Ground access elevated pole banner
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a device for supporting and displaying a sign, and more particularly to such a device movably positioning and supporting a sign at a preselected display position on the surface of an object, such as for supporting a banner-type sign at an elevated position on a generally vertical pole, for example. 
     Merchants and others displaying advertisements or other messages have frequently used billboards, electric signs, free-standing signs, elevated or overhead signs, or combinations of these types of signs, to effectively convey their messages to passersby. Frequently such signs have been of a heavy construction suitable for withstanding the prevailing conditions in outdoor applications. Such heavy duty constructions, while enabling these types of signs to endure adverse wind and other weather conditions, have frequently been found to be unattractive, bulky to handle, expensive to purchase and maintain, or inconvenient to change. These effects are usually even more pronounced in elevated pole banner signs. 
     The present invention seeks to overcome the above-discussed drawbacks in previous sign-supporting devices by providing an attractive, lightweight and inexpensive device for supporting and displaying a sign t a preselected display position on the surface of an object, such as on a generally vertical pole in an elevated banner-type sign for example. In doing so, the present invention provides such a sign-supporting device that is highly visible, weather-resistant, and that provides for ease, safety and convenience when the sign is to be changed or replaced. Accordingly, a sign-supporting device according to the present invention is particularly well-suited for application in a ground access elevated pole banner. 
     According to the present invention, the sign-supporting device includes a track mechanism, means for securing the track mechanism to the surface of an object, such as a generally vertical mounting pole for example, a support mechanism slidably movable on the track mechanism for supporting the sign thereon and for allowing the sign to be moved to and from the preselected display position, and a locking mechanism for releasably locking and maintaining the supporting mechanism and the sign at such preselected positions. Preferably, the sign-supporting device according to the present invention further provides for the sign to be removably attached to the supporting mechanism. In order to conveniently accomplish such sign changing or replacement, the supporting mechanism is preferably removably interconnected with the track mechanism in order to allow the sign to be attached to, or removed from, the supporting mechanism apart from the track mechanism. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the movable supporting mechanism includes a slider member slidably interconnected with the track mechanism, with a support arm interconnected with the slider member for pivotal movement between an extended position protruding outwardly relative to the track mechanism and a retracted position generally adjacent to, or aligned with, the track mechanism. The preferred track mechanism and slider member also preferably include provisions for releasably locking or securing the pivotal support arm in either of its extended or retracted positions. 
    
    
     Additional objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an exemplary sign and sign-supporting assembly in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of the sign-supporting portion of the assembly shown in FIG. 1. 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken generally along line 3--3 of FIG. 1, but with a portion of the sign-supporting device shown in a retracted position. 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial front elevational view of the sign-supporting portion of the assembly shown in FIG. 1. 
     FIG. 5 is an enlarged detailed view, with portions broken away, of a sign-supporting arm of FIG. 1, illustrating the mechanism by which a sign is attached and removably secured thereto. 
     FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a sign and sign-supporting device in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken generally along line 7--7 of FIG. 6. 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 8--8 of FIG. 6. 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 9--9 of FIG. 6. 
     FIG. 10 is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of a portion of the sign-supporting device of FIG. 6. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIGS. 1 through 10 illustrate various exemplary embodiments of a sign and sign-supporting device according to the present invention, as applied in a ground access pole banner application. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion, taken in conjunction with the accompanying claims and drawing figures, that the present invention is equally applicable to other types of applications for supporting and displaying a sign, including such applications where the sign is displayed other than in an elevated vertical orientation. 
     In FIG. 1, an exemplary sign-supporting device 10 according to the present invention is mounted on a vertical pole 12 for supporting and displaying one or more signs 14 in an elevated position and in a vertical orientation relative to a base 16 or other underlying surface or object. The sign-supporting device 10 generally includes a track or track assembly 20, a slider assembly 30, a support arm assembly 40, and a locking apparatus 50. 
     The track assembly 20 can be secured to the surface of the pole 12 by way of one or more clamps 22 clamping surrounding the pole 12 and extending through a number of openings 28 in the track assembly 20. The preferred track assembly 20 includes a pair of elongated channels 24 spaced laterally apart from one another, with each channel 24 having a pair of legs 26 protruding therefrom, with the legs 26 on adjacent channels 24 extending in opposite lateral directions toward one another. It should be noted that although a band-type clamp 22 is shown for purposes of illustration in the drawings, any of a number of suitable clamping or mounting apparatuses can alternately be used for securing the track assembly 20 to the pole 12. 
     Preferably, one of the channels 24 of the track assembly 20 is longer than the other, and extends downwardly beneath the lower end of the other channel 24, for purposes of facilitating and guiding the insertion of the slider assembly 30 between the channels 24 during interconnection of the slider and support assemblies 30 and 40 with the track assembly 20. The track assembly 20 also preferably includes a track base plate 25 interconnecting the channel members 24 in their laterally spaced-apart position, as well as a track opening 27, or other such discontinuity, in the track base plate 25 for operative cooperation with the locking apparatus 50 as is described in more detail below. 
     The preferred slider assembly 30 includes a pair of slider members 32 spaced laterally apart from one another and an inner base formed by the base portions 33 and a slider plate member 34, with the plate member 34 interconnecting the base portions 33, and preferably with a pair of outer flange portions 39 protruding outwardly from the inner base. The slider members 32 are interconnected with the support arm assembly 40 and have the base portions 33 slidably received between the legs 26 of the channels 24 for sliding movement along the track assembly 20 to and from a preselected display position for the sign 14, as shown on the right-hand side of the pole 12 in FIG. 1. 
     The support arm assemblies 40 preferably each include a support arm member 42 pivotally interconnected with the slider members 32 by way of a pivot pin 44, with the pivot pin 44 being interconnected with the slider members 32 at a fixed position thereon and received within an elongated opening 45 in each of the support arms 42. A biasing spring 46 is provided within the preferably hollow tubular support arms 42, with one end of the biasing spring anchored to the pivot pin 44, and the opposite end of the biasing spring 46 anchored on a spring anchoring pin 47 extending through the support arm 42. Such an arrangement, with the elongated shape of the elongated openings 45, results in the support arms 42 being interconnected for limited movement toward and away from their respective pivot pins 44, with the biasing springs 46 and resiliently biasing the support arms 42 toward their respective pivot pins 44. Thus, when the support arms 42 are pivoted relative to their respective slider members 32 to their extended positions as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and in the right-hand side of FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner ends 48 of the support arms 42 are received within correspondingly located openings or other such discontinuities 35 in the slider plate members 34 and resiliently biased by the biasing spring 46 into an interlocking engagement therewith. In this regard, in order to facilitate the entry of the ends 48 of the support arms 42 into the openings 35 in the slider plates 34, the inner ends 48 are preferably chamfered, tapered, or radiused. 
     Similarly, support arms 42 are releasably securable in their respective retracted positions, wherein they are substantially concealed from view between the flange portions 39 of the slider members 32. To accomplish this, corresponding openings 36 are formed within the flange portions 39, with each of the openings 36 having a cam surface 37 at its outer end. Thus, as the support arms 42 are pivoted to their respective retracted positions, as shown on the left-hand side of FIGS. 3 and 4, one end of each spring anchoring pins 47 is received within the corresponding opening 36, and slidably engages the cam surface 37 therein in order to urge the support arm 42 outwardly relative to its pivot pin 44. Once the support arms 42 have been fully retracted such that their anchoring pins 47 slidably pass inwardly of the cam surfaces 37, the biasing springs 36 biasingly urge the support arms 42 in a direction toward the pivot pins 44, thereby releasably and interlockingly securing the support arms 42 in their retracted positions. It should be noted that the cam surfaces 37 are preferably configured such that when the support arms 42 are pivoted outwardly from their retracted positions toward their extended positions, the anchoring pins 47 easily slide over the cam surfaces 37 in order to allow the support arms 42 to be released from their retracted positions. In this regard, it should also be noted that the flange portions 39 of one of the slider members 32 includes a recess 38 in order to allow clearance for the opposite ends of the anchoring pins 47 when the support arms 42 are moved to their retracted positions. 
     In order to releasably interlock and maintain the slider assemblies 30, the support arm assemblies 40, and the signs 14 in their respective preselected display positions, the track base plate 25 includes an opening 27, shown in FIG. 4, which operatively cooperates with the locking apparatus 50. The locking apparatus 50 preferably includes a resilient locking member 52, or alternatively a locking member that is resiliently biased inwardly, with an inwardly-protruding protuberance 54 adapted to be interlockingly received within the opening 27. As the slider assembly 30 is raised within the channels 24 to the preselected display position, a pin or other such member 29 fixedly secured to the legs 26 of the channels 24 engages the locking member 52 in order to urge the protuberance 54 inwardly into the opening 27. Because the preferred locking member 52 is composed of a resilient material, the locking apparatus 50 can be released for purposes of lowering the slider assembly 30 in the track assembly 20 by way of a tab 56 for deflecting the locking member 52 downwardly to clear the pin member 29, thereby allowing the protuberance 54 to be retracted out of the opening 27 in the channel legs 26. 
     The signs 14 are preferably provided with sleeve portions 17, each having one or more openings 18 therein, as shown in FIG. 5. In order to attach the signs 14 to their respective support arms 42, the support arms 42 are slidably inserted into the sleeve portions 17. The support arms 42 are preferably provided with spring-loaded tabs or buttons 49 that protrude through openings 43 in the support arms 42 and are resiliently biased in an outward direction. The tabs 49 can be urged inwardly to allow the support arms 42 to be slidably inserted into the sleeve portions 17 of the signs 14 until the signs 14 are properly located on the support arms 42, and the tabs 49 can be released to protrude through the openings 18 in the sleeve portion 17, thereby removably securing the signs 14 on the support arm assemblies 40. Furthermore, in order to facilitate and guide the sliding insertion of the support arms 42 in the sleeve portions 17 of the signs 14, the support arms 42 are preferably provided with guide plugs 60, as shown in FIG. 5, which are preferably forcibly inserted and frictionally retained in the open, free ends of the support arms 42. In order to accomplish this effect, the guide plugs 60 are preferred provided with an arcuate or radiused configuration. 
     An alternate embodiment of the present invention, is shown in FIGS. 6 through 10, and includes an alternate sign-supporting device 110. The sign-supporting device 110 generally includes an elongated track member 112, a sign or banner 114, a slider member 118, a pair of cantilever mounted support arms 120, and two pairs of locking finger brackets 122. 
     As with the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 9, sign-supporting device 110 is adapted to be mounted on a pole or column 124, as depicted in the drawing, but it is understood that the invention can be mounted or positioned on a wall or any other type of surface. In addition, the pole 124 can have any of a number of cross-sectional size and shape. Furthermore, as with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, two sign-supporting assemblies 110 and 110&#39; can be mounted on the same pole 124. In the same manner, as with the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that virtually any number of such assemblies can also be mounted around the periphery of a pole or column or along the surface of a wall, using the present invention. 
     The track member 112 can be secured to the pole 124 in any conventional manner, as mentioned above, such as by clamps, brackets, screws, bolts or the like. As shown in the drawings, the track members 112 are clampingly affixed to the pole by strap or band-type clamp members 130. The clamp members are passed through openings 132 in the track members 112 and securely held in place in a manner similar to that discussed above in connection with the preferred embodiment. 
     The track 112 has a cross-section as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, and generally includes a pair of channels 134 in which the slider member 118 is slidably positioned. The channels 134 are formed between a pair of legs 136 and 138. The legs 136 and 138 are substantially parallel to one another along the full length of the track members 112. In addition, the leg 138 has an indented base plate portion 140 which provides clearance for the sign mechanism when the support arms 120 are rotated to their closed positions (120a). 
     As indicated above, the sign-supporting assembly 110 includes a slider member 118, a pair of support arms 120, and one or more locking brackets 122. The slider member 118 is generally formed from a pair of elongated L-shaped support members 142, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. The L-shaped members 142 are slidably positioned in the channels 134 and in the track member 112 and are held together by a group of conventional fasteners 114, such as rivets, nuts and bolts, screws or the like. The support arms 120 and locking brackets 122 are also pivotally secured to the slide members 118 by one or more of the fasteners 144. 
     The support arms 120 are preferably flexible, elongated members and are positioned in a cantilever manner on the slider member 118. Preferably, the arms 120 are manufactured from a fiber-resin material, such as fiberglass. The support arms 120 pivot, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 10, from a closed position (120a) to an open position (120). For illustrative purposes, the support arms are also shown in the drawings in an intermediate position (120b) in phantom lines between the open and closed positions. The support arms 120 fit between, and are substantially concealed by, the L-shaped members 142 when the arms 120 are in their closed or storage positions (120a). The arms 120 have at least one or more apertures 146 for retaining the locking brackets 122 in place. The arms 120 can be made interchangeable so that longer or shorter arms may be substituted for holding larger or smaller signs 114 by way of removable pivot fasteners 144. 
     The preferred fiberglass construction of the arms 120 provides the support assembly 116 with flexible and lightweight characteristics. The fiberglass construction enables the support assembly 116 to bend in the face of winds without any adverse effects on the sign support assembly or sign assembly mechanism. When wind forces 200 or other forces are exerted on the assembly 116, the support arms 120 deflect (as shown in phantom lines 120&#39; in FIG. 7) reducing the overall wind resistance of the sign-supporting assembly 110. It is also preferable to include a metal or plastic stiffening support or sleeve (not shown) at the inner end of each of the support arms 120 to insure that they will not crack or break during high winds or severe deflection of the sign assembly. 
     The track members 112 and remainder of the slide assembly 116 preferably are made of durable, weather-resistant material, such as steel or extruded aluminum. 
     The locking brackets 122 are elongated members preferably manufactured from a resilient metallic material, such as spring steel. One of the locking brackets 122 in each pair has a nob or detent 148 which fits into hole 146 in the support arms 120 for securing the arms substantially perpendicular to the slide member 118 in their open position. The other locking bracket 123 is positioned on the opposite side of support arm 120 and has a hole 149 for mating with the end of the nob or detent 148. The sign banner 114 also is provided one or more holes 150 which align with hole 146. The locking brackets 122 and 123 provide spring forces against arm 120 on both sides thereby holding the banner sign 114 and support arm 120 securely in place. The brackets 122 and 123 also have curved or bent outer ends 152 which allow them to be grasped and manipulated manually (as illustrated in phanton lines 122&#39; and 123&#39; in FIG. 8). 
     As best shown in FIG. 10, the locking brackets 122 and 123 are rotatable around a pivot pin 144&#39;. When the brackets are used to hold the supporting arms and banner sign in place, they are situated as shown in FIG. 10 using bracket 122 for reference. If desired, it is also possible to rotate the brackets away from the support arms 120 (as shown by position 122a for bracket 122, with the movement of bracket 123 being similar). This allows for ease of movement of the support dims 120 as well as ease of removal or replacement of the banner sign 114. For storage, the locking brackets 122 and 123 can be rotated to position 122b which is parallel to the slide member 118 and track member 112. In the latter position (122b), the nub or detent 148 is positioned in groove or hole 160 in the slide member 118. Preferably, the hole 160 extends all the way through the slide member 118 so that when the locking bracket 122 is in its storage position (122b) the nob or detent 148 will contact support arm 120 in its closed or stored position (120a) and hold it in place. In addition, the support arm 120 can be provided with an additional hole 162 for securely mating with nob 148 in the storage position. 
     The above discussion has been particularly directed to the upper right-hand locking brackets 122 and 123 as viewed in FIG. 5. It is understood, however, that all of the other pairs of locking brackets shown in the drawings and used with the inventive sign assembly mechanism can be and preferably are similar in structure and operation. Thus, each pair of locking brackets is not discussed separately. Also, it is possible to use just one locking bracket 122 to hold and support arm 120 and sign 114, as shown in FIG. 9. Similarly, all of the support arms 120 shown in the drawings for each sign assembly mechanism preferably have the same composition, structure, characteristics and operation and thus are not described separately. 
     The sign 114, as seen in FIG. 6, is preferably a banner-type sign constructed from a soft, flexible woven or non-woven material, as is the sign 14 of FIGS. 1 through 5. However, it is understood that metallic, resin-glass or other rigid but bendable sheet materials may be used in accordance with the scope of the present invention. The sign 114 has at least one or more sleeves or tubular members 170 for enabling the sign 114 to be positioned on the arms 120 of the sign-supporting assembly 110. The sleeves 170 are formed on the two opposite ends of the sign 114. When woven or non-woven materials are used, the sleeves are formed by rolling over the end of the sign material and securing it to itself, e.g., by stitching, gluing or the like. The sleeves 170 have at least one open end 172 so that they can be slid over the support arms 120. The arms 120 are slid through the open end 172 into the sleeves 170 until the sign 114 reaches its desired position and the opening 150 in the sign is aligned with the opening 146 in the arm 120. 
     The sign 114 is preferably mounted on the arms 120 of the sign-supporting assembly 110 when the assembly 116 is on the pole 112 in a position closest to the ground 126, as seen in FIG. 6 (left-hand side). If the support arms 120 and locking brackets 122 are initially in their storage positions (120a and 122a), then they are rotated to the open and unlocked positions shown in FIG. 6 (left-hand side) for receipt of a banner sign 114. If a sign 114 is being replaced, the locking brackets 122 are relased from the holes 146 and 150 and the old sign 114 is slid off the support arms. Once a new sign is positioned on the support arms, the locking brackets 122 are secured in place by holding the arms 120 fully extended and the sign 114 onto the arms. 
     After the sign 114 is installed on the sign-supporting assembly 110, the entire assembly is raised vertically in the elongated track member 112 to its desired position above the ground 126. This is shown in FIG. 6 (right-hand side). The sign-supporting assembly 110 is held in its raised position by a stop pin 180 which is inserted in an opening or hole 182 in the track member 112. The pin 180 can be a hitch pin or any type of elongated rod. The pin 180 can extend through the track member 112 and be positioned in the path of the slide members 118. Alternately (as shown in FIG. 9), the pin 180 can be positioned through one of the two halves of the track member so that it will not be visible from one side of the sign assembly mechanism. For this purpose, one of the slide members 118&#39; is longer than the other slide member 118&#34; (FIG. 9) in order to hide one end of the pin 180. If desired, the pin 180 also could be adapted to fit through a hole or opening in the slide member 118 to hold it in place (not shown). 
     When the pin 180 is removed, the slide member 118 can be lowered to ground level for removal or replacement of the sign. For security reasons, such as to prevent theft or unauthorized removal of the sign, a conventional lock (key or combination may be substituted for the pin 180. It is also preferred to have another pin or stop member (not shown) positioned on the top of the track member 118 so that the sign-supporting assembly 110 cannot be raised beyond the upper end of the track member. 
     If it is desired to situate the banner sign 114 at various heights above the ground, several holes or sets of openings could be provided in the track member 118 along the length thereof. In this manner, the pin 180 (or lock) could be inserted at various positions, thereby holding the sign at various heights. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, it is possible to use &#34;stops&#34; on the track mechanism to hold the support arms in position and prevent them from collapsing into storage postions during use. 
     The foregoing discussion describes and discloses exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.