Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a breakaway drive system that includes an actuator, an actuator breakaway, a shaft breakaway and a drive shaft. The actuator breakaway is operably connected to the actuator and is configured to rotate when the actuator is displaced. The shaft breakaway includes a breakaway mechanism for disengagingly connecting the actuator breakaway to the shaft breakaway. The shaft breakaway rotates in unison with the actuator breakaway when the shafts are operably engaged and does not rotate in unison with the actuator breakaway when the shafts are disengaged. The drive shaft is operably connected to the shaft breakaway such that rotation of the shaft breakaway causes rotation of the drive shaft. An external force on the drive shaft that exceeds a threshold causes rotation of the shaft breakaway such that the breakaway mechanism disengages the shaft breakaway and the actuator breakaway.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide breakaway drive systems for use in connection with vehicle signage, and methods of use. The breakaway drive system may include an actuator, an actuator breakaway, a shaft breakaway and a drive shaft. The actuator breakaway may be operably connected to the actuator. The actuator breakaway may be configured to be rotated when the actuator is displaced. The shaft breakaway may include a breakaway mechanism for disengagingly connecting the actuator breakaway to the shaft breakaway. The shaft breakaway may rotate in unison with the actuator breakaway when the shafts are operably engaged. The shaft breakaway may not rotate in unison with the actuator breakaway when the shafts are disengaged. The drive shaft may be operably connected to the shaft breakaway such that rotation of the shaft breakaway causes rotation of the drive shaft.