Abstract:
A banner and frame system for displaying advertisements or messages (i.e., “Now Open”). The banner and frame system includes a modular banner frame and a frame support system. The modular banner frame includes a frame and a frame support system. The frame includes a plurality of frame sections and a plurality of frame connectors. The frame support system includes a plurality of support structures. The self-attaching banner includes a banner and an interlocking system. The interlocking system secures the self-attaching banner to the modular banner frame. The interlocking system includes a plurality of first fastener points and a plurality of second fastener points. The first fastener points and the second fastener points are positioned parallel to one another along the banner edges such that by folding the edge of the banner at a folding axis allows the first fastener points to interact with the second fastener points securely engaging one another. The self-attaching banner is secured to the banner frame using the interlocking system.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0001]    The present invention is generally related to signage system and method and, more particularly, is related to an apparatus where a self-attaching banner is coupled to a modular banner frame.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Supermarkets, drugstores, gas stations and similar establishments use signage systems that often have various problems. The signage system generally consists of a banner or sign and a banner or sign frame of various dimensions. More specifically, signage systems include a flexible cloth or plastic banner, which typically convey company names, messages, prices, and special offers. The banners are mounted on support structures such as poles or frames. The problems associated with signage systems include banners that are prone to sag, tear, or become unattached, banner frames that are difficult to assemble and disassemble, and routinely are of only one size. Furthermore, these problems are the result of the necessity to display widely diverse consumer-related products, which do not lend themselves to the use of a single signage system.  
           [0003]    Generally it is desired that unskilled employees be able to construct the banner frame and mount and change the banners with minimal time and effort. Prior signage systems were difficult to assemble in the field and, once assembled, were difficult to break down for storage or reassembly in a different location. Finally, completely different signage systems were required for banners of different dimensions.  
           [0004]    Generally, signage systems have a flexible banner supported by a rigid banner frame. Many signage systems include a banner that has eyeholes on the sides or corners, which thereby enable a hook, tensioning devices, or other attaching device to be attached to the banner while also being attached to the frame. For example, the four-corners of a banner contain eyeholes that can be engaged with a hook or other appropriate attachment means. One disadvantage of this system is that the banner must be made with costly eyeholes. In addition, stress placed on the eyeholes can cause the banner to tear. Further, other signage systems wrap a portion of the edge of the banner around a portion of the frame and clamp the banner to the frame. For example, the top banner edge is secured to the upper portion of the frame by wrapping it around the top frame bar and clamping into position with a clamping device. The bottom banner edge and the banner side edge are also wrapped around the corresponding frame bars and clamped into position. One disadvantage of this system is that the frame is complex to work and costly to construct and repair. Furthermore, signage systems often have only one possible banner frame dimension, which requires the purchase of many banner frames to accommodate various sized banners.  
           [0005]    Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies associated with currently used signage systems.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    An embodiment of the present invention provides a banner and frame system. The banner and frame system includes a modular banner frame and a frame support system. The modular banner frame includes a frame and a frame support system. The frame includes a plurality of frame sections and a plurality of frame connectors. The frame support system includes a plurality of support structures. The self-attaching banner includes a banner and an interlocking system. The interlocking system secures the self-attaching banner to the modular banner frame. The interlocking system includes a plurality of first fastener points and a plurality of second fastener points. The first fastener points and the second fastener points are positioned parallel to one another along the banner edges such that by folding the edge of the banner at a folding axis allows the first fastener points to interact with the second fastener points securely engaging one another. The self-attaching banner is secured to the banner frame using the interlocking system.  
           [0007]    Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of using a banner and frame. The method includes providing a modular banner frame, a self-attaching banner, and an interlocking system. The interlocking system is part of the self-attaching banner. The method further includes securing the self-attaching banner to the modular banner frame using the interlocking system, as described above.  
           [0008]    Another embodiment of the present invention provides a self-attaching banner. The self-attaching banner includes a banner and an interlocking system. The interlocking system is similar to the interlocking system described above.  
           [0009]    Still another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of using a self-attaching banner. The method includes providing a self-attaching banner and providing an interlocking system. The method further includes securing the interlocking system to a structure. The interlocking system operates like the interlocking system described above.  
           [0010]    A further embodiment of the present invention provides a modular banner frame. The modular banner frame includes a frame and a frame support system. The frame includes a plurality of frame sections and a plurality of frame connectors. The frame support system includes a plurality of support structures.  
           [0011]    Still a further embodiment provides a method of using a modular banner frame. The method includes providing a plurality of frame sections, providing a plurality of frame connectors that are capable of connecting to the frame sections, providing a plurality of frame support structures that are capable of connecting to the frame connectors, connecting the frame sections and frame connectors such that a banner frame is made, and connecting the frame support structures to the banner frame.  
       
    
    
       [0012]    Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.  
         [0014]    FIGS.  1 A- 1 D illustrate a front view of various configurations of an embodiment of the modular banner frame.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIGS. 1E and 1F illustrate a side view of various configurations of an embodiment of the modular banner frame.  
         [0016]    FIGS.  2  illustrates a rear view of a preferred embodiment of a self-attaching banner.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3A- 3 C illustrate two back views and one front view of a preferred embodiment of the modular banner frame of FIG. 1A- 1 F that incorporate the self-attaching banner illustrated in FIG. 2.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4 illustrates a cut out front view of one preferred embodiment of a modular banner frame and self-attaching banner system as shown in FIGS.  1 A- 1 F,  2 , and  3 A- 3 C.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 5 illustrates a cut out front view of another preferred embodiment of a modular banner frame and self-attaching banner system as shown in FIGS.  1 A- 1 F,  2 ,  3 A- 3 C, and  4 .  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 6 illustrates a cut out side view of a preferred embodiment of a modular banner frame and self-attaching banner system as shown in FIGS.  1 A- 1 F,  2 ,  3 A- 3 C,  4 , and  5 .  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 7A, 7B, and  7 C illustrate cut out rear views of preferred embodiments of the present invention as shown in FIGS.  1 A- 1 F,  2 ,  3 A- 3 C,  4 ,  5 , and  6 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Although the invention will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed therein. On the contrary, the intent is to include all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.  
         [0023]    An embodiment of the present invention provides a self-attaching banner and modular banner frame system that includes a self-attaching banner that is placed upon a freestanding modular banner frame. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a freestanding modular banner frame, hereinafter banner frame. The materials that the banner frame can be constructed of include, but are not limited to, PVC, plastic, wood, metal, or other suitable material as the frame. The banner frame can be of various shapes including, but not limited to, a square, a rectangle, a circle, and various other shapes. In addition, the banner frame is free standing and has footings or feet to hold the banner frame upright.  
         [0024]    Another embodiment of the present invention is a self-attaching banner that is self-attaching around the banner frame by use of an interlocking system. The interlocking system includes, but is not limited to, snaps, zippers, buttons, Velcro, hooks and loops, suctions cups, snap tape, tape, adhesives, and other appropriate attaching means. Generally, the interlocking system is located on the perimeter of the banner, but could be located at other points as needed. An additional embodiment includes a banner that has one or more eyelets along the edges of the banner. In this embodiment the banner and banner frame may be hung from or on a wall, fence, or ceiling.  
         [0025]    FIGS.  1 A- 1 D illustrate a front view of numerous configurations that illustrate the flexibility of an embodiment of the present invention. The banner frame  100 A-D configurations of an embodiment illustrated in FIGS.  1 A- 1 D includes a frame  101  and a frame support system  102 A-B. The modular banner frame  100 A-D can be easily and quickly constructed in numerous sizes and shapes. Further, additional banner frame kits or parts can be inexpensively purchased if parts are lost or broken, rather than purchasing an entire banner frame. These configurations are herein discussed in further detail with regard to FIGS.  1 A- 1 D.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 1A illustrates one of the banner frame  100 A configurations of an embodiment of the present invention. The frame  101  is made of a plurality of frame components, which include frame sections  107  and frame connectors  105 ,  109 , and  111 . The frame sections  107  can be of one or more lengths. In addition, the frame sections  107  can be curved (not shown) so that circular banner frames can be constructed. The frame connectors  105 ,  109 , and  111  accept the frame sections  107  in one or more frame connector acceptors. Non-limiting illustrative examples of frame connectors include the T-connector  105 , straight connectors  109 , corner connectors  111 , and cross connectors (not shown). In addition, the connectors can be curved (not shown) so that circular banner frames can be constructed. The frame sections  107  are of an appropriate length for the type of banner frame that is needed. A non-limiting illustrative example is a banner frame that would be used in the front of a gas station or other similar establishment that would have frame sections  107  that are one foot and two feet in length. This would allow banner frames of various sizes to be easily constructed and modified for various banner sizes. However, the preferred embodiment would include two or fewer frame sections  107  of particular lengths, e.g., one and two foot sections.  
         [0027]    The frame support system  102  also illustrated in FIG. 1A is constructed of two frame support structures, which are located at either end of the banner frame  100 A. However, more frame support structures can be added to the frame support system  102  if additional support is needed. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A includes a frame support system  102  that is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 1E and 1F.  
         [0028]    Each frame support structure is connected to a T-connector  105  that also connects to two frame sections  107  in the vertical and horizontal directions. A straight connector  109  connects two frame sections  107  in the horizontal direction. The vertical frame sections  107  are connected to other frame sections  107  via straight connectors  109 . The vertical frame sections  107  are connected to corner connectors  111  at the top of the banner frame  100 A. The two corner connectors  111  connect two frame sections  107 . The two frame sections  107  at the top of the banner frame  100 A are connected using another straight connector  109 .  
         [0029]    The banner frame  100 B configuration shown in FIG. 1B is modified from the banner frame  100 A configuration shown in FIG. 1A. The modification of banner frame  100 A configuration to form banner frame  100 B configuration is the addition of a pair of frame sections  107  and frame connectors  105  and  109  between the banner frame support structures. This configuration would provide more support in the middle of the banner frame  100 B for longer or heavier banners. Other embodiments, not shown, would include banner frames that have multiple frame support structures  102 , e.g., interval and edge support structures.  
         [0030]    The banner frame  100 C configuration illustrated in FIG. 1C is also a modification of the banner frame  100 A-B configurations shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively. FIG. 1C illustrates a smaller banner frame  100 C configuration, which demonstrates the versatility of an embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, the banner frame  100 D configuration illustrated in FIG. 1D also illustrates another banner frame  100 D configuration size that can be constructed using the present invention.  
         [0031]    The banner frame support system  102  includes a plurality of frame support structures. FIGS. 1E and 1F illustrate configurations of the frame support structures  102 A-B. Banner frames  100 A-D can be supported using either frame support structure  102 A-B.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 1E illustrates a frame support structure with feet  102 A. The frame support structure  102 A is constructed using the same banner frame sections  107  and banner connectors  105 ,  109 , and  111  that the banner frames  100 A-D are constructed of with the addition of the foot end  190 . The frame support structure  102 A uses frame sections  107  that are perpendicular (horizontal foot section) to the banner frame  100 A-D to preclude the banner frame  100 A-D from flipping over or being pushed over due to inclement weather conditions. In addition, multiple frame sections  107  can be connected with straight connectors  109  to lengthen the horizontal foot section for added support. FIGS.  1 A- 1 D show only a pair of frame support structures  102 A, however the present invention is not limited to only a pair of frame support structures. Three or more frame support structures may be needed to support longer banner frames.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 1F illustrates an alternative configuration of the frame support structure  102 B that can also be used in the banner frames  100 A-D illustrated in FIGS.  1 A- 1 D. Like the frame support structure  102 A described in FIG. 1E, the frame support structure  102 B uses many of the same components that are used to construct the banner frame  100 A-D. An additional component of the frame support structure  102 B illustrated in FIG. 1F is the frame spike  195 . The banner frame  100 A-D is supported using the frame support structure  102 B by driving the frame spikes  195  into the ground. FIGS.  1 A- 1 D illustrate only a pair of frame support structures  102 B, but three or more frame support structures  102 B can be used for additional support. The frame spikes  195  can be of various lengths for added support.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 2 illustrates a self-attaching banner system  200 . The banner system  200  includes a banner  202  with an interlocking system  204 . The interlocking system  204  includes a plurality of first fastener points  205  and a plurality of second fastener points  210 . The interlocking system  204  is herein defined in further detail with regard to FIGS.  4 - 7 . The interlocking system  204  includes, but is not limited to, the following system: snaps, zippers, buttons, velcro, hooks and loops, suctions cups, snap tape, tape, adhesives, and other appropriate attaching systems. The interlocking system  204  is located at the edges of the banner, e.g., the top, bottom, sides or any combinations thereof. The interlocking system  204  can span the entire peripheral of the banner  200  or only select portions of the banner  200 . A non-limiting illustrative example is an interlocking system  204  that does not extend to the corners. The interlocking system  204  has at least two fastener points  205  and  210 . The fastener points  205  and  210  are appropriately spaced from one another to allow the wrapping of the banner  200  about a folding axis  220  around a banner frame section  107 . A non-limiting illustrative example is fastener points constructed of Velcro that have little or no space between the first fastener  205  and second fastener  210  because the first fastener Velcro point  205  can attach at any point on the second fastener Velcro point  210 . However, snaps need to be appropriately spaced so that the banner can be wrapped around the banner frame section  107 . But this can be overcome by having multiple rows of first fastener snap points  205  and second fastener snap points  210 . In addition, multiple rows of first fastener points  205  and second fastener points  210  can be made for zippers, buttons, suctions cups, snap tape, tape, adhesives, and other appropriate attaching systems. Further, the corners can be reinforced, elastic, or angled  240 , as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and  7 C, respectively.  
         [0035]    In another embodiment, the banner system  200  includes a banner  202  and a plurality of hems. The frame sections  107  can be inserted into the hems. The hems would be of appropriate size so that the frame section  107  and straight connectors  109  can slide through. This is unlike other banners that contain hems for a string, rope, rod, or wire. In a preferred embodiment, the banner  200  would have a hem on each side of the banner  202  (e.g., four hems) to support the banner  202  and prevent the banner  202  from blowing in the wind. This is unlike other banners that contain only one or two hems. In addition, the hems could be used in conjunction with the interlocking system  204 , discussed above, on one or more sides of the banner  202 .  
         [0036]    [0036]FIGS. 3A, 3B and  3 C illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention that incorporates the embodiment shown in FIGS.  1 A- 1 F and  2 . FIG. 3A illustrates a rear view of the banner frame  100  and the self-attaching banner  303 B, banner and frame system  300 . The self-attaching banner  303 B includes a banner  303 B and an interlocking system  204 . The interlocking system  204  includes a plurality of first fastener points  205  and a plurality of second fastener points  210 . In order for the banner  303 B to be attached to the banner frame  100  the first fastener point  205  is wrapped  320  around the banner frame section  107  until the first fastener point interlocks with the second fastener point  210 .  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 3B illustrates a rear view of the banner and frame system  301  after the first fastener points  205  are interlocked with the second fastener points  210 . FIG. 3C is a front view of the banner system  302  after the first fastener points  205  of the banner  303 F are wrapped  320  around the banner frame  100  and interconnected to the second fastener points  210 .  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a particular interlocking system  204  that illustrates a cut out of the interlocking of the first fastener point  205  and the second fastener point  210 . However, FIG. 4 illustrates the use of a specific interlocking system  204 , the Velcro system or hook and loop system. The interlocking system  204  illustrated in FIG. 4 operates by wrapping  410  the banner  303  around the frame section  107 . More specifically, the first fastener points  405  are wrapped around the frame section  107  and interconnected to the second fastener points  407  to securely attach the banner  303  to the banner frame  100 A-D. The same process is repeated for each side of the banner  303  that is to be attached to the banner frame  100 A-D. The hook and loop system includes hooks as the first fastener points and loops as the second fastener points or vice versa. The hooks engage the loops and form a secure attachment. The hook and loop system is very similar to the well-known Velcro system.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a particular interlocking system  204  that illustrates an alternative interlocking system  204  that can be used with the banner and frame system. The interlocking system  204  illustrated in FIG. 5 is a snap system. The snap system operates by wrapping  510  the banner  303  around the frame section  107  and interconnecting the snaps  505  and snap receptacles  507 . The snaps  505  and snap receptacles  507  correspond to the first fastener point  505  and the second fastener point  507 , respectively. Also, the position of the snap and snap receptacle can be switched so that the first fastener point is the snap receptacle and the second fastener point is the snap. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a particular interlocking system  204  that illustrates a side view of a cut out portion of the banner frame  100 A-D and banner  303 , banner and frame system  300 B and  300 F. The top portion of FIG. 6 illustrates the banner  303  where the first fastener point  405  and a second fastener point  407  have not yet been interconnected. The first fastener point  405  can be connected to the second fastener point  410  by moving the first fastener point  405  towards the second fastener point  407  until the two are interconnected. The bottom portion of FIG. 6 illustrates the interconnection  610  of the first fastener point  405  and the second fastener point  407  as describe by  410 .  
         [0040]    [0040]FIGS. 7A, 7B, and  7 C illustrate possible corner configurations of the present invention. FIG. 7A illustrates a corner configuration  705  that includes a reinforcing material  720  at the corner to prevent the banner  303  from tearing. The reinforcing material  720  can be made of any material that could prevent tearing and can be of any size or shape that prevents tearing including, but not limited to, cloth, plastic, metal, or any other tear resistant material.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 7B illustrates an alternative embodiment of the corner configuration  710 . The corner illustrated in FIG. 7B includes an elastic material  730  placed in the corner position. The elastic material  730  can be made of any material that is elastic and can support the strain imposed by the banner  303  including, but not limited to, plastic, cloth, or other elastic material.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 7C illustrates an alternative embodiment of the corner configuration  715 . The corner illustrated in FIG. 7C cuts off one or more of the pointed portions of the corners  740 , which enables the banner  303  to engage a banner frame without an overlapping corner section. A banner  303  that has cut-off corners is called a cut-off corner banner. The corners can be cut off to varying degrees as needed per application use. The reinforcing or elastic material, discussed and listed above, can be used as additional support with this embodiment along the remaining corner area.  
         [0043]    It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.