FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sign support base arranged to support a sign, the sign support base comprising a sign mounting.

BACKGROUND ART

The present invention relates to the field of sign support bases adapted to support road signs, predominantly for road construction sites, but permanent use may also come about. Methods, arrangements and designs related to the technical field specified above are previously known from numerous different embodiments.

It is of utmost importance and safety that the task of setting up relevant road signs and removing outdated road signs, for example at a road construction site, be performed in a rapid and easy-to-handle way, but there is also a need to simplify and structure storage and transport management. From a labour point of view, it is also desirable to make sign support bases as lightweight as possible, however still capable of withstanding strong winds so that the road sign and its sign support base will not blow over. A lightweight support is disclosed in WO 2010071576.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to eliminate or at least minimise the above- mentioned problems, which is achieved by a sign support base according to claim 1. The design of the sign support base allows for a weight variation of the sign support base, which provides quick and easy adjustment of the sign support base's weight, adapted to the size/weight of the road sign.

Thanks to the invention, a sign support base can be provided which allows for quick and easy adaptation of the weight of the sign support base to the size and weight of the road sign, while also occupying little storage space; furthermore, a sign support base is provided offering easy handling while also being favourable in terms of costs.

According to one aspect of the invention, the sign support base consists of a body with attachment devices for weight elements allowing for weight variation of the sign support base. According to another aspect of the invention, the body is designed as a housing in the form of a substantially flat plate, where said attachment devices comprise elongated cavities, and the weight elements further comprise rods adapted thereto, which results in simplified manufacturing as well as easy handling and weight variation.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the sign support base comprises a handle arranged with attachment means in the form of rods for insertion into the housing cavities, offering the advantage that the handle also constitutes a means for weight variation, while the housing can be suspended for storage and that the handle facilitates handling of the sign support base.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the housing is made of a lightweight material, making the housing easy to handle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the

accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a sign support base and a road sign in an

embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a sign support base assembled with a road sign seen obliquely from the front;

Fig. 3 shows a side view of a sign support base with a road sign in a foldable state; Fig. 4 shows a housing according to an embodiment of the invention, in a section along the line I-I;

Fig. 5 shows a closeup of a part of a housing according to an embodiment of the invention, seen from one of the short sides;

Fig. 6 shows an alternative housing according to the invention, seen from one of the short sides;

Fig. 7 shows a preferred embodiment of a sign support base according to the invention; and

Fig. 8 shows a variant of a preferred embodiment of a sign support base according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a sign support base 1 and a road sign 5 in a possible embodiment of the invention. The sign support base 1 comprises a body 2, a handle 3, a sign mounting 6 and associated weight elements 4 in the form of rods designed to allow for weight variation of the sign support base 1 (described in more detail below).

The body 2, in this case a housing 2, comprises a substantially flat plate having a length L in the range of 0.3-1.5 m, more preferably in the range of 0.4-0.8 m.

Further, the housing 2 has a width B in the range of 0.2-1.0 m, more preferably in the range of 0.3-0.6 m and a height H (see Fig. 4) in the range of 5-25 mm, more preferably in the range of 9-15 mm.

The housing 2 comprises a top 20, a bottom 21, a first 22 and a second short side 23, and a first 24 and a second 25 long side. Further, the housing 2 is preferably made of a lightweight material such as plastic or aluminium, which provides the advantage of making it easier to handle the sign support base 1.

The housing 2 further comprises attachment devices 8 for the weight elements 4, preferably a plurality of longitudinal cavities 8a which preferably extend along the entire housing 2 from one of its short sides 22 to the other short side 23. In one embodiment, the cavities 8a have a circular cross-section with a diameter D (see Fig. 6) in the range of 3-20 mm, more preferably in the range of 8-14 mm. In Fig. 6, a portion of the housing 2 is seen from one of its short sides 22, 23, and the housing 2 can be compared to a number of tubes joined together along the long sides, thereby providing a corrugated top 20 and bottom 21. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 2 is manufactured as an integrated unit, e.g. by extrusion.

On the top of the housing 20, a sign mounting 6 is arranged for holding a road sign 5. The sign mounting 6 is preferably centrally located and disposed at the housing 2 using fastening means 7, e.g. screws. Preferably, a sign mounting is used which allows locking the road sign in an upright position, and which also preferably allows the sign to fold down in the event that it is hit by a vehicle, and also to be locked in the folded position, protection for the sign mounting being sought in a separate application filed concurrently herewith, the sign mounting being a further development of the sign mounting disclosed in SE 1150993-2. The sign mounting 6 comprises a mounting plate 60 by means of which the sign mounting can be mounted to the body 2, on the top 20 of the sign support base. For this purpose, the mounting plate 60 comprises a number of mounting means 70 which, in certain embodiments, may also constitute attachment devices 8, 8c for weight modules 4A, 4B, this being described in more detail below in connection with a preferred embodiment.

It is understood, however, that different types of sign mountings can be used.

Fig. 1 also shows that the sign support base 1 comprises a handle 3 which preferably comprises a bent metal wire/metal rod forming a U-shaped bracket. The handle 3 comprises an outer portion 32, extending substantially parallel to the second short side 23 of the housing 2, and two internal portions 30, 31, extending substantially parallel to the long sides 24, 25 of the housing. The inner portions 30, 31 are designed to be inserted into a respective cavity 8a and therefore have a length adapted to the length of the cavities 8a, i.e., substantially corresponding to length L of the housing, and the outer portion 32 has a length corresponding to about 1/3 of the width B of the housing. The handle 3 preferably has a cross-sectional diameter (not shown) adapted to the diameter D of the cavities 8a, so that a resistance is formed when the inner portions 30, 31 are inserted into their respective cavities 8a, and the handle 3 is kept in place in the housing 2 by friction between the housing 2 and the rods 4. The handle 3 is preferably forced in until a distance X of approximately 4-10 cm remains between the outer portion 32 and the second short side 23. This distance X makes it possible to use the U-shaped bracket as a handle 3 to carry the sign support base 1 , or alternatively, to hang it up for storage/transport. The handle 3 can be provided with glue for permanent fixation, before it is forced into the cavities 8a inside the housing 2. Another option is to provide the inner portions 30, 31 with holes (not shown) designed to match the screws 7 attaching the sign mounting 6. In this way the sign mounting 6 is secured by screws 7 through the top 20 of the housing and is attached to the inner parts 30, 31 , thereby securing both the sign mounting 6 and the handle 3. The handle 3 helps increase the weight of the sign support base, thus also constituting means for weight variation.

Depending on the size/weight of the road sign 5 to be used, the weight of the sign support base 1 can be varied by means of rods 4, preferably steel rods. These rods 4 have a length 1 equal to or less than the length L of the housing, 1 < L and a diameter (not shown) adapted to the diameter D of the cavities. When a rod 4 is inserted into a cavity 8a, the diameter of the rod 4 should be less than the diameter D of the cavity, but close enough to create a certain resistance requiring a force to insert the rod 4 into the cavity 8a. One or more rods 4 are forced into the cavities 8a in order to provide the sign support base 1 with extra weight, the number depending on the size/weight of the road sign 5. This offers a great advantage as the same sign support base 1 can be used for various road signs 5. If the sign 5 is small/lightweight, there may not be any need for an extra rod 4, but the weight of the housing, possibly with a handle 3 providing a certain weight gain, will be sufficient. If a large/heavy road sign 5 is used, all cavities 8a can be filled with rods 4 if necessary. For a sign in a very windy location, extra rods 4 can be inserted into the housing 2 to make sure the sign does not blow over.

Fig. 2 shows a sign support base 1 with a road sign 5 in the assembled state. One scenario may be, for example, a road construction site where new road markings are to be painted. The painter of the markings has a van/trailer storing a number of signs 5, sign support bases 1 and rods 4. When work is to start, road signs 5 must be erected; the worker then picks them from the storage. Depending on the road sign 5 to be used at the moment, its weight and size determines how many rods 4 must be inserted in the housing 2 in order to obtain a sufficient counterweight to the sign 5. For example, when painting road markings, the same signs 5 are taken out of and into the storage vehicle several times, it then being advantageous to have a sign support base 1 that does not weigh too much, and, as shown in Fig. 3, it is also advantageous to have a sign mounting 6 where the sign 5 can be tipped out of its sign mounting 6 and folded down to lie flat against the sign support base 1 itself. In this situation, it is easy to hang the sign support base 1 and the road sign 5 from the handle 3 for easy access when needed the next time, this option only requiring a small storage space. Another option is, based on the task to be completed (different tasks require different road signs), for the worker to start out with a sign support base 1 and attach to it the appropriate road sign 5, and depending on the size and weight of the road sign 5, an appropriate number of rods 4 are inserted into the housing 2 to obtain the desired weight of the sign support base 1. The task being finished, the rods 4 are knocked/shaken/prodded out of the housing 2 and placed in a storage box, the sign 5 is folded down and hung up together with the sign support base 1 from the handle 3, or alternatively the road sign 5 is disassembled from the sign support base 1 , whereupon these are stored separately. Fig. 4 shows a possible embodiment of a housing 2 according to the invention, seen in a section along the line I-I. In this embodiment, the housing 2 has a first 22 and a second short side 23, see Fig. 1, and a first 25 and a second long side 24, a bottom 21, and a top 20. According to the inventive idea, the housing 2 also comprises attachment devices 8 for weight elements 4, but in order to simplify the manufacturing process, save costs in the form of reduced material consumption and also facilitate handling through reduced weight, the attachment devices 8 have an open design which is described in more detail below. Further advantages of this design are apparent from the following description. The bottom 21 of the housing comprises a base plate 10 from which partition walls 1 1 extend substantially perpendicularly upward from said base plate 10. The partition walls 11 are arranged at regular intervals and form channels 8b arranged so as to function as attachment devices 8 for the weight elements 4 used to allow for weight variation of the sign support base 1. The distance between two partition walls is most preferably adapted to the diameter d of the weight elements 4 so that the weight elements, after being inserted into the channels 8b, are held in place by frictional force or clamping force. Alternatively, the weight elements 4 are secured using silicone or glue, or a rubber lock or cover at the short end of each channel 8b. Further, the partition walls 11 comprise a slotted upper end so that the upper end of a section takes the shape of a V in order to form two opposing locking pawls 12, 13 (see Fig. 5) for holding the weight elements. Therefore, in this preferred embodiment, the housing 2 does not have an edge- to-edge top 20, but is open between the partition walls 1 1. Preferably the partition walls 11 extend in the longitudinal direction of the sign support base along its entire length L from one short side to the other.

The first 25 and second 24 long side comprise connecting means 15, 14 in order to connect a plurality of sign support bases 1 , or an extension module with a small number of attachment devices 8, in order to increase the area and weight of a sign support base 1. The extension modules are not described herein, but it is to be understood that they have basically the same structure as a sign support base, but that they comprise a different number, typically fewer, attachment devices 8. Most probably the extension modules do not comprise a sign mounting 6 even if such a variant can of course be contemplated within the scope of the invention. The connecting means 14, 15 preferably consist of two profiled rims matching in shape, each one arranged along a respective long side 24, 25. The rims allow for two or more sign support bases, or one sign support base and one or more extension modules, to be easily connected by sliding in a way known to a person skilled in the art. Alternatively, the rims can be designed and connected according to the principle of tongue and groove. In the preferred embodiment, the rims are integral parts of the side walls defining the outermost channels 8b and are produced in the same shaping operation. It is to be understood that other connection means than the one described herein can be used, e.g. some form of separate connection rim. The connecting portion 14 of the first long side 25 comprises a first wall 16, preferably oriented perpendicularly upward from the base plate 10 extending along the entire sign support base length L. At the upper end of the wall 16 there is a locking pawl 33 oriented towards the channel 8b and having an outer contour in the region of the channel 8b conforming to the outer contour of the locking pawl 13 pointing to the right in the partition wall 11 of Fig. 4. In the region above the channel 8b, however, there is no V-shape; instead the locking pawl comprises a wall sloping upward and outward, forming a triangularly shaped stiffener 34 at the upper edge of the connecting portion 14. In the upper and lower ends of the wall 16, an upper and a lower L-profile 16A, 16B extend laterally outward, substantially parallel to the base plate 10 and facing each other, thereby forming a T-shaped longitudinal groove along the second long side. The connecting portion 15 of the second long side comprises a second wall 19, preferably oriented perpendicularly upward from the base plate 10, also extending along the entire sign support base length L. At the upper end of the wall 19 there is a locking pawl 35 oriented towards the channel 8b and having an outer contour in the region of the channel 8b conforming to the outer contour of the locking pawl 12 pointing to the left in the partition wall 11 of Fig. 4. The locking pawl 35 shifts into an upper L-shaped profile unit 18A oriented laterally outward. The wall 19 also comprises a lower L- profile 18B. The two L-profiles extend substantially parallel to the base plate 10, facing away from each other. Together they form a substantially T-shaped profile whose shape fits into the T-shaped groove on the first long side 25 of another sign support base or modular unit. It is to be understood that instead of two L-shaped profile units, one T- shaped profile unit (not shown) can be used to serve as a stiffener, as well as contribute to a less costly manufacturing of tools if the profile is extruded. However, this embodiment results in somewhat greater material consumption and therefore increased weight.

Depending on the size and desired weight of the road sign 5, a number of rods 4, preferably steel rods, are inserted into the housing 2 from one of the short sides 24, 25 to obtain the appropriate weight of the sign support base 1. The rods 4 preferably have a diameter d which is slightly less than the distance between two partition walls 1 1, but preferably close enough for a certain resistance to be created between them. The rods 4 are prevented from falling out of the housing 2 during handling, by way of the first 12 and second 13 locking pawls of the partition walls. If the housing 2 is made of a material which allows for some movement of the partition walls 11 , it is also possible to depress the rods 4 into the channels 8b from above as the pressure forces the partition walls 11 in opposite directions and the rod 4 is allowed to pass by the pawls 12, 13 of the partition walls down into the channel 8b. In this embodiment, the sign mounting 6 is attached centrally onto the top of the sign support base 1 , preferably by means of screws through the inner portions 30, 31 of the handle, which are attached to the bottom 21 of the housing. The task being finished, the rods 4 are knocked/shaken/prodded out of the housing 2 and placed in a storage box, the sign 5 is folded down and hung up together with the sign support base 1 from the handle 3, or alternatively the road sign 5 is disassembled from the sign support base 1, whereupon these are stored separately.

Fig. 7 shows a preferred embodiment of a sign support base 1 according to the invention. The sign support base 1 comprises a body 2, a handle 3, a sign mounting 6. In addition the sign support base 1 comprises, as desired, weight elements 4 designed to allow for weight variation of the sign support base 1. The body 2 comprises, as mentioned above, a top 20, a bottom 21 , a first 22 and a second 23 short side, and a first 24 and a second 25 long side.

In the preferred embodiment, the body 2 comprises a bent wire 200, preferably a metal wire in the shape of a U, in whose upper ends two laterally oriented balancing elements 201 are arranged. The balancing elements 201 are preferably part of the bent wire 200. In order to provide good adhesion to the underlying surface, the balancing elements 201 preferably comprise a rubber sheath, or are equipped with engagement means extending downward, such as spikes.

Between the balancing elements 201, an attachment device 8 for weight elements 4 extends on the top of the sign support base 1, the device comprising a plate, preferably an elongated plate comprising one or more screw holes 8c. The sign mounting 6 is arranged on the top of the sign support base 1 , preferably centrally or in the proximity of the lower end of the U-shape of the bent wire 200. The sign mounting 6 is mounted onto the body 2 at the top of the wire 200. The sign mounting 6 also comprises attachment means 8 for weight elements 4, here in the form of one or more screw holes 8c. In its most lightweight embodiment, the sign support base 1 is used in the form described herein, i.e., without any extra weight in the form of weight elements 4.

When it is desired to increase the weight of the sign support base 1 , one or more weight elements 4 can be attached to the body 2. In a preferred embodiment, the weight elements 4 comprise weight modules, e.g. in the form of plates or, as previously described, a number of rods. In this preferred embodiment the weight modules are made up of a number of joined rods. A first lightweight weight module 4 A is seen mounted onto the sign support base 1 shown in Figure 7. The first weight module 4A comprises a total of six rods which are welded together. The first weight module 4A is secured from below into the attachment devices 8 by screws in the screw holes 8c. In the assembled state, the first weight module 4A is in the same plane as the body 2 and extends inside the U-shape of the bent wire 200 so that the sign support base assumes the shape of a lyre.

The lower end of the U-shape of the bent wire 200 constitutes the handle 3.

Fig. 8 shows an even heavier embodiment of a sign support base 1. Shown are a first lightweight weight module 4A assembled, and on either side of it, additional weight modules 4B providing additional weight to the sign support base 1. This embodiment can be used for large road signs forming large surfaces exposed to the wind and risking to blow away. These additional weight modules 4B can be mounted separately from below into the sign mounting 6, the mounting plate 60 of which is then preferably widened so that it extends laterally outside the wire 200 in the U-shape. In this way, the weight modules 4B may be screwed into mounting means 70 in the form of screw holes 8c in the mounting plate 60. Preferably, these additional weight modules 4B are made longer than the first weight module 4 A so that they extend beyond the handle 3, thus placing the sign mounting 6 approximately centrally on the sign support base 1 provided with additional weight modules 4B. This provides for a more stable design than if the sign mounting were disposed at one end. In order to further improve the sign support base's grip onto the underlying surface and improve the lateral stability, there are provided an additional pair of fitted balance elements 201 A outside the short sides of the weight modules 4B so that each one of the pairs of balancing elements 201, 201 A is arranged on a respective short side 23, 24 of the body. In order to provide good adhesion to the underlying surface, the balancing elements 201 A preferably comprise a rubber sheath, or are equipped with engagement means extending downward, such as spikes. These additional weight modules 4B may be joined to form a second heavier weight module. The weight modules are mounted with the required lateral spacing so that they, when mounted onto the sign support base 1 , are placed outside the bent wire 200 in the U-shape. The weight modules are assembled by means of two transverse plates at the top thereof. One transverse plate is arranged at one end of the second heavier weight module in order to use the body's attachment devices extending between the balancing elements 201 during fastening. The other transverse plate is arranged at the same height as the mounting plate 60 of the sign mounting in order to use the mounting means 70 of the mounting plate means during fastening. In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 8, one or more of these mounting means 70 constitute attachment devices 8, 8c for the weight modules 4A, 4B. In the assembled state, the second heavier weight module is in the same plane as the body 2 and extends laterally beyond the U-shape of the bent wire 200.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The invention is not limited to what has been described above, but can be varied within the scope of the appended claims. For example, it will be appreciated that the use of the sign support base is not limited to roadside signs etc., but an inventive sign support base may of course be used for other types of information, such as for advertising purposes.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the housing and the handle can have other shapes than those described herein. For example, the cavities and the rods adapted thereto can have a rectangular or triangular cross-section, and instead of a quantity of rods, a smaller number of plates can be used, which, however, somewhat limits the opportunities for weight variation, compared to a greater number plurality of smaller rods in the event that a supply of plates of the same density is used. Those skilled in the art will also recognise that the housing may consist of other than said materials without any loss of function. For example, it should be possible to use rubber, which offers good retention of the weight elements, which also provide the housing with necessary stability when inserted. The insertion of weight elements may also be facilitated if the base plate is provided with a degree of flexibility so that the base plate, during insertion, is curved slightly in transverse direction to shape the partition walls in the form of a fan. Preferably, the base plate has elasticity making it spring back to the flat position after assembly, but separate fixation elements can of course be used instead, ensuring that the base plate be kept flat so that the weight elements are held in place. It is also possible to provide the short sides of the housing with some sort of cover/seal to ensure that the rods do not fall out during use, transport or storage. The cavities may of course alternatively be arranged transversely to the sign support base, and shorter but more numerous weight elements thus provide an opportunity for greater weight variation. In the case where the weight elements are glued, it is to be understood that the invention still provides an advantage since contractors can acquire a set of sign support bases of different weights, which facilitates handling.

The balancing elements 201, 201 A can of course be arranged along the sides of the sign support base instead of at its ends. Within the scope of the inventive idea, it can be contemplated to design the plate/attachment device 8 extending between the balancing elements 201 and/or the mounting plate 60 with cavities 8a or channels 8b at the bottom for the insertion of weight elements 4 in the form of separate rods, similar to the embodiment described in connection with Figs. 1-6.