EP4002332A1

EP4002332A1 - Signs and display panels

Info

Publication number: EP4002332A1
Application number: EP22150249.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David Nicholas John
Original assignee: Signwaves Ltd
Current assignee: Signwaves Ltd
Priority date: 2015-11-13
Filing date: 2016-11-11
Publication date: 2022-05-25
Also published as: GB2541956B; GB2541956A; GB201520080D0; EP3168826A1; EP3168826B1

Abstract

A self-standing sign comprises a sign stand (11) and a removable display panel (10); wherein the sign stand (11) comprises a base (17) and a support member (14) extending from said base; and wherein the display panel comprises a perimeter region which surrounds at least in part a pocket (15) into which, in use, at least a portion of said upwardly extending support member may be inserted; said perimeter region having an outer edge; characterised in that said display panel (10) comprises two or more sheets (24, 25) which are bound to one another; whereby said perimeter region is sufficiently rigid so that the shape of the outer edge (16) of the perimeter region (13) is substantially retained when the display panel (10) extends upwardly and said upwardly extending support member (14) is placed at least in part in said pocket (15).

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to signs and has particular application in the field of self-standing signs.

Background to the Invention

The closest prior art known to the applicant are self-standing signs, such as those located outside shops, at the roadside or on forecourts for advertising function. Existing signs typically comprise one of either a fixed display panel which is surrounded by a supporting frame, a changeable display panel whether by poster or a printed rectangular sleeve placed over a rectangular supporting frame, or alternatively a textile flag threaded over and supported by an elongate supporting arm. However, these existing self-standing signs suffer from a number of disadvantages.
The size and shape of fixed display panels surrounded by a supporting frame is limited by the size and shape of the, typically rectangular, frame, proportions may also be dictated by established posters sizes. Additionally, it is difficult or impossible to replace or upgrade the display panels if they are permanently fixed to the frame, meaning that the whole sign must be replaced. Changeable display panels if not using poster display, are comprised of rectangular printed sleeves, and as such are flimsy and must be supported around their perimeter by a supporting frame of corresponding shape and size inserted inside each sleeve. This limits the perimeter shape options for design of the display panel. Signs comprised of textile flags attached to a support arm are difficult to read due to their shape and curl of the textile material. The fixed shape (with vertical aspect ratio) of the textile flag also limits their design. The flags often have a mirror-image reverse view which can be visible through the flag which therefore degrades the clarity of the sign. Such flags also offer a limited outdoor life due to the vulnerability of the textile material. Although these signs offer a short term tactical display solution, they are not designed for a permanent or longer term application.
It is an object of the current invention to alleviate at least these problems.

Summary of the Invention

In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a sign comprising a sign stand and a removable display panel; wherein the sign stand comprises an upwardly extending support member; and wherein the display panel comprises a perimeter region which surrounds at least in part a pocket into which, in use, at least a portion of said upwardly extending support member may be inserted; said perimeter region having an outer edge; wherein said perimeter region is itself sufficiently rigid so that the shape of the outer edge of the perimeter region is substantially retained when the display panel extends upwardly and said upwardly extending support member is placed at least in part in said pocket.
This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a sign with a display panel which is supported by a supporting member which is, in use, at least partially hidden from view. Viewing of the display panel is therefore unobstructed. The rigidity of the perimeter region allows the display panel to be of an elaborate shape which protrudes from the support member for maximum visibility, without folding, flapping or collapsing when deployed. This configuration is also advantageous because the area of display panel on which messages can be printed is not limited by the proportions of the supporting member. The pocket of the display panel, allows the display panel to form a sheath or sleeve so that different display panels can be interchangeably placed on a single sign stand such that only one sign stand need be owned for the interchangeable use of multiple display panels and display panels can be easily updated or replaced. This configuration also provides an intuitive means for assembling the sign. Furthermore the perimeter shape silhouette can be harnessed to amplify the visibility and complement the particular graphic design of each display panel.
In a subsidiary aspect, said display panel incorporates a transparent panel. Preferably, the display panel incorporates two transparent sheets forming an envelope with a frame region which may contain graphical material and which may be shaped to conform to said graphics. Preferably, the display panel incorporates is secured to a sign stand which comprises a single flexible sheet of material suitable for holding said envelope in an upwards configuration.
Preferably, said edge has an irregular or variable shape formed by cutting said panel; said irregular or variable shape being retained by the rigidity of said perimeter region. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a display panel which is more straightforward and less labour intensive to produce. Moreover, the resulting display panel retains its shape, in use, without a frame being required adjacent to or surrounding the perimeter region.
Preferably, said display panel is of extruded or laminated plastics material. Extruded or laminated plastics material improves the rigidity of the display panel and therefore the ability of the display panel to withstand stresses and strains associated with signs which are located outdoors. More specifically, extruded, or fluted, plastics material improves the uni-directional strength bias of the display panel. Laminated plastics material improves the omni-directional strength.
Preferably, said display panel has an outer relatively smooth surface onto which ink may be printed. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it avoids the need for separate printable materials to be attached to the display panel. Ink may be printed straight onto the outer surface of the display panel to reduce the amount of material required.
Preferably, two or more display panels which are joined together by a waterproof seal; said display panels forming said pocket. The waterproof seal protects the supporting member from corrosion due to water ingress and likewise minimises the risk of rot or mould developing inside the pocket of the display panel.
Preferably, said perimeter region incorporates a front panel, a rear panel and a spacer layer. This configuration is particularly advantageous because manufacturing and assembly of the display panel is made more straightforward. This configuration also improves the rigidity of the display panel.
Preferably, said spacer layer and said front and rear panels define said pocket. This configuration is particularly advantageous because the front and rear panels can be formed as substantially flat panels and the spacer layer can be formed so as to define the pocket when the panels and spacer layer are brought together. This configuration simplifies the manufacturing and assembly of the display panel.
Preferably, said display panel comprises two or more sheets which are bound to one another. The bonding of two or more sheets together allows the pocket to be straightforwardly formed between the sheets.
Preferably, each of said sheets is comprised of a number of layers of bonded material. This configuration improves the rigidity of the display panel so that the display panel can better withstand strains and stresses. Multiple layers of bonded material also improves the resistance of the display panel to moisture ingress.
Preferably, the bonding between said layers comprises a number of columns or corrugations of plastics material. Columns or corrugations of plastics material provide the display panel with improved strength for improved resistance against wind. The columns or corrugations also ensure that the outer edge of the perimeter region retains its shape during use. Columns or corrugations also introduce a higher strength to weight ratio for any plastic sheet material content.
Preferably, the columns or corrugations are arranged such that they extend perpendicularly to the plane of the sheets which they bind together. An arrangement of columns or corrugations which is perpendicular to the plane of the sheets which they bind together improves the rigidity of the display panel.
Preferably, the columns or corrugations are arranged such that they extend parallel to the plane of the sheets which they bind together. A parallel arrangement of columns or corrugations improves the rigidity of the display panel.
Preferably, the support member is a frame. The display panel is thereby supported and held upright by the support member, which is at least partially hidden from view in use in contrast to existing frames which typically bound the perimeter of a display panel.
Preferably, said frame is an elongate member which is curved so as to form an arch or loop which is inserted into said pocket. An arch or loop improves the ease with which the display panel can be placed over the frame, because the display panel can be placed on the frame at an angle and height which is more comfortable for an operator.
Preferably, the sign stand comprises a base from which said upwardly extending support member extends. The provision of a base improves the stability of the sign and provides a point from which wheels to manoeuvre the sign, or other fixings, can be attached.
Preferably, said upwardly extending support member is curved to form an arch, and the two ends of the member are fixed to the base. This configuration improves the sturdiness of the support member and provides a larger contact area between the support member and the pocket of the display panel to improve the robustness of the display panel, in use, when subjected to external forces such as high winds or impacts from pedestrians or vehicles.
Preferably, the sign stand comprises means for fixing the display panel to the sign stand. The means for fixing the display panel to the sign stand minimises or avoids the risk of the display panel being unduly removed from the sign stand by a passer-by or if the wind were to pick up.
Preferably, the sign stand comprises a base with a flat upper surface and the lower edge of the display panel rests directly on the flat upper surface of the base. The flat upper surface of the base provides the display panel with a constant reliable fitting-alignment datum.
In a second broad independent aspect, the invention provides a display panel, suitable for use with a sign stand, said display panel having a perimeter region which surrounds at least in part a pocket into which, in use, at least a portion of a sign stand may be inserted; said perimeter region having an outer edge; wherein said perimeter region is itself sufficiently rigid so that the shape of the outer edge of the perimeter region is substantially retained when the display panel extends upwardly when forming, in use, part of a sign stand. The rigidity of the perimeter region allows the display panel to be of an elaborate shape which protrudes from the sign stand without folding, flapping or collapsing when deployed. The pocket of the display panel allows different display panels to be interchangeably placed on a single sign stand so that only one sign stand need be owned for the interchangeable use of multiple display panels.
In a subsidiary aspect, said display panel incorporates a transparent panel. Preferably, the display panel incorporates two transparent sheets forming an envelope with a frame region which may contain graphical material and which may be shaped to conform to said graphics. Preferably, the display panel incorporates is secured to a sign stand which comprises a single flexible sheet of material suitable for holding said envelope in an upwards configuration.
Preferably, said edge has an irregular or variable shape formed by cutting said panel; said irregular or variable shape being retained by the rigidity of said perimeter region. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a display panel which is more straightforward to produce. Moreover, the resulting display panel retains its shape, in use, without a frame being required adjacent to or surrounding the perimeter region.
Preferably, said display panel is of extruded or laminated plastics material. Extruded or laminated plastics material improves the rigidity of the display panel and therefore the ability of the display panel to withstand stresses and strains associated with signs which are located outdoors. More specifically, extruded, or fluted, plastics material improves the uni-directional strength of the display panel. Laminated plastics material improves the omni-directional strength.
Preferably, said display panel has an outer relatively smooth surface onto which ink may be printed. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it avoids the need for separate printable materials to be attached to the display panel. Ink may be printed straight onto the outer surface of the display panel to reduce the amount of material required.
Preferably, said display panel comprises two or more display panels which are joined together by a waterproof seal; said display panels forming said pocket. The waterproof seal protects the portion of the sign stand which is inserted into the pocket of the display panel. This configuration also minimises the risk of rot or mould developing inside the pocket of the display panel.
Preferably, said perimeter region incorporates a front panel, a rear panel and a spacer layer. This configuration is particularly advantageous because manufacturing and assembly of the display panel is made more straightforward. This configuration also improves the rigidity of the display panel.
Preferably, said spacer layer and said front and rear panels define said pocket. This configuration is particularly advantageous because the front and rear panels can be formed as substantially flat panels and the spacer layer can be formed so as to define the pocket when the panels and spacer layer are brought together. This configuration simplifies the manufacturing and assembly of the display panel.
Preferably, said display panel comprises two or more sheets which are bound to one another. The bonding of two or more sheets together allows the pocket to be straightforwardly formed between the sheets.
Preferably, each of said sheets is comprised of a number of layers of bonded material. The layers of bonded material improve the rigidity of the display panel so that the display panel can better withstand stresses and strains. Multiple layers of bonded material also improve the resistance of the display panel to moisture ingress.
Preferably, the bonding between said layers comprises a number of columns or corrugations of plastics material. Columns or corrugations of plastics material provide the display panel with improved strength for improved resistance against wind and to ensure that the outer edge of the perimeter region retains its shape in use. This is achieved whilst minimising the weight of the display panel.
Preferably, the columns or corrugations are arranged such that they extend perpendicularly to the plane of the sheets which they bind together. An arrangement of columns or corrugations which is perpendicular to the plane of the sheets which they bind together improves the rigidity of the display panel.
Preferably, the columns or corrugations are arranged such that they extend parallel to the plane of the sheets which they bind together. A parallel arrangement of columns or corrugations improves the rigidity of the display panel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1A shows a front view of a display panel of a preferred embodiment, with a pocket illustrated by a dashed line.
Figure 1B shows a front view of a sign stand of a preferred embodiment, with a curved support member.
Figure 1C shows a front view of a sign assembled with the components of Figures 1A and 1B, with the pocket and support member illustrated by dashed lines.
Figure 2A shows a front view of the components of an embodiment of the display panel.
Figure 2B shows a view from underneath an assembled display panel comprising the components of Figure 4A.
Figure 3A shows a view from underneath a display panel of a preferred embodiment.
Figure 3B shows a view from the side of a display panel of a preferred embodiment.
Figure 4A shows a cut-away view from the front of a sheet which, in a preferred embodiment, forms the display panel.
Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment, showing bonding between two layers of a sheet of the display panel.
Figure 5A shows a further embodiment of a sign stand with attachment means.
Figure 5B shows another embodiment of a display panel.
Figure 5C shows another embodiment of a display panel.
Figure 5D shows a further embodiment of a display panel.
Figure 6 shows a front view of an assembled sign of a further embodiment with the pocket and support member illustrated by dashed lines.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

A display panel of a preferred embodiment is shown in Figure 1A and is referenced generally as 10. The display panel 10 is configured to cooperate with a sign stand 11, shown in Figure 1B to form an assembled sign 12, which is shown in Figure 1C. The sign 12 is configured such that the display panel 10 is supported by the sign stand 11 from the inside. The display panel 10 is formed of a material which is sufficiently rigid so that the shape of a perimeter region 13 of the display panel 10 is substantially retained when the sign 12 is assembled, without the need for additional supporting members and without the need for the sign stand 11 to extend to the perimeter region 13 inside the display panel 10. This configuration enables the display panel 11 to be of an elaborate shape which protrudes from the sign stand 11 without collapsing in use.
The display panel 10 may be provided on its own, for use with an existing sign stand 11, or as part of a sign 12 with the sign stand 11.
In the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, the sign stand 11 comprises a base 17 and an upwardly extending support member 14 and the display panel 10 comprises a perimeter region 13 which surrounds, at least in part, a pocket 15 into which, in use, at least a portion of the support member 14 is inserted. The pocket 15 is illustrated by the shorter of the dashed lines in Figure 1. The perimeter region 13 has an outer edge 16 and the perimeter region 13 is sufficiently rigid so that the shape of the outer edge 16 of the perimeter region 13 is substantially retained when the display panel 10 extends upwardly and the upwardly extending support member 14 is placed at least in part in the pocket 15 of the display panel 10 to form the sign 12. This configuration also allows a number of display panels 10, which have similar shaped pockets 15, to be interchanged.
Figure 1C shows the sign 12 in its assembled configuration. The pocket 15 of the display panel 10 is shown by the shorter of the dashed lines and the part of the support member 14 which is inserted into the pocket 15 is shown by the longer of the dashed lines.
The outer edge 16 of the perimeter region 13 has an irregular or variable shape which is formed by cutting the display panel 10 so that additional manufacturing resources are not required. Examples of shapes the display panel 10 may take are shown in Figure 5. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, the display panel 10 has an outer surface 19 (see Figure 5) onto which ink may be printed, so that additional, printable materials are not required.
A waterproof seal is provided along the outer edge 16 of the display panel to minimise or avoid the risk of moisture entering the display panel 10.
In a further preferred embodiment, the sign 12 comprises two or more panels which are joined together by a waterproof seal such that the panels form a pocket 15. Figures 2A and 2B show a further preferred embodiment wherein the display panel 10, and in particular the perimeter region 13, incorporates a front panel 20, a rear panel 21 and a spacer layer 22 which define the pocket 15. In this embodiment the spacer layer 22 has a cut out portion 23 which, when the spacer layer 22 is contiguous with the front 20 and rear 21 panels, forms the pocket 15 for insertion of the support member 14 of a sign stand 11. In this embodiment the front 20 and rear 21 panels are substantially flat and uniform in shape. In another embodiment, the display panel of the sign 12 comprises the outer edge 16, and the perimeter region 13 extends inwardly from the outer edge to surround at least in part a pocket into which, in use, at least a portion of the upwardly extending support member 14 may be inserted. The front and rear panels are therefore joined together to form the pocket and provide rigidity to the perimeter region. In other words, the panels are not entirely spaced apart so as to form a cavity into which the support member is inserted, nor is the shape of the display panel entirely dictated by the shape of the support member 14. The shape of the display panel is dictated, at least in part, by the rigidity of the perimeter region 13 which is formed by the joining of the front and rear panels 20, 21. The pocket in the display panel therefore comprises only a small proportion of the display panel, i.e. due to the rigidity the display panel provides, a much small support member is required and the overall shape of the display panel is not limited by the size of the support member. In one embodiment, the sign 12 does not comprise a spacer layer, and the front panel 20 and rear panel 21 form a pocket surrounded by the perimeter region 13._In an alternative embodiment, shown by the dashed lines in Figures 2A and 2B, one or both of the front 20 and rear 21 panels may have a carved out portion to provide more space for the support member 14 of a sign stand 11. Manufacture of a display panel 10 in accordance with the configuration of Figure 2, with either the flat or carved out front 20 and rear 21 panels, is more straightforward and the resulting display panel 10 is more rigid.
In a preferred embodiment, one or both of the front or rear panels may incorporate a window. The front or rear panels may comprise a sheet of transparent material in order to allow the sign stand itself to be visible through the transparent sheet. In any of the preceding or following embodiments, the panel may be of transparent material. In further embodiments, the peripheral region of the panel may be opaque and may surround a transparent window. The opaque region may comprise a seal in order to secure the front and rear panels together and prevent the ingress of water. The front and rear panels may form a pocket. In a preferred embodiment, the sign stand may be formed by a flexible single sheet of material such as a metallic sheet which is suitable for fixing to a base with or without the use of fasteners. If the envelope formed by the front and rear panels is at least partially transparent it would allow the sign stand to support a removable display sheet. In a preferred embodiment, the envelope would therefore prevent the sheet from being exposed to water and would allow an operator to readily remove the envelope, secure an alternative sheet to the flexible leaf sign stand and thereafter once again place the envelope over the sign stand to protect the newly affixed sheet for display purposes. In these embodiments, the peripheral region may incorporate graphics and may be shaped with an irregular edge whilst the panels would be sufficiently rigid for their shape to be retained.
Referring now to Figure 3, the display panel 10 comprises two or more sheets 24, 25 which are bound to one another. A waterproof seal 28 is provided between the sheets 24, 25 at the periphery of the display panel 10. Additional seals, such as 29 and 30, are provided closer to the pocket 15 of the display panel 10 to further protect the pocket 15 and its' contents, i.e. the support member 14 of a sign stand 11, from moisture. Between the seals 28, 29, 30 are a plurality of links 31 between the two sheets 24, 25 which improve the rigidity of the display panel 10 and avoid the need to create a display panel 10 from a single, solid piece of material.
Referring in more detail to Figure 3A, which shows a view from underneath the display panel 10, the pocket 15 is flanked on either side by two waterproof seals 30, followed by a plurality of links 31, a further waterproof seal 29, more links 31 and a final waterproof seal 28. In alternative embodiments, a different configuration of links and waterproof seals is provided. The links 31 between the waterproof seals 28, 29, 30 are arranged perpendicularly to the plane of the sheets 24, 25.
Referring now in more detail to Figure 3B, which shows a view from the side of the display panel 10, a plurality of links 32 extend between the sheets 24, 25 along the height of the display panel 10 to provide the display panel 10 with a neutral bias (i.e. improving strength in all directions). These links are also arranged perpendicularly to the plane of the sheets 24, 25. However, these or the links 31 of Figure 3A may be arranged such that they are parallel to the plane of the sheets 24, 25.
In alternative embodiments, the links between sheets 24, 25 are arranged such that they form a plurality of cells, or bubbles to further improve the strength of the display panel 10.
In a preferred embodiment, the display panel 10 is formed of extruded/fluted or laminated plastics material such as polypropylene. An extruded or fluted configuration provides improved uni-directional strength bias to the display panel 10. A laminated configuration provides improved omni-directional strength.
As depicted in Figure 4A, each of the sheets 24, 25 is comprised of a number of layers 26, 27 of bonded material. In a preferred embodiment, the bonding between the layers 26, 27 comprises a number of columns or corrugations of plastics material. The embodiment of Figure 4 shows two layers 26, 27 which are bound by a plurality of columns of plastics material which extend between the layers 26, 27 at an angle which is perpendicular to the plane of the layers 26, 27. The columns of plastics material improve the rigidity of the display panel 10 whilst minimising the weight of the display panel 10. In alternative embodiments, the columns may extend at an angle which is parallel to the plane of the layers 26, 27, or a 'criss-cross' pattern of columns or corrugations may be provided. In a further alternative embodiment, shown in Figure 4B, the bonding between the layers 26, 27 comprises a number of cells of plastics material. Preferably, each cell comprises six walls which extend between the two layers 26, 27 to form a hexagonal cell or bubble. Adjacent cells share side walls thereby improving the strength of the display panel 10.
When a force such as wind hits either the front 20 or rear 21 panels of the display panel 10 the wind facing panel is set in tension and the other panel supports in compression. Windload force is transferred between panels via the bond between the panels.
Referring back to Figures 1B and 1C, in the preferred embodiment, the support member 14 is a frame so that the display panel 10 is supported by the support member 14 only and not any additional frame members. The frame is preferably comprised of steel or a material with similar rigidity. The support member 14 is proportioned to deform the display panel 10 from within and so provide additional strength to the panel's 10 structure through the contouring of both front 20 and rear 21 panels.
Even more preferably, the support member 14 is an elongate member which is curved so as to form an arch or loop which is inserted into the pocket 15 of the display panel 10. The curve or loop of the support member 14 facilitates insertion of the support member 14 into the pocket 15, minimising the risk of the support member 14 catching on the side of the pocket 15 as it is inserted. It also allows an operator to insert the support member 14 at an angle so that the display panel 10 does not need to be directly above the support member 14, at a height which may be inaccessible or uncomfortable for the operator.
The sign stand 11 comprises a base 17 from which the support member 14 extends upwardly. The base may be comprised of a material such as concrete which provides the sign 12 with sufficient stability such that, when wind hits the display panel 10, the sign 12 does not topple over. In an alternative embodiment, the base 17 comprises a fillable container which may be filled with water, sand or similar. Providing a base 17 which is a fillable container allows the sign 12 to be of minimal weight when_not in use or during distribution so that the sign 12 can be transported more straightforwardly. The base 17 may comprise a number of wheels (not shown) to further improve the transportability of the sign 12.
In a preferred embodiment, shown best in Figure 5A, the support member 14 is curved to form an arch and the two ends of the arch are fixed to the base to create a more stable sign stand 11 for the display panel 10. In a further preferred embodiment, the base 17 of the sign stand 11 comprises a flat upper surface 16 so that a bottom edge 18 of the display panel 10 can more stably rest on the base 17. In an even further preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 5A, the base 17 comprises attachment means 33 for securing the display panel 10 to the sign stand 11. In one embodiment, the base 17 comprises a single attachment means in the form of a clip or tie, and a portion of the display panel adjacent the bottom edge 18 comprises an opening in order that the base 17 and display panel 10 can be fastened together. Multiple attachment means 33 may alternatively be provided.
Further embodiments of the sign 12 are shown in Figure 5. The display panels 10 of Figures 5B, 5C and 5D are interchangeable on the sign stand 11 of Figure 5A, allowing a sign owner to display a number of different display panels 10 without having to purchase, transport and store multiple sign stands 11. The display panels 10 of Figure 5 are examples of the elaborate shapes which can be produced in contrast to the displays of the prior art which are limited in their design.
Figure 6 shows a further embodiment where the display panel 10 is a star-shaped panel which may also cooperate with a support member 14 which is of a similar shape to the support member 14 shown in Figures 1 and 2. The support member 14 may be partially or entirely sheathed by the pocket 15 of the display panel 10.

Claims

A self-standing sign comprising a sign stand (11) and a removable display panel (10); wherein the sign stand (11) comprises a base (17) and a support member (14) extending from said base; and wherein the display panel comprises a perimeter region which surrounds at least in part a pocket (15) into which, in use, at least a portion of said upwardly extending support member may be inserted; said perimeter region having an outer edge; characterised in that said display panel (10) comprises two or more sheets (24, 25) which are bound to one another; whereby said perimeter region is sufficiently rigid so that the shape of the outer edge (16) of the perimeter region (13) is substantially retained when the display panel (10) extends upwardly and said upwardly extending support member (14) is placed at least in part in said pocket (15).
The sign according to claim 1, wherein said display panel further incorporates links which are perpendicular to the plane of the sheets.
The sign according to claim 2, wherein said links are provided between the pocket (15) and the outer edge (16) of the perimeter region (13).
The sign according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said outer edge (16) has an irregular shape formed by cutting said panel (10); said irregular shape being retained by the rigidity of said perimeter region (13).
The sign according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sheets are joined together by a waterproof seal; said sheets forming said pocket.
The sign according to any preceding claim, wherein said perimeter region incorporates a front panel, a rear panel and a spacer layer.
The sign according to claim 6, wherein said spacer layer and said front and rear panels define said pocket.
The sign according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said sheets is comprised of a number of layers of bonded material, optionally said bonding between said layers comprising a number of columns or corrugations of plastics material.
The sign according to claim 8, wherein the columns or corrugations are arranged such that they extend perpendicularly to the plane of the sheets which they bind together.
The sign according to claim 9, wherein the columns or corrugations are arranged such that they extend parallel to the plane of the sheets which they bind together.
The sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support member is a frame.
The sign according to claim 11, wherein said frame is an elongate member which is curved so as to form an arch or loop which is inserted into said pocket.
The sign according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support member is curved to form an arch, and the two ends of the member are fixed to the base.
The sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sign stand comprises a base with a flat upper surface and the lower edge of the display panel rests directly on the flat upper surface of the base.
A display panel, suitable for use with a sign stand, said display panel having a perimeter region which surrounds at least in part a pocket into which, in use, at least a portion of a sign stand may be inserted; said perimeter region having an outer edge;
characterised in that said display panel (10) comprises two or more sheets (24, 25) which are bound to one another; whereby said perimeter region is sufficiently rigid so that the shape of the outer edge (16) of the perimeter region (13) is substantially retained when the display panel (10) extends upwardly and said upwardly extending support member (14) is placed at least in part in said pocket (15).