Modular sign system

#The present invention relates to signs and sign systems particularly those employed in supermarket, drugstore and like environments.

#Supermarkets, drugstores and similar shopping areas such as the increasingly popular discount warehouse-like shops present unique signage display problems. These unique problems are the result of the necessity to display widely diverse consumer-related products which do not lend themselves to the use of a single signage system. Particularly in discount warehouse-like shopping environments, it is also commonplace to hang signage from a ceiling-like structure in order to attract the even casual shopper to a specific display or sales area.

#In the past, retail and wholesale shopping facilities were required to inventory different sign systems depending upon whether the signage was to be hung from a ceiling or supported by a floor standing display such as an easel base support. In addition, prior signage systems were difficult to assemble in the field and, once assembled, were difficult to break down for storage or reassembly in a different storage location. Finally, completely different sign systems were required for signage of different dimension. There continues to be an obvious need to provide signage of various dimensions depending upon the orientation required to promote a given display.

#FIG. 1 is a elevation view of the sign system of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the sign system of FIG. 1;

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a typical rail section and cross-section produced pursuant to the present invention; and,

#The sign system of the present invention can best be visualized and referenced to FIGS. 1 and 2. It is the object of the present invention to display signage such as that shown in phantom as element 18 (FIG. 2). Such signage is provided with a substantially uniform vertical dimension most commonly in the form of a square or rectangle having parallel, vertical and horizontal edges. It is thus the intent of the signage shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to display the availability of instant rice at $1.79 for an 8 ounce package, the signage hanging from a ceiling or similar structure presumably over a display of said rice packaging.

#The frame comprises parallel pairs 1 and 2 of rail sections each having an outer edge 14 and inner edge 13 noting that the rail sections have a substantially uniform cross section as best seen in FIG. 3 and coextensive longitudinal axes 22 and 23.

#At inner edge 13 is provided separator slot means 15. Separator slot means 15 having barbs 27 is configured within rail sections to receive and accommodate separator panels 3, 4, 5 and 6 which frictionally engage and separate rails 1 and 2 to maintain the rail pairs parallel to one another at a distance approximating the vertical dimension of signage 18. Ideally, the various separator panels are provided with detente regions 24 and 24' of reduced cross section for frictionally engaging separator slot means 15.