Patent US4604820A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4604820A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Modular sign
Assignee: Build A Sign Inc
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Filing: 1985-01-23
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Granted: 1986-08-12
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Expires: 2005-01-23
Abstract
Abstract A modular sign including a rectangular frame supporting an assembly of interlocking panel members. The ends of the members extend into channels on the sides of the frame, the bottom member snap locks the bead on the bottom of the frame, and a top member removably secures the assembly in the frame and includes a roof extending across the top of the frame.
Inventors
- 👤 David C. Edman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 15:45
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F7/00; G09F7/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
308 words
A modular sign including a rectangular frame having opposed vertical channel members with upper and lower ends defining a pair of inwardly facing channels, a top rail extending between the upper ends of the channel members and a bottom rail extending between the lower ends of the channel members, and panel member retention means on the bottom rail; an essentially flat assembly of panel members including a top panel member and a bottom panel member, each panel member including an elongate flat central panel having a pair of opposed display surfaces, a top locking element on the top of the central panel and a bottom locking element on the bottom of the central panel, said panel members extending from side to side across the width of the assembly with the top and bottom locking elements of adjacent panel members removably interlocked to secure the panel members together in the assembly; and an elongate top member including a roof, a body extending downwardly from the roof and a locking element on the bottom of the body; said assembly being confined within the interior of the frame with the ends of the panel members extending into the channels in the channel members, the bottom locking element of the bottom panel member extending past the bottom rail panel member retention means to retain the rail and bottom panel member together; the top member body extending along said top rail with the roof overlying the top rail and the top member body extending downwardly from the roof to one side of the rail, the ends of the body extending into the channels in the channel members adjacent the rail and the top member locking element removably interlocked with the top locking element of the top panel member of said assembly whereby the assembly and top member are removably confined within the frame.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
308 words
A modular sign including a rectangular frame having opposed vertical channel members with upper and lower ends defining a pair of inwardly facing channels, a top rail extending between the upper ends of the channel members and a bottom rail extending between the lower ends of the channel members, and panel member retention means on the bottom rail; an essentially flat assembly of panel members including a top panel member and a bottom panel member, each panel member including an elongate flat central panel having a pair of opposed display surfaces, a top locking element on the top of the central panel and a bottom locking element on the bottom of the central panel, said panel members extending from side to side across the width of the assembly with the top and bottom locking elements of adjacent panel members removably interlocked to secure the panel members together in the assembly; and an elongate top member including a roof, a body extending downwardly from the roof and a locking element on the bottom of the body; said assembly being confined within the interior of the frame with the ends of the panel members extending into the channels in the channel members, the bottom locking element of the bottom panel member extending past the bottom rail panel member retention means to retain the rail and bottom panel member together; the top member body extending along said top rail with the roof overlying the top rail and the top member body extending downwardly from the roof to one side of the rail, the ends of the body extending into the channels in the channel members adjacent the rail and the top member locking element removably interlocked with the top locking element of the top panel member of said assembly whereby the assembly and top member are removably confined within the frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
A modular sign as in claim 1 including a second top rail extending between the upper ends of the channel members, a slot between the top rails, said roof extending over both said rails with the top member body joining the center of the roof and extending downwardly into the slot between the rails.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
64 words
A modular sign as in claim 2 wherein said top member and panel members are of equal width and have uniform transverse cross sections, and one of said top or bottom locking elements is a bead and the other of said top or bottom elements is a C-shaped locking clasp, said bead having a sliding fit within said clasp to secure adjacent members together.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A modular sign as in claim 3 wherein the frame includes ground legs extending downwardly below the bottom rail.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A modular sign as in claim 3 wherein the frame includes mounting rings adjacent the top rails for mounting the sign from a support located above the frame.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A modular sign as in claim 3 including a lock removably securing the top member to at least one of said top rails.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
A modular sign as in claim 6 including lock openings extending through said top rails and said top member body, said lock extending through all of said openings.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
69 words
A modular sign as in claim 2 including a slot in the top of one of the channel members extending downwardly a distance not less than the width of the top member body below the roof whereby the top member may be side loaded through the slot and into the interior of the sign for engagement with the top locking element on the upper panel member in the assembly.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A modular sign as in claim 8 wherein the bottom rail is laterally offset with respect to the opposing channels in said channel members to permit bottom loading of the assembly into the frame.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
A modular sign as in claim 1 wherein the panel member retention means on the bottom rail is centrally located with respect to the channels of said channel members.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
A modular sign as in claim 1 wherein the bottom locking element of the bottom panel member engages the panel member retention means on the bottom rail.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-08-11 | 1990-02-10 | 1990-08-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-08-11 | 1994-02-10 | 1994-08-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-08-11 | 1998-02-10 | 1998-08-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |