Patent Publication Number: US-6655062-B1

Title: Modular sign system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to an architectural sign system for holding one or more sign panels between two horizontal retaining bars. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Signs embody a wide variety of types and styles from letters incised into stone to signs containing extruded sign frames materials. Modern signs use refined coatings and are usually prepared using computer graphics. Architectural sign systems are required for identifying buildings and general areas, directing pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic, and for providing general information on and around building complexes, parks, and other architectural sites. In most cases, many signs are required to provide all the necessary information in and around a specific site. The necessary signs will have different sizes and each individual sign may require one or a plurality of sign panels. In addition, some signs may be one-sided and others may be double-sided. The logistics required for procuring all the necessary parts and stocking all the different types of parts may be difficult when each different type of sign requires different hardware. These signs must withstand all weather conditions and, depending on the location, must deter vandalism. 
     The use of a “systems” approach allows architects to specify a factory produced design for a signing project. The systems use component parts to create uniform structures that are integrated with a uniform approach to graphics. A large number of different types of architectural systems sign are known. These are complex signs which incorporate complex shapes and parts for both sign leg assembly and panel frame assembly. 
     Frames required for most architectural signs include complex extrusions which include a retainer for holding only one panel into a frame. As information changes, the entire panel must be replaced, not just a small portion of it. In addition, these frames must be designed as either a single-faced sign or a double-faced sign. Frequently, these types of signs are highly finished and susceptible to vandalism. This type of sign is typically used to display names of buildings or company logos which may be seen from a main road or other distant vantage point. An example of this type of sign is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,641,448. 
     Another example of prior art signs includes those having extruded uprights with a rigid box section connected on the vertical edge to the extruded uprights. An example of this type of sign panel is U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,296. The reference discloses a box section sign attached to extruded shape uprights. The uprights are bolted to a side of the box section. In this type of prior art design it is difficult to exchange the sign panel because a new box section must be installed. It is also difficult to make this a modular design. 
     Yet another type of prior art design include extrusions which serve as an attachment point to which the signs are mounted. Examples of these are U.S. Pat. No. 3,555,715, in which the extrusion is a projection which receives signs and U.S. Pat. No. 1,880,828 in which the extrusions are slots in which the signs are received. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular architectural sign system accommodating rows of sign panels, sign panels spanning an entire sign height, or both, which may be used as either a single-faced or double-faced sign without modifying the structure of the assembly, and which deters vandalism. 
     According to the present invention, an architectural sign system includes two laterally spaced substantially vertical supports. An upper rail having first and second ends and a lower rail having first and second ends are each connected between the two laterally spaced substantially vertical supports. The upper rail and the lower rail having confrontingly opposed longitudinal channels running between the first and second ends. Each of the channels has a longitudinal central portion and longitudinal side portions. Upper and lower edges of a substantially planar core piece are inserted in the central portions of the upper rail and the lower rail. The central portion of the channels has a greater depth than the side portions. The difference in depth forms stops between the central portion and the side portions which prevent the upper and lower edges of the core from moving into said side portions of said longitudinal channel. Each of the side channels is operable for receiving edges of sign panels, the architectural sign system thus accommodates sign on one of said first planar side, said second planar side, and both of the first, and second planar sides of the core piece. 
     The sign system according to the invention is supported by vertical uprights. Retaining rails are connected between the posts to hold sign panels. When more than one row of sign panels are required, a retaining bracket is used to separate and hold the two rows of side panels that are vertically adjacently arranged. 
     The vertical uprights may be inserted into the ground and may include stabilizers for securing the position of the vertical uprights. Other conventional devices and methods may be used for securing the vertical uprights into the ground. Instead of being supported in the ground, the vertical uprights may, be supported on a wall or other vertical support. In a further embodiment, the portion of the posts to which the sign panels are connected may be angled so that they directly face an intended viewer. 
     The sign system includes a core comprising a planar sheet of material of suitable stiffness which is held between the retaining rails. Each of the retaining rails has a longitudinal channel including a center portion and side portions along either side of the center portion. The center portion has a width w 1  and a depth d 1  and the side portions have widths w 2  and depths d 2 . The upper and lower ends of the core are inserted into the center portion of the channel in retaining rails. The sides of the center portion form stops which prevent the ends of the core from entering the side portions of the channel. The sign panels are then inserted into the side portions of the retaining rails, and the retaining rails fixedly connected to the posts. Sign panels may span the full distance between the upper retaining rail and the lower retaining rail or two sign panels may be mounted, one above the other. When two vertically adjacent panels are mounted, the bottom end of the upper sign panel and the top end of the lower sign panel are held against the core by a center bracket. The-center bracket is fixedly held against one planar side of the core. The center bracket also has two side channels for holding the side panels. Each side channel has a depth d 3  and a width w 2 . 
     More than two rows of sign panels may also be installed on one side of the core by installing one of the center brackets between each pair of vertically adjacent rows. In addition, the rows separated by the bracket do not have to extend the entire length between the posts. 
     Since the core is held in the center portion of the channel, the same rails and core may be used in signs requiring a sign panel on only one side of the core or in signs requiring sign panels on both sides of the core. 
     The stops for holding the core in the center of the channel may include barriers, which partition the channel into three separate and discrete portions. In addition, the stops may also comprise an edge piece connected along an edge of the core to be inserted in the channel. The edge piece the end of the core that is inserted into the channel has the same width W T  as the channel. The depth d e  of the edge piece is less than the depth d c  of the channel. Therefore, in this embodiment, the side channels are formed between the core and the sides of the channel. 
     In some cases, where a very large sign area is required, a center retaining rail may be used to connect two cores. The center retaining rail is connected between the two vertical uprights similarly to the retaining rails. The center retaining rail holds the bottom of an upper core and the top of a lower core, thereby providing an additional central support for the large sign. Multiple sign panels may be arranged on each of the upper and lower cores as described above. 
     In general, the present invention is a sign system for identification, wayfinding and information sign programs for parks, campuses and other public places. The sign according to the present invention enables the placement of a variety of sign functions within a common, durable, and affordable structural system. The inventive sign system accommodates single or double face assemblies with the same structural components. The panel assemblies may be ground mounted, attached to a vertical surface or suspended. Using the retaining rails and brackets, a single panel or a group of modular panels may be placed on each face. Modular panels may be grouped horizontalty in rows, vertically in columns, or both. The panels inserted in the assembly may comprise a variety of graphical materials including porcelain enamel on steel, adhesive cut, or screen printed vinyl on aluminum, embedment fiberglass, etched or engraved metal or plastic, or any other material with rigidity and thickness similar to those listed. To resist vandalism, all connections may be concealed or use tamper resistant connections. The basic structure has been engineered for stiffness and durability. A limited number of parts, shapes and connections ensures simple maintenance. The sign system may also be based on principles of sustainable design which uses structural components designs to be recyclable or reusable as configurations change. 
     The various features of novelty which characterize the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of the disclosure. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views: 
     FIG. 1 a  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sign system according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 1 b  is a fragmerntary exploded view of the sign system of FIG. 1 a;    
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1 a;    
     FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1 a;    
     FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of the sign system along line IV—IV of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rail of the sign system according to the present invention; 
     FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b  show different embodiments of the rail of the sign system; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a retaining bracket according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 a  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a retaining bracket according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a fragmentary exploded view of another embodiment of a sign system according to the present invention with an optional center rail; 
     FIG. 8 is an sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 7 along line VIII—VIII; 
     FIG. 9 is a front view of another embodiment of a sign system according to the present invention; 
     FIGS. 10 a - 10   d  are sectional views of different embodiments of the sign system according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a fragmentary exploded view of another embodiment of a sign system according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 is a fragmentary exploded view of yet another embodiment of a sign system according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 is a fragmentary exploded view of another embodiment of a sign system according to the present invention; and 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sign system according to the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 a - 4 , a sign system  10  is supported by vertical uprights  12 . An upper retaining rail  16   a  and a lower retaining rail  16   b  are connected between the vertical uprights  12  to hold sign panels  14   a ,  14   b . Holes  20  in the vertical uprights  12  provide access for mechanical fasteners, such as bolts and screws, (see FIG. 1 b ) which hold the retaining rails  16   a  and  16   b  onto the vertical uprights  12 . If the rails  16   a  and  16   b  and the vertical uprights comprise dissimilar metals, washers may be used as shown in FIG. 1 b  which are smaller in diameter than the retaining rails  16   a  and  16   b  thereby preventing water from running between the post to the panels which inhibits galvanic action from occurring between the dissimilar metals such as steel and aluminum. The holes  20  may be covered, plugged, or filled after the mechanical fasteners are connected to deter vandalism. A center retaining bracket  18  is used to separate and aid in holding the two side panels  14   a ,  14   b  that are positioned one on top of the other. The vertical uprights  12  are depicted as being substantially square in cross-section. However, vertical uprights  12  may have any cross-sectional shape. Complex extrusions are not required because retaining rails  16  are merely connected via a mechanical fastening device through a side of the vertical uprights  12 . The vertical uprights  12 , retaining rails  16 , and retaining brackets  18  may be comprised of any material of suitable strength including, for example, plastics, metals such as aluminum, steels, metal alloys, and other high strength compounds and composites. Each vertical upright  12  also has a cap  26  which is held in place by a friction fit. Instead of a friction fit, any suitable attachment means may also be used such, for example, as adhesives and mechanical fasteners. In addition, cap  26  may also be formed integrally with vertical upright  12  instead of being a separate piece. 
     FIG.  2  and FIG. 3 (which is a side view of FIG. 2) show that the vertical uprights  12  may be mounted in the ground  24  and may include stabilizers  22  for reducing lateral displacement and prohibit removal of the vertical uprights  12 . Other conventional devices and methods may be used for securing the vertical uprights  12  in the ground  24 , such, for example, as securing the vertical uprights in a concrete base or using a flange plate to anchor the vertical uprights to a base material. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 b  and  4 , the sign system includes a core  30  comprising a planar sheet of material of suitable stiffness, such, for example, as a ⅛″ thick aluminum plate, which is held between the retaining rails  16   a  and  16   b . The core  30  reduces the vertical deflection by compression allowing any weight exerted on the upper retaining rail to be distributed throughout the panel and provides support for the sign system so that the sign panels  14  are not easily damaged by acts of vandalism and natural destructive forces, such, for example, as the wind, and so that two or more rows of sign panels may be supported between said upper and lower retaining rails  16   a  and  16   b . Referring now also to FIG. 5, which is a detailed perspective drawing of the upper retaining rail  16   a , each of the retaining rails  16   a  and  16   b  has a longitudinal channel  32  including a center portion  34  and side portions  36  along either side of the center portion  34 . The center portion  34  has a width w 1  and a depth d 1  and the side portions have widths w 2  and depths d 2 . The upper and lower ends of the core  30  are inserted into the center portion  34  of channel  32  in retaining rails  16   a  and  16   b . In this manner, the upper and lower retaining rails  16   a  and  16   b  and the core  30  become a beam wherein the core  30  is the web of the beam. The arrangement of the retaining rails  16   a  and  16   b  and core  30  provides a very strong but sheer backing for sign panels  14   a ,  14   b , and  14   c . The sides of the center portion  34  form stops  35  which prevent the ends of the core  30  from entering the side portions  36  of the channel  32 . The sign panels  14   a ,  14   b , and  14   c  are then inserted into the side portions  36  of the retaining rails  16   a  and  16   b , and the retaining rails fixedly connected to the posts  12 . FIG. 5 shows a hole  15  which may be used to insert a non-conductive metal fastener (screw or bolt) to connect the retaining rail  16   a  (and  16   b ) to the uprights.  12 . The hole  15  is preferably threaded for detachably receiving a threaded connection element (not shown). Although, the upper and lower retaining rails  16   a  and  16   b  are preferably detachably connected to the posts  12  so that sign panels  14  may be replaced, the upper and lower retaining rails  16   a  and  16   b  may also be fixedly connected to the posts  12  by threaded mechanical fasteners, high strength adhesives, sheer pins or the like. In addition, FIG. 5 depicts the upper retaining rail  16   a  as having a circular cross section. However, the upper and lower retaining rails  16   a  and  16   b  may have any cross sectional shape that accommodates the channel  32  while maintaining the structural integrity required. 
     The left side of FIG. 4 shows a sign panel  14   c  which spans the full distance between the upper retaining rail  16   a  and the lower retaining rail  16   b . The sign panels  14   a ,  14   b , and  14   c  are substantially non-flexible, planar elements, which may be aluminum plates, 16 gauge steel plate with a non-conductive surface, embedment fiberglass sheet, high pressure laminate, porcelain enamel tiles of suitable strength, or other suitable planar materials which are weather resistant and which will resist localized surface impact. The right side of FIG. 4 shows two sign panels  14   a ,  14   b , one mounted above the other. The bottom end of the upper sign panel  14   a  and the top end of the lower sign panel  14   b  are held against the core  30  by a center retaining bracket  18 . The center retaining bracket  18  has a central channel  28 , in which a threaded fastening device  38  is received for holding the center bracket  18  against the core  30 , which is precision drilled for receipt of the center retaining bracket  18 . One or more of the threaded fastening devices  38  may be used to hold the center bracket  18  against the core  30 , which is precision drilled for receipt of the center retaining bracket  18 . FIG. 6, shows a detailed perspective view of the center bracket  18 . FIG. 6 shows that the central channel  28  has ridges  29  which run longitudinally along the walls of the central channel  28 . These ridges act as threads which are laid longitudinally in the walls for receiving the threaded fastening devices at any point along the channel. Instead of the central channel  28 , the center bracket  18  may also have threaded holes for receiving the threaded fasteners  38 . The center bracket  18  also has two side cutout portions  40 . Each cutout portion  40  has a depth d 3  and a width w 2 . The width w 2  of the side channels  40  is substantially the same as the width w 2  of the side portion  36  of channel  32 . Instead of being threaded, the central channel  28  may comprise a T-groove or dove tail shape in which connection elements including threaded holes which have a corresponding T-groove shape or dove-tail shape for sliding into the T-groove or dove tail groove and held for connection to the core  30  by the threaded connection device  38 . For example, FIG. 6 a  shows a dove tail groove  28   a  and corresponding connection piece  27  in the dove tail groove  28   a , the connection piece  27  is slidable to any location along the dove tail groove. The connection piece  27  has a threaded hole  27   a  for receiving the threaded fastening device  38  (see FIG.  4 ). 
     Since the core  30  is held in the center portion  34  of the channel  32 , the same rails  16 , bracket  18 , and core  30  may be used in signs requiring a sign panel  14  on only one side of the core  30  and in signs that require sign panels  14  on both sides of the core  30 . 
     More than two rows of sign panels  14  may also be installed on one side of the core  30  by installing one of the center brackets  18  between each pair of vertically adjacent rows. The panels  14  are preferably made in standardized sizes and based on a uniform size progression such that a large variety of arrangements and configurations of the signs panels  14  is possible. For instance, each individual sign panels  14  does not have to extend the entire width between the uprights  12 . Therefore, columns may also exist on the overall assembly of the sign panel  10 . In addition, the rows separated by the center bracket  18  do not have to extend the entire length between the vertical uprights  12 . For example, a sign having three sign panels on each side may have two panels separated by a center bracket  18  mounted adjacent one post  12  to  15  approximately a center of the core  30 , and the third panel, which has the height of the previous two panels, is mounted in the space between the center of the core and the second post  12 . 
     Although the stops  35  are shown in FIG. 5 as being formed by the stepped channel  32 , other types of stops  35  may also be used. For example, FIG. 5 a  shows an upper rail.  16   a  having a channel  32  which is partitioned into three separate and discrete portions, i.e., the center portion  34  and two side portions  36 . In this embodiment, the core is positioned and held in the center portion  34  by partitions  35 ′. 
     In yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 5 b , the channel  32  comprises one continuous width and depth. An edge piece  35 ″ is connected to the end of the core  30  and is inserted into the channel  32 . The edge piece  35 ″ has substantially the same width. W T  as the channel  32 . The depth d e  of the edge piece  35 ″ is less than the depth d c  of the channel  32 . Therefore, in this embodiment, the side channels  36  are formed between the core  30  and the sides of the channel  32  because the edge piece  35 ″ maintains the core  30  at the center of the width of the channel  32 . 
     In some cases, where a larger sign area is required, a core  30  covering the entire sign area may exceed the appropriate lateral rigidity and not have structural integrity as a continuous member. In such cases, the core  30  is prone to warpage due to pressure applied by wind and other natural forces and/or deliberate destructive force. In such cases, a center retaining rail  42 , as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, may be used to connect two cores  30   a  and  30   b . The center retaining rail  42  is connected between the two vertical uprights  12  similarly to the retaining rails  16   a  and  16   b . The center retaining rail  42  holds the bottom of an upper core  30   a  and the top of a lower core  30   b , thereby providing an additional central support for the large sign area. Each of the upper and lower cores  30   a  and  30   b  may include one or more rows and columns of sign panels  14 , as described earlier with respect to core  30 . For example, FIG. 7 shows that the front of core  30   a  has a first column including sign panel  14   d  on the left hand side which spans the entire height of the core  30   a  and a second column having two rows of sign panels  14   e  and  14   f  separated by center retaining bracket  18 . 
     In a further example, FIG. 9 shows two columns of sign panels with four rows each. FIGS. 10 a  through  10   d  show various exemplary configurations of center rails  42  and center brackets  18  which may be used with multiple rows and multiple columns of sign panels. In FIG. 10 a , a center rail  42  divides the sign into two cores  30   a  and  30   b  with two retaining brackets  18  on the front side so that the front face has four rows and the back face has two large rows. FIG. 10 a  corresponds to the cross section of FIG.  9 . FIG. 10 b  shows a similar embodiment in which a center retaining bracket  18  is mounted on a front of core  30   a  and a back side of core  30   b . Each side has one large row and two smaller rows. In FIG. 10 c , one large core  30  is used and three center retaining brackets  18  divide the front face of the sign system into four rows. Finally, FIG. 10 d  shows that the center retaining rails  42  may be used to divide each row. In this case, four cores  30   a - 30   d  are required. 
     Each sign system in FIGS. 10 a - 10   d  may also be used as single faced signs wherein there are no sign panels required to be mounted on either the right or the left side of the cores  30   a  and  30   b . However, the same sign systems could be used as a double-sided sign systems. In practice, a blank sign panel may be installed on the side that no sign is required to give a finished look and to cover any fasteners which may be inserted in the core  30  for holding center retaining brackets  18 . If different graphics are required on a single faced sign on a seasonal or varying use bases, a first currently applicable graphic may be placed on the first displayed side of the sign and a second graphic may be placed on the second side of a sign panel for convenience. When the seasonal or varying use bases require that the second graphic be displayed, the second graphic is readily available and is easily switched with the first graphic. 
     The upper and lower retaining rails  16   a  and  16   b  and the cores  30   a  and  30   b , as well as the optional center retaining rail  42 , may be used for either single-sided applications or for double-sided applications, without altering the parts or the assembly of the parts. The implications of this ability is that only a few parts are required to make all the different signs required for an entire architectural site. When making signs for an architectural project, many signs are required. In most cases, the parts for each sign are very specific, making it difficult to order all the correct parts. Since each sign in the inventive system uses the same types of parts, large quantities of pieces such as the retaining rails  16 , posts  12 , and cores  30  can be stored and used as needed. That is, only one type of retaining rail  16 , one type of center bracket  18 , one type of center retaining rail  42  are required. 
     If the sign panels  14  are designed in standardized shapes and sizes, the sign system  10  is completely modular, thereby allowing a wide variety of sign configurations, using the same basic materials, i.e., the rails  16  and  42 , the brackets  18 , and the cores  30 , cut to a suitable size. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, instead of hollow shapes or sections, the vertical uprights  12  may also comprise substantially flat posts such as angle, channel, or “I”-beams. Use of a structural section creates a one-piece post which holds both sides of the retaining rails  16 . For example, FIG. 11 shows a vertical upright support  44  having a central portion  44   a  and two side portions  44   b  which form a single sided channel. In this embodiment, a core  30  and one or more sign panels  14  may be mounted between the side portions  44   b . FIG. 12 shown a different embodiment of a vertical support  44 ′ in which the two side portions  44   b ′ form a double sided channel or I-beam which can accept a core on either side of the central portion  44   a ′. Instead of being mounted in the ground, the support  44  may be cut to a length sufficient to hold the side panel  14  and mounted directly to a wall or other vertical foundation. FIG. 13 shows two angles  45  as vertical supports. The angles are a sufficient length to hold a core  30  and two sign panels  14   a  and  14   b . In a further embodiment, the portion of the vertical uprights  12  to which the sign panels are connected may be angled away from an intended viewer such, for example, as shown in FIG.  14 . Depending on the height of the sign and the position of the intended viewer, the angle α of the angled portion  12   a  may be within the range of 0 to 90 degrees to vertical. 
     The invention is not limited by the embodiments described above which are presented as examples only but can be modified in various ways within the scope of protection defined by the appended patent claims.