GB2483312A

GB2483312A - Collapsible sign with attachment means, in particular magnets for attachment to roof of vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2483312A
Application number: GB1019501.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter David Laurence
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-31
Filing date: 2010-11-18
Publication date: 2012-03-07
Also published as: GB201019501D0; GB201414564D0; AU2010241456A1; GB2513780A

Abstract

A collapsible sign comprises a pair of opposed face plates 10, 20 and a base 30, 40 the base being provided with attaching means for releasably fixing the sign to a surface. The attaching means preferably take the form of magnets for releasably securing the sign to a vehicle roof. The base preferably comprises two base plates with the face plates and base plates all being hingedly connected to one another, e.g. via snap lock hinges 60A, 60B, 62A, 62B. The base plates may be provided with projections 70 to prevent over-rotation of the central base hinge. The sign has a triangular configuration when in its erected state. The magnets may take the form of magnetic material or magnetic strips. One of the sides of each face plate may be provided with a peripheral flange or skirt 10A to enclose the base plates when in a folded configuration (Fig. 4). The sign may be a learner driver L-plate sign or a distress sign for motorists.

Description

A DISPLAY ASSEMBLY

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display assembly. In particular, the invention S relates to a collapsible display assembly fpr attachment to a surface.

Background Art

Identification signs, marketing signs and distress signs for use with automotive vehicles are known. In many jurisdictions, any vehicle driven by a learner driver, probationary driver or restricted driver must display signs that identify the status of the driver. The signs are commonly required to conform to legal specifications, with most provisions stating that the signs are to be conspicuous and clearly visible to others from ahead or from behind the vehicle. These signs should typically be removed from a vehicle or covered when not being driven by a learner driver, probationary driver or restricted driver.

The L sign is currently the most widely adopted plate for learner drivers. Similarly, P signs and R signs are the most widely adopted signs for probationary and restricted drivers in certain jurisdictions. The purpose of the signs is to ensure that fellow road users are aware that a driver of a particular vehicle is of a particular level of experience or restriction. The signs must ensure that the eye is attracted to the letter depicted on the plate and such that it satisfies the requirements of being clear and conspicuous. Typically, a sign is a square plate bearing a sans-serif letter, for example an L for learner, which is detachably affixable to the front and rear of a vehicle or solely the rear for a motorbike. These plates are generally required to be conspicuous from a distance of 20 metres behind and ahead of the vehicle.

Approaches for affixing the plate to the front and rear of a vehicle have included bolting plastic or metallic plates next to the front and rear number plates; affixing stickers to a window; or using electrostatic plastic or suction-capped plates on.the interior of the front and rear windscreen. However, it is desirable to have the plates as higa.possibIe for maximum visibility.

Magnetic sheets have also been used for affixing signs to the bonnet and boot of a vehicle. However, in order for the plates to be visible to approaching motorists, the plate must be placed on a vertical or steeply sloping portion of the car body, which places the sign too low to be easily seen. Further, problems have been encountered in supplying sufficient magnetic attraction to prevent the plates from being blown off by winds and by drafts caused when accelerating or by passing traffic.

To overcome aforementioned limitations, vehicles belonging to driving schools typically have signs bolted to the roof identifying and advertising the school. These signs also carry the required plates. However, these signs are often bulky, offer high wind resistance, and are heavy due to the necessity of bracing to prevent vibration.

Such signs generally require a large amount of storage space when not in use and may require a user to introduce significant modifications to their vehicle to accommodate the sign.

Despite the approaches presented above, it can be seen that the current identification signs utilised suffer from at least three significant problems; namely visibility, ease of securely detachably affixing the signs to a vehicle, and storing the signs when not in use.

There is therefore a need for a lightweight yet rigid sign which can be quickly attached and detached from a vehicle while providing maximum visibility, and which can be conveniently stored without requiring a large amount of storage space.

The above discussion of the background art is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Disclosure of the Invention

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a display assembly comprising: at least two opposed face plates,. each face plate being attachable to the other in at least one attachment point; and an operatively lower base connected to at least one of the face plates, the base having attaching means for releasably attaching the display assembly to a surface.

The face plates may be attached to one other at one Or more attachment points at an operatively upper part of each face plate. The one or more attachment points may be in the form of, or define, a hinge or other pivot mechanism which allows the face plates to pivot relative to one another around the hinge or pivot mechanism.

The base may comprise two or more base plates. The two or more base plates may be pivotally attached to one another at one or more attachment points. Additionally, each base plate may be attached to a face plate.

The base plates each may be attached to a corresponding face plate in a pivotable or hinged fashion.

The base plates may include an interlocking mechanism which limits the movement of the base plates relative to one another. The interlocking mechanism may comprise lugs or projections which serve to arrest movement of the respective base plates in one direction. Each base plate may thus be provided with lugs or projections which extend beyond the attachment point between the base plates.

While the lugs or projections serve to limit movement of the base plates relative to one another in one direction, they allow the base plates to pivot easily in the opposite direction relative to one another.

In one embodiment of the invention, the display assembly comprises: at least two opposed face plates, each face plate being attachable to the other face plate in at least one attachment point at an operatively upper part of each face plate such that the face plates pivot relative to one another around the at least one attachment point; an operatively lower base comprising two base plates, each base plate being pivotally attached to one another at one or more attachment points and attached to a corresponding face plate, each base plate having an attaching means for releasably attaching the display assembly to a surface, wherein, in use, the face plates may be movable relative to one another from a first, collapsed position, to a second, open position; the first, collapsed position being such that the operatively rear surfaces of each of the face plates are brought into close proximity to, and adjacent to, one another; and the second, open position being such that the face plates are spaced from one another at the operatively lower part of each face plate.

When the display assembly is to be moved to the first collapsed position, the base plates are pivoted about their attachment point or points and folded inwardly toward each other and similarly toward the rear of the corresponding face plate to which it is attached.

In one embodiment, the display assembly is arranged such that when in the open position, the face plates and one or more base plates may define a generally.

triangular display assembly. The face plates may be spaced at a distance commensurate with the measurements of the base when in the open position.

Each face plate may include a flange or skid extending at least partially along a length of at least one side of the face plate. The flange or skid may taper from an operatively lower part of the face plate toward the attachment point between the face plates. This facilitates folding or collapsing of the display assembly, and when in the collapsed position, serves as a spacer between the face plates to provide sufficient room for the folded base plates between the face plates.

In one embodiment, the face plates are adapted to have a message, sign, or letter embossed, etched, engraved, applied to, or screen printed thereon.

The attaching means may be affixed to the base or each base plate. The attaching means may be in the form of a magnetic material. The magnetic material may be in the form of magnetic strips, wherein the magnetic strips being dimensioned to provide sufficient purchase or attachment to a surface, such as the roof of a vehicle.

It is to be appreciated, however, that other suitable attachment means may be utilized in performing the invention and may include, but not be limited to, electrostatic means, suction means, and friction-based means. The display assembly of the invention may thus, when in the open position, be attached to a part of a vehicle so that it is sufficiently elevated to be easily visible to other road users.

Preferably, the display assembly may be formed from material which is durable and* weather resistant. Preferably, the material is selected from: plastic, epoxy, metal, metal alloys, carbon graphite, ceramic or styrene matte.

Advantageously, the sign can be mounted as high as possible on a vehicle for maximum visibility. The sign of the present invention ameliorates the three significant problems described within the prior art. The sign of the present invention may be mounted on top of a vehicle and is substantially capable of withstanding the winds and drafts commonly encountered; the sign can be easily assembled and disassembled into a flat, compact package for easy stowage and transportation.

Further, the present invention provides for a sign that does not require heavy magnets for firm and stable mounting of the sign on the roof of a vehicle.

The sign of the present invention can be used for signage of any kind. The sign pf the present invention may operate as a distress sign or advertising sign.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the ensuing description, which proceeds with reference to the following illustrative figures.

General description of an embodiment of the invention Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variation and modifications.

The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps orfeatures.

The entire disclosures of all publications (including patents, patent applications, journal articles, manuals, books, or other documents) cited herein is expressly incorporated herein by reference, which means that it shouldbe read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness. No admission is made that any of the references constitute prior art or are part of the common general knowledge of those working in the field to which this invention relates.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. It is also noted that in this disclosure and particularly in the claims and/or paragraphs, terms such as "comprises", "comprised", "comprising" and the like can have the meaning attributed to it in U.S. Patent law; e.g., they can mean "includes", "included', "including", and the like; and that terms such as "consisting essentially of' and "consists essentially of" have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent law, e.g., they allow for elements not explicitly recited, but exclude elements that are found in the prior art or that affect a basic or novel characteristic of the invention.

Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention The present invention will now be described with reference to an embodiment, and the following figures, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded three dimensional view of a display assembly according to the present invention, illustrating the elements of the sign.

Figure 2 is a further exploded three dimensional view of a display assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a three dimensional view of a display assembly according to the present invention, illustrating the sign in an open position.

Figure 4 is a three dimensional view of a display assembly of Figure 3, illustrating the sign in a collapsed position.

Figure 5 is a bottom three dimensional view of a display assembly of Figure 3 in a collapsed position.

Figure 6 is a three dimensional view of a display assembly of Figure 3, illustrating the display assembly between the open and collapsed positions.

The description of the embodiments should not be understood as limiting the

foregoing general description of the invention.

In Figures 1 to 6, there is shown a display assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The display assembly 100 comprises two opposed face plates 10 and 20, each face plate being attachable to the other in at least one attachment point 60A and 60B; and an operatively lower base comprising two base plates 30 and 40, the base plates 30 and 40 having attaching means (not shown) for releasably attaching the display assembly to a surface.

Figures 1 and 2 show an exploded three dimensional view of the display assembly 100. Specifically, the display assembly 100 comprises a first face plate 10 having a flange iDA and a second face plate 20 having a second flange 20A. The first plate and second plate 20 are to be connected via snap locking hinges 60A and GOB at the operatively upper part of each face plate. The snap locking hinges 60A and GOB allow the face plates to pivot relative to one another around the hinge. In the embodiment illustrated, the base comprises two base plates 30 and 40. The two base plates 30 and 40 are pivotally attached to one another using slide on and lock clips SOA and 50B to attachment points 80A / 81A and BOB / 81B respectively.

Additionally, base plate 30 is to be connected to a face plate 20 via snap locking hinges 61A and 61B. Similarly, base plate 40 is to be connected to a face plate 10 via snap locking hinges 62A and 62B.

The base plates 30 and 40 include multiple projections 70 which serve as an interlocking mechanism to limit the movement of the base plates 30 and 40 relative s to one another. The projections extend beyond the attachment points attachment points BOA / 81A and 8DB 1 BIB between the base plates 30 and 40 (as shown in Figure 3) The first face plate 10, second face plate 20 and base plates 30 and 40 are preferably thin, semi-flexible plastic material, such as polypropylene, with the first face plate 10 and second face plate 20 having the desired message or letter embossed or screen printed thereon. By "semi-flexible" is meant that the material is sufficiently stiff to hold its form and shape, but flexible enough to bend readily under stress. The desired message or letter embossed on the first face plate 10 and second face plate 20 may be formed during the manufacture of face plates 10 and 20, or screen printed on the first face plate 10 and second face plate 20 withpaint or ink for greater visibility.

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in an open position, wherein the face plates 10 and 20 are spaced from one another at the operatively lower pad of each face plate. Specifically, the display assembly 100 comprises two opposed face plates 10 and 20 connect via snap locking hinges 60A and 608 at the operatively upper pad of each face plate, such that the face plates 10 and 20 pivot relative to one another around the attachment point. The display assembly 100 further comprises two base plates 30 and 40 pivotally attached to one another using slide on and lock clips 50A and SOB (not shown) with to attachment points 80A I 81A (shown) and BOB / 81 B respectively (not shown). The base plates 30 and 40 include multiple projections 70 which extend beyond the attachment points BOA / 81A and BOB / 81 B, which serve as an. interlocking mechanism to limit the movement of the base plates 30 and 40 relative to one another.

The base plate 30 is connected to face plate 20 via snap locking hinges 61A and 61 B. The base plate 40 is connected to a face plate 10 via snap locking hinges 62A and 62B. The display assembly 100 is arranged such that the open position defines a triangular display assembly. The face plates 10 and 20 are spaced at a distance commensurate with the measurements of the base plates 30 and 40 combined.

The display assembly 100 is moveable to a collapsed position as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. The face plates 10 and 20 are movable relative to one another such that the operatively rear surfaces of each of the face plates are brought into close proximity to, and adjacent to, one another.

When the display assembly 100 is to be moved to first collapsed position, the base plates 30 and 40 are pivoted about their attachment points 80A / 81A and 80B / 81 B and folded inwardly toward each other and similarly toward the rear of the corresponding face plate to which it is attached. As depicted in this embodiment, the flange IOA extending along a length of the face plate 10 facilitates the collapsing of the display assembly 100, and when in the collapsed position, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, serves as a spacer between the face plates 10 and 20 to provide sufficient room for the folded base plates 30 and 40.

In use, a force Y can be applied to the face plates 10 and 20 to move the display assembly 100 to an open position (Figure 6). Equally, a force X can be applied to the base plates 30 and 40 to move the display assembly 100 to a collapsed position.

To install display assembly 100 on a vehicle, the display assembly 100 is placed on the roof of a vehicle in an open position with the base plates 30 and 40 making contact with the roof The base plates 30 and 40 having the magnetic sheets keep the display assembly 100 in place on the vehicle roof. The display assembly 100 is configured such that when in use, the angle of the display assembly 100 prevents wind shear and force from blowing the display assembly 100 off the vehicle.

In a further embodiment of this invention there is a distress sign for use by stranded motorists, wherein the sign is triangular in shape and may be easily stowed and carried in an vehicle, and quickly assembled when the need arises.

Exam pIes The following example serves to more fully describe the manner of using the sign of the present invention, and the methods of the present invention. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It is understood that these methods in no way serve to limit the true scope of this invention, but rather are presented for illustrative purposes.

The nature of the present invention means that a wide variety of signs can be selected.

Example I

Materials For manufacture of identification signs, specifically L-plates compliant to the Australian standards a die was required for each plastic component. The plastic component dies comprise: one square with dimensions of 150 mm x 150 mm; one clip and one base with dimensions of 150 mm x 30 mm. The materials used for manufacture include: ASA, ABS, polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene, but may, in certain embodiments, comprise other high density plastics materials.

Magnet sheeting was used; in one embodiment, the sheeting was 140 mm x 20 mm is xl.5mni.

Method Each sign comprises two of each plastic component and two sheets of magnet sheeting. The first square is snap-locked to the first base. The second square is snap-locked to the second base. The first and second squares are then snap-locked together at the operathiely upper part of each square, such that a triangle is formed.

The first and second base are overlapped and secured together by slide and clicking clips into position. The magnets were self-adhered to base.

The squares are screen printed with a sans-serif letter L, such that the letter is clearly visible. and the colour of the plate is distinguishable from a distance of 20 metres behind and ahead of the vehicle.

Display assemblies in accordance with the present invention may vary in size, colour and markings, for example, for use as detachable safety signs at construction and mine sites. ..

The inventor is of the opinion that, as the display assembly provides a double-sided sign surface, a user only requires a single display assembly of the invention on a vehicle.

The dual hinge or pivot mechanism described herein also allows the assembly to be fOlded or collapsed for easy, compact storage in a door side panel or glove compartment of a vehicle.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to be.within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows: 1. A display assembly comprising: at least two opposed face plates, each face plate being attachable to the other in at least one attachment point; and s an operatively lower base connected to at least one of the face plates, the base having attaching means for releasably attaching the display assembly to a surface.
2. The display assembly of claim 1, wherein the face plates are attached to one other at one or more attachment points at an operatively upper part of each face plate.
3. The display assembly of claim 2, wherein the one or more attachment points may be in the form of, or define, a hinge or other pivot mechanism which allows the face plates to pivot relative to one another around the hinge or pivot mechanism.
4. The display assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base comprises two or more base plates.
5. The display assembly of claim 4, wherein the two or more base plates are pivotally attached to one another at one or more attachment points.
6. The display assembly of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein each base plate is attached to a face plate.
7. The display assembly of claim 6, wherein the base plates each are attached to a face plate in a pivotable or hinged fashion.
8. The display assembly of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein either one or both of the base plates include an interlocking mechanism which limits the* movement of the base plates relative to one another.
9. The display assembly of claim 8, wherein the interlocking mechanism comprises lugs or projections which serve to arrest movement of the respective base plates in one direction.
10.The display assembly of claim 9, wherein each base plate includes lugs or projections which extend beyond the attachment point between the base plates.
11.The display assembly of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the display assembly comprises two base plates, such that, in use, the face plates are movable relative to one another from a first, collapsed position, in which the operatively rear surfaces of each of the face plates are brought into close proximity to, and adjacent to, one another; and to a second, open position, in which the face plates are spaced from one another at their bases.
12.The display assembly of claim 11, wherein, when in the open position, the face plates and one or more base plates define a generally triangular display assembly.
13.The display assembly of claim 12, wherein the face plates are spaced. at a distance commensurate with the measurements of the base when in the open position.
14 The display assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each face plate includes a flange or skirt extending at least partially along a length of at (east one side of the face plate.
15. The display assembly of claim 14, wherein the flange or skirt tapers from an operatively lower part of the face plate toward the attachment point between the face plates.
16.The display assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the face plates are adapted to have a message, sign, or letter embossed, etched, engraved, applied to, or screen printed thereon.
17.The display assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the attaching means are affixed to the base or each base plate.
18. The display assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the attaching means is in the form of a magnetic material or magnetic strips, the magnetic material or strips being dimensioned to provide sufficient purchase or affachment to a surface.s
19.A display assembly as claimed in claim 1, substantially as herein described and illustrated.