Method of Utilizing Electroluminescent Lighted Signs to Retrofit Existing Signs and for Safety Signage

Abstract

A method of retrofitting an existing sign with a low power use electroluminescent (EL) panel to reduce power usage and provide longer operating life. The user initially selects an EL panel having a desired panel sign content, typically in corresponding relation to the existing sign content on the front fascia of the existing sign. The user removes the front fascia from its base and removes a cover sheet from the EL panel to expose its sticky back surface. The back surface of the EL panel is affixed to the front fascia. The EL panel is electrically connected to the source of power for the existing sign and the combined fascia and EL panel are attached to the base to define a retrofitted sign. A method of signage for emergency use attaches the sticky back surface of an EL panel to a wall or other surface to direct and/or warn others.

1 . A method of retrofitting an existing sign having a base, an existing source of power and a removable front fascia, said front fascia having an existing sign content thereon, said method comprising the steps of:
 a. removing said front fascia from said existing sign;   b. selecting an EL panel having a panel sign content and a sticky back surface covered by a cover sheet;   c. removing said cover sheet to expose said sticky back surface of said EL panel;   d. affixing said back surface of said EL panel to said front fascia to define a combined fascia/panel having said panel sign content;   e. electrically connecting said EL panel to said existing power source; and   f. attaching said combined fascia/panel to said existing base to define a new low power sign.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said EL panel is sized and configured in corresponding relation to said existing base. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said panel sign content is in corresponding relation to said existing sign content. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said panel sign content is in corresponding relation to said existing sign content. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said electrically connecting step comprises connecting one or more EL panel electronics to said EL panel and connecting said EL panel electronics to said existing source of power. 
     
     
         6 . A method of retrofitting an existing sign having a base and a removable front fascia, said front fascia having an existing sign content thereon, said method comprising the steps of:
 a. removing said front fascia from said existing sign;   b. selecting an EL panel having a panel sign content, a sticky back surface covered by a cover sheet and a battery-powered electrical supply;   c. removing said cover sheet to expose said sticky back surface of said EL panel;   d. affixing said back surface of said EL panel to a new front fascia to define a combined fascia/panel having said panel sign content; and   e. attaching said combined fascia/panel to said existing base to define a new low power sign powered by said battery-powered electrical supply.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said EL panel is sized and configured in corresponding relation to said existing base. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said panel sign content is in corresponding relation to said existing sign content. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said panel sign content is in corresponding relation to said existing sign content. 
     
     
         10 . A method of emergency signage for use during an emergency situation, said method comprising the steps of:
 a. selecting an EL panel having a desired panel sign content, a sticky back surface covered by a cover sheet and a battery-powered electrical supply;   b. removing said cover sheet to expose said sticky back surface of said EL panel; and   c. affixing said back surface of said EL panel to a surface so as to direct or warn others regarding said emergency situation.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said EL panel comprises a power housing having a power supply and a switch, said power supply configured to power said EL panel and said switch configured to activate said power supply and turn on said EL panel to light said panel sign content, said method further comprising the step of operating said switch to activate said power supply after said affixing step. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said EL panel comprises a power housing having a power supply, said power supply configured to power said EL panel when said cover sheet is removed from said EL panel during said removing step.