Abstract: A sign assembly having a frameless-appearing sign face may be removed from and replaced into the assembly. The sign assembly includes a sign face having an outer surface, an inner surface and a peripheral side. The assembly also includes a sign frame having a sign face channel that is adapted to receive a portion of the sign face adjacent to the peripheral side. The sign face channel is defined by an inner frame portion and an outer frame portion. The assembly also includes a mounting component having a face support that is attached to the inner surface of the sign face adjacent to the peripheral side of the sign face, an inner support that is adapted to bear against the inner frame portion of the sign frame, and an outer support that is adapted to bear against the outer frame portion of the sign frame. The invention also includes a method for mounting a sign face on a mounting component and a method for converting a framed assembly into a frameless-appearing assembly.

Abstract: A directory sign assembled from individual modular sign plates, and an improved mounting clip for supporting the sign plates in assembly. The mounting clips have multiple sets of prongs spaced so that prongs of separate sets engage mounting flanges of one or more sign plates. The mounting flanges extend back from the front face of the sign plates to conceal the prongs and related attachment structure, and the end mounting clips have bases that conceal the ends of the sign plates.

Abstract: A sign frame for directory or other applications, and having adjustable corners permitting the sign to assume orthogonal and nonorthogonal configurations. Each adjustable corner connector has first and second elements that respectively connect to contiguous ends of adjacent edge members making up the sign. The elements of the adjustable corner connector are pivotably interconnected at hubs that are spatially displaced from the edge members, so that the hubs fit within the outline of the assembled frame without interfering with the edge members making up that frame.

Abstract: Sign apparatus for directory or other applications and having removable sign inserts positionable at any location along a dimension of the sign. The sign inserts are held in place by a number of elongated rails located behind the inserts. Each rail contains an elongate track with a slotted opening facing the back side of the sign inserts. The tracks receive an end of an elastically-deformable fastener attached to the back of the sign insert. Each fastener expands within the track to prevent unimpeded removal of the insert, while permitting the insert to slide within the track for longitudinal positioning of the insert along the rails.

Abstract: A mask and mask assembly for use in a directory sign or the like. One or more masks are affixed to a backing panel, thereby defining a number of adjacent parallel channels for removably receiving message strips in the form of transparencies or the like. The mask comprises a substantially plane sheet member preferably flat on the front side, and on the back side having a number of raised lands longitudinally extending along the mask. The lands are laterally spaced apart from each other, and this facing defines the channels for receiving message strips. The masks have complementary overlapping lateral edges, so that a number of masks can be aligned side-to-side on a backing panel.

Abstract: A post sign having a message panel supported by one or more posts. Each post has an elongated channel connected to an outer side of the post by an elongated slot, and the message panel is mounted on the post or posts by an interconnecting support member which fits in the channel, leaving exposed an upper terminal portion of the channel and slot. The open upper end of the support member is covered by a spacer cap, and the open upper end of the post is covered by a post cap having a tab which fits into the open terminal portion of the channel and slot in the post. The caps thus render substantially invisible the open terminal portions of channel and slot.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling sign is provided for suspension within a vacant panel area, under a light fixture, in a suspended ceiling of a regular array of ceiling panels with each panel being peripherally supported within a suspended grid structure. The ceiling sign includes a hollow enclosure having an open top with a peripheral flange configured to engage the supporting grid structure around the vacant panel area. The enclosure has in one of its sidewalls a cutout portion with a translucent sign mounted therein. The bottom of the enclosure has a directed lighting aperture. Inside the enclosure, there is a truncated pyramidal baffle which is both light reflective and translucent. The pyramidal baffle is seated over the aperture in the enclosure bottom. The truncated top of the baffle may be either open or closed with a translucent material.

Abstract: A separator for supporting stacked layers of items within a container comprising a first plastic section having a honeycomb pattern embossed on its top surface for rigidity and to distribute any applied force equally in all directions and a second plastic section joined to the underside of the first section, the separator being substantially rectangular in shape and having rounded corners to aid in expelling air trapped between successive layers of items.