Abstract:
A sign system particularly useful for point of purchase advertising that is elevated above the reach of shoppers. A slideable sign frame assembly carrying a sign is slideably attached to a normally hidden sign frame assembly supporting apparatus. The sign frame assembly and the supporting apparatus both carry pairs of cooperating slots of predetermined dimensions and configuration that together with a plurality of bolts, one for each slot, provide for the sign frame assembly and the supporting apparatus to be physically connected to one another while at the same time permit movement of the sign assembly relative to the supporting apparatus in the vertical direction. The bolts in cooperation with associated slots permit the raising and lowering of the sign assembly for change-out of the sign from ground level. A sign change-out tool is used to raise and lower the sign assembly.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a sign system, and, in particular, to a sign system including a sign useful in point of purchase advertising that is elevated above the reach of shoppers, and is used at convenience stores, supermarkets, department stores, home supply stores and the like. Such signs being mounted above the reach of most employees, pose a safety concern when it is time to change the sign. Changing the sign usually requires the use of a ladder, which as is well known, provides a risk of collapsing or falling over when the user is near the top of the ladder. Employers and insurers are naturally concerned with the safety risks posed by the use of a means such as a ladder to perform the sign change-out task. The sign system of the present invention has an integral vertical adjustment structure, that is substantially hidden when the sign is in the operative display position and only becomes visible to a consumer or bystander during change-out of the sign and is therefore aesthetically pleasing to the consumer or bystander. 
   Various sign systems with integral vertical adjustment capability have been disclosed in the past, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,695, dated Dec. 30, 1997, issued to Wayne A. Current. The Current patent discloses a free-standing device for displaying a sign at various heights and includes a sign holder and a base. The sign holder includes a framed transparent window with hollow frame members disposed along the lateral sides. The base includes upwardly extending support rods for frictionally and slideably engaging the hollow interior of the frame member. The sign holder and sign are selectively maintained at various heights along the support rod. Upon lowering the support rods they are completely hidden with the hollow frame member. 
   Another such sign system, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,611 B1, dated Oct. 29, 2002, issued to Thomas M. Conway. The Conway patent discloses a two-position vertically adjustable sign system used for mounting display media to an associated vertically oriented rack or shelf. The Conway system permits by its vertical adjustable capability provision for access to the shelves on which the sign system is mounted for restocking or storage. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,349, dated May 25, 1976, issued to James G. Nidelkoff, is disclosed a support for a screen printed transparency or other photographic art work which may be raised on a track from a lowered ground position by a workman by use of a rod to engage a hook attached to a slideable frame affixed to a telescopic support to raise it into an upper position in a frame mounted on an elevated illuminated signboard. The support is fixed in the frame on the elevated signboard when raised. 
   Another such sign system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,009,532, dated Mar. 1, 1977, issued to Wayne A. Thomas. The Thomas patent discloses a display stand for a sheet-like display member which is folded to provide a top edge fold and confronting side panels having adjacent lower edges. The display member is supported in an elevated position by an upstanding rod-like structure arranged to extend between lower edges of the panels and at its upper end fold. The lower end of the rod-like structure is arranged for adhesively mounting upon a surface of display container, carton, and the like. The rod-like structure comprises two elements which have axially adjustably interconnected overlapped end portions to permit adjustable variation of the supported height of the display member above the container. 
   Yet another such sign system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,329,800, dated May 18, 1982, issued to Bernard E. Shuman. The Shuman patent discloses a lightweight display device capable of vertical adjustment to the desired height having a display frame attached to one end of a rod whose other end is formed from a pair of resilient arms having a plurality of teeth for the outer surface. The rod is positioned for ratchet-like vertical movement within a hollow tube having a threaded inner surface which engages the teeth. The frame can be raised or lowered, along the length of the rod, by extending a vertical force thereto sufficient to deflect the arms of the rod away from the threads of the tube. When the vertical force is removed, the teeth re-engage with the threads to support the display frame. The tube is mounted to a ground level base. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 7,121,029 B2, dated Oct. 17, 2006, to David Wilson is disclosed a sign system provided with a hoisting mechanism for moving a sign between an access or servicing position near ground level and an elevated position. The sign system includes first and second sets of guide members and a drive system. The guide members are connected together for telescopic movement. The drive system includes a cable for raising and lowering a sign so that it may be changed at ground level. 
   Point of purchase sign display users such as, convenience stores, supermarkets, department stores, discount merchandisers, home supply stores and the like, in recent years have become quite concerned with making a positive effect on the consumer with regard to such sign displays upon entering the user&#39;s premises. Visual additional support poles and cables, and the like, are often not desirous, for displaying the user&#39;s point of purchase signs, but at the same time such users are very concerned with the safety of their employees while changing such sign which are often in an elevated positioned as mentioned. The foregoing prior art provides various integrally adjustable sign systems, which are either quite complex, or are for a different purpose, and apparently maybe somewhat difficult to use, or do not provide the aesthetic appeal such users demand. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides an elevated sign system including a sign useful in point of purchase advertising, that is aesthetically pleasing in the operative display position, but includes substantially hidden integral vertical adjustment structure that provides safe and easy lowering capability and controlled stable movement for ground level “low” sign change-out without the use of a ladder or the like. 
   The elevated sign system of the present invention preferably includes a slideable sign frame assembly, which preferably includes a sign frame which may be a rectangular rigid back plate having integral sign retaining lips proximate the periphery of the back plate extending from the front of the back plate. One of the sign retaining lips is provided with a sign receiving slot. 
   A sign frame assembly supporting apparatus to be attached to a support such as a wall or pole is provided. The sign frame assembly supporting apparatus in the preferred embodiment includes a pair of parallel vertical elongated hollow sign frame assembly securing sections spaced at a predetermined distance from each other. Preferably the hollow securing sections have a substantially rectangular cross-section, but other designs are feasible such as oval or circular cross-sections, for example. The sign frame securing sections are of predetermined dimensions and preferably have a length that is somewhat less than the vertical dimension of the sign frame assembly, so the securing sections are hidden by the sign frame assembly when the sign system is in the operative high display position. 
   Attaching means is included for slideably attaching the sign frame assembly to the sign frame assembly supporting apparatus. The attaching means may include for example, first bolts or pins and second bolts or pins, or the like. The attaching means may also include first and second washer members of predetermined thickness carried by the first bolts. 
   In a preferred embodiment the rigid back plate of the sign frame assembly has a pair of substantially vertical parallel sign frame assembly first bolt retaining and cooperating guide slots, spaced at a predetermined distance from each other. Each of the sign frame assembly first bolt retaining and cooperating guide slots at the bottom thereof having a truncated V-shaped docking and locking portion. The locking portion of the V-shaped docking and locking portions of the first bolt retaining and guide slot is upwardly retroverted at a predetermined angle from the vertical portion of the first bolt retaining and cooperating guide slot proximate the bottom of the first slot. 
   The rigid back plate in one embodiment may have a pair of second bolt receiving apertures therethrough proximate the upper portion thereof. 
   In a preferred embodiment each of the parallel vertical sign frame assembly securing sections has a substantially vertical elongated sign frame assembly second bolt retaining and cooperating guide slot therein of predetermined length. Each of the second bolt retaining and guide slots at the top thereof has an inverted truncated V-shaped docking and locking portion. The locking portion of the inverted V-shaped docking and locking portion of the second bolt retaining and guide slot is preferably of predetermined length and is downwardly retroverted at the predetermined angle of the first bolt retaining and guide slot from the vertical portion of the second bolt retaining and guide slot at the top of the second slot. Preferably, the length of the operative vertical portions of the first bolt retaining and guide slots and the vertical portions of the second bolt retaining and guide slots are substantially equal. Additional preferred configurations of the first and second bolt retaining and guide slots are subsequently disclosed. 
   Each of the sign frame assembly securing sections&#39; second bolt retaining and cooperating guide slots proximate the bottom thereof having a circular sign frame assembly second bolt insertion aperture. 
   A sign sized to slide through the sign receiving slot of the one retaining lip of the back plate and engaging the sign retaining lips near the front of the sign assembly is provided. 
   A sign change tool receiving member is desirably included and is centrally attached near the bottom back of the rigid back plate. A first angle stop bumper member is centrally attached proximate the upper portion of the back of the rigid back plate. 
   Desirably for stability of the system and ease in transporting and mounting it to a support, frame securing section connecting means including a plurality of brackets. A first bracket is attached between the top portions of the sign frame securing sections and a second bracket is attached between the bottom portions of the sign frame securing sections. 
   Preferably, the sign frame assembly securing sections each have a pair of first bolt receiving members or tabs that are attached oppositely from one another at the outer sides of the sign frame assembly sections. Each of the first bolt receiving members has first bolt receiving apertures therethrough. The first bolt receiving members may be threaded at the first bolt receiving apertures, for example, to operably engage the first bolts. 
   A third bracket is desirably attached between the sign frame securing sections proximate the lower portions thereof. A second angle stop bumper member is operatively attached to the third bracket. 
   Each of the first bolts having a pin portion sized to pass through the first bolt retaining and cooperating guide slots at the front of the back plate. Each of the first bolts has a head portion sized to prevent the head portion from passing through the first bolt retaining and guide slots. The pin portions of the first bolts operatively engaging the threaded first bolt receiving members. 
   Each of the second bolts having a second pin portion sized to pass through one of the second bolt slots and has a head portion sized to prevent it from passing through the second bolt slots. The second pin portion of the second bolts proximate the end thereof may be attached in predetermined position to the back plate by welding, or the second pin portion may be threaded for engagement of a nut, for example. 
   A sign change frame assembly engagement tool means is provided for operatively engaging the sign change-out tool receiving member which in a preferred embodiment is hollow. 
   Preferably, the sign frame assembly also includes a slideable sign backing panel sized to slide through the receiving slot and positioned adjacent to the back of the sign. Also, the sign frame assembly further includes spacer members of predetermined thickness attached to or in contact with the back of the sign backing panel in predetermined position. The spacers provide clearance for the first bolts to easily move as desired in the first bolt retaining and cooperating guide slots. The sign backing panel keeps the sign away from any contact with the first bolts. Preferably, the slideable sign backing panel is made of a plastic material, so that there is little friction between the backing panel and the first bolts. In a preferred embodiment the slideable sign backing panel is comprised of corrugated polyurethane material. 
   The sign change-out tool desirably includes an upper U-shaped sign assembly engagement portion, and a handle of predetermined length is attached to the U-shaped sign assembly engagement portion of the sign change-out tool. The sign change-out tool is used when it is desired to change the sign by a person standing at ground or floor level to reach the sign frame assembly without the need of standing on a ladder. 
   Preferably, the sign frame assembly further includes a windbreaker flap affixed to the one sign retaining lip proximate the periphery of the sign receiving slot. 
   In the configuration where for support, the sign system is to be attached to a vertical pole, the sign frame supporting apparatus further includes a vertical pole mounting bracket attached to the first bracket and operably attaching the sign frame supporting apparatus to the vertical pole. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings exemplary of the invention in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the elevated sign system of the present invention in the high display position affixed to a wall; 
       FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the sign system in the low change-out position; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective exploded view of the elevated sign system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a partially exploded cross-sectional view taken along the line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a partially exploded cross-sectional view taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a partially exploded cross-sectional view taken along the line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 7  is side-elevation view, partially in section, of the sign system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a front elevation view of the slideable sign frame assembly of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a rear elevation view of the slideable sign frame assembly shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of the sign frame assembly supporting apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 13  is a bottom view of the sign frame assembly supporting apparatus as shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a right side elevation view, partially broken away, of the sign frame assembly supporting apparatus as shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the sign frame assembly supporting apparatus; 
       FIG. 18  is cross-sectional view taken along the line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 19  is a rear elevation schematic view of the sign system of the present invention with the slideable sign frame assembly in the high display position; 
       FIG. 20  is a rear elevation schematic view of the sign frame assembly showing the sign frame assembly raised into a position where the first bolts and the second bolts are in alignment with and just entering the respective vertical portions of the first and second bolt retaining and cooperating guide slots; 
       FIG. 21  is a rear elevation schematic view of the sign frame assembly lowered into a position about half way between the high display position and low change-out position and with the first bolts and second bolts are also about half way in the respective vertical portions of the first and second bolt retaining and cooperating guide slots; 
       FIG. 22  is a rear elevation schematic view of the sign frame assembly lowered to the low change-out position, the first bolts and second bolts are in their final change-out position in the respective vertical portions of the first and second bolt retaining and cooperating guide slots; 
       FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view an embodiment of the sign system of the present invention for attachment to a pole where the sign frame assembly supporting apparatus includes a vertical pole mounting bracket and associated hardware; 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the upper portion of the sign change frame assembly engagement tool; 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the third bracket; 
       FIG. 26  is a rear elevation view of the sign system in the high display position; and, 
       FIG. 27  is a plan view of the vertical pole mounting bracket shown in  FIG. 23 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   With reference to  FIGS. 1-3  one embodiment of the elevated sign system  10  is depicted. The elevated sign system  10  has a high display position as shown in  FIG. 1  and may be lowered to a low sign change-out position as shown in  FIG. 2 . The elevated sign system of the present invention provides easy and safe lowering capability and controlled stable movement. 
   The sign system  10  includes a slideable sign frame assembly  12 , including a rigid back plate  14  which can be made of metal, such as aluminum, for example. The rigid back plate  14  has integral sign retaining lips  16  around the periphery of the back plate  14 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The sign retaining lips  16  may have an inverted substantially L-shaped cross-section  17 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , for example. One of the retaining lips  18  has a sign receiving slot  20  therein of predetermined dimensions for receiving a sign  22 . The sign  22  is sized to slide through the sign receiving slot  20  and is retained in place by the sign retaining lips  16  at the front of the sign frame  12 . The sign  22  may be used for point-of-purchase advertising and typically displays a written message or graphic or combination of both. The sign  22  may be made of any suitable material such as corrugated white plastic, for example. 
   A sign frame assembly supporting apparatus  24  is provided as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  7 - 9 , and  12 - 23 . The sign frame assembly  24  is attached to a support  26 , which in one embodiment may be a vertical wall  28 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 1 , or may, in a second embodiment may be a pole  30 , as shown in  FIG. 23 . The sign frame assembly supporting apparatus  24  includes a pair of parallel vertical elongated hollow sign frame assembly securing sections  32   a ,  32   b , as shown in  FIG. 2 , for example. The sign frame assembly securing sections  32   a ,  32   b  are spaced at a predetermined distance from each other such as 11 inches center to center. Sign frame securing section connecting and supporting brackets  33   a ,  33   b  and  33   c  are preferably included. The first bracket  33   a  is attached between top portions  37  of the sign frame securing sections  32   a ,  33   b  and the second bracket  33   b  is attached between the bottom portions  39  of the sign frame securing sections  32   a ,  32   b , as shown if  FIG. 17 . A third bracket  33   c  is attached between the sign frame securing sections  32   a ,  32   b  near the lower portions thereof, above second bracket  32   b . First bracket  33   a  and third bracket  33   c  have bracket apertures  41  passing therethrough, bolts  45  attach the first bracket  33   a  and the third bracket  33   c  to the wall  28 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
   Attaching means  34  is provided for slideably attaching the sign frame assembly  12  to the sign frame assembly supporting apparatus  24 . The attaching means  34  includes first bolts  36  and second bolts  38 . 
   The rigid back plate  14  of the sign frame assembly has a pair of substantially vertical elongated parallel sign frame assembly first bolt retaining and cooperating slots  40   a ,  40   b  spaced at a predetermined distance which is greater than the horizontal distance between the outside edges of the securing sections  32   a ,  32   b . Each of the sign frame assembly first bolt retaining and cooperating slots  40   a ,  40   b  at the bottom thereof has a truncated V-shaped docking and locking portion  42 . The locking portion  44 , such as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , of the V-shaped docking and locking portions of the first bolt retaining slots  40   a ,  40   b  are upwardly retroverted as shown at a predetermined angle, such as from about 20 degrees to about 40 degrees, with 30 degrees being preferred, from the vertical portion  46  of first slots  40   a ,  40   b  at the bottoms of the slots  40   a ,  40   b.    
   The parallel vertical sign securing sections  32   a ,  32   b  each have a substantially vertical elongated frame assembly second bolt retaining and cooperating guide slot  52   a ,  52   b  of predetermined vertical length, such as 25 inches, for example. Each of the second bolt retaining and cooperating guide slots  52   a ,  52   b  having inverted truncated V-shaped docking and locking portions  54 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . The locking portions  56  of the V-shaped docking and locking portions  54  of the second slots  52   a ,  52   b  have a predetermined length such as 1 inch, or about 1/25 of the vertical length of second slot  52   a ,  52   b . The locking portions  56  of the V-shaped docking and locking portions  54  are downwardly retroverted as shown in  FIG. 12 , for example, from the vertical portion  58  of second slots  52   a ,  52   b , at the same angle as described for the locking portion  44  of the first slots  40   a ,  40   b , at the top the second slots  52   a ,  52   b.    
   Each of the sign frame assembly securing sections  32   a ,  32   b  at the bottom  60  have a sign frame assembly second bolt insertion aperture  62  for receiving second bolts  38 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
   With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , the sign  22  is sized to slide through the sign receiving slot  20  of the one retaining lip  18  of the back plate  14  and engage the sign retaining lips  16  at the front of the sign assembly  12 . A sign change tool receiving member  64  is preferably centrally attached to the back  68  of the back plate  14  near the bottom thereof, as shown in  FIGS. 7-11 , and it may have a tubular configuration. A first angle stop member  66  is preferably centrally attached proximate the upper portion of the back  68  of the rigid back plate  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The angle stop  66  may have an L-shaped cross-section, for example, and may be attached to the back plate  14  by a bolt, not shown. 
   A pair of first bolt receiving members  70   a ,  70   b  are attached oppositely from one another, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 17 , at the outer sides  72   a ,  72   b  of securing sections  32   a ,  32   b , as shown in  FIG. 17 . Preferably, each of the first bolt receiving members  70   a ,  70   b  or tabs have first bolt apertures  74  therethrough as shown in  FIG. 18 . Preferably, the first bolt receiving members  70   a ,  70   b  are threaded proximate the apertures  74 , not shown. Preferably, a second angle stop member  76  is operatively attached to the third bracket  33   c , see  FIGS. 3 and 25 , by bolts  47  passing through the second angle stop  76  first apertures  55  which desirably are threaded, bolts  45  preferably pass through second stop  76  second apertures  57  and engage the wall  28 . This arrangement provides for reliable retaining of the sign frame assembly when it is in the lowered change-out position. 
   Each of the first bolts  36  have a first pin portion  78  sized to slideably pass through the first bolt retaining and cooperating guide slots  40   a ,  40   b  and a first head portion  80  sized to prevent the first head portion  80  from passing through the slots  40   a ,  40   b , as shown for example in  FIG. 4 . The first pin portions  80  of the first bolts  36  operatively engage the first bolt receiving members  70   a ,  70   b , as shown in  FIG. 3 . First washers  82 , preferably made of nylon, are inserted between members  70   a ,  70   b  and the back  68  of the back plate  14  and second washers  84  are also preferably inserted between bolts  36  and the front  86  of the back plate  14 . The first and second washers  82  and  84  permit the back plate  14  to easily slide therebetween. 
   Each of the second bolts  38  have a second pin portion  88  sized to pass through one of the second bolt slots  52   a ,  52   b  and may be affixed to the back plate by welding or, in an alternative, for example, the second bolts may pass through one of said the back plate  14  is provided with second bolt receiving apertures  48   a ,  48   b . The bolts  38  each have a second head portion  90  sized to prevent it from passing through the second bolt slots  52   a ,  52   b . The second pin portion  90  of the second bolts  38  having threading, not shown, in the non-welded embodiment, to operatively engage a nut  92 . The rigid back plate  14  may have a pair of second bolt receiving apertures  48   a ,  48   b  near the upper portion  50  of the back plate  14 . The nut  92  may be sized to prevent it from passing through the second bolt receiving apertures  48   a ,  48   b , of course, if the second bolts  38  are welded, for example, to the back plate, in proper alignment with the second bolt slots  52   a ,  52   b , the nuts  92  and threading of the second pin portion  90  is not needed. 
   A sign change frame assembly engagement tool  94  is provided for operatively engaging the sign-change out tool receiving member  64 , such as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 24 . Preferably, the sign change out tool  94  includes an upper U-shaped sign assembly engagement portion  114 , an integral handle clamp  113 , handle screw  115 , wing nut  117 , and a handle  116  of predetermined length such as 5 feet, attached to the U-shaped sign assembly engagement portion  114  of the tool. The length of the handle of course depends on the maximum height the bottom of the sign frame assembly is to be raised to attain the high display position. 
   Preferably, the sign frame assembly  12  also includes a slideable sign backing panel  96 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , sized to slide through the sign receiving slot  20  and positioned adjacent to the back of sign  22 . The backing panel  96  is preferably comprised of a flexible low friction plastic material, such as, corrugated polyurethane. Also, the sign frame assembly  12  desirably includes spacer members  98  of predetermined thickness such as 0.0625 inches. The spacer members  98  should be of such thickness to keep the backing panel  96  separated from back plate  14  to allow sufficient space so that the heads  80  of the first bolts  36  are permitted to move freely in slots  40   a ,  40   b  to prevent binding of bolts  36 . The spacer members  98  may be made of pressure sensitive sponge pads, for example. 
   The sign frame assembly  12  in a preferred embodiment is provided with a windbreaker flap  100  attached to the one sign retaining lip  18  around the periphery of the sign receiving slot  20 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , which as shown covers part of the opening of receiving slot  20 . The windbreaker flap  100  may be made of a flexible material and prevents the sign from being dislodged during high winds if the sign assembly is mounted outdoors by substantially covering the slot  20 . 
   The sign frame supporting apparatus  24  in another preferred embodiment is adapted for mounting to a vertical pole  102 , such as shown in  FIG. 23 . A vertical pole mounting bracket  104  is provided and attached to the first bracket  33   a  and the third bracket  33   c  by first pole attachment bolts  106  passing through pole bracket apertures  110  and engaging pole apertures  112  which are desirably threaded. Second pole attachment bolts  108  are provided which engage first bracket  33   a  and third bracket  33   c  and the pole mounting bracket  104 . 
   Preferably, the length of the operative vertical portions  46  of the first slots  40   a ,  40   b  and the vertical portions  58  of the second slots are substantially equal. Preferably, the trough  118  of the V-shaped docking and locking portion  44  of the first slots  46  open in a upward direction to one side. The trough  120  of the inverted V-shaped docking and locking portions  56  of the second slots  52   a ,  52   b  opens in a downward direction to the side opposite the trough  118  of the V-shaped docking and locking portions  44  of the first slots  40   a ,  40   b . Preferably, the locking portions  44  of the first slots and the locking portions  56  of the second slots are of equal length, such as 1 inch. With reference to  FIG. 19 , first parallel transverse planes  122  passing through the axes of the locking portions  44  of the first bolt retaining and guide slots  40   a ,  40   b  and second parallel transverse planes  124  passing through the axes of the locking portions  56  of the second slots  52   a ,  52   b  are configured, as part of the invention, such that planes  122  and  124  are also in parallel arrangement with respect to each other. This configuration allows the first slots  40   a ,  40   b  and second slots  52   a ,  52   b  to cooperate with one another to provide stability when lowering the sign  22  without any unwanted transverse swinging of the bottom of the sign assembly  12  or binding. In the preferred embodiment the first bolts  36  and first slots  40   a ,  40   b  and the second bolts  38  and the second slots  52   a ,  52   b  work in unison to accomplish a controlled and stable movement of the sign assembly  12  for safe and easy lowering the sign assembly  12 . 
   The elevated sign system  10  of the present invention operates as follows: when it is desirous to change the sign  22  that is in the high display position, such as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 19 , where the sign frame supporting apparatus is substantially hidden, a person standing at ground level simply engages the sign change frame assembly engagement tool  94  with said sign change tool receiving member  64 , which in this example is hollow, and with an upward force applied to said tool  94 , the sign assembly is guided slightly by the arrangement of the cooperating arrangement of the locking portions  44 ,  56  of the first slots  40   a ,  40   b  and the second slots  52   a ,  52   b  to be raised initially about 1 inch to one side at a predetermined offset angle, such as 30 degrees from the vertical portions  46 ,  58  of the first slots  40   a ,  40   b  and second slots  52   a ,  52   b , as it is raised by the cooperation of said V-shaped docking and locking portions of said first bolt retaining and cooperating guiding slots and second bolt retaining and cooperating guiding slots until the first bolts  36  are aligned with the vertical portions  46  of the first parallel sign frame supporting apparatus slots  40   a ,  40   b , simultaneously with the second bolts  38  being aligned with the vertical portions  58  of the vertical sign frame receiving slots  52   a ,  52   b , as shown in  FIG. 20 . Thereupon, the sign assembly  12  may be lowered.  FIG. 21  shows the sign assembly  12  in a half way down lowered position. The sign assembly  12  of the present invention may be lowered with negligible transverse movement of sign  22  until first angle stop bumper member  66  of the sign frame assembly  12  contacts second angle stop bumper member  76  of the supporting apparatus  24  at the sign change-out position, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 22 . Thereafter, the sign may be changed at a ground level height of 6 feet, for example, and upon change-out of the sign  22 , the sign assembly  12  is manually raised with negligible transverse movement by using the tool  94  to raise the sign assembly  12  until the first bolts  36  and the second bolts  38  simultaneously are guided into said V-shaped docking and locking portions  42 ,  56  of the first  40   a ,  40   b  and second  52   a ,  52   b  cooperating slots to lock the sign frame assembly into the high display position by the force of gravity after the tool  94  is disengaged.