Abstract:
A portable sign having a two axis adjustable mounting requiring no tools for adjustment. The sign may be an electronically programmable flat sign. The mounting may comprise at least one linear slidably adjustable arm configured for varying a position of the arm. The arm may have a suction cup attached thereto by a flexible band wrapping around the arm. The flexible band configured to allow rotation around the arm in a plane perpendicular to the arm. The flexible band having detents molded therein to ensure secure retention of the weight of the sign at any detent stop position. The sign may have a housing with slots running the length of the sign for attaching the arms. The housing may be extruded and may include board mounting and end cap attachment features in the extrusion. The sign may typically include four adjustable arms; however any number may be used.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application claiming the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of provisional application 61/825,022 titled “Portable Programmable Sign with Adjustable Mounting”, filed May 18, 2013 by John Scheiman, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention pertains generally to the field of signs, more particularly to the construction and mounting structures for portable signs. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Portable signs may be provided with attachments that have limited adaptability. Providing multiple different attachments may be costly. Thus, there is a need for a sign with greater attachment adaptability that can be produced at a low cost. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
       [0004]    Briefly, the present invention pertains to a portable sign having a two axis adjustable mounting requiring no tools for adjustment. The sign may be an electronically programmable flat sign. The mounting may comprise at least one linear slidably adjustable arm configured for varying a position of the arm. The arm may have a suction cup attached thereto by a flexible band wrapping around the arm. The flexible band configured to allow rotation around the arm in a plane perpendicular to the arm. The flexible band having detents molded therein to ensure secure retention of the weight of the sign at any detent stop position. The sign may have a housing with slots running the length of the sign for attaching the arms. The housing may be extruded and may include board mounting and end cap attachment features in the extrusion. The sign may typically include four adjustable arms; however any number may be used. 
         [0005]    One variation may include a housing for the sign that includes channels in the back wall of the housing that permit attachment of the arms. The channels allow the arms to be adjusted along the full length of the housing, parallel to the housing. The housing may be fabricated as an extrusion of material, for example aluminum or plastic or other material. The extrusion may include a flange adapted for mounting a circuit board or sign module. The flange may also include a circular slot allowing attachment of an end plate using screws, for example self tapping screws, and allowing insertion of a circuit board for mounting of components in the housing. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, the portable electronic display may comprise: an electronic display module; a housing for said electronic display module, said housing having a cavity for receiving said electronic display module; said electronic display module mounted in said housing and permitting uninterrupted view of a display surface of said electronic display, said housing may comprise: a frame component, said frame component forming at least one linear channel configured for receiving a bolt head for attaching a mounting device to said frame component. 
         [0007]    The frame component may include a rib having a slot for mounting a circuit board component of said electronic display module. The frame component may further include a bezel portion on the front of the display to the side of an opening for the electronic display module. 
         [0008]    The frame component may form additional channels parallel to said first channel. The frame component may be fabricated as a single unitary component and may be fabricated by extrusion of a material, for example aluminum, aluminum alloy, plastic or other material. 
         [0009]    The display may include a mounting component comprising a suction cup arm configured for attachment to the frame component using at least two bolts inserted into a channel. The suction cup may be mounted to the arm on a swivel mount allowing rotation of the suction cup for positioning the suction cup to a surface. The suction cup mounting may comprise a detent mechanism, which may be a flexible band. 
         [0010]    The display may include alternate mounting attachment devices, for example a pole mount frame adapted to attach to the slots. The pole mount frame may include a threaded connection for standard poles, for example painter&#39;s roller extension handles or mop handles. In one example, the thread may be ⅝ inch 5 thread per inch. 
         [0011]    These and further benefits and features of the present invention are herein described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0012]    The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic display with attachment arms. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an attachment arm for the electronic display of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A  is a rear view of the attachment arm of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3B  is a rear view of a sign with the attachment arm of  FIG. 3A  further including a suction cup. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  show two views of an exemplary suction cup and exemplary rotatable mounting for the suction cup of  FIG. 3B . 
           [0018]      FIG. 4C  and  FIG. 4D  show the configuration of  FIG. 4A  with an added optional spacer. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  illustrate a cross section of an exemplary extrusion for forming the housing of the display of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a cross section view showing the attachment arm mounted to the channel of the display housing. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7A-FIG .  7 C shows an alternative mounting method for the sign that utilizes the channels of the extrusion to mount the display on a pole. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8A-FIG .  8 D show various views of an exemplary suction cup used with the arm of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 9A-FIG .  9 C show various views of an exemplary spacer for use with the suction cup. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    The present disclosure teaches a portable electronic sign and mounting system that provides greater adaptability and simplicity than prior techniques. The sign may comprises a housing having an open side on at least one side configured for receiving a sign array, and allowing uninterrupted display of the sign array. Two slotted rails may be provided inside the housing for mounting one or more circuit cards for driving the sign array. At least one and preferably two linear parallel slotted cavities may be formed on the back side of the housing for attaching one or more of various alternative attachment devices suitable for different display applications. The attachment devices may include, but are not limited to a suction cup arm, a general purpose bracket, a threaded pole mounting adapter, and other attachment devices. In one variation, the housing may be formed by extruding aluminum, plastic or other suitable material. The extruded form may include the principle features of the housing in one solid continuous piece. The extrusion may be fabricated and then cut to any length desired. The arrangement allows for an easily adjusted, yet rigid and strong mounting. 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic display with attachment arms. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the display assembly  102  (alternatively referred to as a sign) comprises a display module  110  mounted in a display housing  104 . Attachment arms  106  are shown connected to the four corners of the display housing. The attachment arms  106  may be connected to the back side of the housing  104  using slots (alternatively referred to as channels) running the length of the housing  104 . The slots allow adjustment of the position of the arms  106  along the length of the sign. The arms may have suction cups  108  attached as shown. Other attachment devices may be used. The suction cups  108  are shown facing forward to mount the sign on a glass window so that the sign may be seen through the window. For example, the sign may be mounted on the inside of a store window so that the sign may be visible on the outside of the window, or the sign may be mounted on the inside of the back window of a vehicle to display messages to be read by following traffic. Alternatively, the suction cups may be rotated 180 degrees to mount the sign on the front side of a window or on another surface, which may be opaque. 
         [0026]    Four mounting arms  106  are shown; however, two may be sufficient. The sign may be hung from the top two mounting arms and suction cups. For example the sign may hang vertically from a sloping vehicle window by attaching only the top suction cups and rotating the suction cups to match the angle of the vehicle window. The mounting arms may be positioned in the channels toward the middle or center of the sign to accommodate curved vehicle windows. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the attachment arm assembly  106  for the sign of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  shows the attachment arm  202  with a suction cup  108 . The attachment arm  202  has a flange  212  for mounting to the display housing  104 . The flange  106  is mounted to the display housing  104  using bolts  204  that fit into the channel in the display housing. The bolts  204  have thumb nuts  206  installed for tightening the mounting. Other fasteners may also be used. The suction cup  108  may be attached to the arm by a fixed or adjustable attachment. An exemplary adjustable attachment is shown. The suction cup is attached by a flexible band  210  that wraps through the stem  206  of the suction cup  108  and around the mounting arm  202 . In one variation, the flexible band may be a tie-wrap band. The flexible band allows positioning the suction cup at any rotation angle around the arm. Further, the flexible band may include lateral ridges positioned on the inside of the band next to the arm. The ridges may provide a detent action as the suction cup and band are rotated around the arm to provide more secure positioning of the sign. A tie wrap band may also include ridges used for the tie wrap holding mechanism that may also provide friction detents for holding the suction cup at various angles. The tie wrap detents act with the corners of the arm to provide the detent holding action. (A typical tie-wrap device is a plastic band with a ratchet end and ratchet detents along the band that allow shortening and tightening of the band but the ratchet holds against loosening the band. Tie wraps are often used for tying cable bundles.) 
         [0028]    The mounting arm may also be provided with a cap  208  to prevent damage from bumping the ends during transport of the sign. The caps  208  may be permanently affixed with epoxy or other adhesive to prevent easy removal and to provide a stop to prevent the suction cup from slipping off the end. In one variation, the end opposite the cap is closed. The closure may be formed from a continuous sheet with the arm by bending joint  205  and optionally welding joints  203 . Other combinations of bending and welding among the three joints may be used. 
         [0029]    The suction cup  108  may also be mounted by fixed attachment, such as screws or other fasteners. Holes are provided in the arm for fixed attachment fasteners. 
         [0030]    In one variation, the arm  202  may be fabricated by cutting and bending a single sheet of metal. 
         [0031]    One suction cup  108  is shown on the arm  202 , but two or more per arm may be used for greater holding strength. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3A  is a rear view of the attachment arm of  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2  shows the arm  202 , the flange  212 , the end cap  208 , fixed attachment mounting holes  214  and slot attachment holes  302 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 3B  is a rear view of a display with the attachment arm of  FIG. 3A  further including a suction cup.  FIG. 3B  shows the attachment arm  202  attached to the channel  304   a  and  304   b  in the display housing  104 . The housing  104  is shown with two parallel channels  304   a ,  304   b , one  304   a  on the top and one  304   b  on the bottom of the housing  104 . An end cap  308  may be provided to seal the sign from dust and pests. A suction cup  108  is shown attached to the arm  202 . The attachment arm may be mounted on the display housing by inserting the heads of the two mounting bolts into the channel slot  304   a  starting at the end  306  of the housing. The arm  202  may then be positioned, and thumb nuts  206  may be installed and tightened in place to hold the arm  202 . 
         [0034]    Section views are indicated on  FIG. 3B . 
         [0035]      FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  show two views of an exemplary suction cup and exemplary rotatable mounting for the suction cup of  FIG. 3B . 
         [0036]      FIG. 4A  shows an end view of an exemplary mounting arm showing the arm  202 , a suction cup  108 , and a flexible band  210 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 4B  shows a cross section of  FIG. 3B  at the suction cup location. The suction cup  108  is strapped to the mounting arm  202  with the flexible band  210 . The band has a clamp portion  402  that is placed inside a cavity within the suction cup stem to rotate the band with the suction cup to allow the detents in the band to hold the suction cup in position for multiple possible positions around the arm. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4C  and  FIG. 4D  show the configuration of  FIG. 4A  with an added optional spacer. Spacer  402  may be added to increase the spacing between the sign and the window. The window may have curves, or window frame components, or other features requiring greater space. 
         [0039]      FIG. 4D  shows an exploded view of  FIG. 4C . The spacer includes a boss  404  for fitting into the recess of the suction cup. The spacer may also have a curved end  406  to facilitate rotation around the arm to any selected angle. The suction cup may also have a curved end (not shown). Alternatively, or in addition to the ridges in the flexible band, ridges may be formed into the end of the spacer or suction cup. 
         [0040]      FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  illustrate a cross section of an exemplary extrusion for forming the housing of the display of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5A  is a scan of the cross section.  FIG. 5B  is a line drawing of  FIG. 5A . Referring to  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B , the figures show the housing  104  forming two channel recesses  304   a ,  304   b  for mounting the attachment arm assemblies  106  or other devices. The housing also forms a recess  504  for receiving the display module  110  and may include a slot  502  for receiving and mounting a circuit board. The slot  502  may also be used for receiving screws to attach the end plate  308  ( FIG. 3 ). Slot  502  is shown cut into a circular cross section for preferred interface with screws, which may include self tapping screws; however, a simple rectangular slot may also be used and may also be used with screws. Alternatively, the circuit board may be mounted by other techniques including screws, standoffs, and other devices. Alternatively feature  502  may be a simple flange. 
         [0041]    The end plate  308  may allow for inserting the head of screws  204  in the channels  304   a ,  304   b  by not obscuring the end opening of channels  304   a  and  304   b . The channels  304   a  may be sized to fit the mounting bolt heads  204  with sufficient clearance for easy sliding of the bolt heads but close enough that the bolt heads will not turn in the slots. The slots  304   a  have an opening sized to accommodate the shank and threads of the mounting bolt  204  and flanges  508  for capturing the bolt head. The channel having an internal width to allow passage of the bolt head and preferably to not allow turning of the bolt head. 
         [0042]    The housing  104  may further include a bezel portion  506  on the front of the display to the side of the opening for the electronic display module. Thus, the housing forms the front bezel  506 , the sides, and the back, and forms the slots  304   a ,  304   b  for the arms and mounting features  502  for circuit boards and end plates. 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  is a cross section view showing the attachment arm mounted to the channel of the display housing.  FIG. 6  shows the housing  104 , the channel  304   a , the mounting arm  202 , the bolt  204  and thumb nut  206  with washer  602 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 7A  shows a pole adapter attachment device for mounting the sign on a pole. The pole adapter attachment  700  comprises a plate  702  with a threaded tube  704  mounted thereto. The plate includes four holes with attachment screws and thumb nuts  206  for attaching to the channel structures  304   a ,  304   b  of the housing  104 . The threaded tube  704  may include threads for a pole  706 , for example, a typical painters extension dowel handle or other tool or mop handle. Painters handles are often threaded with a ⅝ inch 5 thread per inch pitch. 
         [0045]      FIG. 7B  shows a side view of  FIG. 7A  at cross section  7 B.  FIG. 7B  also shows the handle  706 , the display housing  104  with channels  304   a ,  304   b , and the mounting bolts with thumb nuts  206 .  FIG. 7B  shows the threaded tube mounted with a stand-off  708 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 7C  shows the cross section of  FIG. 7A . The threaded tube  704 , standoff  708 , and plate  702  may be welded, or alternatively may be cast or fabricated as a single piece. 
         [0047]      FIG. 8A-FIG .  8 D show various views of an exemplary suction cup used with the arm of  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 8A  is a top view showing the stem  216  and cup  802  with a lift tab  804 .  FIG. 8B  is an isometric view.  FIG. 8C  is a side view, and  FIG. 8D  is a 90 degree side view. Note the recess  806  in the stem  216  and lateral through hole  808  in the stem  216 . The recess and lateral through hole may be used to attach the suction cup to the arm. 
         [0048]    The suction cups and flexible band should be ultraviolet/sunlight stable for outdoor use. The suction cups may be clear plastic to minimize interference with the view of the sign. 
         [0049]      FIG. 9A-FIG .  9 C show various views of an exemplary spacer  404  (alternately referred to as a bushing) for use with the suction cup.  FIG. 9A  is an isometric cross section view.  FIG. 9B  is a side cross section view.  FIG. 9C  is a top view. Exemplary dimensions may be: A=24 mm B=12 mm C=7 mm D=14 mm E=7 mm. Other dimensions may be used as desired for a given application. The spacer  404  is also shown in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 9  spacer  404  shows a boss for fitting into the suction cup an optional a curved end of the spacer opposite the boss. The spacer of  FIG. 9  shows a flat end option for the end opposite the boss. The spacer may be made with a variety of material choices. A soft material, for example, EDPM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), may be used to enhance the staying power for holding in a given position, in particular diagonal positions between the flats of the brackets. 
       Applications 
       [0050]    The sign has numerous applications. The adjustable mounting arms may be used with vehicle windows. As previously described the arms may be adjusted toward the middle for highly curved windows. The top two mountings may be used to hang the sign vertically from a sloping window. The suction cups will rotate to any desired slope to match the window slope. 
         [0051]    In a further application, the sign may be used on a store window. The sign may be positioned to be seen outside or inside the window by adjusting the suction cups on the arms. The sign may be used as a real estate sign. The sign may be placed inside a window to provide real estate information such as broker, open house, “under contract”, or any other information. The sign can add “bling” to a real estate offering and impress customers with the “high tech” look. In many districts, outdoor real estate signs are problematic or prohibited by code, or impractical due to concrete city setting. 
         [0052]    In a further application, the sign may be mounted on a pole, either fixed or hand carried for parades or outdoor events. 
         [0053]    While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the associated claims and their equivalents.