susceptible of embodiment of many different forms. Shown in the drawings and described herein below in detail are the preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the present disclosure is an exemplification of principles of the invention and does not limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments. 
         [0041]    For ease of description, sign systems embodying the present invention are described herein below in their usual assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings in terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal, etc., may be used herein with reference to this usual position. However, sign systems may be manufactured, transported, sold and or used in orientations other than that described and shown herein. 
         [0042]    Referring now to the drawings, and initially to  FIGS. 1-12 , a first embodiment of a sign system according to principals of the present invention is generally indicated at  10 . Included is a framework generally indicated at  12  (best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 4 ) and a flexible web generally indicated at  14  (best seen in  FIG. 3 ). Also included is a base schematically illustrated at  16 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , flexible web  14  has opposed free ends  20 ,  22  and a mid-section  24  preferably located midway between the free ends. An opening  26  is formed in mid-section  24  and is generally preferred so as to facilitate assembly of the sign system. In the preferred embodiment, opening  26  is located at a halfway position between ends  20 ,  22  and thus divides the flexible web into two panels  30 ,  32 . In the preferred embodiment, stiffeners  34 ,  36  are located at free ends  20 ,  22  as indicated for example in  FIG. 10 , stiffeners  34 ,  36  preferably comprise a cylindrical dowels about which ends of flexible web  14  are wrapped and secured with stitching  38 . In the preferred embodiment, central portions of dowels  34 ,  36  are exposed so as to facilitate wrapping tethers  42  about the dowels. As will be seen, tethers  42  serve as biased members and are preferably made of elastic material. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , framework  12  includes an upright number  46 , and a cross member  48  joined together by a pivot pin  50 . Referring additionally to  FIG. 11 , upright member  46  has an upper or first free end  54  and a second or lower free end  56  shown for example in  FIG. 4 . As shown in the drawings, upright and cross members  46 ,  48  are elongated and have generally rectangular cross-sections. In a preferred embodiment, upright and cross members  46 ,  48  are preferably made of conventional epoxy rib material and thus are flexible so as to prolong their service light upon incidental contact with an outside source. Pivot pin  50  preferably comprises a hollow rivet, but could also comprise a screw fastener or a solid rivet, the ends of which are headed over, for example. Referring again to  FIG. 4 , support base  16  is provided with a central aperture  60  for receiving the lower end  56  of upright  46 , as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , for example. As indicated in  FIG. 13 , cross member  48  is pivotable so as to become, lined with upright  46  for a compact storage position of minimal size. By simply rotating cross member  48  to the position indicated for example in  FIG. 4 , framework  12  is placed in an operational mode, ready for assembly of the sign stand. 
         [0045]    As shown for example in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4 , a mounting member  66  is located at the top of the sign stand assembly. Referring now to  FIGS. 5-9 , mounting member  66  is preferably made from a one-piece integral plastic molding. If desired, mounting member  66  could be made from several inter-cooperating parts or could be made from other materials such as wood or metal. Referring for example to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , mounting member  66  includes a handle  68  joined to a body generally indicated at  70  by a stem  72 . Body  70  preferably forms a hollow socket having an interior hollow chamber  76 , shown for example in  FIG. 5 . Included in body  70  are side walls  78  and front walls  80 . As can be seen for example in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , recesses  84  are formed in front walls  80  and extend slightly into side walls  78 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , body  70  further includes an end wall  88  that extends between side walls  78  and is joined to one end of stem  72 . Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 8 , end wall  88  includes a series of pads  92  which provide a convenient bearing surface for abutting engagement with the upper end  54  of upright member  46 , as will be seen with reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
         [0047]    As shown for example in  FIG. 8 , front walls  80  do not extend to end wall  88  but rather, are abbreviated so as to form windows  96 , exposing the upper ends front walls  80 . The windows  96  extend to the hollow interior  76  of body  70 . Referring again to  FIG. 5 , recesses  84  form a raised separator portion  102  separating the channels or recesses  84  from one another. In the preferred embodiment, separator  102  comprises the central portions of side walls  78 . As can be seen in  FIG. 9 , recesses  84  are preferably continuous with windows  96  to allow for easy threading and assembly of the tether members, as will be described below. Referring to  FIG. 9 , end wall  88  preferably defines a downwardly facing recess  106  defined by side wall  78  and locator walls  108 . 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , webs  42  are looped over front walls  80  and secured with stitching, as indicated in  FIG. 10 . The inner portions of the loops surrounding the front walls  80  have edges received in recesses  84  (see  FIGS. 5 and 9 ) so as to space the looped portion of the tethers from the center portion of the hollow interior of body  70 . With reference to  FIG. 5 , recesses  84  gave two parts, a central part which in effect increases the width of the hollow interior of body  70  and the end portions which extend into side walls  78  which hold edges of the tethers  42 , captive. Thus, the enlarged width accommodates the thickness of the tethers while the end portions of recesses  84  hold the tether captive so as to press against the inner surface of front wall  80 . The tether loops shown in  FIGS. 10-12 , for example, are exaggerated for drawing purposes, it being generally preferred that the inside portion of the tethered loops are held against or very close to front walls  80 , to avoid interference with the upright support member, as will now be described. 
         [0049]    With reference to  FIGS. 10-12 , and beginning with  FIG. 10 , the upper portion of a flexible assembly  120  is shown in a relaxed, pre-installation stage. Referring additionally to  FIG. 13 , flexible assembly  120  include the flexible web  14  (shown for example in  FIG. 3 ) and mounting members  66  joined to the tethers  42  of the flexible web. Assembly of the sign system begins with inserting the lower end  56  of upright  46  through hole  26  of flexible web  14  ( FIG. 3 ). The upright  46  is inserted through opening  26  until cross member  48  contacts mid section  24  of the flexible panel. At this point of assembly, the upper end  54  of upright  46  is located between the upper free ends of the flexible panel. Referring to  FIG. 11 , the handle portion  68  of mounting member  66  is then pulled in the direction of arrow  126  so as to raise mounting member  66  above the upper free end  54  of upright  46 . At this time, the upper end  54  of upright  46  is generally aligned with the hollow interior cavity  76  of body  70  referring to  FIG. 12 , tension of tethers  42  is relaxed by lowering mounting member  66  in the direction of arrow  128 , so as to bring the upper end of upright  46  into the hollow interior of the mounting member  70 . 
         [0050]    The mounting member is then lowered so as to bring the upper end  54  of upright  46  into recess  106  (see  FIGS. 10 and 11 ), until the upper end of the upright is held captive by locator walls  108 . At this point, flexible tethers  42  preferably exert a predetermined downward biased force maintaining engagement of the mounting member and upright, so as to maintain the alignment illustrated for example in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . Thereafter, the lower end of upright  46  is secured to a support so as to maintain the sign assembly in a generally upright position shown for example in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0051]    If desired, the orientation of the sign system can be quickly and easily attained by providing support base  16  so as to receive and engage upright  46 . If desired, the support base may be omitted and a ground socket or hole in a support surface may be provided for this purpose. As a further option, mounting member  66  provides convenient attachment to the side of a traffic standard, vehicle or building wall, for example. Since it is generally preferred that the sign panels  30 ,  32  have a generally rectangular configuration, cross member  48  is made to have a width sufficient so as to maintain the rectangular configuration at the bottom of the sign panels, and stiffeners are provided at the upper ends of the sign panels, as described. 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , a sign system kit is generally indicated at  130 , and includes, in addition to the sign system components described above, a carrying case  132  having a first compartment  134  for receiving framework  12 , a second compartment  136  for receiving flexible assembly  120  and a third compartment  138  for receiving support base  16 . In order to contribute to the portability of the sign system, it is generally preferred that the support base  16  be formed of a relatively light-weight material such as crumb rubber, solid rubber which is either machined, case, or molded, wood, fiberglass or other material as may be desirable. With the addition of a carrying strap  140 , the kit  130  can be easily transported from one location to another. It is generally preferred that case  132  is made of lightweight flexible material such as a cloth composition, which can be easily folded and stored while the sign system is being displayed. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIGS. 14 and 16 , an alternative arrangement of a sign system is illustrated. The framework  12  is inverted from the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 112  and engagement members  142  are provided adjacent the lower end of upright  46 . The opposite or upper portion of upright  46  is preferably abbreviated so as to lie entirely within the fold of flexible web  146 . If desired, upright  46  can extend upwardly beyond flexible web  146  with the addition of central opening similar to the opening  26  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The lower ends of flexible web  146  are preferably provided with stiffeners  34 ,  36  as described above. 
         [0054]    If desired, the tethers  42  shown for example in  FIG. 1  may be employed in an arrangement of  FIG. 15 , if desired. However,  FIGS. 14 and 15  show an alternative arrangement in which a centrally located elastic tether is replaced by a tether cord  150  having end portions secured adjacent the lateral edges of the free ends of flexible web  146 . By comparison of  FIGS. 1 and 14 , it will be noticed that the indicia in  FIG. 14  is inverted. If desired, the same flexible web can be provided for assembly according to both  FIGS. 1 and 14 , with the indicia shown in  FIG. 14  printed on the inner surface of the flexible web shown in  FIG. 1 , for example. Thus, by choosing the relative orientation of framework  12 , the proper surfaces of the flexible web can be chosen so as to provide indicia for either arrangement of  FIG. 1  or  14 . 
         [0055]    If tether cord  150  is to be used in place of the central tether  42 , modifications to the mounting member  66  shown in  FIGS. 1-12 , is generally preferred. Referring to  FIGS. 16-18 , a mounting member  156  is generally identical to the mounting member  66  described above, except that body  70  is provided with an optional upper structure  158  shown in  FIGS. 16-18  and  21 . With reference to  FIG. 18 , end wall  162  is provided with a pair of recesses  164 , for receiving respective tether cords  150 . 
         [0056]    With reference to  FIG. 21 , recesses  164  can be provided with optional staggered tabs  166  that holds the tether cords captive, while allowing the tether cords to be threaded into the recesses  64  during the assembly of the sign system. As can be seen in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , for example, the front wall windows described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-12  have been omitted, as being unnecessary since the central tethers  42  are not employed. However, if desired, the windows and remaining construction of the mounting members  66  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-12 , can be included in mounting member  156  to accommodate mass production of the mounting member, as may be desired. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 19 and 20  show alternative methods for securing the ends of tether cord  150  to the flexible web. As shown in  FIG. 19 , the flexible web is looped about tether cord  150  and a lateral stiffener  170  and secured by stitching or other joinder  172 . 
         [0058]    In  FIG. 20 , material from the flexible web is looped over lateral stiffener  170  and secured at  172 . A rigid clip made of plastic or metal, for example, is indicated at  176  and provides engagement with tether cord  150 , as illustrated. Clip  176  is secured to lateral stiffener  170  by conventional fastening means  178  such as a ribbon or threaded fastener, for example. If desired, two clips  176  can be provided, one adjacent each end of lateral stiffener  170 , or a single clip  176  can be arranged so as to co-extend with the lateral stiffener and preferably the width of the flexible web. 
         [0059]    Turning now to  FIGS. 22-28 , two alternative arrangements of mounting members are shown. A first alternative embodiment generally indicated at  182  is shown in  FIGS. 22-24 . Mounting member  182  is generally identical to mounting member  66  described above, except for being formed from three components, a body  186  and a pair of removable front walls  188 . Body  186  includes the features of mounting member  66  as described above, except for the absence of front walls  180 . With the arrangement of  FIGS. 22-24 , mounting member  182  can accommodate a fully formed flexible web, shone for example in  FIG. 3 . As mentioned above, the mounting member  66  requires the tethers  42  to be looped around the front walls  80  and secured in the manner illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 10-12 . 
         [0060]    With the mounting member  182 , the tethers  42  can be completely formed during fabrication of the flexible web. With reference to  FIG. 24 , side walls  78  are provided with a pair of dove tail channels formed by channel members  192 . Opposed ends of front walls  188  are provided with dove tail configurations  194 , as illustrated in  FIG. 24 . Thus, the front walls  188  can be slid into dove tail channels of side walls  78  from above, and lowered until the front walls contact stop members  196  (see  FIGS. 22 and 23 ), so as to prevent separation of the front walls from body  186  while loads are applied by tethers  42 . Thus, by simply inserting front walls  188  in the loops of tethers  42  and sliding the front walls into the position illustrated in  FIG. 22 , construction of the flexible assembly  120 , shown for example in  FIG. 13 , is completed, allowing all sewing or other construction of the flexible web to be completed off site, as may be desired. 
         [0061]    Turning now to  FIGS. 25-28 , an alternative embodiment of a mounting component is generally indicated at  204 . As with the preceding embodiment, mounting member  204  allows the flexible web to be completely constructed prior to assembly of the sign system. Referring to  FIG. 27 , the looped ends of tether  42  are passed entirely through the interior of the body of mounting member  204 . The upper ends of tethers  42  are inserted through windows  208  and a cross member  210 .  210  is inserted through the loop. Thereafter, the cross member  210  is seated in pockets  214  formed in side walls  78  and thus held captive within the mounting member. In the preferred embodiment, recesses are formed in side wall  78 , similar to recesses  84  (see  FIGS. 5-9 ), to keep the tether from interviewing with the upright member. 
         [0062]    Referring now to  FIGS. 29 and 30 , alternative arrangements are show for attaching the sign panel to an upright support, such as the upright member  46  shown in  FIG. 2 . These alternative arrangements provide support for the upper ends of the sign panel or flexible web  14 , to prevent fluttering or other front-to-back movement of the upper end of web  14  when subjected to wind gusts or air turbulence from passing vehicles, causing the upper ends of web  14  to rock about upright member  46 . 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIG. 29 , a clip  230  is attached to upright member  46 , by a rivet or other conventional fastener. Preferably, clip  230  is free to rotate to a storage position overlying upright member, for compact storage, but could be fixedly mounted, if desired. As shown, clip  230  has a downwardly opening U-shape portion  232  shown in the deployed position in  FIG. 29 . Clip  230  can be made of virtually any rigid material as may be desired, such as metal or plastic, for example. With reference to  FIG. 2 , clip  230  is mounted at the upper portion of upright member  46 , adjacent laterally extending stiffener  34 . A complementary, interengaging clip  236  is attached to stiffener  34  (or, less preferably, the upper end of web  14 ) using conventional fasteners such as rivets, screws, adhesive or sewn attachment. 
         [0064]    As shown, clip  236  has an upwardly opening U-shaped portion  238 , dimensioned for interengagement with portion  232  of clip  230 . As tether  42  is pulled in the upward direction of arrow  242 , clips  230 ,  236  are brought into mating engagement, one with the other. Owing to the stiffness of the clips  230 ,  236 , rocking of the upper portion of web  14  about upright member  46  is prevented. As shown in  FIG. 29 , a clip arrangement is provided only for the front panel portion of web  14 . For a folded web, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 2  for example, a similar pair of interengaging clips could be provided for the second, rear facing panel portion. 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIG. 30 , and alternative arrangement for stabilizing the upper end of web  14  is shown utilizing a cross member  246 , rotatively secured to upright member  46  by a rivet  248  or other conventional fastener. A pivoting connection is preferred, so that the cross member is brought into overlying relationship with upright member  46 , for compact storage. Upon deployment of the sign stand assembly, the cross member  246  is rotated to the extended or working position illustrated in  FIG. 30 . Cross member  246  is preferably made of rigid material, such as wood, plastic or epoxy or other material, reinforced with fiberglass strands, for example. 
         [0066]    A pair of clips  252  is attached to the upper end of web  14 , preferably by securement to stiffener  34 . As indicated in  FIG. 30 , clips  252  are spaced from one another, on either side of tether  42 . Clips  252 , made of rigid material, have upwardly opening U-shaped portions  254 , dimensioned to receive cross member  246 . The cross member  246  is located at the upper end of upright member  46  of  FIG. 2 , adjacent cross member  34 . As the tether is pulled in an upward directions, clip portions  254  are brought into engagement with cross member  246 . Owing to the rigidity of cross member  246  and clips  252 , their interengagement prevents fluttering of the upper end of web  14 , that would otherwise cause it to rock about upright member  46 . 
         [0067]    Several variations of the arrangement of  FIG. 30  are possible. For example, although a cross member  246  of round cross-section is shown, the cross member could have an elongated cross sectional shape, such as the cross member  24 , employed at the lower end of the sign stand assembly. As a further variation, the two separate clips  252  could be replaced by a single clip, preferably with a central recess that would allow the clip to straddle upright member  46 . 
         [0068]    The arrangements of  FIGS. 29 and 30  are shown for tethered connections at the upper end of the sign stand assembly, such as that shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . The same arrangements could, with simple inversion, be employed with an arrangement, such as that shown in  FIGS. 14-15 , where a tethered connection is provided at the lower end of the sign stand assembly. 
         [0069]    As indicated herein, a pair of sign panels are preferably provided as portions of a flexible web which, when folded, causes the sign panels to overly one another. If desired, a single sign panel could be employed, with end portions attached to opposed ends of the same support member, preferably, an upright member. One end of the sign panel would be secured to one end of the support member, and the other end of sign panel would be secured to the other end of the support member. Although both ends of the flexible web are secured to the support member, (an upright mast, for example), it is generally preferred that one of the securements to the support and/or the tethers themselves be made resiliently stretchable, using elastic cords or straps and/or spring bias members such as coil springs. The tethers can be homogenous throughout their length, or can be formed from a serial array of different components. Some of the components could be rigid and some of the components could be resilient, for example. 
         [0070]    The foregoing description and the accompanying drawings are illustrative of the present invention. Still other variations and arrangements of parts are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.