Patent Publication Number: US-2009230266-A1

Title: Universally Mountable Bollard Bracket

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to brackets used to mount advertisement signs to support members such as posts or bollards. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
     Advertising is an important component at many point-of-purchase locations such as gasoline filling stations. These locations utilize a variety of devices to mount and display advertising on various structures on the property. Some of these advertising assemblies may be permanently fixed displays secured to the building structure at the point of purchase location. Other advertising assemblies may be temporary displays releasably secured to fixtures at the point of purchase location. 
     One opportunity for display of temporary advertising is the bollards or posts which extend upwardly from the ground to protect various building structures or fixtures at the point of purchase location. For example, bollards are utilized around filling station islands to protect the filling station gas pumps against impact by the vehicles driving by and utilizing the gas pumps. 
     Presently, advertising displays that are rigidly secured to the bollards do not allow for adjustment when the orientation of the advertising media change or if a desired orientation of the bollard is not available. This lack of adjustment can result in the new advertising media being extended into the path of travel of entering or exiting vehicles or can limit the advertising media sizes or geometries that can be displayed. In addition, spacing and orientation between bollards commonly varies both between bollard designs at a given station, and between bollard designs used at different stations. The inconsistent bollard spacing and orientation can prevent installation of advertising at some locations. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a universally mountable bollard bracket for attaching an advertising unit to a support structure includes a first set of bite members oriented to engage the support structure in a first bracket orientation. A second set of bite members is oriented to engage the support structure in a second bracket orientation. 
     According to additional embodiments, a bracket for attaching an advertising unit to a support structure includes a metal plate having multiple cavities. A first bite member extends into a first cavity and is oriented to engage the support structure in a first bracket orientation when the support structure is received in the first cavity. A second bite member extends into a second cavity and is oriented parallel to the first bite member. The second bite member engages the support structure in the first bracket orientation when the support structure is also received in the second cavity. A third bite member extends into a third cavity and is oriented to engage the support structure in a second bracket orientation. A fourth bite member extends into the third cavity and is oriented parallel to and oppositely facing the third bite member. The third and fourth bite members engage the support structure in the second bracket orientation. 
     According to other embodiments, a bracket for attaching an advertising unit to a support structure includes first and second channels created in the bracket having a first bite member of a first set of bite members positioned in the first channel and a second bite member of the first set of bite members positioned in the second channel. The first and second channels operate to receive the support structure in a first bracket orientation and permit the first and second bite members to be oriented for engagement with the support structure. A third channel created in the bracket has a second set of bite members positioned in the third channel. The third channel receives the support structure in a second bracket orientation and permits the second set of bite members to be oriented for engagement with the support structure. Parallel first and second plate sections connect the bracket to the advertising unit. 
     According to still other embodiments, an assembly for attaching a sign to a support structure includes a bracket having first and second flanges oriented parallel to each other and first and second plate sections defining a V-shape; first and second channels created in the bracket both receiving at least a portion of the support structure when the bracket is oriented in a first bracket orientation; and a third V-shaped channel created in the bracket operable to receive the support structure when the bracket is oriented in a second bracket orientation. A support structure has a member at least partially received in the first and second cavities in a first orientation of the bracket and at least partially received in a space created by the V-shape defined between the first and second plate sections in a second orientation of the bracket. At least one flexible strap is received in a pair of apertures positioned on opposite sides of each of the cavities of the bracket. The strap is looped about the support structure and is adapted to be tightened to engage the bracket to the support structure in either the first or second bracket orientation. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of a sign assembly supported to a bollard assembly using a universal bracket of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the universal bracket of  FIG. 1  shown transversely oriented from the orientation of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the sign assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the sign assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a pre-formed plate used to create a universal bracket of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of an after-formed universal bracket; 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of the bracket of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the bracket of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of an angle member used to support the bracket of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an end elevational view of the angle member of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view showing an advertisement unit having a bracket of the present disclosure adapted for support to a horizontal member of a bollard assembly; and 
         FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view of the bracket of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a sign assembly  10  includes an advertisement unit  11  such as a sign  12  connected to a support frame  13 . Sign  12  can include multiple types of advertisements, including but not limited to backlit signs, paper advertisements, posters, and the like. A bracket assembly  14  of the present disclosure can be fastenably connected to advertisement unit  11  using a first and a second angle member  16 ,  18  which can be releasably fastened to support frame  13  using a plurality of fasteners  19 . Advertisement unit  11  is adapted to advertise items for sale at a business location for example. In the embodiment shown a post member  20  of a support structure  22  such as a bollard assembly can be a vertically oriented member which can be fixed to a support flange  24  or embedded directly in the ground or in a concrete/cement base. Support structure  22  can also be modified to provide additional post members and/or to orient the post member(s) in non-vertical orientations. Support flange  24  is connected by fasteners (not shown) to a support surface  25  such as a concrete or wood pad, a driving surface, a ground surface, and the like. Sign assembly  10  can be connected to post member  20  using first and second strap members  26 ,  28  engaged to bracket assembly  14 . It should also be evident that the flexibility of first and second strap members  26 ,  28  allow sign assembly  10  to be attached to objects other than bollard posts, including but not limited to sign or fence posts, trees, building structure, and the like which can have circular, rectangular, or other geometric shapes. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2  and again to  FIG. 1 , bracket  14  can be oriented in any angular increment and in several embodiments can be oriented in 90 degree increments. As shown in  FIG. 2  bracket  14  can therefore be transversely oriented with respect to the orientation shown in  FIG. 1 . This permits bracket  14  to be mounted to advertisement unit  11 , or oriented together with advertisement unit  11  in either a first or a transversely configured second (e.g.: horizontal or vertical) orientation to attach advertisement unit  11  in multiple orientations to suit the size and geometry of advertisement unit  11  and support structure  22 . The location of first and second angle members  16 ,  18  and therefore the location of bracket  14  can be varied as shown in phantom in  FIG. 2  as first and second angle members  16 ′,  18 ′ and bracket  14 ′, to also provide flexibility in supporting multiple embodiments and geometries of advertisement unit  11 . Two or more “bracket groups” including two or more sets of both first and second angle members  16 ,  18  and brackets  14  can be used to support a single advertisement unit  11 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a first orientation of a first mount assembly  32  includes a flange  34  of bracket  14  fastenably connected to first angle member  16 . Oriented transversely to flange  34  (away from the viewer as shown in  FIG. 3 ) are a first face  36  and a second face  38 . A V-shaped aperture is created in flange  34  having a first contact edge  40  and a second contact edge  42  oriented at an oblique angle with respect to each other. At a juncture of first and second contact edges  40 ,  42  a first bite member  44  is provided having a triangular-shaped body  45 . Bracket  14  is connected to first angle member  16  by fastenably connecting flange  34  to a first leg  46  of first angle member  16 . A second leg  48  is oriented transverse to first leg  46 . A plurality of fasteners including a first and a second fastener assembly  50 ,  52  are inserted through each of first leg  46  and flange  34  and torqued or set to connect flange  34  to first leg  46 . 
     First mount assembly  32  is connected to post member  20  using first and second strap members  26 ,  28  (only first strap member  26  is visible in this view). Post member  20  is positioned within the V-shaped aperture defined by first and second contact edges  40 ,  42  until an outer surface  54  of post member  20  contacts each of first and second contact edges  40 ,  42 . It is also desirable when the first and second strap members  26 ,  28  are tightened that first bite member  44  also contacts outer surface  54  to help prevent rotation of first mount assembly  32  with respect to post member  20 . 
     Installation of second strap member  28  is similar to first strap member  26  therefore the discussion that follows with respect to first strap member  26  is equally applicable to second strap member  28 . A first strap portion  56  of first strap member  26  is inserted through first face  36  and is looped to second face  38  from which a second strap portion  58  extends and completes the circumference of first strap member  26  about post member  20 . A strap joining fastener  60  is provided to frictionally engage first strap member  26  such that a free end  61  extends beyond strap joining fastener  60  as strap joining fastener  60  is operated. Strap joining fastener  60  is torqued until outer surface  54  of post member  20  contacts at least first bite member  44  and at least one of first and second contact edges  40 ,  42 . The amount of contact between first mount assembly  32  and post member  20  depends in part on a diameter of post member  20 . It is also noted that the diameter of post member  20  can be large enough that contact between outer surface  54  and each of first and second contact faces  40 ,  42  can occur without contact between outer surface  54  and first bite member  44 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a second mount assembly  62  is created by rotating bracket  14  approximately 90 degrees with respect to the configuration of first mount assembly  32  shown in reference to  FIG. 3 . Different portions of bracket  14  are used to engage post member  20  with second mount assembly  62 . These include a second flange  64  which is substantially parallel to flange  34 , and an opposing face  66  which is substantially co-axially aligned with first face  36 . A V-shaped segment  68  created between first face  36  and opposing face  66  defines a V-shaped cavity  70 . 
     The orientation of second mount assembly  62  with respect to post member  20  more clearly shows the installation of bracket  14  with respect to each of first and second angle members  16 ,  18 . Flange  34  is connected to first angle member  16  using first fastener assembly  50  which can include a nut  72 . Similarly, second flange  64  is connected to second angle member  18  using first fastener assembly  50 ′ which can include a nut  72 ′. Other fastener designs can also be used for first fastener assembly  50  such as but not limited to bolt and nut combinations and rivets for which nuts  72 ,  72 ′ are not required. 
     A first bite or contact element  74  having a rectangular-shaped body  75  extends laterally away from first face  36  and a second bite or contact element  76  having a rectangular-shaped body  77  extends laterally away from opposing face  66 . First and second contact elements  74 ,  76  define a first pair of contact elements. Each of first and second contact elements  74 ,  76  are directed toward each other and extend partially into V-shaped cavity  70 . Second mount assembly  62  is oriented as shown having outer surface  54  of post member  20  in contact with each of first and second contact elements  74 ,  76  and a portion of post member  20  received within V-shaped cavity  70  as shown. Contact between outer surface  54  and each of first and second contact elements  74 ,  76  acts to prevent rotation of second mount assembly  62  with respect to post member  20 . First strap member  26  is then engaged as follows. A first strap portion  78  is passed through opposing face  66  and behind V-shaped segment  68  such that a second strap portion  80  contacts V-shaped segment  68 . A third strap portion  82  extends through first face  36  and loops about the remainder of post member  20  to be engaged by strap joining fastener  60  as previously described. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a flat metal plate  84  has a plurality of operations performed on it as a sub-assembly prior to creation of bracket  14 . Metal plate  84  includes each of a first and second fastener through aperture  86 ,  88  having an aperture space dimension “A”. A first bollard receiving aperture or cavity  89  is created having each of a first aperture wall  90  and a second aperture wall  91  and opposed mirror image first and second aperture walls  90 ′,  91 ′. A second bite member  92  is positioned opposite to first bite member  44 . A first and second strap receiving elongated aperture  94 ,  96  are positioned on opposite sides of first bollard receiving aperture  89  and are oriented parallel to each other. A third and a fourth strap receiving elongated aperture  98 ,  100  are also positioned on opposite sides of first bollard receiving aperture  89  and are oriented transversely with respect to both first and second strap receiving elongated apertures  94 ,  96 . 
     A third bite or contact element  102  having a rectangular-shaped body  103  and a fourth bite or contact element  104  having a rectangular-shaped body  105  are oppositely positioned to face each other across a first longitudinal slot or cavity  106 . Similarly, first and second contact elements  74 ,  76  are oppositely positioned from each other across a second longitudinal slot or cavity  108 . First and second longitudinal slots  106 ,  108  are positioned on opposite sides of first bollard receiving aperture  89 . Third and fourth contact elements  102 ,  104  define a second pair of contact elements. A third bite member  110  oriented similar to first bite member  44  is created in a second bollard receiving aperture or cavity  112 . A fourth bite member  114  similarly oriented with respect to second bite member  92  is also created in second bollard receiving aperture  112 . First and fourth bite members together define a first set of bite members. First and second contact elements  74 ,  76  and third and fourth contact elements  102 ,  104  together define a second set of bite members. 
     Second bollard receiving aperture  112  is geometrically similar in shape to first bollard receiving aperture  89 , however, second bollard receiving aperture  112  is oriented in a mirror image arrangement compared to first bollard receiving aperture  89 . Fifth and sixth strap receiving elongated apertures  116 ,  118  are created on opposite sides of second bollard receiving aperture  112  similar to first and second strap receiving elongated apertures  94 ,  96  in their spatial relationship to first bollard receiving aperture  89 . A seventh and an eighth strap receiving elongated aperture  120 ,  122  similar to third and fourth strap receiving elongated apertures  98 ,  100  are transversely oriented with respect to fifth and sixth strap receiving elongated apertures  116 ,  118 . A third and fourth fastener through aperture  124 ,  126  are positioned at an opposite end of metal plate  84  with respect to first and second fastener through apertures  86 ,  88  and have a similar aperture spacing “A” as first and second fastener through apertures  86 ,  88 . 
     A plurality of bend axis lines are denoted in  FIG. 5  representing bend axes to re-configure metal plate  84  from the substantially flat shape shown in  FIG. 5  to the finished geometry of bracket  14 . These bend axes include each of a first bend axis  128 , a second bend axis  139 , a third bend axis  132 , a fourth bend axis  134 , and a fifth bend axis  136 . First bend axis  128  separates a first plate section  138  from a second plate section  140 . Each of first and second faces  36 ,  38  are defined by second plate section  140 . Second bend axis  130  separates second plate section  140  from a third plate section  142 . Third bend axis  132  divides metal plate  84  substantially in half and also separates third plate section  142  from a fourth plate section  142 . Items such as the bollard receiving apertures, the contact elements, and the elongated apertures of metal plate  84  are substantially mirror image configurations of each other divided by third bend axis  132 . Fourth bend axis  134  separates fourth plate section  144  from a fifth plate section  146 , and fifth bend axis  136  separates fifth plate section  146  from a sixth plate section  148  which includes each of third and fourth fastener through apertures  124 ,  126 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the configuration of bracket  14  is shown in its finished condition after making the plurality of bends about the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth bend axes  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134 , and  136  described in reference to  FIG. 5 . As previously noted, third bend axis  132  creates a substantially mirror image configuration about a strap engagement center bracket bend  150 . Each of the first through fourth bite members  44 ,  92 ,  110 , and  114  are axially aligned when bracket  14  is in its finished shape. This allows any or all of the bite members to subsequently contact the post member (not shown in this view) when the post member is subsequently received in both first bollard receiving aperture  89  and second receiving aperture  112 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , bracket  14  has a flange-to-flange spacing dimension “B” between first plate section  138  and sixth plate section  148  which are configured substantially parallel to each other. By bending metal plate  84  at third bend axis  132  to create strap engagement center bracket bend  150 , and V-shaped cavity  70 , third and fourth contact elements  102 ,  104  are configured directly facing each other. First and second contact elements  74 ,  76  are not shown in this view, however, they also directly face each other similar to third and fourth contact elements  102 ,  104 . The overall configuration of bracket  14  as viewed in  FIG. 7  creates a substantially M-shaped configuration. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8  and again to  FIG. 7 , because first plate section  138  is oriented substantially parallel to sixth plate section  148 , first fastener through aperture  88  is aligned substantially co-axially with third fastener through aperture  124  (not clearly visible in this view), and second fastener through aperture  88  is aligned substantially co-axial with fourth fastener through aperture  124  (not clearly visible in this view). 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  6 , bracket  14  oriented in the first orientation has first strap member  26  inserted through first and second strap receiving elongated apertures  94 ,  96  and second strap member  28  inserted through fifth and sixth strap receiving elongated apertures  116 ,  118 . In the second orientation of bracket  14  shown in  FIG. 2 , first strap member  26  will be inserted through third and seventh strap receiving elongated apertures  98 ,  120  and second strap member  28  will be inserted through fourth and eighth strap receiving elongated apertures  100 ,  122 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the geometry of both first and second angle members  16 ,  18  are identical with each other and the following discussion of features therefore applies equally to both the first and second angle members  16 ,  18 . First, second, third, and fourth elongated apertures  152 ,  154 ,  156 ,  158  which are co-axially aligned with each other are created in first leg  46 . An alignment elongated aperture  160  and a substantially circular aperture  162  are created in second leg  48 , with elongated aperture  160  used to provide tolerance in aligning apertures  160 ,  162  with fastener receiving apertures (not visible in this view) on support frame  13 . First and second angle members  16 ,  18  each have a total length “C”. A common spacing is used between proximate ones of the first, second, third, and fourth elongated apertures  152 ,  154 ,  156 ,  158 . This common spacing is an aperture-to-aperture spacing “D”. Aperture-to-aperture spacing “D” is substantially equal to aperture spacing dimension “A” shown in reference to  FIG. 5  between first and second fastener through apertures  86 ,  88  and between third and fourth fastener through apertures  124 ,  126 . 
     First and second angle members  16 ,  18  can therefore be mounted on bracket  14  in three different positions each represented by aperture-to-aperture spacing “D”. Alignment elongated aperture  160  is provided as an elongated aperture to allow for fit up tolerance when each of the first and second angle members  16 ,  18  are connected to frame  13  shown in reference to  FIG. 1 . A leg included angle alpha which according to several embodiments is substantially 90 degrees is created between first and second legs  46 ,  48  to provide for consistent alignment of bracket  14  when bracket  14  is connected to first and second angle members  16 ,  18 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , it is noted that bracket  14  can be directly connected to support frame  13  if structure is available on support frame  13  similar to the connecting features of first and second angle members  16 ,  18 . First and second angle members  16 ,  18  are therefore not required for every installation of bracket  14  and can therefore be eliminated in some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , advertisement unit  11  having bracket  14  installed as shown can be also installed on a multiple post bollard assembly  164  by connecting bracket  14  to any of a first vertical post  166 , a second vertical post  168 , or a connecting post  170 . Advertisement unit  11  can also be reoriented from the configuration shown in  FIG. 11  by rotating advertisement unit  11  approximately 90 degrees. This allows advertisement unit  11  to be installed in 90 degree rotated increments on any of the first, second vertical posts  166 ,  168  or horizontal connecting post  170 . Also, by further providing or modifying structure of support frame  13  to receive first and second angle members  16 ,  18  in alternate orientations, advertisement unit  11  can be oriented in substantially any rotational position with bracket  14  mounted to first vertical post  166 , second vertical post  168 , or connecting post  170 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12  and again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , first and fourth bite members  44 ,  114  extend most directly toward a surface of the bollard post (not shown in this view) due to the parallel configuration of first and sixth plate sections  138 ,  148  which first and fourth bite members  44 ,  114  extend co-planar with. Second and third bite members  92 ,  110  are co-planar with third and fourth plate sections  142 ,  144  respectively, and will therefore contact the bollard post after first and fourth bite members  44 ,  114 . When bracket  14  is rotated 90 degrees from the position shown, or otherwise oriented to engage the bollard post with first, second, third, and fourth contact elements  74 ,  76 ,  102 ,  104 , each of the contact elements  74 ,  76 ,  102 ,  104  are similarly oriented, and therefore can simultaneously contact the bollard post. The plate sections  138 ,  148  define an outside limit of bracket  14 . Second and third bite members  92 ,  110  are provided in the event the support structure  22  cannot be engaged by both first and fourth bite members  44 ,  114 . For example, engagement can be obtained at both first and second bite members  44 ,  92  if the support structure cannot contact third or fourth bite members  110 ,  114 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 through 5 , operationally, bracket  14  can be used for attaching advertising unit  11  to support structure  22 . The bracket  14  is initially formed from metal plate  84  having a plurality of cavities  89 ,  106 ,  108 , and  112  created in the metal plate  84  by for example a punching or a die cut operation. The metal plate is then bent at a plurality of bend axes to create the bracket shape of  FIG. 1 . A first one of the bite members  44  extends into a first one of the cavities (cavity  89 ) and is oriented as shown in  FIG. 3  to engage the post  20  of support structure  22  in a first bracket orientation when the support structure  22  is received in the first one of the cavities (cavity  89 ). Second bite member  114  extends into a second one of the cavities (cavity  112 ) and is oriented parallel to the first bite member  44  when bracket  14  is in its final bent or formed condition. The second bite member  114  operates to engage the support structure  22  in the first bracket orientation when the support structure  22  is also received in the second one of the cavities (cavity  112 ). 
     A third bite member (bite member  74 ) extends into a third one of the cavities (cavity  108 ) and is oriented to engage the support structure  22  in the second bracket orientation as shown in  FIG. 4 . A fourth bite member  76  also extends into the third one of the cavities (cavity  108 ) and is oriented parallel to and oppositely facing with respect to the third bite member  74 , the fourth bite member  76  is operable with the third bite member  74  to engage the support structure  22  in the second bracket orientation. A fifth bite member  102  extends into a fourth one of the cavities (cavity  106 ) and is oriented to engage the support structure  22  in the second bracket orientation. A sixth bite member  104  also extends into the fourth one of the cavities (cavity  106 ) and is oriented parallel to and oppositely facing with respect to the fifth bite member  103  when bracket  14  is in its final bent or formed condition. The sixth bite member  104  is operable with the fifth bite member  102  to engage the support structure  22  in the second bracket orientation. 
     Brackets  14  of the present disclosure provide several advantages. By providing multiple cavities some of which are oriented transverse to other ones of the cavities, bracket  14  can be oriented in either a first or second bracket orientation with respect to a support member such as a bollard post. By creating bite members extending partially into each of the cavities, the bite members can engage the support member to prevent rotation of the bracket  14  to accommodate wind or rotational loads applied to the attached sign or advertisement unit. Elongated apertures provided at opposites sides or walls of the bracket about each of the cavities provide for a flexible strap to be received in the apertures and looped about the support structure proximate to the location of the bite members to maximize engagement by the bite members. Braces  16 ,  18  having apertures aligned with apertures of the bracket  14  provide for multiple connection locations of the bracket to the advertisement unit. By forming the bracket from a single plate of metal, the bracket is homogenous and requires no welding or further pieces.