Abstract: An integral hinge is described which is adapted to be used in conjunction with a roadside post safety breakaway system for sign panels and the like. The integral hinge plate is generally rectangular in configuration and planar and is provided with a notch or groove extending thereacross which represents a weakened line portion about which the two halves of the hinge may bend or at which point the hinge may be severed in tension. The hinge plates are fixedly mounted on opposite sides of each of the posts supporting the sign panel or the like. The material and configuration of the hinge plates and the notches or weakened line portions are selected to cause the hinge plates mounted on the impact side of the posts to rupture at the notches or weakened line portions while causing the hinge plates mounted on the side of the post opposite to the impact side to bend.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting a sign post or the like which releases the same upon impact by a vehicle includes a lower support member connected to a stationary footing and an upper support member fixedly connected to the post. The upper support member is releasably connected to the lower support member by means of breakaway coupling members which have weakened portions between the support members. Each coupling member is adapted to be severed upon application of a combination of excessive bending moments and axial forces thereto. The upper support member has load concentrating elements projecting therefrom which cooperate with the coupling members to equalize the bending moment produced thereto only upon application of wind load or the like to the signpost or the like at a point remote from the upper support member.

Abstract: My assembly for mounting a sign post or the like on a stationary base or footing includes, in a presently preferred embodiment, a platform attached to the post near the bottom thereof and connected to the stationary base by breakaway coupling members spaced radially from the vertical axis of the post. The platform secured to the post has load concentrating elements associated therewith and located thereon, such as being formed integral therewith, and operable to equalize the load applied to the coupling members upon application of a wind load or the like to the sign at a point on the post remote from the platform whereas the coupling members will be readily broken upon impact of a vehicle with the lower portion of the post.