Patent Publication Number: US-2015082921-A1

Title: Robotic Sign Waving Device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/999,484, filed Jul. 28, 2014, 61/995,063, filed Apr. 1, 2014, 61/996,481, filed Feb. 24, 2014, 61/965,694, filed Feb. 3, 2014, 61/965,456, filed Jan. 30, 2014, 61/965,161, filed Jan. 25, 2014, 61/965,024, filed Jan. 22, 2014, 61/960,911, filed Sep. 30, 2013, 61/960,673, filed Sep. 24, 2013, and 61/960,547, filed Sep. 20, 2013, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to signage conveying information such as advertisements, promotions or other textual and/or graphical messages. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to a sign display assembly having a visually enticing component such that the attention of passersby will be directed to the sign board. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is a typical practice across all industries to use signage to market goods and/or services. Advertising signs can take a variety of forms but are most commonly recognized when presented as yard signs, sandwich board, or billboards. Because signage is very practical (low-cost, ease of use, potential of exposure, etc.), many persons and businesses employ this method of marketing. As a result, the world we live in is a very crowded advertising space in which consumers overlook many marketing attempts using traditional, plain signage. Accordingly, there exists a need for improved signage that compels the attention of passersby. 
     The present invention seeks to improve marketing efforts by stimulating visual contact with signage. Specifically, the signage of the present disclosure includes a movable arm mounted to a sign board, wherein the movement of the arm includes rotating, oscillating and rocking. The motion of the movable arm of the signage assembly compels the attention of passersby resulting in visual contact with the advertisement on the sign board. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure is in the area of advertising for signage. It is a way to drive more attention to signage in a crowded advertising space. This device rotates, oscillates or rocks back and forth an arm to which is affixed to some eye catching geometry, e.g., a red arrow, a face, a hand, etc. The arm and its driving mechanism mount behind a sign board such as a plastic yard sign, a sandwich board or billboard. The motion of the robotic waving arm will help to attract visual contact with the sign to which it is attached. The robotic hand waver is designed to be attached to almost any existing sign such as a plastic yard sign that gets pushed into the ground or hung on posts, sandwich boards, “A” frame signs or billboards, but it can also be built and integrated into signs and sold as one complete unit. 
     Design goals of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, low cost and easy installation. 
     The disclosure seeks to improve marketing efforts by stimulating visual contact with sandwich boards, “A” frame signs, yard signs, billboards and similar signage which is approximately 18″×24″ or 24″×36″. However, larger and smaller scale units can easily be developed using the same system. The mechanism can impart repetitive motion, which includes rotating, spinning, oscillating and/or reciprocating, such as a rocking motion (back and forth motion), depending how the linkage is attached to the gearbox output shaft to convert rotary motion to rocking motion. The speed can vary from approximately 7-60 spins or cycles/minute or at the desired speed that creates the best visibility of the waving arm or hand. The speed can be changed by the type of motor being utilized and the choice of power source, e.g., batteries, AC and/or solar panels, or any combination of power sources. For rotary spin the gear motor can be attached directly to the waving arm. For rocking motion the gear motor is attached to a linkage converting rotary motion to rocking motion, e.g., back and forth motion. 
     Drive power can come from batteries, AC or solar energy or any combination thereof. If solar power is used for an outdoor sign, a light sensor can disable power to the unit so at darkness the motor will turn off. Automatic operation with sensors can be utilized. 
     The components that make up the mechanism include a motor, motor wheel, linkages attaching the motor wheel to a moving arm and batteries, AC or solar panel or any combination thereof. Or as further described, the robotic sign waver comprises a small DC gear motor and a lightweight waving arm mounted on a common base and by a mechanical linkage. The gearhead output shaft is oriented 90 degrees from the motor shaft making for a compact drive assembly. A slip clutch on the output shaft protects the mechanism. If an obstruction prevents the waving arm from moving in its normal motion, the slip clutch can control torque and provide soft starts or cushioned stops. The motor, gearhead and slip clutch can all be housed together so as to be non-exposed to help seal and protect these components from outdoor weather conditions. Alternately, the gearhead shaft can be oriented parallel to the motor and can connect to the slip clutch and linkages and can all be housed together non-exposed. However this system will not be as compact. 
     A crank arm attached to the output of the gear motor rotates continuously in one direction. This crank arm is connected to the waving arm by a connecting link and a connecting plate, converting rotary motion to rocking motion. 
     The components can be attached to a common base and fastened to different types of signage, e.g., sandwich boards, yard signs, billboards, walls, buildings, and the like. 
     If solar power panels are used the panels can be attached to the end of a steel plate or mounted away from the mechanism via a wire that can carry the electrical charge of the solar panel. If the solar panel is attached away from the steel plate mechanism a mounting bracket will be used for support. The system can also operate on batteries held in a case attached to the back of the sign or steel plate which holds the high value components, e.g., the gear motor, linkages, hand and arm waver. 
     At the end of the moving arm an attachment mechanism allows different sized objects to be secured for altering advertising themes. 
     A desirable feature is some kind of self-destruct capability that renders the device&#39;s high value components (solar panel and gear motor) useless in the event of tampering. 
     Additionally in an advanced set-up scheme a steel thin plate is used to mount all of the hardware to the gear, motor &amp; linkages. The metal plate runs horizontally on the back of the sign to add additional support to the signage especially when using corrugated plastic or other inexpensive flexible materials. The additional support of the steel bar also helps in inclement weather such as high winds when typically corrugated plastic signs tend to bend and crack. 
     The steel plate when attached using the center hole to mount the sign on a pole or other support acts as an anti-theft device. The hole in the center of the steel plate is designed to nail the sign through it and into a wooden pole or wood support. Once nailed with the plate in place it will be more difficult to tear down or steal the high value components which are attached to the steel plate using expansion screws on the back of the sign. This steel plate holding the high value components can be mounted directly to the back of an existing sign via bolts or screws through the holes in the metal plate holding the motor, motor wheel and linkage arms. Additionally a steel plate can hold the solar panel as well and be nailed to a wood post or support for additional anti-theft properties. The solar panel can be placed at an ideal location anywhere within the proximity of the motor and supply power to the motor via an electrical wire. 
     The steel plate which has the high value components secured to it by fasteners of any kind can vary in sizes to accommodate different size signs from 18″×24″ yard signs, sandwich boards 24″×36″, “A” frame signs and even large billboards by increasing the size and power of the motor and connecting linkages. The metal plate can be secured to an existing sign by fasteners which are secured through holes on the metal plate. Multiple holes can be drilled on any length of the steel or plastic band or bracket plate for properly securing it to the signage. Typically the steel band or plastic band would be approximately made of 22 gauge metal or similar thickness of plastic, with a length of approximately 15″ and a width of 2″-4″ inches. The metal or plastic bracket plate would be of the same thickness with an approximate length of 5″-7″ inches and a height of3″-5″ inches. This is a compact mechanically driven motor system to move the waving arm with adequate torque to be used outside in windy rainy inclement conditions. 
     The steel plate which has the high value components (“gear motor, mechanical linkage and waving arm can be attached to sandwich boards or “A” frame signage the back of yard signs or any size or type of signage including billboards. The mechanism can be self-contained so it is easily handled as a single unit and can be mounted to poles, temporary or permanent including buildings. The steel plate on the mechanism can support the attachment of a sign on the front while also attaching itself to a post, pole, building or any type of architecture. 
     In another design the steel plate or frame that holds all the high value components can be secured to sandwich style signs. Since a sandwich board is angled at both sides additional hardware can be provided. The metal band or frame can be secured with fasteners of all kinds, e.g., screws, nuts, bolts at the top of one of the back sides of the vertically upright sandwich board. The bracket which will be at an angle to position that the rotating or rocking arm so it is perpendicular with the ground or base of the sandwich board and can be easily viewed by an observer. Additionally the robotic hand waver can be attached directly to the face of the sandwich board with screws through holes in the steel or plastic band or bracket plate which contains all of the high value components. The steel band or bracket plate has flexibility and if need be can be slightly bent out on opposite sides to create a more perpendicular alignment so that the robotic waving hand is not pointing at an angle but is perpendicular with the ground for proper viewing. The steel band or bracket plate which holds of the components can be made of any material metal, plastic or other. The waving reciprocating or rocking arm can be made of lightweight plastic or any other material, preferably waterproof. The plastic band can be molded with any angle to support the waving arm perpendicular with the ground. The bracket plate is approximately 3″-5″ in Height, 4″-7″ inches in length, 3″-4″ thick and approximately made of 22 gauge thick steel and can be attached directly to any advertising sign horizontally, vertically or sloped. The steel band or bracket plate can be made of any material metal, plastic or mold injected plastic material of any kind. The bracket can have sides to create additional strength and can be constructed in the shape of a box, solid or fastened together with sides and a partially exposed top to allow the waving arm or hand to reciprocate or rock back and forth. The waving reciprocating or rocking arm can be made of lightweight plastic or any other material preferably waterproof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a left side elevation view of one embodiment of the sign waving device of the present disclosure with the cover and connector plate in exploded positions. 
         FIG. 2  is a left side elevation of the sign waving device and including the connector plate shown in solid lines in position for attachment to an angled sign board and also shown in phantom lines in a reversible position for attachment to a vertical sign board. 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the sign waver, with the cover, motor and gearbox and the counterweight in exploded positions and the connector plate removed. 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the sign waver on an enlarged scale and with the connector plate removed. 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of the sign waver with some hidden parts shown in phantom lines, and with a left side portion of the main plate cut away to show the cover&#39;s left side wall and optional insulation in the cover, and with a portion of the connector plate and waving arm cut away to show the top left corner of the rocker plate. 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the sign waver with the front plate of the bracket removed to expose parts behind it. 
         FIG. 7  is a left side elevation view of the sign waver with the front plate of the bracket assembly shown in an angled position to accommodate attachment to an angled sign board. 
         FIG. 8  is a left side elevation view similar to  FIG. 7  but with the front plate of the bracket assembly shown in an alternate, vertical position. 
         FIG. 9  is a left side elevation view of an adaptor that can be used to mount a vertical bracket front plate to an angled sign board. 
         FIG. 10  is a left side elevation view of the sign waver mounted on a sandwich board. 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevation view of the signage assembly of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a left side elevation view of the signage assembly with the sign waver portion separated slightly from a sandwich board. 
         FIG. 13  is front elevation view of a portion of the drive train, with the waving arm in an exploded position. 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevation view similar to  FIG. 13  but showing an alternate form of a rocker plate. 
         FIG. 15  is a front elevation view similar to  FIG. 6  but showing a further alternate embodiment of the sign waver with a counterweight added to the rocker plate. 
         FIG. 16  is a left side elevation view similar to  FIG. 8  but showing a further alternate embodiment of a sign waver with a slide out card on which the motor is mounted. 
         FIG. 17  is a left side elevation view similar to  FIG. 7  but showing a further alternate embodiment of a sign waver with a brace for the front plate of the bracket. 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic top plan view of the brace B of  FIG. 17  on a smaller scale. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The robotic sign waving device, or sign waver, of the present disclosure is shown generally at  10  in  FIGS. 1-5 . Its basic structural element is a chassis, indicated generally at  12 , which mounts the other components of the sign waver. The chassis  12  includes a vertical main plate or blade  14 . A generally horizontal upper flange  16  extends rearwardly from the top edge of the main plate  14  while a horizontal lower flange  18  extends rearwardly from the bottom edge of the main plate  14 . The upper and lower flanges add rigidity to the main plate. They also serve as attachment points for a cover, as will be explained below. While the flanges are shown as extending the full width of the main plate, it could be otherwise. For example, one or more narrower tabs could be formed on either or both of the top and bottom edges of the main plate to form cover mounting tabs that accept the cover fasteners. It will be noted in  FIGS. 1  and  4  that the lower flange  18  extends rearwardly somewhat farther than does the upper flange. 
     Opposite the lower flange  18  of the chassis  12  there is connected to the main plate  14  a forwardly-extending, horizontal foot  20 . The foot preferably extends the full width of the main plate. The foot has apertures (not shown) for receiving fasteners for the connector plate, as will be described below. The edge of the foot  20  opposite the main plate  14  carries a toe plate  22 . The toe plate is angled upwardly from the horizontal foot, as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The toe plate  22  also has apertures (not shown) for receiving fasteners for the connector plate. The foot  20  and toe plate  22  provide alternate locations for mounting the connector plate, allowing the connector plate to be mounted either vertically or in an angled position. 
     The main plate also has an aperture through which a pivot shaft  24  extends. The pivot shaft is fixed to the main plate  14  of the chassis and carries a bearing  26  as best seen in  FIG. 5 . The bearing permits rotational motion about the pivot shaft, as will be described below.  FIG. 5  also illustrates a pair of arcuate slots, an upper slot  28  and a lower slot  30 . The upper and lower slots  28 ,  30  extend all the way through the thickness of the main plate, thereby providing access between the front and rear sides of the chassis  12  through the main plate  14 . The upper and lower slots each define an arc. The arcs have a common center which is concentric with the axis of the pivot shaft  24 . 
     As mentioned above, the upper and lower flanges  16 ,  18  removably mount a cover, which is shown generally at  32 . The cover is preferably a five-sided enclosure having a top wall  32 A, a bottom wall  32 B, left and right side walls  32 C,  32 D and a rear wall  32 E. These walls collectively define a hollow enclosure  34  ( FIG. 2 ). Optionally the interior surfaces of the walls may be lined with insulation  36  to dampen any noise from the motor and gear train. The left side wall  32 C carries a power input connector or plug  38 . 
     The height of the cover walls matches the distance between the upper and lower flanges  16  and  18 . As such the inner faces of the top and bottom walls  32 A,  32 B lie just above and below the upper and lower flanges, respectively. This affords a snug but removable fit of the cover  32  on the flanges  16 ,  18 . Also, the width between the side walls  32 C,  32 D is just slightly greater than the width of the main plate  14 . Thus, the main plate fits closely within the open side of the cover to provide a weather-tight engagement. The top and bottom walls  32 A,  32 B have apertures (not shown) which align with the apertures in the upper and lower flanges  16 ,  18  to receive threaded fasteners  40  that removably secure the cover  32  to the chassis  12 . 
     The moving parts of the sign waver include a drive train  42  and a waving arm  44 . Details of the drive train will now be described. It includes an electric motor  46  which is integrated with a gearbox  48 . The gearbox is fixedly mounted on the rear face of the main plate  14  of the chassis by plurality of bolts  50  ( FIG. 5 ). The gearbox includes an output shaft  52  which extends forwardly through an opening in the main plate  14  to the front side of the main plate. A two-part crank arm is shown generally at  54 . It has a cylindrical hub  55  to which a crank plate  56  is attached. The crank plate  56  has a circular body portion that is attached to the hub  55  by screws  57 . The crank plate also has a lobe  58  extending radially from the body portion of the plate. The hub  55  is fixedly mounted on the gearbox output shaft  52  for rotation therewith on the front side of the main plate  14 . The outer end of the lobe  58  is connected to a linkage rod  60  by a crank arm pin  62 . The pin  62  allows relative rotation between the lobe  58  and the linkage rod  60 . The other end of the linkage rod is connected to a rocker plate  64  by a rocker plate pin  66 . The pin  66  allows relative rotation between the rocker plate  64  and the linkage rod  60 . The removable crank plate  56  allows changing the motion imparted to the linkage rod by altering the length and/or location of the lobe. 
     The rocker plate  64  has an aperture that receives the bearing  26  on the pivot shaft  24 . This mounts the rocker plate for pivotal motion on the pivot shaft on the front side of the main plate  14 . The lower half of the rocker plate  64  has connectors in the form of a stubshaft  68  and a post  72  fixed thereto. See  FIG. 5 . Both the stubshaft  68  and the post  72  extend rearwardly through the lower arcuate slot  30  and the upper arcuate slot  28 , respectively. On the rear side of the main plate the stubshaft and post are fixed to a counterweight  70 . The arcuate slots  28  and  30  permit arcuate motion of the stubshaft and post with the rocker plate  64 . Accordingly, the counterweight  70  will move with the rocker plate  64 . Mounted on the post  72  is a bushing  74 . The bushing is used to locate and secure the lower end of the waving arm  44 . 
     Turning now to details of the waving arm  44 , it can take any shape or form desired by an advertiser. A typical but by no means limiting example is to have an elongated member carrying at its upper end a representation of a hand. Alternately, the elongated member might carry a representation of the product being advertised. The possibilities are endless. The difficulty, however, lies in the fact that the waving arm and drive train must be able to withstand the rigors of constant oscillatory motion, as well as wind loads that can be significant. By way of example, and not by limitation, the elongated member may be on the order of 22-24 inches long. With a waving arm of this size, a significant moment is produced which further stresses the drive train. The weight of the waving arm also becomes an issue. Arms capable of withstanding wind loads and constant oscillatory motion can be so heavy as to require a powerful drive train that is costly and will quickly drain available battery power. Furthermore, the waving arm must be readily changeable to suit a particular advertiser&#39;s needs. 
     The present disclosure addresses these issues by providing a drive train made of materials capable of withstanding long-term oscillatory motion and moment generated on the waving arm, while providing a lightweight waving arm that can readily be removably attached to the drive train. The waving arm itself is not subjected to the stresses of the drive train. It is mounted on the rocker plate  64  and is merely along for the ride. The rocker plate, on the other hand, is a comparatively robust structure that can withstand the wear resulting from the moment transferred from the waving arm and the repetitive stresses transferred from the linkage rod  60 . The waving arm  44  can be made of corrugated plastic stock sheets such as Coroplast® available from Coroplast LLC of Livingston, N.J., although other materials could be used. 
     The waving arm  44  has an elongated member of a suitable length. A portion of the elongated member is shown schematically at  76  The lower end of the elongated member has sloping end walls that define wings  78 A,  78 B. The wings are spaced apart by a locating slot  80 . The waving arm is removably attached to the front face of the rocker plate  64  as follows. An installer slides the lower end of the elongated member  76  down the front face of the rocker plate  64  until the rocker plate&#39;s bushing  74  is engaged in the locating slot  80 . The locating slot  80  is sized to receive the bushing in a snug, secure but releasable fit. Then two thumbscrews  82  are screwed through the elongated member into apertures near the top of the rocker plate  64 . With the thumbscrews in place, the waving arm is secured to the rocker plate for movement therewith. 
     The drive train causes oscillatory movement of the waving arm  44  as the crank arm  54  translates the rotational motion of the motor and gearbox output shaft  52  to reciprocating linear motion of the linkage rod  60 . The linkage rod drives the rocker plate  64  back and forth, with the rocker plate pivoting on bearing  26  on the pivot shaft  24 . When the motor is turned on the waving arm  44  rocks back and forth in a waving motion or gesture. The counterweight  70  balances the effective moments about the pivot shaft  24  of the oscillating rocker plate  64  and waving arm  44 , thereby reducing the power requirements of the drive train and the wear on the moving parts. 
     The sign waver portion of the device described thus far is preferably mounted on a sign board of some type. This may be a vertical board or an angled sign board known as a sandwich board. The present disclosure provides a connector plate  84  that can accommodate either type of sign board. The connector plate  84  has a body portion  86  and a flange  88 . The flange  88  is perpendicular to the body portion  86 . The body portion has apertures, shown schematically at  90  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , for receiving fasteners that will attach the body portion to either type of sign board. The body portion has additional apertures indicated at  92  that will align with those of the toe plate  22 . This will permit fasteners  94  to attach the body portion  86  of the connector plate  84  to the toe plate  22 . This will mount the connector plate  84  at about a 65° angle to the horizontal. In this attitude the angled connector plate  84  has the same slope/angle as a standard sandwich board and will lie against the side of the sandwich board and attach to the angled handle at the top of the sandwich board (not shown). At the same time the connector plate  84  will maintain the chassis  12 , and therefore the waving arm  44 , in a generally vertical plane. 
     In the event it is desired to mount the sign waver on a vertical sign board, the connector plate&#39;s flange  88  also has apertures, indicated at  96 , that will align with those of the chassis&#39; foot  20 . That is, the connector plate  84  can be reversed from the position shown in  FIG. 1  and the flange  88  is tucked under the foot  20  and attached thereto. This is shown in phantom lines in  FIG. 2 . The flange  88  has a length such that when the connector plate  84  is so mounted on the foot  20 , the body portion  86  of the connector plate will clear the upstanding toe plate  22 . This affords a generally vertical attitude for the body portion  88 , allowing it to be attached to a vertical sign with the chassis  12  in a vertical plane. Thus, a single connector plate  84  is reversible to accommodate any style of sign board. 
     In this design all of the high value components e.g. the motor/gearbox unit  46 ,  48 , the crank arm  54 , the linkage rod  60 , the rocker plate  64  and the counterweight  70  are all fastened to a single chassis  12 . However, the motor  46  with the coupled gearbox  48  and the counterweight  70  are attached to one side of the chassis&#39; main plate (the rear side) and the other components are attached to the other side of the main plate (the front side). The components are coupled through openings in the chassis through which the gearbox output shaft  52 , the stubshaft  68  and the post  72  extend. 
     This design which has a cover  32  over the motor  46 , gearbox  48  and counterweight  70  has several advantageous features. The motor and gearbox can be readily accessed if they need to be serviced or replaced. The counterweight can swing unobstructed as shown by the drawings. Also the cover over the motor allows room for optional insulation  36  to help reduce noise from the motor if need be. Additionally, inside the cover there is room for a battery holder  98  ( FIG. 4 ) to mount batteries for powering the device. Alternately, a grid power input connector  38  is located on one side  32 C of the cover for an additional power source. The grid power input connector can be used as an alternative to the batteries. It can also be used to recharge the batteries if rechargeable batteries are used inside the cover box. The input connector can also be used to supply power from solar panels or from an AC/DC converter. The cover also can be made watertight to keep the motor and batteries dry. The cover  32  is fastened with three screws  40  against the flanges  16 ,  18  on the side of the single blade/chassis  14  and houses the motor  46 , its coupled gearbox  48 , the counterweight  70 , batteries  98  and a power input connector  38 . All dimensions shown in the drawings are in inches. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , an alternate embodiment of the sign waver portion of the signage assembly of the present disclosure is shown. The signage assembly has a mounting bracket  200  which is bent such that it provides a generally enclosed housing for other sign waver components. The mounting bracket  200  includes a generally vertical back plate  202  that is connected to a front flap  204  on one end, and is also connected to a horizontal base flap  206  and terminates in a mounting flap  208  on the other end ( FIG. 7 ). The mounting flap  208  can be bent to either an angled position as shown in  FIG. 7  or to a vertical position as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate that the components of the sign waver portion of the signage assembly, e.g. the motor, the gear head shaft, the linkage, the crank arm and the rocker plate  210 , are attached to either the back plate  202  or the front flap  204 .  FIG. 6  also illustrates a moving or waving arm  214  in three positions, two of which are shown in phantom lines. Waving arm  214  is the portion of the assembly that consumers will see and as such it can take any size or shape desired by the advertiser. As just one example, the waving arm could take the appearance of a human arm with a hand attached at the top. The waving arm  214  can be made of any strong, lightweight material. 
     The waving arm  214  has apertures which receive a fastener  216  and pins  218 ,  220  to attach the waving arm  214  to the rocker plate  210 . The rocker plate  210  is mounted for rotation about a pivot pin  212 . The pivot pin  212  is fixed to the front flap  204 . Waving arm  214  is not mounted on the pivot pin  212  but instead moves with the rocker plate  210  since waving arm  214  is fastened by pins  218  and  220  and fastener  216  to the rocker plate  210 . This allows the waving arm  214  to be changed out quickly by releasing fastener  216  and pulling arm horizontally away from the rocker plate to release the arm from pins  218  and  220 . The waving arm  214  can be made of Coroplast® stock sheets available from Coroplast LLC of Livingston, NJ. Other materials could be used. Channels could be formed in the arm to accept pins  218  and  220  from rocker plate  210 . Alternatively, a post can be positioned at the base of rocker plate  210  so that the base of the waving arm  214  could have a cut out or notch near its base to accept the post. This alternative would permit elimination of pins  218  and  220 . The waving arm  214  can be made of corrugated plastic which is made of channels to accept pins  218 ,  220  from rocker plate  210  or any other material with a notch at the base to accept the post. 
     Rocker plate  210  may be machined out of metal to have notches in its base to accept the pins  218 ,  220  so these pins can be pushed out so that waving arm  214  can be inserted into its channeled base. However, rocker plate  210  could also be made of plastic with pushed pins molded out. Rocker plate  210  could also be made of injection-molded plastic with a post centered at the base of rocker plate  210  to eliminate pins  218 ,  220 . 
       FIG. 6  shows the mounting bracket  200  which holds all of the sign waver components to operate the waving arm  214 . A linkage rod  222  is attached at one end to rocker plate  210  by a fastener  224  that extends through apertures in the linkage rod  222  and rocker plate  210 . At its other end, the linkage rod  222  is attached to a crank arm  226  by a fastener  228  that extends through apertures in the linkage rod  222  and crank arm  226 . 
     Crank arm  226  is attached to a gear head wheel  230  by fasteners  232  and is oriented  90  degrees from the motor shaft inside motor  234 , which affords a compact drive assembly. The crank arm  226  attached to the linkage rod  222  converts rotary motion of the motor to rocking motion when connected to rocker plate  210  that is fixed at pivot pin  212  and is attached to the front flap  204  on mounting bracket  200  so that the rocker plate  210  can rock back and forth around the pivot point/axis  212 . The front flap  204  is the upper bent portion of the mounting bracket  200 . 
     In  FIG. 6  the base flap  206  is shown as a vertical member for illustrative purposes only as the actual flap is bent  90  degrees from the position shown in  FIG. 6  to a horizontal position as indicated in  FIG. 7 . The base flap  206  and serves as the base or bottom of the mounting bracket  200 . The illustration of  FIG. 7  shows that bracket  200  can be attached to a flat base surface horizontally such as the very top of a sandwich board or tabletop. The base flap  206  of the bracket  200  can be mounted to a horizontal surface via fasteners  236 ,  238 .  FIG. 6  also shows tabs  240 ,  242  that can optionally be used to affix bracket side walls (not shown) to the bracket  200  to further enclose the motor and gearbox. 
     The bracket  200  can be mounted to a sign either vertically or at an angle using fasteners  244 ,  246  as seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . To do this, fasteners  244 ,  246  would be inserted through the mounting flap  208  via holes in the outer edge of the flap. For attachment to a vertical sign, the mounting flap  208  could be bent to a vertical position as in  FIG. 8 . For attachment to an angled sign such as a sandwich board, the mounting flap would be bent to an angled position as in  FIG. 7 . Alternately, attachment to an angled sign could involve the use of an adaptor, such as shown at  252  in  FIG. 9 . The adaptor is a generally triangular piece having a vertical leg with openings  248 ,  250  for receiving the fasteners  244 ,  246  of the mounting flap  208 . The hypotenuse of the adaptor  252  would then be secured to an angled sign using fasteners  254 ,  256 . 
       FIG. 7  shows the bracket  200  in a side view with all same components as were depicted in  FIG. 6 . Specifically,  FIG. 7  shows the bracket  200  housing the components such that they appear to be hidden from a front or rear view. As mentioned above, sides walls could be attached to bracket  200  via tabs  240 ,  242  to add support to the bracket  200  as well as to hide the internal components from the side. The tabs  240 ,  242  are a part of the front flap  204  of the bracket  200 . In front of the front flap  204  is a small opening allowing the waving arm  214  enough space to rock back and forth. 
       FIG. 7  shows that the mounting bracket  200  is one continuous piece of bent metal or molded plastic that houses all of the sign waver components. In this view, the rocker plate  210  is shown removably attached to the front flap  204  of the mounting bracket  200  via a pivot pin  212 . The waving arm  214  is affixed to the rocker plate  210  by fastener  216  and secured in place by pin  218 . In addition to being an attachment point for the waving arm  214 , the rocker plate  210  is attached to other components. Here,  FIG. 7  shows the rocker plate  210  being attached to the crank arm  226  via the linkage rod  222 . The crank arm  226  is also shown being attached to the gear head wheel  230 , which in turn is connected to the motor  234 . The gear head wheel  230  is oriented  90  degrees from the motor shaft inside the motor  234 . Additionally, a slip clutch can be attached to the output gear and enclosed with motor and gear head. The motor is shown affixed to the mounting bracket  200  on the generally vertical back plate  202  using fasteners F 1 , F 2  ( FIG. 7 ). Power is supplied to the motor by power cord  260 . Power could also be supplied using batteries, AC or solar power. Additionally,  FIG. 7  shows that the bracket  200  can be secured to an angled sign using fasteners  244  and  246 . 
     Gear head wheel  230  spins crank arm  226  with linkage rod  222  attached to rocker plate  210 . Rocker plate  210  is mounted for rotation on fixed pivot/axis  212  which in turn is secured to front flap  204  of bracket  200 . Rocker plate  210  can now swing or rock back and forth around pivot/axis  212 . The base of waving arm  214  is attached to rocker plate  210  by pin  218 . Waving arm  214  has a notch in its bottom center to accept pin  218 . Waving arm  214  is secured to the top of rocker plate  210  by fastener  216 . Waving arm  214  can be quickly attached and detached to rocket plate  210  by a screw or winged fastener of any kind, style or type including, but not limited to, a hook and loop fastener. In this configuration the waving arm, which may have a hand or other artwork or geometry attached or incorporated as one piece of the arm, can be switched out quickly for different promotional displays and advertising themes. The rocker plate  210  is attached to bracket  204  through pivot/axis  212  on flap  204  and rocks back and forth, the waving arm  214  can thus be quickly attached and detached to the rocker plate  210  without dismantling any of the other moving parts of the design. The bracket  200  is secured to the side or top of an “A” frame slanted sandwich board or other flat vertical wall or advertising sign. The arm thus waves back and forth and brings attention to an advertising sign or billboard. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the same bracket  200  except mounting flap  208  is not angled but vertical and can be attached to the side of a vertical sign with fasteners  244 ,  248  through holes in the mounting flap  208 . Bracket  200  can also be attached to the top of a sign or tabletop horizontally with fasteners  236 ,  238  through holes in the base flap  206 . As mentioned above,  FIG. 8  does not show sides on the bracket but additional sides could be fastened or molded as a plastic mold injection part. Bracket  200  can be made of injection-molded plastic with sides resembling a box like structure with a partially exposed top to allow the waving arm/hand to rotate. 
       FIG. 9  shows a generally triangular adaptor  252  arranged so that bracket  200  can be attached to an angled surface such as a sandwich board or “A” frame sign. The adaptor would fasten to the angled sign first and then bracket  200  could attach with fasteners  244 ,  246  extending through holes  248  and  250 . 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  show a side view and a front view of the disclosure attached to a sandwich board or “A” frame sign, with the waving arm appearing to float above the sign. The figures show the entire bracket  200  removed to illustrate the inside mechanism attached to the waving arm and hand. Bracket  200  can be attached to the top or one side of this sandwich board using the various designs of bracket  200  discussed previously. Also,  FIG. 11  shows a hand attached to the end of the waving arm with motion. 
       FIG. 12  shows a side view of bracket  200  being attached to the side of a sandwich board (S) with holes to accept fasteners  244 ,  246 . 
       FIG. 13  shows the rocker plate  210  with the linkage rod  222  and crank arm  226 . A pin  262  connects the crank arm  226  and linkage rod  22  together but allows them to pivot relative to one another. Similarly, a pin  264  connects the linkage rod  222  to the rocker plate  210 . The gear head wheel  230  is attached to the crank arm  226  with three screws  232  to secure these components so that the crank arm  226  cannot rotate around gear head wheel  230  but rotates with the gear head wheel, thereby driving linkage rod  222 . Rocker plate  210  is mounted for rotation on the fixed pivot pin  212  so that the rocker plate rocks back and forth around this axis point. Post  266  on rocker plate  210  accepts the notch  268  at the bottom of waving arm  214 . Arm  214  is attached with a removable fastener at  216 . Arm  214  will cover over pivot pin  212  and is not attached at this axis point  212 . Instead, waving arm  214  is only secured by post  266  and removable fastener  216 . Linkage rod  222  can be attached to either wing of the rocker plate  210  by holes on either side of the lateral wings, as seen in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a similar assembly as in  FIG. 13 . However the rocker plate  210 A has no wings sticking out on its sides and is just a rectangular shape. Rocker plate  201 A is attached to linkage rod  222  at its bottom by connecting at pin  264 . This scheme eliminates the extra material on the sides of the rocker plate  201 A and affords a more compact assembly. All of the other components shown in  FIG. 14  correspond to those of  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a front view of an alternate embodiment of the device. It is the same front view as in  FIG. 6  except a counterweight CW 1  has been added to the bottom of rocker plate  210  and/or a counterweight CW 2  can additionally be added on linkage rod  222 . The counterweights can help with torque and balance of the moving components. S 1  shows the height in inches (3.25″) and S 2  shows the length in inches (5.5″) with an approximate depth of 3″-5″. These are approximate dimensions that are for example only and the invention is not limited thereto. These dimensions would be appropriate for a device that would attach to one of the front sides of a sandwich board or other types of signage and can vary depending on the size motor, linkages, rocker plate and counterweights being used. A typical sandwich board is 2 feet wide by 3 feet high on each of its sides and is hinged at the top with a wider open base. The waving arm  214  in  FIG. 15  is shown moving in an arc in three positions. Pivot pin  212  shows the fixed axis point of rocker plate  210 . Post  264  on rocker plate  210  accepts the notch  268  at the bottom of waving arm  214 . Waving arm  214  is fastened at  216  on rocker plate  210 . The crank arm is seen at  226  while the gear head  230  is oriented at 90 degrees from the motor  234 . Bushings B 1 , B 2  can replace pins  262 ,  264  and at the pivot pin  212 . The bushings at B 1 , B 2  and  212  would allow for tighter connections to the crank arm  226  attached to linkage rod  222  and attached to rocker plate  210 , allowing these moving parts to have less friction. 
       FIG. 16  shows a side view of the device similar to that of  FIG. 8 . However, in this embodiment a slide out card is located at P 1  to which the motor  234  is attached. The motor is attached to P 1  by fasteners F 1  and F 2 . All the other components are attached accordingly as in  FIG. 15 . Stops C 1  and C 2  hold the card in place to keep the motor and running components from moving forward or back. The stops C 1  and C 2  can be fastened to bracket  200  on both the lower and upper corners of the bracket. If side panels (not shown) are fastened to the bracket  200 , one of the sides would need to be removed to access the slide out card PI so as to remove the slide out card from bracket  200 . Stops C 1  and C 2  would allow the card PI to slide out one of the sides on bracket  200  but not allow card PI to move forward or back while resting inside of bracket  200 , only from side to side. This slide out card feature is so that if the motor ever needed to be replaced it could be accessed more easily by opening up one of the side panels on bracket  200  and pulling out the slide out card PI. Before the slide out card PI can be pulled out from bracket  200  one of the fasteners or bushing on the crank arm or linkage arm would have to be removed to release the motor gearbox housing from the linkage or crank arm assembly. 
       FIG. 17  shows a side elevation view similar to  FIG. 7 , however a brace B made out of any material including elastic and is designed to add stability to mounting flap  208  by holding it tight to front flap  204  of bracket  200 . The brace B would be attached to each side of front flap  204  so as to not interfere with the waving arm  214 . Stops S 1  in  FIG. 17  would keep the brace B attached to front flap  204  and not allow it to pull through. Holes in front flap  204  allow for attachment of brace B at stops S 1 . The brace B can extend to the back of mounting flap  208  and go all the way behind it and then attach to the other end of mounting flap  208  and then connect to the other side of front flap  204 , as a “U” shape where the bottom of the “u” is held behind mounting flap  208 . See  FIG. 18 . Additionally, brace B can have connectors C on both sides so as to be removably fastened and adjusted for different angles of mounting flap  208 . Brace B can be of any width on its three sides and will act to stabilize and support mounting flap  208 . 
     This disclosure can use a single bracket plate to hold all of the components and attach itself to an advertising sign horizontally, vertically or sloped. It can be attached to the side or on the top of any sandwich board or “A” frame sign. This disclosure can use a bracket with one side and one bottom to attach to different materials such as plastic wood or other. This disclosure can use a bracket with two sides and one bottom to attach to different materials such as plastic wood or other. This disclosure can use a bracket with two sides and one bottom to attach to different materials such as plastic wood or other. This disclosure can use a bracket with two or more sides and one bottom and top (such as a box shape which would have a slot at the top for the waving arm to move back and forth) to attach to different materials such as plastic wood or other. 
     This disclosure can have many designs scenarios to configure the motor, crank arm, linkages and waving arm. Any configuration or combination of such components will work and are encompassed by this disclosure but it is important that whatever configuration of the motor and connecting parts assembled that create the arm to swing or rock back and forth, the force should be adequate to create enough torque to rock or swing the arm back and forth in windy, rainy, or inclement weather conditions so that the mechanism will continue to work. 
     The waving arm can have any arc to it but an ideal arc would be between 85 degrees and 50 degrees so as to have enough swinging motion to attract attention to itself. 
     This disclosure will use any combination of motor and mechanical geometry of parts to convert rotating motion to rocking or swinging back and forth motion. 
     This disclosure will use any combination of motor and mechanical geometry of parts to convert rotating motion to rocking or swinging back and forth motion assembled on a single bracket or plate that attaches itself to the side of any advertising signage or structure either horizontally, vertically or sloped. 
     Adjustable sides can be removeably fastened to the main bracket holding all of the components. The adjustable bracket will keep the base from bouncing or moving around when in operation. 
     This disclosure will use any combination of motor and mechanical geometry of parts to convert rotating motion to rocking or swinging back and forth motion assembled on a single bracket, plate or bracket with multiple sides that attaches itself to the side of any advertising signage or structure either horizontally, vertically or sloped. 
     This disclosure will use any combination of motor and mechanical geometry of parts to swing or rock back and forth an extending arm to the side, top or any direction of the assembled parts that are attached to a single bracket, plate or bracket with multiple sides that attaches itself to the side of any advertising signage or structure either horizontally, vertically or sloped. 
     This disclosure will use any combination of motor and mechanical geometry of parts assembled onto a single bracket or bracket, with multiple sides and made of any material that swings or rocks back and forth an extending arm to the side, top or any direction of the assembled components and that attaches itself to the side of any advertising signage or other structure either horizontally, vertically or sloped. 
     This disclosure will use any combination of motor and mechanical geometry of parts to swing or rock back and forth an extending arm with enough torque to swing the arm in inclement weather conditions to the side, top or any direction of the assembled parts on the supporting sign that are attached to a single bracket, plate or bracket with multiple sides (including a box shape) that attaches itself to the side of any advertising signage or other structure either horizontally, vertically or sloped. 
     In one embodiment the motor can be coupled to the gearbox in parallel or at a right angle. Both the motor and gearbox are sealed and not exposed to more inclement weather conditions. The motor we are using in this new design is a high efficiency 3V DC motor coupled to a 228:1 gearbox which provides a low power gear motor. This gear motor is designed for low-voltage power-efficiency, it&#39;s a slow, power-efficient motor weighing 35.7g(1.26 oz), measuring 51.7 mm (2.04)″ long, 27.3 mm (1.07″) wide, and 32.1 mm (1.26″) deep, excluding the shaft. The gear motor is also fitted with a slip clutch in case the mechanism gets jammed. 
     The power supply is now housed inside the cover which is attached to the main chassis with screws and may consist of 4 “C-cell batteries”, however various size batteries and multiples can be used. The robotic waver has been designed to run on batteries if no other energy source is available e.g. solar power or AC/DC converter. My design uses C-cell batteries as the best common battery for this purpose. The C-cell is small enough to be compact and yet large enough to give many more hours of operation than the very compact AA-cell. 
     A material and/or fabric preferable strong, lightweight, water resistant and/or water proof can be used to wrap around the reciprocating or rocking arm. The material will have fasteners such as a hook and loop, button or other to adjoin the two sides of the fabric. At the top of the fabric on one end a shaped material can be sewn on or attached to the fabric. The shaped material can be, for example, a hand or other eye-catching geometry, Additionally the material can made such as a sock that can then be pulled down the rotating or rocking arm and tied down at the bottom to secure it. The sleeve or sock shape can be made of fabric, foam, mold injected or other materials and have different colors and shapes such as hands or hands holding objects and are designed to slide over the arm and attached at the bottom of the arm with glue or simple fasteners. Additionally the waving arm and hand can be made of one continuous material such as Coroplast corrugated plastic or metal, wood or any other lightweight strong material. The arm and hand and/or many any other designs can be dye cut and stamped or mold injected out of many different materials. 
     It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modification can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed herein.