Real estate abstract
A novel outdoor sign apparatus for mounting to a ground surface,
e.g. a real estate sign. The outdoor sign apparatus comprises a
pair of horizontally spaced footings for a support base, a movable
support frame that holds the sign, a plurality of stakes for mounting,
and support elements. The support frame is supported by each of
the footings and has a first position substantially perpendicular
to the footings for display and a second position substantially
parallel to the footings for transport. Support elements such as
chains (or other similar means such as cables, rigid bars, etc.)
connect between the support frame and the footings to selectively
hold the support frame vertically upright in the first position.
The support elements can be disconnected to release and lower the
support frame to the lowered position for transport. The stakes
are driven downward into the ground at an outwardly extending angle
relative to the vertically upright support frame and sign. To guide
the stakes, each of the footings includes outwardly angled stake
guides proximate opposite ends of each footing that slidably receive
the stakes.
Real estate claims
What is claimed is:
1. An outdoor sign apparatus for mounting to a ground surface and
displaying advertising, comprising: a pair of horizontally spaced
footings adapted to rest on a ground surface; a support frame holding
a sign for advertising, the support frame being supported by each
of the footings, the support frame being movable relative to the
footings between a vertically upright position substantially perpendicular
to the footings for display of the sign and a lowered position substantially
parallel to the footings for transport; a plurality of stakes movable
relative to the footings and engaging the footings, the stakes adapted
to secure the footing to the ground surface; at least one support
element connected between the support frame and at least one of
the footings to hold the support frame in the vertically upright
position, the support frame being movable to the lowered position
by disconnecting the at least one support element; and wherein the
support frame is connected to each of the footings through a pivot
joint for pivoting movement of the support frame, the support frame
movable to a plurality of angled positions between the vertically
upright position and lowered position and being selectively fixed
in the angled positions by the at least one support element, the
angled positions adapted to correct for inclined ground surfaces.
2. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 1 wherein further comprising
a pair of stake guides for each footing, one stake guide proximate
each end of the footing slidably receiving a stake, the support
frame being supported in the upright position between the stake
guides of each footing.
3. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 2 wherein the stake guides
for each footing angle in opposite directions relative to each other.
4. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 3 wherein each of the stake
guides angles outwardly away from the support frame as each stake
guide extends vertically downwardly to guide the stake at a predetermined
angle and to direct the stakes an angle of between about 30 degrees
and about 60 degrees relative to the plane of the footings.
5. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 2 wherein each stake comprises
an elongate steel rod and a stop tab at one end adapted to engage
one of the stake guides for stopping penetration of stakes into
the ground surface.
6. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support elements
comprise chain segments, each chain segment having one end supporting
the support frame and another end connected to one of the footings,
the chains being respectively connected to the footing on opposite
sides of the support frame such that the chain segments cooperate
to hold the support frame in the vertically upright position, and
wherein at least one chain segments is disconnectable from at least
one of the support frame and the footing to allow movement of the
support frame to the lowered position.
7. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support frame
comprises a pair of spaced apart vertical support posts, each support
post being pivotably mounted to one of the footings and a rectangular
sign holder slidably mounted on the posts, the footings being independent
of one another such that footings are positioned at different elevations
when mounted on an inclined ground surface to keep the sign holder
level.
8. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 7 wherein the rectangular
sign holder further comprises mounts for releasably holding the
sign further comprising a sign bracket releasably mounted to a top
side of the rectangular sign holder, the sign bracket having a second
sign mounted therein.
9. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one
support element is a brace connected diagonally between one of the
footings and the support frame to support the support frame in the
vertically upright position.
10. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 9 wherein brace is pivotably
connected to one of the support frame and the footing and clamped
to the other one of the support frame and the footing, wherein the
clamp can be unclamped to release the brace and pivot the support
frame between vertically upright and lowered positions.
11. An outdoor sign apparatus for mounting to a ground surface
and displaying advertising, comprising: a pair of horizontally spaced
footings extending between opposed ends, adapted to rest on a ground
surface; a support frame holding a sign for advertising, the support
frame being supported in a vertically upright position by each of
the footings substantially perpendicular thereto and between the
opposed ends for display of the sign; a plurality of stake guides
secured to the footings, one stake guide proximate each of the opposed
ends of each footing, the stake guides for each footing angling
in opposite directions relative to each other; a plurality of stakes
slidably inserted into the stake guides, the stakes adapted to secure
the footings to the ground surface; wherein the support frame is
pivotably mounted to each of the footings, being pivotable from
the upright position to a lowered position substantially parallel
to the footings, further comprising support elements supported by
the footings and support supporting the support frame to prevent
pivoting of the support frame to the lowered position; and wherein
the support frame is movable to a plurality of angled positions
between the vertically upright position and lowered position and
being selectively fixed in the angled positions by the support elements,
the angled positions adapted to correct for inclined ground surfaces.
12. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 11 wherein the support
frame is movable relative to the footings from the vertically upright
position to a lowered position substantially parallel to the footings
for transport.
13. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 11 wherein each stake comprises
an elongate steel rod and a stop tab at one end.
14. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 11 wherein the support
frame is pivotably mounted to each of the footings, being pivotable
from the upright position to a lowered position substantially parallel
to the footings, further comprising support elements supported by
the footings and supporting the support frame to prevent pivoting
of the support frame to the lowered position.
15. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 11 further wherein the
support elements comprise braces, each brace connected diagonally
between one of the footings and the support frame, wherein each
brace is pivotably connected to one of the support frame and the
footing and releasably secured to the other one of the support frame
and the footing.
16. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 11 wherein the support
frame comprises a pair of spaced apart vertical support posts, each
support post being pivotably mounted to one of the footings and
a rectangular sign holder slidably mounted on the posts, the footings
being independent of one another such that footings are positioned
at different elevations when mounted on an inclined ground surface
to keep the sign holder level.
17. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 11 wherein the rectangular
sign holder further comprises mounts for releasably holding the
sign further comprising a sign bracket releasably mounted to a top
side of the rectangular sign holder, the sign bracket having a second
sign mounted therein.
18. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 11 wherein each of the
stake guides angle outwardly away from the support frame as each
stake guide extends vertically downwardly.
19. An outdoor sign apparatus for mounting to a ground surface
and displaying advertising, comprising: a pair of horizontally spaced
footings extending between opposed ends, adapted to rest on a ground
surface; a support frame holding a sign for advertising, the support
frame being pivotably connected to each of the footings for support
thereby, the support frame being pivotable relative to the footings
between a vertically upright position substantially perpendicular
to the footings for display of the sign and a lowered position substantially
parallel to the footings for transport; a plurality of stakes adapted
to secure the footings to the ground surface, each stake comprising
an elongate penetration rod and a stop tab at one end; support elements
connected between the support frame and the footings to hold the
support frame in the vertically upright position, the support frame
being movable to the lower position by disconnecting support elements;
a plurality of stake guides secured to the footings, one stake guide
proximate each of the opposed ends of each footing, the stake guides
of each footing angling in opposite directions relative to each
other, the stakes slidably inserted into the stake guides; and wherein
the support frame is movable to a plurality of angled positions
between the vertically upright position and lowered position and
being selectively fixed in the angled positions by the support elements,
the angled positions adapted to correct for inclined ground surfaces.
20. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 19 wherein the support
elements comprise chain segments, each chain segment having one
end supporting the support frame and another end connected to one
of the footings, the chains being respectively connected to the
footing on opposite sides of the support frame such that the chain
segments cooperate to hold the support frame in the vertically upright
position, and wherein at least one chain segments is disconnectable
from at least one of the support frame and the footing to allow
pivoting movement of the support frame to the lowered position.
21. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 19 wherein the support
frame comprises a pair of spaced apart vertical support posts, each
support post being pivotably mounted to one of the footings and
a rectangular sign holder slidably mounted on the posts, the footings
being independent of one another such that footings are positioned
at different elevations when mounted on an inclined ground surface
to keep the sign holder level.
22. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 19 further comprising a
sign bracket releasably mounted to a top side of the rectangular
sign holder, the sign bracket having a second sign mounted therein.
23. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 19 wherein the support
elements are braces, each brace connected diagonally between one
of the footings and the support frame to support the support frame
in the vertically upright position.
24. The outdoor sign apparatus of claim 23 wherein brace is pivotably
connected via a to one of the support frame and the footing and
clamped to the other of the support frame and the footing, wherein
the clamp can be unclamped to release the brace and pivot the support
frame between vertically upright and lowered positions.
Real estate description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to signage and more particularly
to outdoor signage that may be temporarily mounted to the ground
such as real-estate signs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A common practice in the real estate industry is to mount real
estate advertising signs in areas of high public visibility, such
as near a road or in the front yard of the property being sold.
Because property is bought and sold throughout the year, real estate
agents and other such persons attempt to mount and remove such real
estate signs at various times throughout the year. It is intended
that the sign be temporarily mounted when installed and easy to
remove shortly after the property is sold. There are currently a
couple deficiencies existing in the industry. One deficiency is
that small bushes, overgrown weeds or grass can quickly obstruct
smaller real estate signs. Larger real estate signs with posts require
a posthole digger with difficult, labor-intensive installation and
removal. Post-hole installation is particularly difficult during
the winter when the ground is frozen. Installation or removal is
practically impossible during such frozen ground conditions. Proper
mounting of such larger signs is necessary; otherwise a strong wind
can wreak much havoc and damage or blow over the real estate sign.
Another requirement of any real estate sign is that it is easy to
manipulate and transport utilizing the real estate agent's vehicle.
A further desirable feature is that the real estate sign can be
mounted on a wide variety of ground surfaces including inclined
surfaces such as in a roadside ditch or on the side of a hill while
at the same time positioning the sign vertically for easy viewing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, it is the principle aim of the present
invention to provide a more practical large outdoor sign for temporary
installation to a ground surface.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an outdoor
sign that is easier to install in a reliable manner, particularly
in winter and with frozen ground conditions.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an outdoor
sign that is more wind resistant than other existing signs.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an outdoor
sign that is easy to transport from place to place while at the
same time achieving the foregoing aims and objectives.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an outdoor
sign that is capable of supporting the sign at a proper vertical
position while being mounted on an inclined ground surface and at
the same time achieving the foregoing aims and objectives.
In accordance with these and other aims and objectives, the present
invention is directed at a novel outdoor sign apparatus for mounting
to a ground surface and displaying advertising signs. The outdoor
sign apparatus comprises a pair of horizontally spaced footings,
a movable support frame that holds the sign, a plurality of stakes,
and support elements. The footings rest on the ground surface to
provide a support base. The support frame is supported by each of
the footings and has a first position substantially perpendicular
to the footings for display and a second position substantially
parallel to the footings for transport. Support elements (such as
chains or other similar means such as cables, rigid bars, brackets,
etc.) connect between the support frame and the footings to selectively
hold the support frame vertically upright in the first position.
The support elements may be selectively disconnected to release
and lower the support frame to a second position substantially parallel
with the footings.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the footings
are secured to the ground surface using stakes proximate each end
of the footing that are driven downward into the ground at opposing
angles relative to each other. Preferably each stake is driven at
an outwardly extending angle relative to the vertically upright
support frame and sign. With opposing angles between pairs of stakes,
the stakes cooperate to secure the sign in a manner that resists
wind in all directions. To guide the stakes, each of the footings
includes outwardly angled stake guides proximate opposite ends of
each footing that slidably receive the stakes.
It is a feature of the invention that the sign is adjustable to
accommodate different ground inclinations and sign orientations.
According to this feature, the legs or posts attached to each of
the footings are independently expandable and retractable such that
the footings can be placed at different elevations on the ground
while maintaining the sign level. The legs or posts may also be
secured at angled positions between the vertically upright and the
lowered positions for compensating for the incline of the ground
surface.
Other objectives and advantages of the invention will become more
apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of
the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention,
and together with the description serve to explain the principles
of the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outdoor sign apparatus in accordance
with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the outdoor sign apparatus shown in FIG.
1.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the outdoor sign apparatus shown in FIG.
1 in the vertically upright position for display.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmented side view of the outdoor sign
apparatus similar to that shown in FIG. 3 but in the lowered position
for transport.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged exploded assembly view of the post and sign
holder portion of the outdoor sign apparatus.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmented perspective view of the lower
portion of an outdoor sign apparatus to illustrate a second preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
While the invention will be described in connection with certain
preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments.
On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications
and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
For purposes of illustration, a preferred embodiment of the present
invention has been illustrated as an outdoor sign apparatus 10.
The sign apparatus 10 may have many uses but one exemplary use is
in the real estate industry for advertising property that is for
sale. The sign apparatus 10 may be temporarily mounted to a ground
surface 12 (e.g. in the front yard of a residence), removed when
desired and then reused at another site.
The sign apparatus 10 generally includes a pair of horizontally
spaced footings 14 and a vertically upright support frame 16. The
footings 14 are provided by angle iron in the preferred embodiment
and rest horizontally upon the ground surface 12. The footings 14
are shown as independent of one another but may also be secured
with one another with cross supports to provide an interconnected
base structure. The support frame 16 generally includes a pair of
vertical posts 18 that may be provided by square steel tube and
a rectangular sign holder 20 mounted to the posts 18. Each post
18 is connected to and supported by one of the footings 14 through
a pivot joint 22 provided by such means as a shoulder bolt, pin
or hinge. Through the provision of the pivot joint 22, the support
frame 16 is adapted to be pivoted between a vertically upright position
as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and a lowered transport position as
illustrated in FIG. 4. In the lowered transport position several
sign holders may be stacked and the sign holder apparatus fits easily
in a wide variety of vehicles typically driven by real estate agents.
To prevent the upright support frame 16 from collapsing when in
the upright position, the sign apparatus 10 includes support elements
in the form of two chains 24, one for each footing and post. Each
chain 24 is divided into two segments 26, 28 that provide counteracting
force relative to the other through tension. In particular, the
ends of the chain 24 are secured to opposing ends of each footing
14. The middle link 30 of the chain 24 is secured in a narrow bracket
32 mounted on the post. The narrow bracket 32 has a width and length
closely corresponding to the width of one link 30 such that when
the middle link 30 is inserted into the bracket 32 little or no
slippage is permitted which retains the posts 18 and therefore the
entire sign support frame 16 in the vertically upright position.
Although chains are shown in the first embodiment, it will be appreciated
that other support elements could be substituted for the purpose
such as rigid bars or cables for example. Each long chain may also
be broken into two separate chain segments that may be fastened
or welded to the support post.
In accordance with the adjustment feature of the invention, other
chain links beside the middle link 30 may be secured in the bracket
32 to selectively angle the posts 18 and therefore the entire support
frame 16 at an selected angle between the vertically upright and
lowered positions that correlates to the inclination of the ground
surface to keep the sign vertically upright despite an inclined
ground surface.
In the illustrated embodiment, a tension control device 34 is incorporated
into each chain 24. The tension control device 34 provides for adjustment
and fine-tuning of the tension in the chain 24 to remove slack in
the chain 24 and therefore remove slop in the support frame 16.
The tension control device 34 is a commercial available device that
includes a screw that can be used for selectively lengthening or
shortening the chain 24. The tension control device 34 can be utilized
to maintain proper chain tension when the sign holder is situated
in angled positions between the vertically upright and perpendicular
position and the lowered transport position.
It is an aspect of the present invention that the support frame
16 can be pivoted to the lowered position as shown in FIG. 4 such
that the support frame 16 lies substantially parallel and generally
flat with the footings 14 to provide for easy handling and transport
of the sign apparatus 10. To accomplish this pivoting movement,
the chains 24 (or one of the chain segments 26, 28) are released
from either the post 18 or the footings 14 or both. In the illustrated
embodiment, the chains 24 are released via an open hook 36 at the
end of each tension control device 34. The end chain link 38 may
be selectively connected and disconnected to the hook 36. Once disconnected,
the sign apparatus 10 easily collapses to the lowered position for
transport.
The footings 14 can be temporarily but securely secured to the
ground surface 12 with stakes 40. Two stakes 40 are provided for
each footing 14, with one stake 40 securing each opposed end of
the footing 14 to the ground surface 12. To ensure that the wind
does not blow the sign apparatus 10 over, the two stakes 40 for
each footing 14 are driven into the ground surface 12 in opposite
directions (both being driven either outwardly or inwardly towards
the central mounted support frame 16). A hammer and preferably a
sledgehammer can be used to drive the stakes 40. It has been found
that such steel stakes drive relatively easily into frozen ground
which permits winter installation and removal. To guide and ensure
a proper angle and opposite angle directions for cooperating pairs
of stakes 40, end tubes or stake guides 42 are welded proximate
each opposed end of each footing 14. In the illustrated embodiment,
the stake guides 42 angle outwardly away from the support frame
16, preferably between an angle of about 30 and about 60 relative
to horizontal to provide optimal wind resistance. Each stakes 40
includes a stop tab 44 welded to the end of a steel rod 46. The
steel rod 46 is sized closely in diameter to the inner diameter
of the stake guide 42 to ensure proper support but yet to allow
easy sliding movement at the proper angle. The tab 44 projects radially
outward from the rod end to a diameter larger than the inner diameter
of the tube of the stake guide 42 to act as stop and secure the
stake guide 42 and therefore the footing 14 securely against the
ground surface 12. The tab 44 also provides a structure that can
be used to pull the stake 40 from the ground when removing a sign
apparatus 10.
The sign apparatus 10 also has a vertical adjustment feature as
can be seen in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, the rectangular sign
holder 20 includes horizontal support members 50 and vertical support
members 52 in the form of hollow square tubes 52 (e.g. cut from
square tube steel). The rectangular sign holder 20 is the structure
that directly secures and supports the sign 56, in this case a real
estate sign 56 for advertising a piece of property for sale. The
square tubes 52 slid over and closely interfit with the posts 18
extending vertically upward from the footings 14. To control the
vertical height of the sign 56, the rectangular sign holder 20 may
be raised or lowered to the desired position and then secured in
position via a nut and bolt or pin and hole mechanism 58 as illustrated
or other release mechanism such as a clamp. It is a feature that
each of the vertical supports (comprising the combination of the
vertical support members 52 and posts) is also independently expandable
and retractable such that the footings 14 may be positioned at different
elevations. This feature is useful for mounting the sign apparatus
10 in a ditch, in which the different footing elevations would keep
the sign level.
The sign apparatus 10 further includes a sign interchangeability
feature for removing and replacing the sign 56. For this feature,
the rectangular sign holder 20 includes sign mounts or brackets
60 about the inside rectangular periphery of the sign holder 20.
Signs 56 can be selectively bolted to the brackets 60 and later
removed, if desired, from the sign holder 20.
A further optional feature is the provision of a top bracket 62
that mounts on the top of the rectangular sign holder 20 for holding
a second smaller sign 64 for such purposes in exemplary real estate
applications as indicating such things as acreage or other special
feature of the property or that the property has already been sold.
Turning to FIG. 6, a second preferred embodiment is illustrated.
The second embodiment illustrates an alternative way to secure the
sign support frame 116 in the vertical position and also a simpler
less expensive design for the stakes and the metal support tubes
or stake guides as compared with the first embodiment. Several of
the welding and assembly steps have been eliminated with this design.
In this second embodiment of FIG. 6, the vertical posts 118 of the
support frame 116 are also pivotably mounted near the center of
the footing 114. However, the vertical posts 118 are metal c-channels
with internal edges or lips 100. The chains have been eliminated
as the support elements and replaced with a diagonal bar or brace
124 (preferably one for each footing) as the support element. Each
brace 124 has one end pivotably connected and the other end clamped
or otherwise connected in a releasable manner for selective disconnection.
In this embodiment the brace 124 is pivotably connected to the footing
114 through a pivot joint 126 and releasably clamped to the c-channel
of the vertical posts 118 via a square clamp 128 inserted into the
c-channel. The clamp 128 grips the lips 100 of the c-channel to
secure the support frame 116 in either the vertically upright or
lowered position as desired. In the second embodiment, the stakes
140 are also different with one end bent or deformed to provide
the stop tabs 144. The stakes 140 are also guided by a different
form of stake guide 142 which comprises a hole 143 torched or otherwise
formed in the bottom of the footing 114 in combination with a bracket
145 mounted to the footing in diagonal relationship thereto, both
having diameters relatively closely conforming to those of the stakes
140. The bracket 145 is pivotably mounted and also allows for storage
of stakes while the sign is not in use.
The foregoing description of various preferred embodiments of the
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description.
It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to
the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations
are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed
were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the
principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby
enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention
in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited
to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations
are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended
claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which
they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled. |