Patent Description:
The closest prior art known to the applicant are self-standing signs, such as those located outside shops, at the roadside or on forecourts for advertising function. Existing signs typically comprise one of either a fixed display panel which is surrounded by a supporting frame, a changeable display panel whether by poster or a printed rectangular sleeve placed over a rectangular supporting frame, or alternatively a textile flag threaded over and supported by an elongate supporting arm. However, these existing self-standing signs suffer from a number of disadvantages.

The size and shape of fixed display panels surrounded by a supporting frame is limited by the size and shape of the, typically rectangular, frame, proportions may also be dictated by established posters sizes. Additionally, it is difficult or impossible to replace or upgrade the display panels if they are permanently fixed to the frame, meaning that the whole sign must be replaced. Changeable display panels if not using poster display, are comprised of rectangular printed sleeves, and as such are flimsy and must be supported around their perimeter by a supporting frame of corresponding shape and size inserted inside each sleeve. This limits the perimeter shape options for design of the display panel. Signs comprised of textile flags attached to a support arm are difficult to read due to their shape and curl of the textile material. The fixed shape (with vertical aspect ratio) of the textile flag also limits their design. The flags often have a mirror-image reverse view which can be visible through the flag which therefore degrades the clarity of the sign. Such flags also offer a limited outdoor life due to the vulnerability of the textile material. Although these signs offer a short term tactical display solution, they are not designed for a permanent or longer term application.

It is an object of the current invention to alleviate at least these problems.

The following prior art documents are acknowledged: <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>. <CIT> discloses a double-sided sign in the form of an envelope which can be secured to a U-shaped member with distal extremities for planting in the ground. <CIT> is configured to cover a grounded arch. <CIT> shows a display tower which incorporates a monolith post. <CIT> shows sign assembly with a blank for folding onto a U-shaped member for planting into the ground. <CIT> shows a wire support frame with pins for planting into the ground and acting as a spring for separating the panel from the ground. In a similar fashion to <CIT>, <CIT> provides wire support frames but in addition is also equipped with helicoidal springs formed by the wire itself to further space the display panel from the ground and encourage the swinging back and forth of the panel in the wind.

In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a self-standing sign as defined in claim <NUM>.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a sign with a display panel which is supported by a supporting member which is, in use, at least partially hidden from view. Viewing of the display panel is therefore unobstructed. The rigidity of the perimeter region allows the display panel to be of an elaborate shape which protrudes from the support member for maximum visibility, without folding, flapping or collapsing when deployed. This configuration is also advantageous because the area of display panel on which messages can be printed is not limited by the proportions of the supporting member. The pocket of the display panel, allows the display panel to form a sheath or sleeve so that different display panels can be interchangeably placed on a single sign stand such that only one sign stand need be owned for the interchangeable use of multiple display panels and display panels can be easily updated or replaced. This configuration also provides an intuitive means for assembling the sign. Furthermore the perimeter shape silhouette can be harnessed to amplify the visibility and complement the particular graphic design of each display panel.

In a subsidiary aspect, said display panel incorporates a transparent panel. Preferably, the display panel incorporates two transparent sheets forming an envelope with a frame region which may contain graphical material and which may be shaped to conform to said graphics. Preferably, the display panel incorporates is secured to a sign stand which comprises a single flexible sheet of material suitable for holding said envelope in an upwards configuration.

Preferably, said edge has an irregular or variable shape formed by cutting said panel; said irregular or variable shape being retained by the rigidity of said perimeter region. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a display panel which is more straightforward and less labour intensive to produce. Moreover, the resulting display panel retains its shape, in use, without a frame being required adjacent to or surrounding the perimeter region.

By providing a display panel of fluted plastics material, the plastics material improves the rigidity of the display panel and therefore the ability of the display panel to withstand stresses and strains associated with signs which are located outdoors. More specifically, the fluted plastics material improves the uni-directional strength bias of the display panel. Laminated plastics material improves the omni-directional strength.

Preferably, said display panel has an outer relatively smooth surface onto which ink may be printed. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it avoids the need for separate printable materials to be attached to the display panel. Ink may be printed straight onto the outer surface of the display panel to reduce the amount of material required.

Preferably, two or more display panels which are joined together by a waterproof seal; said display panels forming said pocket. The waterproof seal protects the supporting member from corrosion due to water ingress and likewise minimises the risk of rot or mould developing inside the pocket of the display panel.

Preferably, said perimeter region incorporates a front panel, a rear panel and a spacer layer. This configuration is particularly advantageous because manufacturing and assembly of the display panel is made more straightforward. This configuration also improves the rigidity of the display panel.

Preferably, said spacer layer and said front and rear panels define said pocket. This configuration is particularly advantageous because the front and rear panels can be formed as substantially flat panels and the spacer layer can be formed so as to define the pocket when the panels and spacer layer are brought together. This configuration simplifies the manufacturing and assembly of the display panel.

Preferably, said display panel comprises two or more sheets which are bound to one another. The bonding of two or more sheets together allows the pocket to be straightforwardly formed between the sheets.

Preferably, each of said sheets is comprised of a number of layers of bonded material. This configuration improves the rigidity of the display panel so that the display panel can better withstand strains and stresses. Multiple layers of bonded material also improves the resistance of the display panel to moisture ingress.

Preferably, the bonding between said layers comprises a number of columns or corrugations of plastics material. Columns or corrugations of plastics material provide the display panel with improved strength for improved resistance against wind. The columns or corrugations also ensure that the outer edge of the perimeter region retains its shape during use. Columns or corrugations also introduce a higher strength to weight ratio for any plastic sheet material content.

Preferably, the columns or corrugations are arranged such that they extend perpendicularly to the plane of the sheets which they bind together. An arrangement of columns or corrugations which is perpendicular to the plane of the sheets which they bind together improves the rigidity of the display panel.

Preferably, the columns or corrugations are arranged such that they extend parallel to the plane of the sheets which they bind together. A parallel arrangement of columns or corrugations improves the rigidity of the display panel.

Preferably, the support member is a frame. The display panel is thereby supported and held upright by the support member, which is at least partially hidden from view in use in contrast to existing frames which typically bound the perimeter of a display panel.

Preferably, said frame is an elongate member which is curved so as to form an arch or loop which is inserted into said pocket. An arch or loop improves the ease with which the display panel can be placed over the frame, because the display panel can be placed on the frame at an angle and height which is more comfortable for an operator.

The provision of a base from which said upwardly extending support member extends, improves the stability of the sign and provides a point from which wheels to manoeuvre the sign, or other fixings, can be attached.

Preferably, said upwardly extending support member is curved to form an arch, and the two ends of the member are fixed to the base. This configuration improves the sturdiness of the support member and provides a larger contact area between the support member and the pocket of the display panel to improve the robustness of the display panel, in use, when subjected to external forces such as high winds or impacts from pedestrians or vehicles.

Preferably, the sign stand comprises means for fixing the display panel to the sign stand. The means for fixing the display panel to the sign stand minimises or avoids the risk of the display panel being unduly removed from the sign stand by a passer-by or if the wind were to pick up.

Preferably, the sign stand comprises a base with a flat upper surface and the lower edge of the display panel rests directly on the flat upper surface of the base. The flat upper surface of the base provides the display panel with a constant reliable fitting-alignment datum.

A display panel is shown in <FIG> and is referenced generally as <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> is configured to cooperate with a sign stand <NUM>, shown in <FIG> to form an assembled sign <NUM>, which is shown in <FIG>. The sign <NUM> is configured such that the display panel <NUM> is supported by the sign stand <NUM> from the inside. The display panel <NUM> is formed of a material which is sufficiently rigid so that the shape of a perimeter region <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> is substantially retained when the sign <NUM> is assembled, without the need for additional supporting members and without the need for the sign stand <NUM> to extend to the perimeter region <NUM> inside the display panel <NUM>. This configuration enables the display panel <NUM> to be of an elaborate shape which protrudes from the sign stand <NUM> without collapsing in use.

The display panel <NUM> may be provided on its own, for use with an existing sign stand <NUM>, or as part of a sign <NUM> with the sign stand <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the sign stand <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> and an upwardly extending support member <NUM> and the display panel <NUM> comprises a perimeter region <NUM> which surrounds, at least in part, a pocket <NUM> into which, in use, at least a portion of the support member <NUM> is inserted. The pocket <NUM> is illustrated by the shorter of the dashed lines in <FIG>. The perimeter region <NUM> has an outer edge <NUM> and the perimeter region <NUM> is sufficiently rigid so that the shape of the outer edge <NUM> of the perimeter region <NUM> is substantially retained when the display panel <NUM> extends upwardly and the upwardly extending support member <NUM> is placed at least in part in the pocket <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> to form the sign <NUM>. This configuration also allows a number of display panels <NUM>, which have similar shaped pockets <NUM>, to be interchanged.

<FIG> shows the sign <NUM> in its assembled configuration. The pocket <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> is shown by the shorter of the dashed lines and the part of the support member <NUM> which is inserted into the pocket <NUM> is shown by the longer of the dashed lines.

The outer edge <NUM> of the perimeter region <NUM> has an irregular or variable shape which is formed by cutting the display panel <NUM> so that additional manufacturing resources are not required. Examples of shapes the display panel <NUM> may take are shown in <FIG>. Additionally, the display panel <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) onto which ink may be printed, so that additional, printable materials are not required.

A waterproof seal is provided along the outer edge <NUM> of the display panel to minimise or avoid the risk of moisture entering the display panel <NUM>.

Sign <NUM> comprises two or more panels which are joined together by a waterproof seal such that the panels form a pocket <NUM>. <FIG> show display panel <NUM>, and in particular the perimeter region <NUM>, incorporates a front panel <NUM>, a rear panel <NUM> and a spacer layer <NUM> which define the pocket <NUM>. Spacer layer <NUM> has a cut out portion <NUM> which, when the spacer layer <NUM> is contiguous with the front <NUM> and rear <NUM> panels, forms the pocket <NUM> for insertion of the support member <NUM> of a sign stand <NUM>. Front <NUM> and rear <NUM> panels are substantially flat and uniform in shape. The display panel of the sign <NUM> comprises the outer edge <NUM>, and the perimeter region <NUM> extends inwardly from the outer edge to surround at least in part a pocket into which, in use, at least a portion of the upwardly extending support member <NUM> may be inserted. The front and rear panels are therefore joined together to form the pocket and provide rigidity to the perimeter region. In other words, the panels are not entirely spaced apart so as to form a cavity into which the support member is inserted, nor is the shape of the display panel entirely dictated by the shape of the support member <NUM>. The shape of the display panel is dictated, at least in part, by the rigidity of the perimeter region <NUM> which is formed by the joining of the front and rear panels <NUM>, <NUM>. The pocket in the display panel therefore comprises only a small proportion of the display panel, i.e. due to the rigidity the display panel provides, a much small support member is required and the overall shape of the display panel is not limited by the size of the support member. Sign <NUM> does not comprise a spacer layer, and the front panel <NUM> and rear panel <NUM> form a pocket surrounded by the perimeter region <NUM>. _As shown by the dashed lines in <FIG>, one or both of the front <NUM> and rear <NUM> panels may have a carved out portion to provide more space for the support member <NUM> of a sign stand <NUM>. Manufacture of a display panel <NUM> in accordance with the configuration of <FIG>, with either the flat or carved out front <NUM> and rear <NUM> panels, is more straightforward and the resulting display panel <NUM> is more rigid.

One or both of the front or rear panels may incorporate a window. The front or rear panels may comprise a sheet of transparent material in order to allow the sign stand itself to be visible through the transparent sheet. The panel may be of transparent material. The peripheral region of the panel may be opaque and may surround a transparent window. The opaque region may comprise a seal in order to secure the front and rear panels together and prevent the ingress of water. The front and rear panels may form a pocket. In a preferred embodiment, the sign stand may be formed by a flexible single sheet of material such as a metallic sheet which is suitable for fixing to a base with or without the use of fasteners. If the envelope formed by the front and rear panels is at least partially transparent it would allow the sign stand to support a removable display sheet. In a preferred embodiment, the envelope would therefore prevent the sheet from being exposed to water and would allow an operator to readily remove the envelope, secure an alternative sheet to the flexible leaf sign stand and thereafter once again place the envelope over the sign stand to protect the newly affixed sheet for display purposes.

In these embodiments, the peripheral region may incorporate graphics and may be shaped with an irregular edge whilst the panels would be sufficiently rigid for their shape to be retained.

Referring now to <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> comprises two or more sheets <NUM>, <NUM> which are bound to one another. A waterproof seal <NUM> is provided between the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> at the periphery of the display panel <NUM>. Additional seals, such as <NUM> and <NUM>, are provided closer to the pocket <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> to further protect the pocket <NUM> and its' contents, i.e. the support member <NUM> of a sign stand <NUM>, from moisture. Between the seals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are a plurality of links <NUM> between the two sheets <NUM>, <NUM> which improve the rigidity of the display panel <NUM> and avoid the need to create a display panel <NUM> from a single, solid piece of material.

Referring in more detail to <FIG>, which shows a view from underneath the display panel <NUM>, the pocket <NUM> is flanked on either side by two waterproof seals <NUM>, followed by a plurality of links <NUM>, a further waterproof seal <NUM>, more links <NUM> and a final waterproof seal <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, a different configuration of links and waterproof seals is provided. The links <NUM> between the waterproof seals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged perpendicularly to the plane of the sheets <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring now in more detail to <FIG>, which shows a view from the side of the display panel <NUM>, a plurality of links <NUM> extend between the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> along the height of the display panel <NUM> to provide the display panel <NUM> with a neutral bias (i.e. improving strength in all directions). These links are also arranged perpendicularly to the plane of the sheets <NUM>, <NUM>. However, these or the links <NUM> of <FIG> may be arranged such that they are parallel to the plane of the sheets <NUM>, <NUM>.

By way of description not being within the scope of claim <NUM>, the links between sheets <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged such that they form a plurality of cells, or bubbles to further improve the strength of the display panel <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, the display panel <NUM> is formed of extruded/fluted or laminated plastics material such as polypropylene. An extruded or fluted configuration provides improved uni-directional strength bias to the display panel <NUM>. A laminated configuration provides improved omni-directional strength.

As depicted in <FIG>, each of the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> is comprised of a number of layers <NUM>, <NUM> of bonded material. In a preferred embodiment, the bonding between the layers <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a number of columns or corrugations of plastics material. The embodiment of <FIG> shows two layers <NUM>, <NUM> which are bound by a plurality of columns of plastics material which extend between the layers <NUM>, <NUM> at an angle which is perpendicular to the plane of the layers <NUM>, <NUM>. The columns of plastics material improve the rigidity of the display panel <NUM> whilst minimising the weight of the display panel <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the columns may extend at an angle which is parallel to the plane of the layers <NUM>, <NUM>, or a 'criss-cross' pattern of columns or corrugations may be provided. In a further alternative embodiment, shown in <FIG>, the bonding between the layers <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a number of cells of plastics material. Preferably, each cell comprises six walls which extend between the two layers <NUM>, <NUM> to form a hexagonal cell or bubble. Adjacent cells share side walls thereby improving the strength of the display panel <NUM>.

When a force such as wind hits either the front <NUM> or rear <NUM> panels of the display panel <NUM> the wind facing panel is set in tension and the other panel supports in compression. Windload force is transferred between panels via the bond between the panels.

Referring back to <FIG>, in the preferred embodiment, the support member <NUM> is a frame so that the display panel <NUM> is supported by the support member <NUM> only and not any additional frame members. The frame is preferably comprised of steel or a material with similar rigidity. The support member <NUM> is proportioned to deform the display panel <NUM> from within and so provide additional strength to the panel's <NUM> structure through the contouring of both front <NUM> and rear <NUM> panels.

Even more preferably, the support member <NUM> is an elongate member which is curved so as to form an arch or loop which is inserted into the pocket <NUM> of the display panel <NUM>. The curve or loop of the support member <NUM> facilitates insertion of the support member <NUM> into the pocket <NUM>, minimising the risk of the support member <NUM> catching on the side of the pocket <NUM> as it is inserted. It also allows an operator to insert the support member <NUM> at an angle so that the display panel <NUM> does not need to be directly above the support member <NUM>, at a height which may be inaccessible or uncomfortable for the operator.

The sign stand <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> from which the support member <NUM> extends upwardly. The base may be comprised of a material such as concrete which provides the sign <NUM> with sufficient stability such that, when wind hits the display panel <NUM>, the sign <NUM> does not topple over. In an alternative embodiment, the base <NUM> comprises a fillable container which may be filled with water, sand or similar. Providing a base <NUM> which is a fillable container allows the sign <NUM> to be of minimal weight when_not in use or during distribution so that the sign <NUM> can be transported more straightforwardly. The base <NUM> may comprise a number of wheels (not shown) to further improve the transportability of the sign <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, shown best in <FIG>, the support member <NUM> is curved to form an arch and the two ends of the arch are fixed to the base to create a more stable sign stand <NUM> for the display panel <NUM>. In a further preferred embodiment, the base <NUM> of the sign stand <NUM> comprises a flat upper surface <NUM> so that a bottom edge <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> can more stably rest on the base <NUM>. In an even further preferred embodiment, shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> comprises attachment means <NUM> for securing the display panel <NUM> to the sign stand <NUM>. In one embodiment, the base <NUM> comprises a single attachment means in the form of a clip or tie, and a portion of the display panel adjacent the bottom edge <NUM> comprises an opening in order that the base <NUM> and display panel <NUM> can be fastened together. Multiple attachment means <NUM> may alternatively be provided.

Further embodiments of the sign <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. The display panels <NUM> of <FIG> are interchangeable on the sign stand <NUM> of <FIG>, allowing a sign owner to display a number of different display panels <NUM> without having to purchase, transport and store multiple sign stands <NUM>. The display panels <NUM> of <FIG> are examples of the elaborate shapes which can be produced in contrast to the displays of the prior art which are limited in their design.

<FIG> shows a further embodiment where the display panel <NUM> is a star-shaped panel which may also cooperate with a support member <NUM> which is of a similar shape to the support member <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The support member <NUM> may be partially or entirely sheathed by the pocket <NUM> of the display panel <NUM>.

display panel <NUM> to provide the display panel <NUM> with a neutral bias (i.e. improving strength in all directions). These links are also arranged perpendicularly to the plane of the sheets <NUM>, <NUM>. However, these or the links <NUM> of <FIG> may be arranged such that they are parallel to the plane of the sheets <NUM>, <NUM>.

In alternative embodiments, the links between sheets <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged such that they form a plurality of cells, or bubbles to further improve the strength of the display panel <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, shown best in <FIG>, the support member <NUM> is curved to form an arch and the two ends of the arch are fixed to the base to create a more stable sign stand <NUM> for the display panel <NUM>. In a further preferred embodiment, the base <NUM> of the sign stand <NUM> comprises a flat upper surface <NUM> so that a bottom edge <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> can more stably rest on the base <NUM>. According to the invention, as shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> comprises attachment means <NUM> for securing the display panel <NUM> to the sign stand <NUM>. The base <NUM> comprises a single attachment means in the form of a clip or tie, and a portion of the display panel adjacent the bottom edge <NUM> comprises an opening in order that the base <NUM> and display panel <NUM> can be fastened together. Multiple attachment means <NUM> may alternatively be provided.

Claim 1:
A self-standing sign comprising a sign stand (<NUM>) and a removable display panel (<NUM>); wherein the sign stand (<NUM>) comprises a base (<NUM>) and a support member (<NUM>) extending from said base; and wherein the display panel comprises a perimeter region which surrounds at least in part a pocket (<NUM>) into which, in use, at least a portion of said upwardly extending support member may be inserted; said perimeter region having an outer edge; wherein said display panel (<NUM>) is of fluted plastics material whereby said perimeter region is sufficiently rigid so that the shape of the outer edge (<NUM>) of the perimeter region (<NUM>) is substantially retained when the display panel (<NUM>) extends upwardly and said upwardly extending support member (<NUM>) is placed at least in part in said pocket (<NUM>); said display panel having a bottom edge (<NUM>); characterised in that said display panel has an opening adjacent to said bottom edge; said base having an attachment means (<NUM>) for fastening said display panel to said sign stand; said attachment means comprising a tie or clip; the attachments means and the opening combining so that the base and the display panel are fastened together in a position where said display panel's bottom edge is in close proximity to the uppermost surface of the base.