Signalling device with a sign having provision for spilling of wind and with a support

Abstract

Signalling device comprising a sign and a support with the sign being formed of flexible material and having rigid extension arms which are yieldably urged into position for supporting the sign and which will bend with a predetermined wind load on the sign to facilitate spilling of the wind past the sign. Means is provided which will prevent bending of the sign beyond a predetermined amount when wind is being spilled by the sign. The support has an eccentrically mounted cam for retaining the support stand in an erected position. The stand also includes pin and slot means for preventing rotation of the telescoping parts of the stand. A bracket having swivel mounted jaws is provided for fastening the sign to the telescoping members.

Parent Case Text

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 689,514, filed Dec. 11, 1967, now abandoned.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In U.S. Pat. No. 3,200,786 there is disclosed a signalling device which has been found to be particularly effective. However, it has been found that the signalling device may blow over in high winds encountered on construction projects, particularly in certain geographical areas. This is particularly true when the large diamond-shaped 48 inches .times. 48 inches signs are utilized which are required on many Federal highway programs. There is, therefore, a need for a new and improved signalling device.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION AND OBJECTS

The signalling device includes a sign with a support stand. The sign is formed of a flexible sheet-like member. At least one arm is provided that is formed of a rigid material. In addition, an extension arm, also formed of rigid material, is provided. Yieldable spring means is provided for mounting the extension arm on the first named arm and serves to normally retain said additional extension arm in alignment with said first named arm. Means is provided for securing the sheet-like member to said first named arm and said additional extension arm so that the sheet-like member is maintained in a relatively taut condition. When a predetermined wind load is placed on the sign, the spring means yields to permit bending of the sign and to facilitate spilling of wind past the sign. Means is provided on the sign for preventing bending of the sign beyond a predetermined amount when it is spilling wind. The support stand has telescoping members. Means is provided on the telescoping members for preventing rotation of the sign when it is mounted thereon.

In general, it is the object of the present invention to provide a signalling device which has a sign having provisions for spilling of the wind.

Another object of the invention is to provide a signalling device of the above character in which the arms provided for maintaining the sign in a relatively taut condition are provided with yieldable spring means to permit bending of the sign to facilitate spilling of the wind past the sign.

Another object of the invention is to provide a signalling device in which means is provided for preventing bending of portions of the sign beyond a predetermined angle from a normal position when wind is being spilled by the sign.

Another object of the invention is to provide a signalling device of the above character in which the support stand is provided with means for preventing the stand from collapsing as it is rocked back and forth in the wind.

Another object of the invention is to provide a signalling device in which the support stand includes telescoping members and in which means is provided for preventing rotation of the telescoping member which has the sign fastened thereto.

Another object of the invention is to provide a signalling device of the above character in which the clamp utilized for securing the sign to the support stand includes pivotally mounted jaws to facilitate gripping of telescoping members of various sizes.

Additional objects and features of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiment is set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a signalling device incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged rear elevational view of the sign shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view looking along the line 5--5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view looking along the line 6--6 of FIG. 1 and particularly shows the clamp utilized for securing the sign to the support stand.

FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the clamp shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8--8 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 9--9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 10--10 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11--11 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 showing another embodiment of a sign incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a partial rear elevational view of the sign shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 14--14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 15--15 of FIG. 13.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The signalling device 21 constituting the present invention consists of a support stand 22 with the sign 23 mounted thereon. A yoke 24 is also mounted upon the support stand and carries a plurality of warning flags 26.

The support stand 22 has three telescoping sections 27, 28 and 29 in which section 27 is the lower section. The intermediate section 28 telescopes into section 27 and the top section 29 telescopes into the intermediate section 28. The lower section 27 and the intermediate section 28 are both provided with collets 31 (see FIG. 10) which are mounted by suitable means such as a press fit in the section. The collets are provided with deformable extensions 32 having inclined surfaces 33 adapted to be engaged by inclined surfaces 34 carried by knurled ferrules 36 threaded onto threads 37 provided intermediate the ends of the collets 31. It can be readily seen that by tightening the ferrule 36, the tube which telescopes therein can be held in any desired elevated position by frictional engagement between the collet and the tube or section.

Means is provided for preventing rotation of the intermediate section 28 with respect to the lower section 27 and takes the form of a pin and slot means in which slots 39 are formed in the lower extremity of the collet 31 mounted in the upper end of the lower section 27 and a pin 41 is mounted on the lower extremity of the intermediate section or tube 28.

In use, the section 28 is extended as far as possible so that the pin 41 engages the lower extremity of the collet 31 and thereafter, the section 28 is rotated while at the same time lifting the same until the pin 41 seats within the slots 39 provided in the collet. Then while holding section 28 in this position, the ferrule 36 is tightened to retain section 28 in this extreme extended position with the pin 41 seated in the slots 39. When the intermediate section 28 is positioned in this manner, it can be seen that the intermediate section 28 cannot rotate with respect to the section 27 for the purpose hereinafter described.

The support stand also includes four legs 46 which are formed of a suitable material such as angle iron. The legs are pivotally connected to a collar 47 by rivets 48. The collar 47 is slidably mounted upon the lower section 27. Braces 49 are pivotally connected to intermediate portions of the legs 46 by rivets 51 and are also connected to a collar 52 affixed to the lower extremity of the lower section 27 by rivets 53. With the construction shown, it can be seen that the legs 46 can be collapsed so that they extend generally parallel to the lower section 27 merely by sliding the collar 47 upwardly on the lower section 27.

Means is provided for preventing the collar 47 from sliding upwardly on the tube 27 and consists of a knurled circular member or cam 56 which is mounted upon a pin 57. The cam 56 is disposed between a pair of spaced parallel ears provided on the collar 47 and pin 57 is mounted in the ears. It will be noted from FIG. 8 that the knurling extends in a direction which is parallel to the axis of the cam. As can be seen particularly from FIGS. 8 and 9, the cam is adapted to engage the lowermost section 27 and when in engagement therewith prevents the collar 47 from riding up on the lower section 27. It is only when the cam 56 is pivoted out of engagement with the lower section 27 that the collar can be moved upwardly to collapse the legs 46.

The sign 23 consists of a flexible member or sheet 61 formed of a suitable material such as a heavy canvas coated with plastic or the like. The sheet can be formed in the general manner described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,200,786 and can bear indicia on its front side. It also can have the configuration described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,200,786, namely rectangular or diamond-shaped as shown in FIG. 1. Pockets 62 and 63 are formed on the upper and lower corners on the back side of the sheet or member 61 of the type also described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,200,786. As described therein, the pockets can be formed by sewing additional pieces 64 of material to the rear of the sign by sewing on one side and the upper extremity of the same to the sheet 61 to provide a pocket which is open on one side. A snap 66 is provided for fastening the other side of each pocket so that only one side of the pocket is open. Additional pockets 67 are formed on the two other corners of the sheet 61 by taking pieces of material and folding them over and sewing the ends together and to the corners of the sheet 61.

Means is provided for retaining the sheet or member 61 in a relatively taut condition and consists of a pair of arms 71 and 72 which are pivotally interconnected to each other intermediate the ends of the same by suitable means such as a rivet 73. As can be seen from FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the arm 72 is relatively short in comparison to the arm 71. Additional extension arms 74 are provided for mounting on the opposite ends of the arm 72. The arms 71 and 72 and the extension arm 74 are all formed of a suitable rigid material such as steel. Yieldable means is provided for mounting the extension arms 74 on the arm 72 so that the extension arms are maintained in alignment with the arm 72 and consists of coil springs 76 in the form of right cylinders which have one end of the same fixed to the arm 72 by a rivet 77 and the other end of the same affixed to the extension arm 74 by a rivet 78. As can be seen, particularly in FIG. 4, the ends of the arm 72 and the inner ends of the extension arms 74 extend into the coil springs 76. In this manner, the coil springs 76 serve to normally retain the extension arms 74 in alignment with the arm 72.

The springs 76 are constructed so that they will yield when a predetermined pressure is applied to the arms 74 as, for example, a force of 36 pounds applied to the ends of the extension arms 74 will cause the springs 76 to permit the arms 74 to be bent relative to the arm 72. The extension arms 74 are secured in the pockets 67 by rivets 79. Thus, it can be seen that the arm 72 with the extension arms 74 are permanently secured to corners of the sheet-like member 61 to retain it in a taut condition. A loop 81 is sewn to the rear side of the sheet-like member and overlies the arm 72 and keeps the center of the sheet-like member in relatively close proximity to the arm 72. The arm 71 is adapted to be removed and inserted in the pockets 62 and 63 and is adapted to be moved to a position which is in line with the arm 72 and the extension arms 74 so that thereafter the sheet-like member 61 can be rolled about the arms.

A clamp 86 is secured to the sign 23 and is provided for removably affixing the sign to the support stand 22. The clamp 86 consists of first and second U-shaped parts 87 and 88. The two parts 87 and 88 are pivotally interconnected by a screw 89 which has as its head 91 pivotally mounted in the part 87 by a rivet 92. The screw 89 threads into a nut 93 pivotally mounted in the part 88 by a rivet 94. The other ends of the parts 87 and 88 are adapted to be interconnected by a screw 96 which has its head 97 pivotally mounted in the part 87 by a rivet 98. A wing nut 99 is threaded onto bolt 96 and is adapted to engage the part 88 through which bolt 96 extends. The parts 87 and 88 are provided with arcuate recesses 101 intermediate the ends of the same which are slightly larger than the size of the tubular member which is to be grasped. A plurality of four jaw-like members 102, 103, 104 and 105 are provided with two of the jaw-like members being pivotally mounted at spaced points adjacent the arcuate openings 101 by rivets 107. Each of the jaws is provided with serrated arcuate surfaces 108 which are adapted to engage the tubular section 28.

Use of the signalling device may now be briefly described as follows. In placement of the signalling device, the support stand 22 is first erected by lifting the lower section 27 upwardly to permit the legs 46 to open outwardly under force of gravity. As soon as the collar 47 has been moved to its lowermost position, the eccentrically mounted member 56 is raised upwardly and moved into engagement with the section 27 to prevent the collar 47 from slipping upwardly on the section 27. Thereafter, the intermediate section 28 is raised until the pin 47 strikes the lowermost extremity of the collet 31. The section 28 is then rotated until the pin 47 comes into engagement with the slots 39 in the collet 31, and thereafter the ferrule 36 is tightened to cause the collet 31 to frictionally engage the intermediate section 28. The top section 29 is then raised and secured in the desired position by the ferrule 36 mounted on the upper end of the intermediate section 28. Means for preventing rotation is not provided for the top section because the sign 23 is mounted on the intermediate section 28. The yoke 24 can be mounted at the top of section 29 and the flags 26 put in place.

Thereafter, the sign 23 can be unrolled and then the arm 71 can be rotated relative to the arm 72 and positioned within the pockets 62 and 63 and the snaps 66 closed. All four corners of the sheet-like member 61 are now engaged by the arms which serve to retain the sheet-like member 61 in a relatively taut condition.

The sign is now ready to be clamped onto the support stand. The parts 87 and 88 are opened up by loosening the wing nut 99 and swinging the wing nut out of the way. Thereafter, the open parts 87 and 88 are slipped over the intermediate section 28 so that intermediate section 28 is seated within the recesses provided by the jaw 102-105. The bolt 96 is then swung into position and the wing nut tightened so that the jaws 102-105 firmly grip the section 28. It has been found that since the jaws 102-105 are pivotally mounted within the parts 87 and 88, they are able to accommodate telescoping sections of various sizes and still firmly grip the same. The serrations provided in the jaws prevent rotation of the sign relative to the intermediate section 28. As hereinbefore pointed out, the section 28 cannot rotate with respect to the bottom section 27 because of the pin and slot connection provided.

Let it be assumed that the signalling device has been placed in a location where a substantial wind is encountered. When the wind exerts pressure on either or both sides of the sign which exceeds a predetermined maximum amount as, for example, a wind velocity which places a force on the extension arms 74 which is greater than a predetermined amount as, for example, 30 to 36 pounds, the sides of the sign will bend to facilitate spilling of the wind past the sign. As shown in FIG. 4, this bending occurs when either or both of the springs 76 yield. As soon as the force applied by the wind drops below the predetermined amount, the sides of the sign 23 will immediately spring back to their normal position in which the front surface of the sheet-like member 61 is substantially planar. Thus, it can be seen that the springs 76 serve to provide means which permit bending of the sign to facilitate spilling of the wind.

This is very advantageous because this makes it possible to utilize the signalling device in very windy locations without any danger of it being tipped over by the wind. It has been found that this feature greatly enhances the stability of the device. Because of the locking features hereinbefore provided, the sign 23 does not turn. In addition, the cam 56 prevents the collar 47 from accidentally moving upwardly as, for example, when the signalling device is being rocked by the wind to decrease the stability of the signalling device.

By way of example, it was found that a signalling device constructed in accordance with the present invention having a sheet-like member measuring 48 inches .times. 48 inches was able to withstand a wind velocity of over 35 miles per hour without any difficulty. It has been found that the springs which prevent bending of the extension arms 74 with respect to the arm 72 readily permit spilling of sufficient wind so that the device can be utilized in windy locations.

Another embodiment of a sign 121 similar to the sign 23 is shown in FIGS. 12-15 in which a flexible member or sheet 61 substantially identical to that hereinbefore described is utilized. The means which is provided for retaining the sheet or member 61 in a relatively taut condition consists of a pair of rigid arms 122 and 123 which are pivotally interconnected to each other intermediate the ends of the same by suitable means such as a rivet 124. The arm 123 is relatively short in comparison to 122. Additional extension arms 126 and 127 are provided for mounting on opposite ends of the arm 123. The arms 122 and 123, as well as the extension arms 126 and 127, are formed of a suitable rigid material such as steel. Yieldable means is provided for mounting the extension arms 126 and 127 on the opposite ends of the arm 123 and to maintain them in alignment with the arm 123 and consists of a pair of coil springs 128. As can be seen particularly from FIG. 14, the coil springs 128 have a substantial length and have an internal diameter so that the outer end of the arm 123 and one end of the associated extension arm as, for example, extension arm 126, can be positioned within the coil spring 128 in such a manner that the extension arm 126 is held in alignment with the arm 123. As shown particularly in FIG. 14, the coil spring 128 has an inner diameter which is only sufficiently great so that the largest cross-sectional dimension of the arm 126 will slidably fit within and frictionally engage the coil spring 128 so that the extension arm 126 will not wobble substantially within the coil spring 128 and so that the extension arm 126 will extend in a direction which is in axial alignment with the arm 123. Thus, this slip fit provided between the coil spring 128 and the associated extension arm take the place of other forms of interconnecting the parts as hereinbefore previously described. As also hereinbefore previously described, the coil springs 128 permit the outer portion of the sign carried by the extension arms 128 to spill wind from the sign in the event there is a heavy wind prevailing.

Means is provided for preventing the portions of the sign carried by the extension arms 126 and 127 from bending beyond a predetermined angle from the normal when they are spilling wind from the sign. In FIGS. 12-15, such means takes the form of straps or strap-like members 131 formed of a suitable material such as spring steel. The straps 131 are bent generally into a U-shaped configuration in which one leg portion 131a extends into one end of the coil spring 128 adjacent one side of the coil spring 128 as shown particularly in FIG. 15. As also to be noted in FIG. 15, there is sufficient space between the coil spring 128 and the arms mounted thereon to accommodate the member 131. One member 131 is secured to the arm 126 by suitable means such as a rivet 132 and a spacer 133. Thus, it can be seen that one end of this member 131 is secured to the arm 126 disposed in one end of the coil spring 128, whereas the other end of the strap-like member 131 extends into the coil spring 128 from the end opposite the end which is adjacent the rivet 132.

In a similar member, the other strap-like member 131 has one portion 131a disposed in the other end of the spring 128 and has its other end secured to a rivet 132 and a spacer 133 of the type hereinbefore described so that the two members 131 are disposed on opposite sides of the arm 123. In addition, it should be noted that the strap-like members 131 enter the spring 128 in opposite directions and are secured by the rivets 132 to the two arms which extend into the spring 128 as, for example, the arms 123 and 126.

Use of the sign shown in FIGS. 12-15 in conjunction with the signalling device may now be described as follows. Let it be assumed that a sign 121 such as that shown in FIGS. 12-15 has been mounted upon a support stand of the type hereinbefore described. The sign 121 is provided with a clamp 86 which is adapted to be secured to a support stand by the use of the clamp 86.

In the event that the sign is placed in a windy location, portions of the sign carried by the additional extension arms 126 will be bent rearwardly as soon as the force of the wind overcomes the yieldable force of the coil springs 128 to thereby permit spilling of the wind from the sign.

It has been found that with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-11 that there is a tendency for such signs, particularly in strong winds, to bend so far that it is difficult, if not impossible, for an oncoming motorist to read the sign. This undesirable feature is overcome by the straps 131 which are U-shaped and which have the bottoms of the ends of the coil springs spaced a slight distance away from the extremities of the associated coil spring so that limited movement of the outer portion of the sign can occur with respect to the remaining portions of the sign. Thus, the strap-like members 131 can be formed to permit the desired angular movement of the outer extension arms 126 and 127 away from the normal plane for the sign. This will thus permit spilling of the wind by the sign so that the sign will not be blown over and which will also limit the bending so that the sign can be read by motorists or other persons facing the sign from a distance. The length of the strap-like members 131 can be chosen so that different angles of bending or tilting of the extension arms 126 and 127 can be accommodated before movement is restrained by the strap-like members 131 engaging the ends of the coil spring 128 as shown in broken lines in FIGS. 12 and 14. The strap-like members 131 will also bend as the coil spring 128 is being bent, while at the same time limiting further movement of the extension arm with respect to the arm 122 when the bottoms of the U-shaped portions of the strap-like members engage the ends of the coil spring 128.

The foregoing construction which is shown in FIGS. 12-15 makes it possible to construct a sign which will still readily spill wind so that the sign will not be blown over when it is mounted upon a support stand and positioned in a strong wind. The strap-like members 131 which serve to limit the amount of tilting or bending of the portions of the sign which are spilling the wind thus serve to ensure that the portions which are spilling the wind remain at an angle so that it still is readily visible to an oncoming motorist.

It has been found that even though the tilting of the portions of the sign which spill the wind is limited to a certain angle, this does not appreciably affect in any way the ability of the sign to stand up in very strong winds when it is mounted upon a support stand. By way of example, it has been found that a sign measuring 48 inches .times. 48 inches mounted upon a support stand and in which the portions which spill wind from the sign were limited to an angle of approximately 30.degree. from the normal plane of the sign, was still able to withstand wind velocities well over 35 miles per hour without tipping over.

It is apparent from the foregoing that there has been provided a signalling device of greatly improved characteristics particularly suitable for use in windy locations and which is still readily visible at all times to an oncoming motorist during windy conditions. In addition, there is no tendency for the signalling device to tip over, nor is there a tendency for the sign to turn on the support stand. The sign cannot rotate because of the construction of the clamp and also because of the very simple pin and slot connection provided with the telescoping sections.

Claims

We claim:

1. In a signalling device, a flexible sheet-like member, first and second arms, means pivotally interconnecting said first and second arms intermediate the ends of the same, said second arm having a length substantially less than the length of said first arm, first and second extension arms, means yieldably mounting said first and second extension arms on said second arm so that said first and second extension arms are normally disposed in alignment with said second arm, and means securing said sheet-like member to said first arm and to said first and second extension arms to support said sheet-like member in a relatively taut condition and so that at least portions of the sheet-like member are carried by the extension arms, said yieldable means permitting bending of portions of the sheet-like member when a predetermined wind load is placed on the sheet-like member to permit spilling of wind by the sheet-like member.

2. A signalling device as in claim 1 wherein said yieldable means includes a coil spring in the form of a right cylinder mounted on the outer ends of the second arm and mounted on the inner ends of the extension arms.

3. A signalling device as in claim 1 wherein said yieldable means includes means for preventing bending of the yieldable means beyond a predetermined angle.

4. A signalling device as in claim 1 wherein said yieldable means consists of first and second coil springs in the form of right cylinders, said first and second coil springs being mounted on the outer ends of the second arm and serving to carry the inner ends of the extension arms so that the extension arms are maintained in alignment with said second arm, first and second strap-like members mounted on the outer ends of said second arm and having hook-like portions adapted to engage the ends of the spring remote from the outer ends of said second arm, and third and fourth flexible members secured to the inner ends of the extension arms and having hook-like portions adapted to engage the ends of the spring remote from the inner ends of the extension arms, said hook-like members on said first, second, third and fourth members being formed so as to permit only limited bending movement of the springs.

5. In a signalling device, a diamond-shaped, flexible, sheet-like member having signalling indicia on one side thereof, pocket elements arranged at the corners of said sheet-like member, means comprising cross-arm members constructed so that the ends thereof may be received in said pockets serving to maintain said sheet-like members in a taut condition, means pivotally interconnecting said cross-arm members so that the same may be moved from a generally aligned inoperative storage condition to a right-angled intersecting display condition in which one arm is vertical, at least one of said cross-arm members being resiliently yieldable in planes normal to said sheet-like member and yieldable in response to wind loadings on said sheet-like member to afford wind spilling, and a support stand engaging the vertical one of said cross-arm members.