Patent Application
20140215874
The present invention relates generally to notification signs. More specifically, the present invention is a flexible sign featuring integrated channels for accommodating straps with which the sign is attached to a cylindrical surface.
Notification signs serve a wide variety of purposes and are posted in many locations. Signs are mounted to notify passerby of private property boundaries and the ramifications of intrusion. This is particularly notable in the case of large properties that often require many signs interspersed along the perimeter of the properties. Signs may also alert passerby to the presence of an animal on the property, such as a large dog. Employment opportunities are often placed on signs mounted in well traveled locations as well. Additionally, signs are often posted to inform the public of events such as garage sales and open houses. These types of notification signs are typically mounted to roughly cylindrical objects such as trees and poles. The mechanism of attachment commonly utilized generally encompasses the use of fasteners that are impaled through the sign and into the mounting surface. This attachment mechanism often results in the mounting surface becoming damaged. Continuous use of fasteners such as nails on trees can result in stripped bark and/or other forms of damage. Additionally, signs are subject to wear and tear brought upon by exposure to the elements and become unreadable and ineffective after extended periods of time. The present invention seeks to provide an improved durable sign that may be conveniently mounted without causing damage to the mounting surface.
The present invention is a flexible sign with a plurality of integrated channels for accommodating straps that are used to tie the sign to a cylindrical surface. In its preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a sign formed from a flat piece of material composed of layered nylon and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Alternative embodiments of the present invention may incorporate additional unspecified materials in manufacturing the sign. The sign has a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge. The top edge and bottom edge of the sign are folded a short distance back onto the surface of the sign and the layered material is processed through a sealing machine. The top edge and bottom edge are heat sealed to the surface of the sign in order to form a top channel and a bottom channel. The top channel and bottom channel both extend from the left edge to the right edge. The sign is designed for attachment to a cylindrical surface such as that of a tree or a pole. A thin polyethylene strap is inserted into both the top channel and the bottom channel. The polyethylene straps are wrapped around the cylindrical mounting surface and tied end to end to secure the sign to the surface.
The present invention provides an improved form of sign that may be mounted without the use of damaging fasteners. The use of a material such as LLDPE is ideal as LLDPE displays characteristics that are particularly well-suited for outdoor signs. The material of the present invention is durable and resilient against damage caused by impacts and stretching as LLDPE is generally puncture resistant as well as flexible. Outdoor signs are constantly exposed to sunlight, causing the signs to fade and become discolored. Heat generated by sunlight degrades outdoor signs and causes the material to lose its physical properties. The present invention is not subject to the adverse effects of ultraviolet exposure as LLDPE is resistant to ultraviolet exposure. Additionally, LLDPE is generally resilient in environments of both extreme heat and extreme cold.
All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
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The general configuration of its components allows the present invention to be attached to the trunk of a tree without difficulty and is shown in
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The use of LLDPE as a principal material offers many benefits particularly in the case of outdoor signs. As a flexible material, LLDPE has the ability to greatly elongate under stress without compromising the integrity of the material. This is beneficial as outdoor signs are subject to winds that may tightly stretch the material of the signs. Another important characteristic of LLDPE is the resistance to ultraviolet exposure. Outdoor signs are constantly exposed to sunlight and are prone to fading and discoloration. Heat generated by ultraviolet light degrades materials over time and causes the materials to lose their physical properties. In addition to displaying resistance to ultraviolet exposure, LLDPE is generally not subject to adverse effects brought upon by environments of both extreme heat and extreme cold. A final integral characteristic of LLDPE is resistance to puncturing and tearing. As the present invention is intended for use outdoors, LLDPE provides the best balance between cost-effectiveness and durability/resilience in an outdoor setting. However, the present invention is not limited with respect to material of the sign and alternative embodiments of the present invention may utilize various other materials.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flexible sheet 1, the top flexible tubing 5, and the bottom flexible tubing 6 is made of a single sheet of material, which has a top extremity, a bottom extremity, a left extremity, and a right extremity. The top extremity and bottom extremity of the single sheet are folded a short distance back onto the surface of the single sheet. The folded top extremity and the folded bottom extremity both extend the entire length from the left extremity of the single sheet to the right extremity of the single sheet. The single sheet is then processed through an automatic sealing machine. The folded top extremity and the folded bottom extremity are heat sealed by a continuous band sealer. The continuous band sealer processes the single sheet on a moving conveyor belt over heating elements. The sealing process creates a top channel and a bottom channel that both extend from the left extremity of the sign to the right extremity. The top channel and the bottom channel are used as the top flexible tubing 5 and the bottom flexible tubing 6.
The present invention has a wide variety of applications as the sign may be mounted on virtually any cylindrical surface. The present invention may be attached to trees in order to clearly display the boundary lines of a private property. Additional signs may be used to warn trespassers of the presence of an animal on the property, such as a large dog. Signs with employment opportunities are often placed in well traveled locations. Finally, the present invention may be used to notify the public of events such as garage sales and open houses.
In one embodiment, the present invention has specific dimensions for specific components. The flexible sheet 1, the top flexible tube 5, and the bottom flexible tube 6 form a square section that is 9 inches by 9 inches. If the flexible sheet 1, the top flexible tube 5, and the bottom flexible tube 6 are manufactured from a single sheet of material, then the single sheet would need to be 12 inches by 12 inches. The top flexible tube 5 and the bottom flexible tube 6 are each 1.5 inches in width, and the top strap 7 and the bottom strap 8 are each 1 inch in width.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/760,734 filed on Feb. 5, 2013.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61760734 | Feb 2013 | US |
