Patent Grant
9368050
Many persons desire to display flags temporarily in a variety of locations fbr decorative purposes, as symbols of allegiance, support or affiliation, or as means for commercial advertising. As a non-limiting example, athletic team enthusiasts, such as college or high school students, their parents and relatives, as well as other team supporters, often wish to display a symbol, name, mascot, or color of their school as an expression of allegiance and support.
A prime opportunity fir displaying a team's symbols occurs when supporters are traveling in a vehicle (e.g., a truck, car, or the like) to and from athletic events in which their favorite team is playing. Other situations also occur in which a person may wish or be required to display a banner. As a non-limiting example, pleasure boaters may wish to display a banner from their boat for decorative or identification purposes. As another non-limiting example, mobile delivery companies may wish to display a banner advertising their services on one or more vehicles used by one or more employees.
Conventional display flags are prone to damage and/or loss. Many attach via vehicle windows and any inadvertent lowering of the window, particular during transit, can result in loss or damage to such display flags. Many conventional display flags are also made of cloth and thus susceptible to environmental condition and wear, particularly where travel occurs at high rates of speed. Thus, a need exists for a banner or flag display device that is configured for rapid and simple installation and removal from a vehicle and that also provides an improved degree of rigidity and durability so as to enhance the longevity of the device. A need also exists for such a banner or flag display device to be configured for simple and rapid interchangeability for those users who may want to display two or more different flags or banners within a short period of time. A need also exists for a banner or flag display device that is configured to maximize readability thereof regardless of the speed of movement of a vehicle upon which the device is mounted.
As mentioned, many conventional automobile-mounted banners comprise a cloth flag mounted to a fixed mast which flaps in the wind. The performance of the cloth flag is highly dependent on the automobile's speed (e.g., too slow and the flag is not extended and not readable; too fast and the flag flaps too frequently to read). The durability of such cloth flags is also very low. Various embodiments of the invention described herein provide a configuration that not only improves durability but also maintains readability at any travelling speed. Certain embodiments replace conventional cloth flags with a substantially rigid body configured to maintain steady alignment with an imposed airflow. Certain embodiments having the substantially rigid body concurrently improve readability, as the “hard” flag is always extended regardless of travelling speed.
According to various embodiments, a detachable vehicle-mounted banner assembly having improved display and mounting features is provided. The banner assembly comprises: a banner panel defining two opposing and at least semi-rigid surfaces, the surfaces comprising at least a leading edge; a banner mast comprising a base portion and a flanged portion, the flanged portion comprising an angled leading edge and a trailing slot, the trailing slot being configured to selectively engage at least the leading edge of the banner panel; and a base assembly having a first portion configured for attachment adjacent a surface of a vehicle and a second portion configured to attachment relative to the base portion of the banner mast. The base portion of the banner mast is elongate and has a base longitudinal axis about which the banner mast and the banner panel pivot; and the flanged portion of the banner mast extends away from the base portion, is elongate, and has a flange longitudinal axis oriented at an acute angle relative to the base longitudinal axis.
According to various embodiments, a method of mounting a detachable vehicle-mounted banner assembly having improved display and mounting features is provided. The method comprises the steps of: fixedly attaching a base assembly to a surface of the vehicle, the base assembly having a first portion configured for attachment adjacent the surface of the vehicle and a second portion configured to attachment relative to a base portion of a banner mast of the banner assembly; and selectively attaching the banner mast to the second portion of the base assembly, the banner mast comprising a base portion and a flanged portion, the flanged portion comprising an angled leading edge and a trailing slot, the trailing slot being configured to selectively engage at least a leading edge of a banner panel.
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
Various embodiments of the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms, combinations, and sub-combinations, and should not be construed as limited to those particular embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
General Summary
Various embodiments comprise a banner or flag designed to mount on an automobile for displaying sports teams, brands, or affiliations, where the banner or flag is made of a hard material that self-aligns with the airflow, does not flap, and is therefore easily readable at all times (even at 0 mph travelling speed).
At least one embodiment comprises a banner panel of a rigid or semi-rigid flag material, a banner mast, a magnetic base assembly, and various fasteners. The flag is fixed to the banner mast, which defines at its bottom an elongate mast cavity (typically downwardly oriented when in use). The elongate mast cavity is configured to accept an elongate post that is part of a base assembly (typically upwardly oriented when in use). The elongate post is configured to pivot within the elongate mast cavity about the substantially aligned longitudinal axes of the elongate mast cavity and the elongate post.
According to various embodiments, the mast is fixedly positioned and/or mounted relative to the magnetic base assembly; however, the mast can freely pivot about the post that is accepted within the elongate mast cavity. In certain embodiments, a toothed configuration for engagement between the post and the mast is provided. In other embodiments, a selectively detachable mounting assembly may be provide, via which the mast can be easily removable from the base assembly when desired and also fixedly attached thereto when not selectively released.
According to various embodiments, the elongate post is part of a base assembly configured to be detachably attached to a suitable vehicle surface, such that the post is held substantially rigidly relative to the vehicle. In certain embodiments the base assembly may be magnetically-based. In other embodiments, the base assembly may be configured for mounting via a pair of plates about a relatively flat surface of a vehicle (e.g., an edge of a truck bed). In such embodiments, the base assembly may be a “stake-hole” configuration comprising a spring and ball interface. Such interface in these and still other embodiments is configured to engage and substantially lock with a screw head within an adapter between the elongate post and the base assembly, such that an associated mast is locked and/or fixedly positioned relative to the base assembly. In this manner, the freely pivoting of the elongate post within the elongate mast cavity may still be provided, but the fixed positioning and/or mounting and/or locking of the post relative to the base assembly may vary across various embodiments.
Element List
First Exemplary Embodiment
Second Exemplary Embodiment
Third Exemplary Embodiment
Detailed Discussion of First Embodiment 10
General Construction of Embodiment 10
According to various embodiments, with reference to
According to various embodiments, with continued reference to
In certain embodiments, the banner mast 30 is fixed to the magnetic base assembly 40; however, the mast 30 can freely pivot about the post 41, as will be described in further detail below.
According to various embodiments, the elongate post 41 is substantially rigidly fixed as part of the magnetic base assembly 40, which is configured to be detachably attached to a suitable vehicle surface 5, as will also be described in further detail below.
Banner Panel 20
According to various embodiments and with continued reference to
The banner panel 20 in at least the illustrated embodiment comprises a panel upper edge 21, a panel lower edge 22, a panel trailing edge 23, and a panel leading edge 24. According to various embodiments, the banner panel 20 also comprises two primary planar sides, each configured to display an exemplary panel logo 25, as illustrated in
According to various embodiments, with reference now particularly to
Note that in certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments the banner panel 20 is made of corrugated plastic such as used in yard signs. In one such exemplary embodiment, the panel 20 includes 4 mm-thick corrugated plastic, being extruded twin-wall plastic-sheet produced from high-impact polypropylene resin. In these and still other embodiments, the panel 20 may thus have two exterior walls with internal ridges (flutes) separating the two walls. In these and still other embodiments, the corrugated plastic can be screen-printed or configured to accept digital printing thereupon, for example for purposes of embedding thereon one or more logos or informational materials, as described elsewhere herein. Exemplary and non-limiting trade names of such corrugated plastic material include Coroplast, Twinplast, Corflute, Polyflute, Intepro, and Proplex, although other types of corrugated plastic material and still further other types of material (plastic and non-plastic alike) are contemplated without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, provided such possess material characteristics for sufficient rigidity of the panel 20, as previously detailed herein.
With reference to
It should also be understood that, although not numbered in
Banner Mast 30
According to various embodiments, the banner mast 30 comprises a banner mast base 31 and a banner mast flange 33.
With continued reference to
According to various embodiments, the banner mast flange 33 extends generally outwardly and upwardly (when mounted) from one end of the banner mast base 31 and includes along substantially the length thereof slot 34. In certain embodiments, the slot 34 is along one edge of the flange 33 and is configured to cooperate with panel mount rivets 50 to slidably capture and subsequently retain (e.g., immobilize) the leading edge 24 of the banner panel 20 relative to the banner mast flange 33, as may be understood with reference to
According to various embodiments, both the banner mast base 31 and the banner mast flange 33 are elongate, and as such include respective longitudinal axes. In certain embodiments, the respective longitudinal axes are not parallel relative to one another, but diverge relative to one another at an acute angle Θ as shown in
According to various embodiments, the banner mast flange 33 may comprise an angled leading edge 35 that is not only angled at the acute angle Θ relative to the mast base 31 but also angled relative to opposing sides thereof, such that a tapered leading edge is formed, expanding progressively outwardly toward the connection thereof adjacent the banner panel 20, all as may be understood with reference to at least
Magnetic Base Assembly 40
According to various embodiments, with continued reference to
The post 41 is generally of unitary construction, is elongate, and includes a hole (see also
The magnet subassembly 42 is according to various embodiments of multiple part construction, and generally comprises a ring-shaped magnet adhesively attached within the cavity of a round, downwardly-directed cap, which includes a hole in its axial center.
The screw 43 is configured according to various embodiments such that it may be extended through the hole in the cap and in so doing engage the bottom hole of the post 41, as may be also understood with combined reference to
According to various embodiments, the protective label 44 is configured to be adhesively attached to the underside of the magnet subassembly 42, so as to reduce the opportunity for scratch or other damage when the magnetic base assembly is attached to a vehicle surface. It should be understood that certain embodiments may dispense with the protective label 44, as may be desirable for some applications.
If desired, according to various embodiments, a protective cap-like boot 45 may additionally and/or alternatively be used. Generally speaking, in certain embodiments, the boot 45 comprises an upwardly-directed cavity which would accept the magnet subassembly 42.
When assembled, the magnetic base assembly 40 is configured to be magnetically attached to a suitable metal surface 5 of a vehicle such as shown in
Once assembled, it should be understood that the magnetic base assembly 40 of
Panel Mount Rivets 50
According to various embodiments, panel mount rivets 50 are used to attach the leading edge 24 of the banner panel 20 within the slot 34 of the banner mast flange 33. Corresponding holes in the flange 33 and the banner panel 20 facilitate such attachment. Three are shown in for example
Still further, although rivets 50 are illustrated, any of a variety of types and sizes of fasteners, as commonly known and understood to exist in the art may be used, as may be desirable or necessary for specific applications, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
Mast Retention Rivet 60
According to various embodiments, the mast retention rivet 60 is configured to prevent the banner mast base 31 from becoming axially detached from the post 41 of the magnetic base assembly, while at the same time still allowing the banner mast base 31 to rotate or pivot about pivot axis PA. This rivet may be configured for easy installation or removal and may be configured according to various embodiments much like a “set-screw,” with such features as such are commonly known and understood in the art to involve.
General Operation and Features of Embodiment 10
According to various embodiments, the banner assembly 10 is configured to attach to a metallic vehicle surface such as 5 (e.g. a roof or trunk lid). Via a metallic surface, the magnetic base assembly 40 is fixed to the surface 5, thus fixing the banner mast 30 and the banner panel 20 and thus the entire banner assembly 10 relative to the surface, but for the pivoting of at least the banner mast 30 about pivot axis PA (see
As previously described, at least some angle Θ greater than zero of the mast and/or mast flange 33 relative to pivot axis PA improves aerodynamics at least in part by reducing the pressure drag force imposed upon the banner panel 20.
Materials of Embodiment 10
Materials with a low coefficient of friction were chosen to allow the mast to spin freely around the post. These materials are also wear resistant to increase the life of the parts over repeated movements. Exemplary materials include Polyoxymethylene (POM) (commonly known as Acetal) which is an engineering thermoplastic; Tradenames include Delrin, Celcon, and Hostaform. One embodiment includes the use of Delrin 527UV (a UV-resistant version of Delrin). Still other embodiments may include the use of Nylon (e.g., Zytel or specifically Zytel PA66) as post material 41 to at least in part reduce noise. In certain embodiments mast 30 formed from Delrin 527UV positioned against post 41 of Zytel results in less squeaking or comparable noise as compared to two adjacently positioned components both made of Delrin 527UV. However, other suitable materials and/or combinations of material may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
A rigid or semi-rigid flag material allows the mast-flag assembly to self-align with the wind. Durability is also improved since the violent flapping of a cloth flag is reduced or eliminated.
Detailed Discussion of Second Embodiment 110
According to various embodiments, with reference to
According to various embodiments, with continued reference to
According to various embodiments, this “screw” configuration comprises counter-acting threads 146 defined and formed on the post 141 and threads 135 defined and formed on the banner mast 131. In certain embodiments, a fewer number of threads 135 are provided on the banner mast 131 relative to the number of threads 146 provided on the post 141, such that upon “complete” screwing of the post into the mast cavity 132, all of the threads 146 are internal to the cavity and past all of the threads 135 of the mast 130. In this manner, once mounting is complete, the only way to subsequently remove the mast 130 from the base assembly 140 is to actively pull them apart relative to one other sufficiently so as to re-engage the respective threads 135, 146. As a result, absent such opposing forces, the threaded “screw” configuration of the illustrated embodiment of
As mentioned, other than the inclusion of threads 135, 146 and the dispensing with a mast retention rivet 60 (e.g., as in assembly 10), it should be understood that according to various embodiments, the remainder of the features of assembly 110 are substantially the same as those described previously herein with respect to assembly 10. With continued reference to
Of course, in other embodiments, one or more of these components of assembly 110 may be substantially different relative to those corresponding components of assembly 10; for example, the magnetic base assembly 140 may instead be substantially the same as base assembly 240 of banner assembly 210, as will be described in turn below. In this regard, it should be understood that any respective components of any of the embodiments described herein may be interchangeably incorporated into a new and distinct embodiment, as may be desirable for certain applications and as may be considered within the spirit and scope of the present invention in view of the merely exemplary and non-limiting embodiments described herein.
As with embodiments of assembly 10, for the various embodiments of assembly 210, materials with a low coefficient of friction were chosen to allow the mast to spin freely around the post. These materials are also wear resistant to increase the life of the parts over repeated movements. Exemplary materials include Polyoxymethylene (POM) (commonly known as Acetal) which is an engineering thermoplastic; Tradenames include Delrin, Celcon, and Hostaform. One embodiment includes the use of Delrin 527UV (a UV-resistant version of Delrin). Still other embodiments may include the use of Nylon (e.g., Zytel or specifically Zytel PA66) as post material 141 to at least in part reduce noise. In certain embodiments mast 130 formed from Delrin 527UV positioned against post 141 of Zytel results in less squeaking or comparable noise as compared to two adjacently positioned components both made of Delrin 527UV. However, other suitable materials and/or combinations of material may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
A rigid or semi-rigid flag material allows the mast-flag assembly to self-align with the wind. Durability is also improved since the violent flapping of a cloth flag is reduced or eliminated.
Detailed Discussion of Third Embodiment 210
General Construction of Embodiment 210
According to various embodiments, with reference to
According to various embodiments, with continued reference to
In certain embodiments, the banner mast 230 is fixed to the base assembly 240; however, the mast 230 can freely pivot about the post 241. With reference specifically to
According to various embodiments, the elongate post 241 is substantially rigidly fixed as part of the base assembly 240, which is configured to be detachably attached to a suitable vehicle surface 5, as will also be described in further detail below. In certain embodiments, however, the elongate post 241 may be freely pivotable relative to the base assembly 240, as facilitated at least in part via the spring 248 and ball 249 configuration provided thereby, as illustrated in
Banner Panel 220
According to various embodiments and with continued reference to
Indeed, according to various embodiments, the banner panel 220 illustrated in
Banner Mast 230
According to various embodiments and with continued reference to
According to various embodiments, the banner mast flange 233 extends generally outwardly and upwardly (when mounted) from one end of the banner mast base 231 and includes along substantially the length thereof slot 234 (not numbered, but understandable by analogy to slot 34 of banner mast flange 33, as illustrated in
According to various embodiments, both the banner mast base 231 and the banner mast flange 233 are elongate, and as such include respective longitudinal axes. In certain embodiments, the respective longitudinal axes are not parallel relative to one another, but diverge relative to one another at an acute angle Θ as may be understood by analogy to the illustration of the mast base 31 and the mast flange 33 of assembly 10 as shown in
According to various embodiments, the banner mast 230 as illustrated in
Base Assembly 240
According to various embodiments, it may be desirable or otherwise necessary to mount the post 241 of assembly 210 (or by analogy either of the posts 41 or 141 of assemblies 10 and 110) relative to a vehicle via the use of a base assembly 240 that would fit within a “stake hole” in the back of a pickup truck (not shown expressly, but understood with reference to
Turning first to
As a non-limiting example, according to various embodiments of overall banner assembly 210, the screw 243 may comprise a Torx screw with a Torx screw head, as such as commonly known and understood in the art to involve a six-point star-shaped recess formed in the head portion thereof. As will be described in further detail below, such recess may be configured to substantially receive and retain a ball portion 249 of the stake hole mount assembly 244 when such is positioned substantially adjacent the base assembly 240 and in particular the screw 243 thereof. It should be understood that any of a variety of screw or other fastener types may be substituted in certain embodiments for the Torx screw configuration described above, provided such screw or fastener comprises a portion within the head thereof that is at least in part recessed for receipt of the ball portion 249, again as will be described in further detail below with reference to
Turning now to
The top part 245 according to various embodiments is made of a plastic material, of any variety and/or type as such are commonly known and understood in the art. In certain embodiments, the bottom part 246 may be formed from a steel or other metal-type material, of any variety and/or type as such are also commonly known and understood in the art. Of course, in still other embodiments, both parts 245, 246 may be formed from the same material and/or one or more materials other than plastic and/or steel and/or metal, however as may be desirable for a particular circumstance.
Remaining with
In certain embodiments, the spring portion 248 may have further formed thereon a ball portion 249, which ball portion may be configured according to various embodiments to substantially interlock with a portion of the base assembly 240. In at least the illustrated embodiment of
According to various embodiments, the top plate 245 may have formed thereon and rising substantially perpendicular to a top surface thereof not only the ball portion 249 but also the elongate guard portion 272. In at least the illustrated embodiment, the guard portion 272 is substantially arc-shaped and semi-circular so as to correspond substantially to the shape of the adapter 242 of the base assembly 240. Of course, in other embodiments, the guard portion 272 may be otherwise shaped, for example partially-rectangular or partially-square shape where the adapter and/or base assembly may be so configured, however as may be desirable for particular circumstances or applications.
With reference to
According to various embodiments, returning to
With continued reference to
In still other embodiments, the top part 245 of adapter 242 may be configured to mount to a surface using only fasteners and without using a bottom part 246; in such instances the bottom part 246 may be wholly dispensed with, however as may be desirable and/or necessary for a particular scenario. In these and yet still other embodiments, the top part 245 may be configured to mount to another surface such as a bike rack with two (or more) bottom parts 246 (e.g., one on either side of the bike rack), also however as may be desirable and/or necessary for a particular scenario. It should be understood, however, that in any of these and still other envisioned embodiments, the structural utility of the respective top and bottom parts and/or the top part alone remains substantially the same, as described elsewhere herein.
Turning now to
Turning back to
With further reference to
It should be understood, however, that according to any of these and still other embodiments, as may be understood with further reference to
Panel Mount Rivets 250
According to various embodiments, panel mount rivets 250 are used to attach the leading edge (understood by analogy to edge 24 of assembly 10) of the banner panel 220 within the slot (understood by analogy to slot 34 of assembly 10) of the banner mast flange 233. Corresponding holes in the flange 233 and the banner panel 220 facilitate such attachment. Three are shown in for example
Still further, although rivets 250 are illustrated, any of a variety of types and sizes of fasteners, as commonly known and understood to exist in the art may be used, as may be desirable or necessary for specific applications, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
According to various embodiments the rivets 250 and/or any comparable or otherwise desirable and suitable fastener as may be incorporated within banner assembly 210 may be substantially the same in shape, size, material composition, and configuration as those fasteners described elsewhere herein in the context of assemblies 10 and 110. In other embodiments, of course, the fasteners selected for banner assembly 210 may differ substantially from those incorporated and/or otherwise described herein with respect to assemblies 10 and 110.
Mast Retention Rivet 260
According to various embodiments, the mast retention rivet 260 is configured to prevent the banner mast base 231 from becoming axially detached from the post 241 of the magnetic base assembly, while at the same time still allowing the banner mast base 31 to rotate or pivot about pivot axis PA (see by analogy to
According to various embodiments the rivet 260 and/or any comparable or otherwise desirable and suitable fastener as may be incorporated within banner assembly 210 may be substantially the same in shape, size, material composition, and configuration as the rivet 60 described elsewhere herein in the context of assembly 10. In other embodiments, of course, the rivet 260 selected for banner assembly 210 may differ substantially from that incorporated and/or otherwise described herein with respect to assembly 10, however as may be desirable for particular applications.
General Operation and Features of Embodiment 210
According to various embodiments, the banner assembly 210 is configured to attach to a vehicle surface such as 205 (e.g. a roof or trunk lid or truck bed side surface or the like), as illustrated in at least
With continued reference to
Still further, as previously described, at least some angle Θ greater than zero of the mast and/or mast flange 233 relative to pivot axis PA improves aerodynamics at least in part by reducing the pressure drag force imposed upon the banner panel 220. Such may be understood also by analogy to assemblies 10 and 110, as previously described herein.
Materials of Embodiment 210
As with embodiments of assemblies 10 and 110, for the various embodiments of assembly 210, materials with a low coefficient of friction were chosen to allow the mast to spin freely around the post. These materials are also wear resistant to increase the life of the parts over repeated movements. Exemplary materials include Polyoxymethylene (POM) (commonly known as Acetal) which is an engineering thermoplastic; Tradenames include Delrin, Celcon, and Hostaform. One embodiment includes the use of Delrin 527UV (a UV-resistant version of Delrin). Still other embodiments may include the use of Nylon (e.g., Zytel or specifically Zytel PA66) as post material 41 to at least in part reduce noise. In certain embodiments mast 30 formed from Delrin 527UV positioned against post 41 of Zytel results in less squeaking or comparable noise as compared to two adjacently positioned components both made of Delrin 527UV. However, other suitable materials and/or combinations of material may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
A rigid or semi-rigid flag material allows the mast-flag assembly to self-align with the wind. Durability is also improved since the violent flapping of a cloth flag is reduced or eliminated.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/860,376, filed Jul. 31, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
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