BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to signs and, more particularly, is concerned with a system for mounting a flexible banner.
2. Description of the Related Art
Devices relevant to the present invention have been described in the related art, however, none of the related art devices disclose the unique features of the present invention.
In U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0146029 dated Jun. 11, 2009, Beatty disclosed a system, method and device for installation of banners. In U.S. Pat. No. 2,960,784 dated Nov. 22, 1960, Frey, et al., disclosed a horizontal banner mounting construction. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,973 dated Nov. 7, 1995, Tait disclosed a decorative banner mounting kit. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,537,201 dated Nov. 3, 1970, Huey, et al., disclosed a horizontal banner construction. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,303 dated Nov. 7, 1989, Banizza, et al. disclosed a sign. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,866,866 dated Sep. 19, 1989. Rotter, et al., disclosed a collapsible sign. In U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,356 dated May 8, 2007, Haggard, Jr., disclosed a banner display system.
While these devices may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as hereinafter described.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for mounting a pair of banner-type signs between upright columns so that the banner is attractively displayed and wherein the banner includes a flexing mechanism so that the banner can withstand high wind situations. Upper, intermediate and lower collars are mounted onto the upright columns so that the intermediate collar can slide up and down along the column to allow the banner to flex. Each collar has a pair of cylindrical receptacles mounted thereon through which a horizontal member can be inserted so that the horizontal member runs between the first and second columns. Thus, upper, intermediate and lower horizontal members are provided so that the intermediate horizontal member is allowed to slide up and down along the columns in high wind situations while the top collar and the lowest collar are fixedly secured to the columns. Elastic band members, such as rubber bands, connect the intermediate and lower horizontal members so that the elastic rubber bands stretch in high wind situations to allow the horizontal members to slide along the columns thereby allowing the banner to flex and thereby prevent tearing in high wind situations. The upright columns can be mounted in a concrete foundation or can be mounted onto a trailer so that the banner type sign can be moved about from one location to another.
An object of the present invention is to provide a mounting system for a banner wherein the banner can flex in a high wind situation to prevent the banner from being torn by high wind conditions. A further object of the present invention is to provide a mounting system for a banner which can be used on either new installations or existing installations wherein first and second columns are being used. A further object of the present invention is to provide a system for a banner which can be mounted on a conventional concrete foundation or on a movable trailer. A further object of the present invention is to provide a system for mounting a banner which can be easily used by an operator. A further object of the present invention is to provide a banner which can be relatively easily and inexpensively manufactured.
The present invention overcomes an inherent problem associated with conventional rigid banner frames which may be difficult to erect or store; may be unsightly and may not adapt to various size applications and support structures. Also, rigid sign frames can allow the wind to damage the material of which the banner is constructed which may cause distortion of the banner image in the absence of a flexing member.
The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.
The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention shown in operative connection.
FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the present invention taken from FIG. 3 as indicated.
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing cutaway portions of the present invention.
FIGS. 5 through 7 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the collar of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the present invention mounted onto a trailer.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings.
- 10 present invention
- 12 flexible sign/banner
- 14 logo/advertisement
- 16 front banner
- 18 rear banner
- 20 left column/upright member
- 22 right column/upright member
- 24 foundation
- 26 ground
- 28 top collar
- 30 intermediate collar
- 32 bottom collar
- 34 front cylindrical receptacle
- 36 rear cylindrical receptacle
- 38 fastener means
- 39 fastener means
- 40 front horizontal member
- 42 rear horizontal member
- 44 sleeve/pole pocket
- 46 elastic band
- 48 first half
- 50 second half
- 52 fastener
- 54 bungee cord
- 56 intermediate horizontal member
- 58 bottom horizontal member
- 60 trailer
- 62 platform
- 64 wheels
- 66 axle
- 68 stabilizer
- 70 attachment
- 72 bore
- 74 direction arrow
- 76 attachment point/grommet
- 78 attachment point
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The following discussion describes in detail at least one embodiment of the present invention. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the present invention to the particular embodiments described herein since practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For a definition of the complete scope of the invention the reader is directed to the appended claims. FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate the present invention wherein a system for mounting a flexible banner type sign is disclosed and which is generally indicated by reference number 10.
Turning to FIGS. 1 through 4, therein is shown the present invention 10 having a flexible sign or banner 12 displaying a logo or advertisement 14 thereon wherein there is a front banner 16 and a rear banner 18 disposed between upright spaced apart left column 20 and right column 22 which columns are disposed in a conventional foundation 24, e.g., concrete, which is disposed in the ground 26, Shown on the columns 20, 22 are an upper or top collar 28 having an optional cap thereon, an in-between or intermediate collar 30, and a lower or bottom collar 32 wherein each collar has a front cylindrical receptacle 34 and a tear cylindrical receptacle 36 wherein each receptacle has a fastener means or weld 38 for securing a corresponding horizontal member 40, 42, and a fastener 39 for attachment to each collar 28, 30, 32, and a bore 72 therein through which the horizontal member can be slidingly disposed. The cylindrical receptacles 34, 36, respectively, receive a front and rear horizontal member 40, 42 wherein each horizontal member is disposed in a pole pocket or sleeve 44 extending along the upper and lower edges of the sign or banner 12 and extending from one end to the other end of the banner so that the banner is secured to the corresponding horizontal member. Elastic bands 46, or the like, are placed on near the ends of the intermediate and bottom horizontal members 56, 58 so as to allow the intermediate collar 30 to slide up or down the columns in high wind conditions, as shown by direction arrows 74, which thereby allows the sign/banner 12 to flex in high wind conditions. The upper/top collar 28 and lower/bottom collar 32 are fixedly attached to the left and right columns 20, 22 whereas the intermediate collar 30 is slidably attached to the columns so that the intermediate collar 30 can slide up and down the columns 20, 22. The elastic bands 46 bias the intermediate horizontal member 56 downwardly so as to cause the flexible sign/banner 12 to be effectively tensioned between the top horizontal member and the intermediate horizontal member. For definition purposes, the term “intermediate” as used in this application does not mean “middle” or “mid-point”, and, it should be clear from FIG. 1 that the intermediate horizontal members and collars are between but closer to the lower rather than the upper horizontal members and collars.
Turning to FIGS. 5 through 7, therein are shown alternative embodiments of the collars 28, 30, 32 wherein FIG. 5 shows a round collar constructed of a single piece; FIG. 6 shows a round collar 28, 30, 32 having a first half 48 and a second half 50 which are joined together by fastener 52; and, FIG. 7 shows a square or rectangular collar 28, 30, 32 having first and second halves 48, 50 joined by fastener 52 so that square collars can be used in the event square columns are being used. Each of the collars shown in FIGS. 5 through 7 have a front and rear 34, 36 cylindrical receptacle thereon being attached to the collars by an attachment or fastener means 39, e.g., a weld, nut and bolt, screw, or the like, wherein each receptacle has a bore 72 therein for receiving a horizontal member 40, 42 therein. Also shown are an attachment or fastener means 38, e.g., a weld, nut and bolt, screw, or the like, for securing the horizontal members inside the corresponding cylindrical receptacles.
Turning to FIG. 8, therein is shown second embodiment of the present invention which uses a plurality of bungee cords 54 stretched between the bottom horizontal member 58 at 78 and the intermediate horizontal member 56 (the cords 54 may also be attached directly to the banner at 76 using a grommet or the like) instead of using the elastic bands 46 as previously disclosed. In all respects, the bungee cords 54 act in the same manner as the previously disclosed elastic bands 46 so that the flexible sign/banner 12 is allowed to flex up or down by allowing the collar 30 to slide up and down the left and right columns 20, 22.
Turning to FIG. 9, therein is shown the present invention 10 mounted on a conventional trailer 60 or a truck bed wherein the trailer or truck bed has a movable platform 62 for receiving the columns 20, 22 wherein the columns are suitably attached at 70, e.g., by welding or nuts and bolts, so that the columns are secured to the trailer 60. Also shown are wheels 64, axle 66, left and right stabilizers 68 wherein the trailer would be constructed and positioned in the conventional manner as would be done in the standard manner by one skilled in the art.
The present invention 10 discloses a system of components, which assemble into a structurally sound, architecturally appealing sign frame system which includes a flexible member which can be mounted to assorted surfaces allowing for portability or permanent positioning. When erected, the present invention 10 offers vertical support for printed messages on two sides and it can be collapsed for either storage or transportation.
The present invention 10 may be constructed of aluminum or steel materials, in round or rectangular form, with varying dimensions and metal strengths to support various size applications and is adaptable to support small and large messages. Elastic resistance bands 46, 54, or the like, expand and retract in the wind providing shock absorbing elasticity that allows the banner 12 to flex with the wind thereby offsetting damages to the message medium material and also maintains a preferred tight appearance to the sign face. The present invention 10 offers ease of assembly and the structural strength required for message support.
In summary, and by reference to FIGS. 1-9, the present invention 10 may be described as a method for mounting a banner 12 as follows: a) providing first and second spaced apart upright members 20, 22, each having a front and rear side; b) providing a first and second banner 16,18 each having an upper and a lower edge and a left and right side, wherein the first and second banners are disposed between the first and second upright members; c) providing upper 28, lower 32, and intermediate 30 collars on each upright member, wherein the upper and lower collars are fixedly attached to each upright member, wherein the intermediate collar is slidably attached to each upright member, wherein each collar has a front and rear side corresponding to the front and rear side of the upright members; d) providing a first and second substantially horizontal member 40, 42 on each said collar, wherein each horizontal member has left and right ends, wherein a first horizontal member is disposed on the front side of each collar and a second horizontal member is disposed on the rear side of each collar so that an upper, lower and intermediate horizontal member corresponds to each upper, lower and intermediate collar; e) disposing an upper edge (similarly located as 44) of the first banner on the first upper horizontal member and a lower edge (similarly located as 44) of the first banner on the first intermediate horizontal member, and disposing an upper edge of the second banner on the second upper horizontal member and a lower edge of the second banner on the second intermediate horizontal member so that one of the banners can always be viewed by an observer positioned on either the front or rear side of the upright member; and, f) providing a plurality of first elastic members 46 configured for resilient engagement with the first intermediate horizontal member and the first lower horizontal member for absorbing shock, and providing a plurality of second elastic members configured for resilient engagement with the second intermediate horizontal member and the second lower horizontal member for absorbing shock, thereby forming a structure providing flexibility to the first and second banner contributing to structural strength resistant to forces produced by high wind conditions. Further, providing a pole pocket 44 on the upper and lower edge of each banner, wherein each pole pocket extends from the left side to the right side of the banner for receiving a horizontal member therein. Further, providing a cylindrical receptacle 34, 36 on the front and rear side of each collar, the cylindrical receptacle for receiving an end of the first or second horizontal member to permit the horizontal member to be mounted to the collars. Further, also slidable inserting a horizontal member into each corresponding cylindrical receptacle and then into each corresponding pole pocket. Wherein the elastic members comprise a plurality of resistance bands 46 or wherein the elastic members comprise a plurality of bungee cords 46. Further, supporting the first and second upright members in a concrete foundation 24 disposed in the ground 26. Further, mounting the first and second upright members on a movable platform 62 for being moved from one location to another. Also, wherein each upright member and collar is round shaped (FIG. 5) or rectangular shaped (FIG. 7). Also, wherein a portion of the first and second elastic members 54 directly engage a portion 76 of the corresponding first and second banner.
Patent Grant
8732999
