Patent Application
20240197088
The present disclosure relates to assemblies and systems for displaying banners and, more particularly, to tensioning frames for sheet media.
The display of large banners requires professionally installed frames. These frames support the banner and stretch the banner taut. The banners need to be stretched tight to ensure best visual appearance in the frame. As a result, the banners generally need to be stretched and supported on all four sides. In addition to keeping the banner stretched taut, the frame can also provide a floating appearance.
In some situations, the frame becomes part of the aesthetic design of the banner. But, some frames include fasteners and various screws to secure the banner to the frame. Unfortunately, the fasteners and screws increases the complexity of securing a banner in the frame. Additionally, exposed screws can detract from the overall appearance of the banner.
A first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a mounting bracket assembly including a base plate having a proximal end and a distal end. The base plate includes a first clamping surface disposed between the proximal and distal ends of the base plate, an upwardly-extending stretch arm at the distal end of the base plate, and a vertical channel disposed between the first clamping surface and the upwardly-extending stretch arm. Additionally, the mounting bracket assembly may include a clamping arm removably coupled to the base plate. The clamping arm includes a proximal end and a distal end. In some examples, the clamping arm includes a second clamping surface between the proximal and distal ends of the clamping arm, and a downwardly-extending stretch arm disposed at the distal end of the clamping arm. The downwardly-extending stretch arm may be configured to extend into the vertical channel of the base plate. Further, the mounting bracket assembly may include a cover configured to couple to the base plate over the clamping arm.
In some variations, the cover is coupled to the proximal end of the base plate and configured to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the base plate and clamping arm. In such variations, the cover disposed over the clamping arm in the closed position. Additionally, the base plate may be one-piece, the clamping arm may be one-piece, and/or the cover may be one-piece.
In other variations, the mounting bracket assembly may further include a reusable adhesive disposed on the first clamping surface. Additionally, the second clamping surface may further comprise a gripping element. In some examples, the gripping element comprises a plurality of teeth.
In yet other variations, the base plate can include a bottom surface, the first clamping surface being disposed above the bottom surface. Further, an upper surface of the upwardly-extending stretch arm may be higher than the first clamping surface.
In some variations, the cover moves about a pivot axis disposed on the proximal end of the base plate. Additionally, the base plate may further include a horizontal channel at the proximal end of the base plate, the horizontal channel configured to receive the proximal end of the clamping arm. As a result, the proximal end of the clamping arm can engage a wall of the horizontal channel to define a fulcrum.
In yet further alternatives, the mounting bracket assembly may include a fastener disposed through the clamping arm and first clamping surface of the base plate. In such an alternative, the cover is configured to be disposed over the fastener in the closed position.
Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a mounting bracket and banner tensioning system including a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket. The first mounting bracket includes a first base plate having a first clamping surface, a first upwardly extending stretch arm, and a first vertical channel disposed between the first clamping surface and the first upwardly-extending stretch arm. The first mounting bracket may also include a first clamping arm removably coupled to the first base plate, the first clamping arm having a first clamping arm clamping surface and a first downwardly extending stretch arm. Additionally, the first mounting bracket may include a first cover coupled to the first base plate. Also, the second mounting bracket, disposed opposite the first mounting bracket, including a second base plate having a second clamping surface, a second upwardly extending stretch arm, and a second vertical channel disposed between the second clamping surface and the second upwardly-extending stretch arm. The second mounting bracket may further include a second clamping arm removably coupled to the second base plate, the second clamping arm having a second clamping arm clamping surface and a second downwardly extending stretch arm. Also the second mounting bracket assembly may include a second cover coupled to the second base plate. The banner tensioning system may further include a banner having a first end secured between the first clamping surface and the first clamping arm clamping surface and a second end secured between the second clamping surface and the second clamping arm clamping surface, the banner stretched tight between the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket when the banner is stretched by the first downwardly extending stretch arm disposed in the first vertical channel and the second downwardly extending stretch arm disposed in the second vertical channel.
In some variations, the mounting bracket and banner tensioning system may include a reusable adhesive disposed on the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface. The system may further include fastening the first end of the banner to the first mounting bracket with at least one first fastener and fastening the second end of the banner to the second mounting bracket with at least one second fastener. Additionally the banner may be further stretched by extending the banner from the first downwardly extending stretch arm to the first upwardly extending stretch arm and extending the banner from the second downwardly extending stretch arm to the second upwardly extending stretch arm
In other variations, the first cover may be configured to couple to the first base plate over the at least one first fastener and the second cover may be configured to couple to the second base plate over the at least one second fastener.
Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of displaying and tensioning a banner. The method may include placing a first end of the banner on a first clamping surface of a first mounting bracket assembly and a second end of the banner on a first clamping surface of a second mounting bracket assembly. The first mounting bracket assembly may include a first base plate, a first clamping arm, and a first cover and the second mounting bracket may include a second base plate, a second clamping arm, and a second cover. The method may further include securing the first end of the banner in the first mounting bracket and the second end of the banner in the second mounting bracket and then stretching the banner between the first base plate and first clamping arm and the second base plate and second clamping arm. In some examples, the method includes fastening the first clamping arm to the first base plate and the second clamping arm to the second base plate. Additionally, the method may include disposing the first cover over the first clamping arm and the second cover over the second clamping arm.
In some variations, fastening the first clamping arm to the first base plate includes fastening a screw through the first clamping arm and the first base plate. Additionally, stretching the banner between the first base plate and the first clamping arm may include stretching the banner between a downwardly-extending stretch arm disposed on the first clamping arm and an upwardly-extending stretch arm disposed on the first base plate. In some examples, the method further includes disposing the first mounting bracket assembly opposite the second mounting bracket assembling.
It is believed that the disclosure will be more fully understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Some of the drawings may have been simplified by the omission of selected elements for the purpose of more clearly showing other elements. Such omissions of elements in some drawings are not necessarily indicated of the presence or absence of particular elements in any of the exemplary embodiments, except as may be explicitly delineated in the corresponding written description. Also, none of the drawings are necessarily to scale.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercial feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the tensioning frame includes a mounting bracket assembly and banner tensioning system for displaying and tensioning a banner, such as a vinyl banner or poster. Additionally, the mounting bracket assembly includes fasteners and a cover configured to cover the fasteners and improve the overall appearance of the frame. In some examples, the tensioning frame provides an easy and simple system for displaying banner displays.
As illustrated in
The base plate 202 further includes a first, vertical channel 222, a second, vertical channel 224, a bottom recess 226, and a horizontal channel 228. The first vertical channel 222 is disposed between the stretch arm 218 and the first clamp surface 216 and near the distal end 212b. The horizontal channel 228 is disposed at the proximal end 212a of the base plate 202. The horizontal channel 228 is configured to receive the clamping arm 204 and discussed in greater detail in connection with
The base plate 202 further includes a coupling body 230 disposed on the proximal end 212a of the base plate 202. The coupling body 230 is configured to couple the cover 206 to the base plate 202. The coupling body 230 includes a rotational coupling arm 232 and a leaf spring shackle 234. The cover 206 is removably coupled to the coupling body 230 with a leaf spring 236. In other examples, the cover 206 may be coupled to the base plate 202 in any other
The clamping arm 204 includes a proximal end 242a and a distal end 242b. The proximal end 242a is received in the horizontal channel 228. The distal end 242b of the clamping arm 204 includes a downwardly-extending stretch arm 244. Additionally, the clamping arm 204 includes a second clamping surface 246 disposed between the proximal end 242a and the distal end 242b. In various examples, the second clamping surface 246 includes a gripping element 248 such as a plurality of teeth as illustrated in
The cover 206 defines a proximal end 252a and a distal end 252b and a cover panel 254 extending between the proximal end 252a and the distal end 252b. The cover 206 includes a hinge 256 disposed on the proximal end 252a. Additionally, the cover 206 includes a structural arm 258a including a leaf spring shackle 258b. The hinge 256 in combination with the leaf spring 236 properly disposed in the leaf spring shackle 258b are configured to removably couple the cover 206 to the base plate 202. Additionally, the cover 206 includes a front cover plate 262. In some examples, the cover panel 254 includes a colored surface, patterned veneer, or other decorative surface. As discussed above, the width (e.g., width 132) of the cover 206 may be configured to be aesthetically pleasing. For example, the width may be approximately 2.5 inches (in.). However, the cover 206 may be any width sufficient to cover the clamping arm 204 and the base 202 while also being aesthetically pleasing.
The clamping arm 204 and the cover 206 are removably coupled to the base plate 202. Specifically, the proximal end 242a of the clamping arm 204 is received in the horizontal channel 228. The cover 206 is coupled to the coupling arm 232 disposed on the proximal end 212a of the base plate 202. As shown, the hinge 256 is pushed into the coupling body 230 due to the leaf spring 236 disposed between the coupling body 230 and the structural arm 258a. The leaf spring 236 exerts a force on both the coupling body 230 and the structural arm 258a causing the hinge 256 to be pushed into the coupling body 230. Furthermore, as shown in
As shown in
In
The upper surface 522 of the stretch arm 218 is disposed at a first height 524 and the first clamping surface 216 is disposed at a second height 526. As shown, the first height 524 of the upper surface 522 is higher than the second height 526 of the first clamping surface 216. In some examples, the first height 524 and the second height 526 could be the same. Additionally, the first clamping surface 216 is disposed approximately centrally between the proximal end 212a and the distal end 212b. In other examples, the first clamping surface 216 could be disposed at or closer to one of the proximal end 212a or the distal end 212b.
The second, vertical channel 224 is disposed at the proximal end 212a and opposite the first, vertical channel 222. The second vertical channel 224 is disposed between the back wall 512 and the first clamping surface 514. As a result, the second vertical channel 224 is defined by the back wall 512, the bottom surface 214, and the first support wall 514. The second, vertical channel 224 also defines a generally rectangular cross-sectional area, but in other examples, the second vertical channel 224 may have any other cross-sectional shape area. In some examples, the first clamping surface 216 at least partially overhangs the second, vertical channel 224.
The bottom recess 226 is disposed beneath the first clamping surface 216. The bottom recess 226 is defined by the first support wall 514, the first clamping surface 216, and the second support wall 516. While the bottom recess 226 defines a generally rectangular cross-sectional area, the cross-sectional area of the bottom recess 226 could be any alternative cross-sectional shape. In some examples, the bottom surface 214 encloses the bottom recess 226.
The horizontal channel 228 includes a bottom wall 532 and a top wall 534, both generally perpendicular to the back wall 512. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom wall 532 is disposed at the second height 526, but in other examples, the bottom wall 532 may be disposed at a height higher or lower than the second height 526. The bottom wall 532 and the top wall 534 define a height 536 and a depth 538 of the horizontal channel 228. Additionally, in some examples, the bottom wall 532 is configured to overhang the second, vertical channel 224.
The base plate 202 further includes the cover 206 coupling body 230 disposed on the proximal end 212a of the base plate 202. The coupling body 230 includes a rotational coupling arm 232 and a leaf spring shackle 234. As discussed in greater detail in connection with
As illustrated in
The base plate 602 further includes a first, vertical channel 622, a second, vertical channel 624, a bottom recess 626, and a horizontal channel 628. The first vertical channel 622 is disposed between the stretch arm 618 and the first clamp surface 616 and near the distal end 612b. The horizontal channel 628 is disposed at the proximal end 612a of the base plate 602. The horizontal channel 628 is configured to receive the clamping arm 604 and discussed in greater detail in connection with
The base plate 602 further includes a coupling body 630 disposed on the proximal end 612a of the base plate 602. The coupling body 630 is configured to couple the cover 206 to the base plate 602. The coupling body 630 includes a rotational coupling arm 632 and a leaf spring shackle 634. The cover 206 is removably coupled to the coupling body 630 with a leaf spring 636. In other examples, the cover 206 may be coupled to the base plate 602 in any other
The clamping arm 604 includes a proximal end 642a and a distal end 642b. The proximal end 642a is received in the horizontal channel 628. The distal end 642b of the clamping arm 604 includes a downwardly-extending stretch arm 644. Additionally, the clamping arm 604 includes a second clamping surface 646 disposed between the proximal end 642a and the distal end 642b. In various examples, the second clamping surface 646 includes a gripping element 648 such as a plurality of teeth as illustrated in
As illustrated, the clamping arm 604 and the cover 206 are removably coupled to the base plate 602. Specifically, the cover 206 is coupled to the proximal end 612a of the base plate 602. As shown, the hinge 256 is pushed into the coupling body 630 due to the leaf spring 636 disposed between the coupling body 630 and the structural arm 658a. The leaf spring 636 exerts a force on both the coupling body 630 and the structural arm 658a causing the hinge 256 to be pushed into the coupling body 630. Furthermore, the cover 206 is configured to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the base plate 602 and clamping arm 604. For example, the hinge 256 is configured to pivot about a pivot axis 664 within a coupling arm 632. In various other examples, the pivot axis 664 could be disposed anywhere on the proximal end 612a of the base plate 602.
In
The upper surface 1022 of the stretch arm 618 is disposed at a first height 1024 and the first clamping surface 616 is disposed at a second height 1026. As shown, the first height 1024 of the upper surface 1022 is higher than the second height 1026 of the first clamping surface 616. In some examples, the first height 1024 and the second height 1026 could be the same. Additionally, the first clamping surface 616 is disposed approximately centrally between the proximal end 612a and the distal end 612b. In other examples, the first clamping surface 616 could be disposed at or closer to one of the proximal end 612a or the distal end 612b.
The second, vertical channel 624 is disposed at the proximal end 612a and opposite the first, vertical channel 622. The second vertical channel 624 is disposed between the back wall 1012 and the first clamping surface 1014. As a result, the second vertical channel 624 is defined by the back wall 1012, the bottom surface 614, and the first support wall 1014. The second, vertical channel 624 also defines a generally rectangular cross-sectional area, but in other examples, the second vertical channel 624 may have any other cross-sectional shape area. In some examples, the first clamping surface 616 at least partially overhangs the second, vertical channel 624.
The bottom recess 626 is disposed beneath the first clamping surface 616. The bottom recess 626 is defined by the first support wall 1014, the first clamping surface 616, and the second support wall 1016. While the bottom recess 626 defines a generally rectangular cross-sectional area, the cross-sectional area of the bottom recess 626 could be any alternative cross-sectional shape. In some examples, the bottom surface 614 encloses the bottom recess 626.
The horizontal channel 628 is disposed on the back wall 1012. The horizontal channel 628 includes a bottom wall 1032 and a top wall 1034, both generally perpendicular to the back wall 1012. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom wall 1032 is disposed at the second height 1026, but in other examples, the bottom wall 1032 may be disposed at a height higher or lower than the second height 1026. The bottom wall 1032 and the top wall 1034 define a height 1036 and a depth 1038 of the horizontal channel 628. The vertical recess 1056 may further define a recess height 1040 configured to receive the upwardly-extending arm 652. When the upwardly-extending arm 652, the clamp arm 604 defines a fulcrum with the top wall 1034. Additionally, in some examples, the bottom wall 1032 is configured to overhang the second, vertical channel 624.
The base plate 602 further includes the cover 206 coupling body 630 disposed on the proximal end 612a of the base plate 602. The coupling body 630 includes a rotational coupling arm 632 and a leaf spring shackle 634. As discussed in greater detail in connection with
Returning to
After the display banner 102 is placed in the tensioning frame 100, the display banner 102 is stretched between the base plate (e.g., base plate 202, 602) and the clamping arm (e.g., clamp arm 204, 604). For example, the display banner 102 is stretched in the first direction 122 between the first and third mounting bracket assemblies 112, 116 (disposed opposite each other) when the downwardly-extending stretch arms are inserted into the first vertical channels of the corresponding base plates. Additionally, the display banner 102 is stretched in the second direction 124 between the second and fourth mounting bracket assemblies 114, 118 when the downwardly-extending clamp arms (e.g., clamp arm 204, 604) are inserted into the first vertical channels of the corresponding base plates (e.g., base plate 202, 602). In some examples, the display banner 102 needs to only be stretched in one of the first direction 122 or the second direction 124.
After the display banner 102 is stretched between the clamp arm (e.g., clamp arm 204, 604) and the base plate (e.g., base plate 202, 602) of each of the first, second, third, and fourth mounting bracket assemblies 112, 114, 116, 118, the fastener (e.g., fastener 402, 802) is passed through the clamp arm and the base plate to removably fasten the clamp arm and the base plate together. After the fastener (e.g., fastener 802, 1102) couples the clamp arm to the base plate, the cover (e.g., the cover 206) is rotated to cover the base plate, cover arm, and fastener. As a result, when the cover is closed over the base plate, the tensioning frame 100 and display banner 102 form an aesthetically pleasing display.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention(s) disclosed herein, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept(s).
