Patent Publication Number: US-2010126051-A1

Title: Apparatus and method for mounting signs

Description:
This application claims convention priority of Canadian Application No. 2,645,224 filed Nov. 26, 2008. 
     The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the described subject matter in any way. 
     FIELD 
     This specification relates to apparatuses and methods for mounting signs. This specification more particularly relates to methods and apparatuses for mounting signs so that when the signs are impacted they displace to reduce damage to the sign. 
     INTRODUCTION 
     Signage can often be damaged by an impact or strain, for example, but not limited to, a vandal hitting or hanging from a sign. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,085,546 (Pelletier) discloses a traffic sign that is provided with means for preventing breakage of same. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,993 (Padiak et al.) discloses a system for mounting a sign or graphic display to a structure that allows rotation of the graphic display and provides for automatic return to the initial orientation. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a combination includes: a mounting apparatus, the mounting apparatus including a first mounting portion, an intermediate portion coupled to the first mounting portion, and a second mounting portion coupled to the intermediate portion; and a sign, the sign secured to the first mounting portion of the mounting apparatus, the sign movable from a neutral position to (i) swivel relative to the second mounting portion, and (ii) displace away from the second mounting portion. 
     The intermediate portion can be coupled to the first mounting portion and swivelable about a first axis of rotation, and the sign can be movable in a first direction to swivel about the first axis of rotation relative to the second mounting portion from the neutral position to a first displacement position. The second mounting portion can be coupled to the intermediate portion and swivelable about a second axis of rotation, and the sign can be movable in a second direction to swivel about the second axis of rotation relative to the second mounting portion from the neutral position to a second displacement position. The sign can be movable in a third direction away from the second mounting portion from the neutral position to a third displacement position. 
     The sign can be biased to the neutral position. The first mounting portion can be coupled to the intermediate portion by a first hinge, and the first hinge can be adapted to bias the intermediate portion against the first mounting portion. The first hinge can comprise a torsion spring for biasing the intermediate portion against the first mounting portion. The second mounting portion can be coupled to the intermediate portion by a second hinge, and the second hinge can be adapted to bias the intermediate portion against the second mounting portion. The second hinge can comprise a torsion spring for biasing the intermediate portion against the second mounting portion. 
     The first mounting portion, the intermediate portion, and the second mounting portion can be in nested arrangement when the sign is in the neutral position. 
     The sign can be permitted to swivel about the first axis of rotation up to 90 degrees from the neutral position, and the sign can be permitted to swivel about the second axis of rotation up to 90 degrees from the neutral position. 
     The sign can also be provided with a protective covering to protect the sign from breaking during an impact. 
     In another aspect, a method comprises: providing a mounting surface, a sign and a mounting apparatus; installing the sign to the mounting surface by securing the sign to the mounting apparatus, and securing the mounting apparatus to the mounting surface; wherein, once installed onto the mounting surface, the sign is movable from a neutral position to swivel relative to the mounting surface, and the sign is movable from the neutral position to displace away from the mounting surface. 
     The sign can be movable: in a first direction to swivel about a first axis of rotation relative to the mounting surface from a neutral position to a first displacement position; in a second direction to swivel about a second axis of rotation relative to the mounting surface from the neutral position to a second displacement position; and in a third direction away from the mounting surface from the neutral position to a third displacement position. 
     The method can further comprise biasing the sign to the neutral position. The mounting apparatus can comprise at least one torsion spring for biasing the sign to the neutral position. 
     The method can further comprise permitting the sign to swivel about the first axis of rotation up to 90 degrees from the neutral position, and permitting the sign to swivel about the second axis of rotation up to 90 degrees from the neutral position. 
     In another aspect, a combination of a sign and a vandal-resistant mounting apparatus can be provided, the mounting apparatus including a mounting portion for attachment to a mounting surface, the mounting apparatus adapted to be secured to the sign and to permit the sign to move from a neutral position in at least two different directions relative to the mounting portion to dissipate force of an impact applied to the sign. The mounting apparatus can be adapted to permit the sign to move from the neutral position to swivel relative to the mounting portion and to displace away from the mounting portion. The mounting apparatus can bias the sign to the neutral position. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this specification&#39;s teachings in any way. 
         FIG. 1  shows an exploded partial perspective view of a mounting apparatus disposed between a mounting surface and a sign; 
         FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C show side views of a sign mounted to a mounting surface using the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 , the sign shown in respective neutral, first displaced and second displaced positions; and 
         FIG. 3  shows a side view of a sign mounted to a mounting surface using the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 , the sign shown in a third displaced position. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
     Various apparatuses or methods will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses or methods that are not described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or methods having all of the features of any one apparatus or method described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or method described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. The applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) reserve all rights in any invention disclosed in an apparatus or method described below that is not claimed in this document and do not abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document. 
     The teachings of this specification relate to apparatuses and methods for mounting a sign to a mounting surface. The mounting surface can be, for example but not limited to, a ceiling surface or a wall surface. A mounting apparatus can be used to mount the sign to the mounting surface, and permit the sign to displace in response to an impact, dampening the force of the impact and thus preventing or reducing damage to the sign. The mounting apparatus can permit the sign to be displaced relative to the mounting surface in at least two directions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an example of a mounting apparatus  10  is shown positioned between a sign  12  and a mounting surface  14 . The mounting surface  14  can be, for example but not limited to, a ceiling surface or a wall surface in a building. 
     The mounting apparatus  10  can include a first mounting portion  16 , a second mounting portion  18 , and an intermediate portion  20 . The first mounting portion  16  can be swivelably coupled to the intermediate portion  20  by a first hinge  22 . The second mounting portion  18  can be swivelably coupled to the intermediate portion  20  by a second hinge  24 . The first and second hinges  22 ,  24  define respective first and second axes of rotation  26 ,  28 . In particular, the first mounting portion  16  is adapted to swivel relative to the intermediate portion  20  about the first axis of rotation  26 . The second mounting portion  18  is adapted to swivel relative to the intermediate portion  20  about the second axis of rotation  28 . The first and second axes of rotation  26 ,  28  can be substantially parallel. 
     The first mounting portion  16  of the mounting apparatus  10  can be secured to the sign  12 , and the second mounting portion  18  of the mounting apparatus  10  can be secured to the mounting surface  14  (in any order) to install the sign  12  on the mounting surface  14 . 
     The first mounting portion  16  of the mounting apparatus  10  can be secured, directly or indirectly, to the sign  12 . For example, as illustrated, at least one fastener  30  can be used to secure the first mounting portion  16  to the sign  12 . Although the fastener  30  is illustrated, any suitable means can be employed for securing the first mounting portion  16  to the sign  12 , including, for example but not limited to, rivets, screws, bolts, adhesive, etc. The first mounting portion  16  can be secured indirectly to the sign  12  by coupling the first mounting portion  16  to the sign  12  using additional mounting plates or brackets (not shown). 
     Alternatively, the sign  12  can include a protective cover to protect the sign, for example, but not limited to the sign face, from breaking during an impact. For this variant the first mounting portion  16  of the mounting apparatus  10  can be secured to the protective cover, which contains the sign. 
     The second mounting portion  18  of the mounting apparatus  10  can be secured, directly or indirectly, to the mounting surface  14 . For example, as illustrated, at least one fastener  32  can be used to secure the second mounting portion  18  to the mounting surface  14 . Although the fastener  32  is illustrated, any suitable means can be employed for securing the second mounting portion  18  to the mounting surface  14 , including, for example but not limited to, rivets, screws, bolts, adhesive, etc. The second mounting portion  18  can be secured indirectly to the mounting surface  14  by coupling the second mounting portion  18  to the mounting surface  14  using additional mounting plates or brackets (not shown). 
     The sign  12  can include various indicia  34 , for example but not limited to, “EXIT”, and a cord  36  can be provided in examples where the sign  12  requires electrical power, for example, for lighting purposes. The mounting surface  14  can be, for example but not limited to, a ceiling surface or a wall surface. The mounting surface  14  need not be horizontal or vertical. 
     In some examples, the first hinge  22  of the mounting apparatus  10  can be adapted to bias the intermediate portion  20  against the first mounting portion  16 . Similarly, in some examples, the second hinge  24  of the mounting apparatus  10  can be adapted to bias the intermediate portion  20  against the second mounting portion  18 . In some particular examples, the first and second hinges  22 ,  24  can each include a torsion spring for biasing the intermediate portion  20  against the first mounting portion  16  and for biasing the intermediate portion  20  against the second mounting portion  18 , respectively. 
     Although hinges  22 ,  24  are illustrated, other mechanisms could be implemented to couple the portions  16 ,  18 ,  20  and allow the portions  16 ,  18 ,  20  to pivot or swivel relative to one another, with these mechanisms optionally including a biasing or resistive force. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A  (and with continued reference to  FIG. 1 ), the mounting apparatus  10  is shown secured to both the sign  12  and the mounting surface  14 , such that the sign  12  is installed on the mounting surface  14 . The sign  12  is shown in a neutral position, wherein the first mounting portion  16 , the intermediate portion  18  and the second mounting portion  20  of the mounting apparatus  10  are in a nested arrangement (as best seen in  FIG. 2A ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 2B  (and with continued reference to  FIG. 1 ), the sign  12  is movable in a first direction  38  from the neutral position to a first displaced position, wherein the first mounting portion  16  (secured to the sign  12 ) has swiveled relative to the second mounting portion  18  (secured to the mounting surface  14 ) about the first axis of rotation  26  of hinge  22 . In some examples, the mounting apparatus  10  is adapted to permit the sign  12  to swivel in the first direction  38  at an angle  40  of up to about  60  degrees relative to the neutral position. In some examples, the mounting apparatus  10  is adapted to permit the sign  12  to swivel in the first direction  38  at an angle  40  of up to about 90 degrees relative to the neutral position. In some other examples, the mounting apparatus  10  is adapted to permit the sign  12  to swivel in the first direction  38  at an angle  40  of more than 90 degrees relative to the neutral position (subject to the sign  12  not being obstructed by the mounting surface  14 ). 
     Swiveling movement of the sign  12  from the neutral position to the first displaced position can dissipate force of an impact against the sign  12 , for example, an impact generally in the direction  38 , and thus prevent or reduce damage to the sign  12 . In examples where the first hinge  22  is adapted to bias the intermediate portion  20  against the first mounting portion  16 , the sign  12  will be biased to return from the first displaced position back to the neutral position, and thus the force of an impact against the sign  12  will be dampened. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2C  (and with continued reference to  FIG. 1 ), the sign  12  is movable in a second direction  42  from the neutral position to a second displaced position, wherein the intermediate portion  20  has swiveled relative to the second mounting portion  18  (secured to the mounting surface  14 ) about the second axis of rotation  28 . In some examples, the mounting apparatus  10  is adapted to permit the sign  12  to swivel in the second direction  42  at an angle  44  of up to about 60 degrees relative to the neutral position. In some examples, the mounting apparatus  10  is adapted to permit the sign  12  to swivel in the second direction  42  at an angle  44  up to about 90 degrees relative to the neutral position. In some other examples, the mounting apparatus  10  is adapted to permit the sign  12  to swivel in the second direction  42  at an angle  44  of more than 90 degrees relative to the neutral position. 
     Swiveling movement of the sign  12  from the neutral position to the second displaced position can dissipate force of an impact against the sign  12 , for example, an impact generally in the direction  42 , and thus prevent or reduce damage to the sign  12 . In examples where the second hinge  24  is adapted to bias the intermediate portion  20  against the second mounting portion  18 , the sign  12  will be biased to return from the second displaced position back to the neutral position, and thus the force of an impact against the sign  12  will be dampened. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  (and with continued reference to  FIG. 1 ), the sign  12  is movable in a third direction  46  away from the second mounting portion  18  (secured to the mounting surface  14 ) from the neutral position to a third displaced position. The first mounting portion  16  (secured to the sign  12 ) has swiveled relative to the intermediate portion  20  about the first axis of rotation  26  and the intermediate portion  20  has swiveled relative to the second mounting portion  18  (secured to the mounting surface  14 ) about the second axis of rotation  28 , permitting the sign  12  to move away from the mounting surface  14 . 
     Movement of the sign  12  from the neutral position to the third displaced position in the direction  46  away from the mounting surface  14  can dissipate force exerted on the sign  12  generally in the direction  46 , for example, a person pulling or hanging onto sign  12 , and thus prevent or reduce damage to the sign  12 . In examples where the first hinge  22  is adapted to bias the intermediate portion  20  against the first mounting portion  16  and the second hinge  24  is adapted to bias the intermediate portion  20  against the second mounting portion  18 , the sign  12  will be biased to return from the third displaced position back to the neutral position, and thus the force of an impact against the sign  12  will be dampened. 
     The mounting apparatus  10  is relatively simple and can be installed with existing and unmodified signage. The mounting apparatus  10  is also relatively compact, allowing the sign  12  to continue to meet its purpose relatively unhindered. In use, the mounting apparatus  10  can be implemented to provide a vandal-resistant arrangement, wherein the sign is permitted to displace in at least two directions in response to an impact to dissipate or dampen the force of the impact and thus prevent or reduce damage to the sign. 
     In addition, while the mounting apparatus is illustrated supporting a sign from above, it can be appreciated that the mounting apparatus can be utilized to mount a sign to a wall, in other words the sign is mounted by the apparatus along a side edge of the sign, rather than from above. Similarly, the sign could be mounted from the rear surface of the sign. 
     While the teachings of this specification are described in conjunction with various embodiments, it is not intended that the teachings herein be limited to such embodiments. The teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.