Abstract:
A portable sign illumination system that can provide its own power for illumination, based on solar panels, is light in weight, easy to install, and can be locked onto the sign frame. It can fit sign frames that are presently on the market, and be easily modified to fit many other sign frames. The system employs a light reflecting system to direct light onto the sign.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The present invention generally relates to lighting and display devices and more particularly to a realty sign lighting and display assembly.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     The widespread use of signage in the outdoors marketing of goods is often hampered in its effectiveness by a lack of proper illumination. An important example is residential real estate signage. It is important in the selling and renting of realty that proper advertising is strategically placed adjacent the property to be rented or sold. In many cases it becomes difficult to light such signs at night, because of an absence of a convenient close by power source. Although solar panels have in a few instances been relied on as a source of lighting power for such devices and structures as outdoor phone booths and the like, such assemblies are usually of the permanent type, portability not being contemplated. In the case of realty signs, however, portability is essential, since such signs are moved around from one house or building to the next as they are each in turn rented or sold.  
         [0003]     Such signs are most effective when they are lighted at night, since many people drive by at night to look at residences and business property they are interested in, evening hours being convenient for the prospective purchasers and buyers. Such properties are easy to locate with lighted signs, which also help to attract the attention of casual drivers by.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,329 to Doyle describes one approach to such a sign illumination system, adapted particularly to a real estate standard having one vertical post and a horizontal arm. The design incorporates an electrical storage battery charged by a solar panel in a housing that fits over the particular horizontal arm of such a sign system.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,002 to Gianonne describes a design for illuminating a convention realty sign frame utilizing a solar panel with a repositionable array of cells, an electrical storage battery, and an illumination unit containing lamps and reflectors and attachment devices for connection to a variety of signs.  
         [0006]     These prior art devices address some of the needs referred to before but are costly, and too large and cumbersome for the typical small frame signs often used in for example realty signage.  
         [0007]     There is therefore a need for a portable device that can provide its own power for illumination, is light in weight, easy to install, and can be locked onto the sign frame. It should be able to fit sign frames that are presently on the market, and be easily modified to fit many other sign frames. The device should be inexpensive, reliable, and easy to store when not in use.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0008]     The needs discussed are addressed by the instant invention.  
         [0009]     To insure that a clear and complete explanation is given to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention specific examples will be given involving applying the invention to a specific configuration of a commercial sign. It should be understood though that the inventive concept could apply to various modifications of such signage systems and the specific examples are not intended to limit the inventive concept to the example application.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]      FIG. 1 a  cutaway isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the instant invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of two common real estate sign frames.  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is two isometric views of the complete illuminator reflector assembly.  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the complete portable sign illumination system after mounting on a sign frame.  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is an expanded isometric rendering of a mounting mechanism.  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a front-end view of a mounting mechanism.  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is a front-end view of a mounting mechanism.  
         [0017]      FIG. 8  is a cutaway isometric rendering showing a locking mechanism.  
         [0018]      FIG. 9  is an end view of the portable sign illuminator reflector operation.  
         [0019]      FIG. 10  is an end view of the portable sign illuminator reflector operation.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0020]      FIG. 1  is a cutaway isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the instant invention, shown generally by the numeral  10 . The portable sign illumination system is enclosed in a housing, shown generally by the numeral  15 , which has a bottom enclosure  25  and cover  20 . Shown near the end of the housing is a mounting mechanism  30  with mounting tab  35  beneath. A second mounting mechanism with a mounting tab  35  can be seen at the opposite end of the housing. A locking mechanism  40  near the center of the housing operates to lock the mounting mechanisms in place. Light devices  45 , in this case high intensity light emitting diodes, are shown that provide illumination, and are powered by rechargeable battery  70 . As many light devices as needed to provide illumination will be supplied. For signs of the size of most realty signs about six high intensity light emitting diodes per side are usually sufficient. Solar cells  50 , for charging of rechargeable batteries  70 , are mounted on the top cover  20  of housing  15 . A light sensitive photocell  55  is provided to control an electronic circuit  58  to turn lights  45  on in low light and off in high light conditions. A reflector mechanism cover  60 , mounted over housing  15 , has reflectors  65  that are pivoted to extend out at an angle and reflect light from light devices  45  down onto the sign.  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  exhibits two of the most common real estate type sign frames, shown as  70  and  80 . These types of sign frames are widely used because they allow easy change out of signs, which slide easily into or bolt onto the frame. Although these two types are very common, the mounting mechanism of the instant invention can accommodate many related versions.  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  shows two isometric views of the complete illuminator reflector assembly. View  90  shows the illuminator reflector with the reflectors  100  in the closed position. View  95  is with the reflectors  100  in the open and working position. The reflectors  100  pivot on hinges  110 . Open area  115  is a cutout to provide an opening for the solar panel and photocell. The electrical output of the solar panel is sufficient to recharge the batteries during the day. Inside the housing, with access only when the unit is not mounted on a sign frame, are the replaceable rechargeable batteries. Also, an electronic circuit, controlled by the photocell, provides control of the LEDs.  
         [0023]      FIG. 4 , represented generally by the numeral  120  is an isometric view of the complete portable sign illumination system after mounting on a conventional sign frame  125 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is an expanded isometric rendering of the mounting mechanism, shown generally as the numeral  130 . Mounting tabs  135  have a bottom lip  140  shaped to grip around the top rail of most standard sign frames. The top section  145  of the mounting tab fits within housing  150  and in contact with toothed surface  155  when the mechanism is locked.  
         [0025]     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a front-end view of the mounting mechanism of  FIG. 5 , is shown generally by the numeral  160 . The mounting mechanism and tabs are shown in the unlocked position, before being coupled to a sign frame.  
         [0026]     In  FIG. 7 , the same mounting mechanism, shown generally as numeral  170  is now shown in the locked position. As the mounting mechanism is moved into place and pushed onto the sign frame the mounting tabs slide up into the mounting mechanism and the top section  145  acts as a pawl in a pawl-ratchet system. If moved downward the pawl engages the teeth of toothed surface  155  and locks into place.  
         [0027]      FIG. 8 , shown generally by the numeral  180 , is a cutaway isometric rendering showing the locking mechanism of the portable sign illumination system situated within housing  15 . Locking control  185 , when turned engages or dis-engages the lock. When the lock is in the locked position, the clamps are held in place and can be further tightened, but not released.  
         [0028]      FIG. 9 , shown generally as numeral  190 , is an end view of the portable sign illuminator reflector operation. Reflector  195  is in the open position, reflector  200  in closed position. With reflector  200  in closed position light switch  205  is open and therefore light  210  receives no power.  
         [0029]      FIG. 10 , shown generally as numeral  220 , is a similar end view as  FIG. 9  but reflector  200  is now moved to the operating position, closing switch  205  and providing power to light  210 . This control scheme ensures that there is no power drain during transport and storage of the portable sign illumination system.  
         [0030]     The reflector assembly provides three functions: 1) in the closed position, with both sides folded down against the sides of the housing, the unit is ready for transportation or storage. This position protects the LEDs, and provides protection for the reflector so that it is not easily bent out of shape. 2) In the open position, with both sides raised, the LEDs can illuminate both sides of the sign by reflecting off of the white surfaces. 3) If either side is in the closed position, the LEDs on that side do not operate. This conserves battery power when only one side of the sign is to be seen. If both sides are in the closed position, all battery power is disconnected from the unit to conserve power when the unit is being transported or stored.  
         [0031]     Within the housing are the mounting and locking mechanisms. The mounting tabs shown are for use with two standard rectangular sign frames presently in use in the real estate market. For other signs the mounting tabs can be changed out. When the key is in the unlocked position, the tabs can be moved side-to-side and in and out of the housing. This allows the unit to be placed over the sign frame. When the key is in the locked position, the tabs can only be moved into the housing. The tabs can be differently shaped for other sign frames, and the mounting can be used not only on the top but also on the sides, or upside down on the bottom of the frame.  
         [0032]     While one (or more) embodiment(s) of this invention has (have) been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described above, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the essence of this invention. All such modifications or variations are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.