Patent Publication Number: US-2007113449-A1

Title: Transportable outdoor sign support structure

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
      The invention herein resides in the art of outdoor sign support structures and, more particularly, to a portable structure of that nature. Specifically, the invention relates to a lightweight rotomolded hollow structure adapted to receive and display signage in an aesthetically pleasing manner, and which is given to secure engagement to the ground upon which it rests.  
     BACKGROUND ART  
      The use of temporary signage for a wide variety of purposes is well known. While a common usage for such signage is to display the availability of real estate for sale or rent, other temporary signs are often employed to identify the location of a gathering such as a party, reunion or the like, or to herald an event, such as a birth, birthday, or anniversary. In the past, such signs, particularly those used for the sale or rental of property, have been of a very basic nature, typically comprising a metal frame for receiving the signage, with one or two stakes extending from the metal frame for placement into the ground. The basic nature of such sign support structures are aesthetically displeasing or, at the very least, are unattractive. As a consequence, some neighborhoods and localities actually preclude their use.  
      There is a need in the art for transportable or temporary outdoor sign support structures that are aesthetically pleasing, yet sufficiently lightweight to be easy to transport and use. It is most desirable that such sign support structures be adaptable to various configurations and so constructed as to be given to extensive outdoor use.  
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION  
      In light of the foregoing, it is a first aspect of the invention to provide a transportable outdoor sign support structure that is sufficiently lightweight to be easy to manipulate and use.  
      Another aspect of the invention is the provision of a transportable outdoor sign support structure that is given to configurations in various aesthetic designs.  
      Yet another aspect of the invention is the provision of a transportable outdoor sign support structure that may be readily anchored to the ground to withstand winds and the like.  
      Still a further aspect of the invention is the provision of a transportable outdoor sign support structure that allows for ease of removal and replacement of the signage to be carried thereby.  
      Still a further aspect of the invention is the provision of a transportable outdoor sign support structure that is reliable and durable in use, and given to ease of manufacture through rotomolding or the like.  
      The foregoing and other aspects of the invention which will become apparent as the detailed description proceeds are achieved by a transportable outdoor sign support structure, comprising: a substantially hollow housing; at least one area upon said housing delineated to receive a sign placard; and wherein said housing is configured to receive an anchor to maintain the housing in a set posture.  
      Other aspects of the invention are attained by a transportable outdoor sign support structure, comprising: a substantially hollow housing comprising a pair of columns, a cap bridging said columns, and a main body portion interconnecting said columns and said cap; said main body portion having delineated areas thereon for receipt of placards; and at least one of said columns having an anchor receptacle to maintain said housing in a predetermined orientation. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
      For a complete understanding of the various aspects, structure and techniques associated with the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a sign support structure made in accordance with the invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the sign support structure of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the sign support structure of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a partial bottom perspective view of the sign support structure of  FIG. 1 , showing a hole in the foot thereof for receipt of an anchor bar; and  
       FIG. 5  shows an exemplary array of sign placards that may be used in association with the sign support structure presented herein. 
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION  
      Referring now to the drawings and more particularly  FIG. 1 , it can be seen that a transportable outdoor sign support structure made in accordance with the invention is designated generally by the numeral  10 . The sign support structure  10  includes an integral housing  12  which, in the preferred embodiment, is of a hollow nature, being formed by rotomolding or the like. It will be appreciated that the drawings show only the front of the sign support structure  10 , it being understood that the back thereof is substantially identical in appearance, configuration and structure.  
      The housing  12  includes a top display area  14  which is a recessed flat planar surface, adapted to receive temporary signage of a size and configuration that conforms to the area  14 . In similar fashion, a bottom display area  16  is provided, comprising a recessed flat planar surface adapted to receive additional temporary signage of similar configuration. There is also provided a central display area  18 , comprising an aperture or window defined within a perimeter  20 . The window  18  is provided to reduce the weight and cost incident to the material that would otherwise be present.  
      In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the display areas  14 ,  16  and the perimeter  20  are substantially coplanar, and are separated by protruding ribs  22 ,  24 , which are interposed for purposes of adding strength and rigidity to the housing  12 . Further, an inner surface  26 , interconnecting the perimeter surfaces  20  on the opposite sides of the housing  12  add additional strength by effectively defining a beam-type construction. The inner surface  26  can best be seen in  FIG. 4 .  
      Extending along opposite sides of the housing  12 , and defining the outer boundaries thereof, are a pair of posts or columns  28 . At the bottom of each post or column is a foot  30  which, in this embodiment, is tiered, the tiers thereof providing additional strength, as well as aesthetic appeal. At the top of each of the posts or columns  28  are shoulders  32  which, again, are tiered for aesthetic and structural purposes. A cap or top  34  bridges the shoulders  32 , as illustrated. Similarly, at the bottom of the housing  12 , a base member  36  interconnects the feet  30 , the base member  36  being arched for strength and aesthetics. A corresponding trough  38  is provided in the cap  34 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . A recessed fluted crescent  40  is provided in the cap  34  beneath the trough  38 , again for strength and aesthetic purposes. Similarly, grooves or flutes  42 ,  44  characterize the front, back and side portions of the column  28 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the addition of corners, recesses, ribs, tiers and the like serve to add strength an rigidity to the housing  12 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 4 , a hole  46  is provided in the bottom of one or both of the feet  30 . The hole  46  is adapted to receive an appropriate anchor for the sign support structure  10 , to secure the same to the ground. While various anchors may be used, at least two are mentioned here by way of example only. The holes  46  may be used for filling at least the lower portion of the housing  12  with sand or other ballast, with the holes  46  subsequently being plugged with an appropriate closure member. By placing sand or other ballast into the lower portion of the housing  12 , such as within the bottom display area  16 , the center of gravity of the housing  12  is significantly lowered, to provide the desired stability.  
      It is also contemplated that a plastic or metal rod, such as metal rebar  48 , may be pounded into the ground to a sufficient depth for securing purposes, with the housing  12  lifted thereover and with the hole  46  receiving the rebar  48 , as shown in phantom in  FIG. 1 . It is contemplated the rebar  48  may extend a substantial distance up into the column  28  for stability. It is also contemplated that a rebar may be used in each of the columns  28 , to prevent any tendency for the housing  12  to pivot about a single piece of rebar  48  under high wind conditions.  
      As shown in  FIG. 1 , the signage areas  14 ,  16  and the perimeters  20  are provided with appropriate fasteners  50  for receiving temporary sign placards. According to one embodiment of the invention, the fasteners  50  comprise hook and loop structures, with one of the mating structures being present on the housing  12 , and the other of the mating structures being present on the back of the sign placard.  
      With reference to  FIG. 5 , a representative sign placard may be seen. As illustrated, a sign placard  14   a  is provided for receipt by the area  14 , a sign placard  16   a  for receipt by the area  16 , and a sign placard  18   a  for receipt over the window  18  and secured upon the perimeter  20 . Each of the placards  14   a ,  16   a , and  18   a  is provided with a mating fastener  50   a  for engagement with the corresponding fastener element  50  upon the housing  12 .  
      Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the structure presented herein may take on any of various aesthetic configurations. While one exemplary embodiment has been shown, others, replicating bricks, shingles, stucco, or the like may be employed. Similarly, the architectural arrangement may also vary, depicting colonial, contemporary, gothic, or similar appearances.  
      It will further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the hollow housing  12  may be readily formed using various manufacturing techniques, although rotomolding is preferred. Similarly, the material employed for the housing  12  may vary, although it is presently contemplated that the material be such that no further finishing of the housing  12  be required once it is taken from the mold. In that regard, the material is pigmented for the desired color. A preferred material for the manufacturing process is a linear low density polyethylene.  
      Thus it can be seen that the aspects of the invention have been satisfied by the structure presented above. While in accordance with the patent statutes only the best known and preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented and described in detail, the invention is not limited thereto or thereby. Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of the invention reference should be made to the following claims.