Patent Application
20220223072
This invention described herein relates to a novel multi-display apparatus configured to be used for outdoor or indoor marketing displays. In one preferred embodiment, the novel multi-display apparatus may be particularly adapted to display one or more helium-free balloons in a unique clustered configuration. The balloon system can be attached to a vehicle, mounted on the top of an outside ground surface, mounted on top of a show room floor, and suspended from a wall and like applications.
Traditional marketing displays, such as flags, banners, signs, and balloons are often placed in, or near commercial establishments to draw customer attention. Such displays are generally positioned in elevated positions to both generate a clear line of sight to potential consumers, as well as to make use of generally empty space thus maximizing the display's commercial impact without impeding the flow of consumers. Such traditional marketing displays, such as signage, flags, balloons, and even artistic presentations are often secured in elevated positions through simple supports, or simply being manually secured to existing structures. However, such traditional displays may be difficult to position in certain geometric or other configurations and are often difficult to set up or break down limiting their initial use, as well as future re-use. As can be seen, there exist a need for a simple, reusable, and modular system to quickly construct and de-construct marketing displays in unique and eye-catching configurations.
In one aspect, the invention generally relates to a modular multi-display system that may be used to generate customizable geometric clusters and displays that may be used for marketing, promotional, advertising, and decorative displays, among others. In one aspect, the invention include systems and methods for a display apparatus that may be modular in natures such that it may easily set up and broken down and further positioned indoor, outdoors or in any location that may attract the attention of a consumer. In preferred aspect, the display apparatus may include a multi-display coupler having a plurality of display attachments that may secure one or more displays, such as flags, banners, signage, and preferably helium-free balloons.
As noted above, in one preferred embodiment, the display may include a helium-free balloon. In this embodiment, such a helium-free balloon may be generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,352,240, and include an inflatable, re-inflatable and reusable heavy duty, seamless helium-free balloon made from, for example a thermoplastic or other similar material.
In another aspect, the multi-display coupler may include a plurality of support arm having one or more display attachments, and a corresponding number of coupler recesses. In this configuration, multiple multi-display couplers may be position along a mounting pole and further secure one or more display, which may preferably be coupled with a flexible rod. In this configuration, the flexible rods supporting a display may be positioned in an upward projection and may be positioned with the coupler recess of a second multi-display coupler positioned above a first multi-display coupler. In this configuration, a plurality of multi-display couplers may be positioned along the length of a mounting pole and secure a plurality of displays, such that said upwardly projecting flexible rods may be intermeshed or secured with the adjacent multi-display coupler with another to form a closely adjacent display cluster.
In another aspect, the invention includes systems and methods for a multi-display apparatus. In this preferred aspect, a plurality of displays may be coupled with a supported mounting pole through one or more multi-display coupler having a plurality of display attachments that may secure one or more displays, such as flags, banners, signage, and preferably helium-free balloons. In this preferred aspect, the displays may be positioned in an upward orientation compared to the length of the with the mounting pole, which may further secure one or more additional displays secured to the distal, or top portion of said mounting pole, for example, through a pole coupler.
In another aspect, the in the invention include systems and methods for a multi-balloon cluster display having a plurality of helium-free balloon display clusters coupled along the length of a mounting pole and a helium-free balloon top display cluster positioned to the distal portion of the mounting pole forming a balloon cluster in a clustered orientation. Additional aspect may include a multi-display cluster apparatus having a plurality of display clusters coupled along the length of a mounting pole and a top display cluster positioned to the distal portion of the mounting pole forming a display cluster in a clustered orientation.
Additional aspects of the present invention will become apparent through the detailed explanation below.
The present invention includes a variety of aspects, which may be combined in different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of the embodiments of the present invention. These elements are listed with initial embodiments; however, it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the present invention to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. Further, this description should be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application.
The invention may include a modular display apparatus that be configured to be quickly set-up, customized in its appearance, and positioned outside or inside a commercial establishment or social event so as to capture consumer interest. In this preferred embodiment, the display apparatus of the invention may include a multi-display coupler (1). As shown in
As shown in the embodiment of
Notably, while in the embodiment shown in the figures the display attachments (3) of the invention are positioned on the multi-display coupler (1) such that a corresponding display rod (10) is secured in an upward position, this arrangement is exemplary only. For example, in alternative embodiment, display attachments (3) of the invention are positioned on the multi-display coupler (1) such that a corresponding display rod (10) may be orientated in a plurality of positions, such as horizontally or at an angle, or even downward. In certain embodiments, the multi-display coupler (1) of the invention may include a plurality of differently orientated display attachments (3) such that a user can customize the type and arrangement of the display coupled to the coupler (1). It should also be noted, that while in one embodiment the display attachments (3) of the invention may be coupled with a display rod (10) supporting a display, such as a helium-free balloon (21), in alternative embodiments a display attachment (3) may directly be coupled with a display or display coupler (12).
As shown in
As noted above, while a display of the invention generally encompasses a variety of advertising, marketing and other items, in preferred embodiment, multi-display coupler (1) of the invention may secure a display selected from the group consisting of: a helium-free balloon coupled with a flexible rod by a display coupler, a flag coupled with a flexible rod by a display coupler, a banner coupled with a flexible rod by a display coupler, a sign coupled with a flexible rod by a display coupler or a combination of the same. As noted above, in one preferred embodiment, the display may include a helium-free balloon. In this embodiment, such a helium-free balloon may be generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,352,240, and include an inflatable, re-inflatable and reusable heavy duty, seamless helium-free balloon made from, for example a thermoplastic or other similar material.
Referring now to
As shown in
Alternative embodiments include a coupler device, such as a twist, click, spring biased, or quick connect coupler, configured to secure a multi-display coupler (1) along the length of the mounting pole (8). In still further embodiment, a mounting pole (8) may include a series of extensions extending from the mounting pole (8) that be positioned against and support the and multi-display coupler (1) along the length of the mounting pole (8).
In one preferred embodiment, a mounting pole (8), and corresponding display apparatus, may be coupled with pole support (14) that may secure the mounting pole (8) in an upright position. Generally referring to
In alternative embodiments, a mounting pole (8) may be configured to be secured in the ground. In this embodiment, the mounting pole (8) may include a spiked end that may be secured into the ground and may further include a support plate (15) positioned along the length of the mounting pole (8) preventing the mounting pole (8) from being extended into the ground beyond a desired point. In an alternative embodiment, a spike, support plate (15), may be positioned in the ground, and the pole, also optionally having a support plate (15) may be positioned over the spoke securing the display apparatus in the ground. Further embodiment may further include a separate spike or ground stake that may secure a mounting pole (8), for example through a coupler or other attachment. In still further embodiments, a self-adjusting support plate device, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,850,206, may be used to secure a mounting pole in the ground or other penetrable surface.
Generally referring to
Generally referring to
The multi-balloon cluster display of the invention may further include a top display cluster (18) may be secured to the distal portion of the mounting pole (8). In this embodiment, a pole mount (9), positioned at the distal end of the mounting pole (8), may secure at least one display rod (10) further coupled with at least one helium-free balloon (21) or other display, wherein said helium-free balloon (21) or display project upward from said pole coupler and when positioned with the helium-free balloon (21) or displays coupled with the first or second multi-display couplers (1) forms a balloon cluster configuration as shown herein.
In one embodiment, the multi-display couplers (1) of the invention may include a plurality of support arms (1a) having one or more display attachments (3), and a series of coupler recess (1b) in between said arms (1a). As further shown in
In a preferred embodiment, a first and second display cluster (17) may include a first and second multi-display couplers comprise multi-display couplers (1) may include at least five display attachments (3) which may secure five display rods (10) each coupled with a helium-free balloon (21) through a diary coupler (12). As further shown, a top display cluster (18), in this preferred embodiment may include a pole coupler (9) securing three display rods (10) each coupled with a helium-free balloon (21) through a diary coupler (12). In this embodiment, thirteen helium-free balloons (21) may be secured to a mounting pole (8) in a clustered arrangement and presented to consumers as a display and commercial attractant.
Naturally, all embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative and should not be construed to limit the scope of the inventive technology consistent with the broader inventive principles disclosed. As may be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present inventive technology may be embodied in a variety of ways. It generally involves systems, methods, and techniques as well as devices to accomplish a display support system. In this application, the techniques, including novel and unique uses of manufacturing methods and materials, are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.
The discussion included in this provisional application is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the generic nature of the inventive technology and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the inventive technology is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the device described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the functions the inventive technology and each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application.
It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the inventive technology. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this inventive technology. A broad disclosure encompassing both the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternative embodiments, and the broad apparatus, methods or processes and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting the claims for any subsequent patent application. It should be understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patent application that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within the applicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the inventive technology both independently and as an overall system.
Further, each of the various elements of the inventive technology and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used or implied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual as well as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the inventive technology, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this inventive technology is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of an “coupler” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “coupling”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “coupling”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of an “coupling method and/or technique, and or device” and even a “means for coupling.” Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.
Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the methods, apparatus, improvements and/or devices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) each system, method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi) the various combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed, xii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented, and xiii) all inventions described herein.
With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with only initial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested in potential scope of this or subsequent applications should understand that broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in a case claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spite of any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, or arguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there is no intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. It should be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, such may require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered at any prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that to the extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented in this or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid such prior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims or the like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested in existing or later potential coverage or considering if there has at any time been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender of potential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimer is ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application. Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d 1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this or any subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but not limited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whether in this application or in any subsequent application, it should also be understood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments.
Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. The use of the phrase, “or any other claim” is used to provide support for any claim to be dependent on any other claim, such as another dependent claim, another independent claim, a previously listed claim, a subsequently listed claim, and the like. As one clarifying example, if a claim were dependent “on claim 20 or any other claim” or the like, it could be re-drafted as dependent on claim 1, claim 15, or even claim 715 (if such were to exist) if desired and still fall with the disclosure. It should be understood that this phrase also provides support for any combination of elements in the claims and even incorporates any desired proper antecedent basis for certain claim combinations such as with combinations of method, apparatus, process, and the like claims.
Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the inventive technology, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/136,384, filed Jan. 12, 2021. The entire specification and figures of the above-referenced application is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63136384 | Jan 2021 | US |
