HAND HELD MULTIPLE BANNER AND SIGNAGE DEVICE

Abstract: A new and improved flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device (10) and method of making same is provided. The present device (10) enables a selective display of multiple messages (A, B, C, D, E, F) on a maximum surface area for viewing from long distances by providing multiple panels (1, 2, 3) joined together by a hinge mechanism (15, 19, 26) which allows the panels (1, 2, 3) to be displayed either vertically or horizontally. The flexible nature of the device (10) allows the device (10) to be transported or stored in a compact form when not in immediate use. Both front and back surfaces (12, 14) of the panels (1, 2, 3) will be used to display messages (A, B, C, D, E, F) thereby increasing the surface area of signage to it's maximum potential. This flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device (10) may be tailored to a number of different usages and circumstances.

Description: Title of the Invention Hand Held Multiple Banner and Signage Device * Cross-References to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/199,337, filed on April 24, 2000. Technical Field The present invention relates to a new and improved flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device and method of making same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device which enables selective multiple message signage by providing a durable, lightweight and economically produced multi-leaf banner that is flexible, compact during transport and provides maximum surface for effective message communication. Background Art Today's indoor and outdoor public gatherings are often crowded and noisy. The conditions do not lend themselves to verbal communication. In such settings, banners and signage represent an effective means of communication. In addition, there are circumstances which require temporary directional and instructional banners or signage. Situations such as traffic and crowd control and emergency requirements may call for signage which can convey more than one message or instruction. The necessity and usefulness of hand held banners and signage designed for individual use in public gatherings and emergency purposes are well known. Examples of different types and kinds of devices for conveying non-verbal messages in public gatherings or traffic or emergency situations are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,906,503, 4,876,811, 4,062,139, Des. 357,707, and 3,455,044. In general, the structure and function of most temporary message banner and signage devices involve flat surfaces upon which messages may be printed having either horizontal or vertical orientations. A limited number of temporary message banners and signage provide some means of displaying more than one message where more than one instruction is needed or where messages in more than one language is required. Some of the banners and signage devices require mechanical or structural supports and others are hand held. Signage devices providing for information about vehicle cargo are known in the prior art. Such a device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,455,044. The device comprises a flat rectangular base that is affixed to the vehicle body and a number of leaves which may be pivoted on a hinge to indicate the various types of loads carried by the vehicle to which the device has been attached. The device is meant to be attached to a cargo-carrying vehicle body by means of screws or bolts. The semi-permanent nature of the device requires that rigid metals be used in the construction and would necessarily mean that the manufacture of the device would be relatively expensive. In addition, the device would be heavy and cumbersome if used as a hand held signage and would make transporting into public gatherings difficult. There is no mechanism provided for this device which would allow for the device to be used as a hand held banner or signage. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved device and method for making same for a flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage which would be light-weight, weather resistant, durable, flexible, easily transported and stored when not in use and which would allow convenient and rapid changes of messages and would be economically manufactured. The device described in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 357,707 addresses the problem of a lightweight, portable and inexpensive banner or signage. This device is a foldable message sign for sporting events. This device is meant to be rigid and would not compact to the same small dimensions for storage in limited space. In addition, the foldable message sign for sporting events would have the capacity for supporting a message on the front and on the back of the message sign. This device does not provide for multiple messages which might be easily and quickly changed during usage. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved device and method for making same for a flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage which would be light-weight, flexible, easily transported and stored in a compact form when not in use, weather resistant and which would allow convenient and rapid changes of multiple messages. U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,139 describes a device that addresses the problem of multiple messages and portability. However, the base of the device is of rigid construction and does not compact for easy storage or transportation. Additionally, it was not intended to be used as a hand held banner or signage and the construction and design of the device in the configuration that it was intended to be used would be difficult to hold for someone using it as a hand held banner or signage. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved device and method for making same for a flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage which would be light-weight, flexible, easily transported and stored in a compact form when not in use. U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,811 describes a device that has a rigid base for posting messages and a pistol grip as a handle. The device does provide for displaying multiple messages. Any sort of wind blowing against the rigid display base would create too much force for the user to be able to safely operate the device in a crowded outdoor public gathering if the rigid base for message display was of sufficient size to display large message cards to be viewed from long distances. Therefore, this inventive apparatus does not provide for a very large surface area for the display of messages. In addition, the complexity of the device and the nature of the rigid materials would make the device relatively expensive to manufacture. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved device and method for making same for a flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage which would have a large surface area for the display of messages to be seen from long distances and would be economically manufactured. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,503 provides for a flexible banner and signage which can be easily transported and stored in a compact form and which would provide for sufficient surface area to display messages to be seen from long distances. However, the device has not provided for the display of multiple messages which might be changed easily and quickly. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved device and method for making same for a flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage which would allow convenient and rapid changes of messages. Disclosure of the Invention Therefore, the principal object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved device and method for making same, for a message banner and signage. This message banner would allow for multiple messages to be displayed and selective message changes which would be easily and quickly accomplished with little or no effort. The multi-leaf banner could display messages on the front and back of the banner and facilitate rapid message changes during usage. It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a new and improved device and method for making same, message banner and signage, with a large surface area for the display of messages to be seen from long distances. The banner unfolds and provides maximum surface area for signage on both front and back. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide such a new and improved device and method for making same, for message banner and signage, which would also be light-weight, flexible, easily transported and stored in a compact form when not in use. Lightweight, durable, recyclable and weather-resistant materials that are inexpensive to manufacture are common and include such materials as plastic films, such as polypropylene, Tyvek®, Yupo®, coated and non-coated paper, vinyls, as well as natural and synthetic fabrics. The flexible nature of the banner allows the banner to be rolled into a compact package which may be easily transported and stored when not in use and unfurled quickly for display. The materials from which the banner is constructed are lightweight which would also facilitate easy transportation of the invention. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide such a new and improved device and method for making same, for message banner and signage, which would be inexpensive to manufacture and maintain. The design of the device provides a simple, yet effective means by which to provide a method of displaying messages. The construction materials which could be used for such a device and simplicity of design make the invention very economical and inexpensive to manufacture. Since the present invention lacks complex mechanisms and is inexpensive to manufacture, the initial cost to procure this device is relatively low. However, very durable and weather-resistant materials are available which would make the current invention easy to maintain and long lasting as well as economical to manufacture. Briefly, the above and further objects of the present invention are realized by providing a new and improved flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage and method of making same. This message banner and signage would have a large surface area for the display of messages to be seen from long distances and would be easily transported and stored in a compact form when not in use and would allow convenient and rapid changes of messages and would be inexpensive to manufacture and durable in nature. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device which enables a user to display selectively a multiplicity of messages quickly and easily by providing a hand held multi-leaf banner which may be held either vertically or horizontally, providing maximum surface area for the display of messages which may be seen from long distances on both the front and back of the banner. The panels would be fastened together on a central vertical or horizontal axis by a variety of means that would be economical and easily manufactured such as heat seal, radio-frequency (RFC), sewn, glued, stapled, taped, clipped, spiral bound, slide inserts or fasteners. The flexible nature of the material used for the invention allows the banner to be compacted into a small package for easy transport and storage when not in use. The lightweight materials utilized in construction also lend themselves to easy transportation of the banner and signage device. The simple construction allows inexpensive manufacture of the banner, yet the durability of available weather resistant materials will mean that the banner will have a long useful life with little or no maintenance expense involved with upkeep. Brief Description of the Drawings The above mentioned and other objects and features of this invention and the manner of attaining them will become apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of the embodiment of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a multiple front and rear view of each of three panels of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device showing the separate elements of the device; each sequential leaf of the banner as it would appear prior to assembly of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device according to the present invention, with one of the leaves of the invention as it would appear during message changes; Fig.3 is a front view of a flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device according to the present invention showing one of a multiplicity of messages; Fig. 4 is a front view of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device according to the present invention, with another of a multiplicity of messages; Fig. 5 is a posterior view of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device according to the present invention; Fig. 6 is a front elevational view of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device according to the present invention, in a vertical configuration utilizing an optional spiral binding; Fig.7 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the horizontal configuration of the flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device, according to the present invention; Fig. 8 is a side view of the horizontal embodiment of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device according to the present invention; Fig. 9 is a front elevational view of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device according to the present invention showing optional built in hand holds on the upper end portions of the device; Fig. 10 is a front view of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device according to the present invention as it would appear when folded in half along the hinge; Fig. 11 is an enlarged front elevational view of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device according to the present invention as it would appear when rolled up for transportation or storage; Fig. 12 is a top elevational view of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device according to the present invention showing an optional heat pressed hinge configuration; Fig. 13 is a close up top elevational view of an optional heat pressed hinge configuration of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device according to the present invention; Fig. 14 is a top elevational view of an optional spiral bound hinge configuration of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device according to the present invention; and Fig. 15 is a close up top elevational view of an optional spiral bound hinge configuration of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device according to the present invention. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig. 1 thereof, there is shown a new flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device 10 which is constructed in accordance with the present invention. The new flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device 10 is used to efficiently, effectively and economically provide a means of displaying multiple messages by providing a multi-leaf, flexible hand held banner that is easy to maintain, transport, store and manufacture. Referring to Fig. 1, the flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device 10 is composed of a multiplicity of panels which are represented here by three panels. Panel 1, front surface 12 displays message A in it's entirety. After assembly, the panel rotates about a central vertical fold axis 15. Panel 1 has a back surface 14 for displaying the first portion of message B on the left hand side and the last portion of message D on the right hand side. Each side is separated by a central vertical fold axis 15. Panel 2, front surface 16 displays the first portion of message D on the left hand side and the second portion of message B on the right hand side which are separated by a central vertical fold axis 19. Panel 2 has a back surface 18 the first portion of message C on the right hand side and the last portion of message E on the left hand side. The panel is divided in half by the central vertical fold axis 19. In this embodiment, Panel 3, front surface 22 displays the first portion of message E on the right hand side and the last portion of message C on the left hand side. After assembly, each side revolves about a central vertical fold axis 26. Panel 3, back surface, 24 displays message F in it's entirety. Panel 1, front surface 12, Panel 2, front surface 16, Panel 3 front surface 22 are stacked sequentially and joined together on the central vertical axis 15, 19, 26. Preferably one or more panels are used to construct the device. Turning now to Fig. 2 to illustrate the assembled 3 panel message banner 30 in this configuration and especially to show the optional reinforced panel ends 32 in greater detail, the hinge 34, and motion of panels 36 on the hinge. The sequentially stacked panels are joined by a hinge 34 centrally located on the panel and each half of each panel revolves horizontally on this hinge 34. Referring now to Fig. 3, this view of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device 10 illustrates one selected front face of the multiple message banner 40 supporting one selected message 42 on the panel. Each half of the panel may revolve around the central vertical fold axis 44. Turning now to Fig. 4, this view of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device 10 illustrates another selected front face of the multiple message banner 50 supporting a selected message 52 on the panel which appears after one half of the panel is revolved horizontally on the central vertical fold axis 54. The rear surface of the multiple message banner 60 is shown in Fig. 5 supporting a selected rear surface message 62. The panel message may be changed by rotating half of the panel around a central vertical fold axis 64. Considering now another configuration of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device 10 with reference to Fig. 6, the vertical multiple message banner 70 with an optional spiral bound hinge is illustrated here. The bound panel 72 is shown bound by the optional spiral bound hinge 74 on a horizontal axis. Another configuration of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device 10 is illustrated in Fig. 7.. The horizontal multiple message banner 80 is comprised of sequential panels as represented by the top panel 82. The motion of the panels 84 indicates that the panels rotate around the central horizontal fold axis 86. Fig. 8 is a side view of the horizontal multiple message banner configuration 80 with the panel 82 rotating around the horizontal axis. Considering now Fig. 9, another configuration of the multiple message banner 90 which shows a panel 92 having an optional reinforced panel end 94 to lend rigidity to the ends and provide additional strength for the exposed end of the panel. This embodiment also shows an optional handle cutout 96 which would provide additional grip support. The handle cutout 96 is placed near the top portion of the multiple message banner 90 in order to allow gravitational pull on the bottom portion to keep the multiple message banner 90 aligned in the correct position for reading the imprinted message. Each half of the panel 92 may be rotated around a central vertical fold axis 98 in order to change the message exposed to viewers. Turning now to Fig. 10, which illustrates this configuration of the multiple message banner 90 which has been folded in half on the central vertical fold axis 98 with the half of the panel 92 seen on the exterior front portion of this view. The optional handle cutout 96 located in the optional reinforced panel end 94 serves as a handle for the multiple message banner 90 during transportation or when not in immediate use. Fig. 11 is an illustration of this configuration of the multiple message banner 90 when the banner is rolled up for transport or storage. The flexible and lightweight nature of the device allows for compact storage and easy transportation in this manner. Referring now to Fig. 12, several types of hinge mechanisms are available for the flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device 10 which may include but are not limited to heat seal, radio frequency (RFC), sewn, glued, stapled, taped, clipped, spiral binding, slide inserts, and fasteners. One embodiment of such a hinge mechanism is shown here. The heat welded multiple message banner 100 has panels 102 which are held in place by and rotate around a heat welded hinge 104. A closer view of the panels 102 being held in place by a heat weld hinge 104 is illustrated in Fig. 13. Another possible embodiment of a hinge mechanism for the flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device 10 is shown in Fig. 14. Here, a spiral bound multiple message banner 110 is illustrated. The panels 112 are held in place by a spiral bound hinge 114. It should be understood, however, that even though these numerous characteristics and advantages of the invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, chemistry and arrangement of parts within the principal of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. Claims Claim 1. A multiple message banner and handheld signage device comprising: (a) a plurality of flexible flat sheets each having a center line and an end distal to said center line, folded laterally along a center line dividing each of said sheets into two adjacent sections, each of said sections of each said sheet having applied thereon one half of a whole message or sign; (b) a plurality of said adjacent sections wherein each section has one or more inner edges and one or more outer edges, further wherein said inner edges of said adjacent sections overlap; and (c) fastening means, such that each of said flexible flat sheets can be attached together at said center line, whereby when held by a user on each sheet end distal to said center line, multiple whole messages or signs may be displayed by turning each of said attached flexible flat sheets along its respective center line. Claim 2. The multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of flexible flat sheets are constructed of a flexible plastic material such that said multiple message banner is lightweight and readily laid flat, roUed-up or folded for convenient transport, ease of use, or storage. Claim 3. The multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of flexible flat sheets are constructed of a flexible paper material such that said multiple message banner is lightweight and readily laid flat, rolled-up or folded for convenient transport, ease of use, or storage. Claim 4. The multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of flexible flat sheets are constructed of a natural and synthetic woven fabric material, and further wherein said woven fabric is non-coated fabric or coated fabric.

Claims: Claim 5. The multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 1, wherein said sections of each said sheet having applied thereon one half of a whole message or sign in an arrangement to allow for a whole message displayed on both sides of said device simultaneously. Claim 6. The multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of flexible flat sheets attached at said center line are attached by a heat seal. Claim 7. The multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of flexible flat sheets attached at said center line are attached by a spiral binding. Claim 8. The multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of flexible flat sheets attached at said center line are attached by conventional attachment means including but not limited to staples, tape, adhesives, hook and loop material, snaps, clips, clasps, rings, wire, slide inserts, sewing, stitching, binding and mechanical fasteners. Claim 9. The multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 1, wherein said fastening means, such that each of said flexible flat sheets can be attached together at said center line, includes releasable fastening means. Claim 10. The multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 1, wherein said distal end used for grasping by a user include optional handles. Claim 11. The multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 1 , wherein said plurality of flat flexible sheets includes an optional rigid support frame. Claim 12. The multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of flexible flat sheets each have a center line and an end distal to said center line, and when attached at said center line are oriented such that the horizontal length is equal to or greater than the vertical length. Claim 13. The multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of flexible flat sheets each have a center line and an end distal to said center line, and when attached at said center line are oriented such that the vertical length is equal to or greater than the horizontal length. Claim 14. The multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 13, wherein each of said sections of each said sheet having applied thereon one complete whole message or sign. Claim 15. A method of making a multiple message banner and handheld signage device, comprising the steps of: (a) providing two or more flat flexible sheets foldable along a center line; (b) applying one half of a whole message or sign upon each half of said flat flexible sheets such that a whole message or sign may be displayed in random sequence on both the front of the multiple message banner and the back of the multiple message banner simultaneously; and (c) releasably attaching said two or more flat flexible sheets together at each sheets said center line. Claim 16. The method of making a multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 15, wherein said step of providing two or more flat flexible sheets foldable along a center line further includes providing said sheets such that the horizontal length is equal to or greater than the vertical length. Claim 17. The method of making a multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 15, wherein said step of said step of providing two or more flat flexible sheets foldable along a center line further includes providing said sheets such that the vertical length is equal to or greater than the horizontal length. Claim 18. The method of making a multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 15, wherein said step of providing two or more flat flexible sheets foldable along a center line, further includes providing said sheets constructed of a flexible plastic material such that said multiple message banner is lightweight and readily laid flat, roUed-up or folded for convenient transport, ease of use, or storage. Claim 19. The method of making a multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 15, wherein said step of providing two or more flat flexible sheets foldable along a center line, further includes providing said sheets constructed of a flexible paper material such that said multiple message banner is lightweight and readily laid flat, roUed-up or folded for convenient transport, ease of use, or storage. Claim 20. The method of making a multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 15, wherein said step of providing two or more flat flexible sheets foldable along a center line, further includes providing said sheets constructed of a woven fabric material such that said multiple message banner is lightweight and readily laid flat, rolled-up or folded for convenient transport, ease of use, or storage. Claim 21. The method of making a multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 15, wherein said step of releaseably attaching said two or more flat flexible sheets together at each sheets said centerline includes attachment by a heat seal. Claim 22. The method of making a multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 15, wherein said step of releaseably attaching said two or more flat flexible sheets together at each sheets said centerline includes attachment by a spiral binding. Claim 23. The method of making a multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 15, including the step of releasably attaching said two or more flat flexible sheets together at each sheets distal end, in substitution for the step of releasably attaching said two or more flat flexible sheets together at each sheets said center line, and further wherein said attaching step at each sheets distal end includes attachment by a spiral binding. Claim 24. The method of making a multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 15, further including the step of providing handles at each end of each of said two or more flat flexible sheets. Claim 25. The method of making a multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 15, further including the step of providing a rigid support frame for said two or more flat flexible sheets. Claim 26. The method of making a multiple message banner and handheld signage device according to claim 15, wherein said step of applying said messages or signs is omitted thereby allowing a user to selectively apply customized messages or signs. Claim 27. The method of using a multiple message banner and handheld signage device constructed according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: (a) unrolling or unfolding said multiple message banner; (b) grasping said flat sheet ends distal to said center line; (c) opening said flat sheets to allow for the display of said messages or signs; and (d) turning each of said two or more flat sheets to allow for the display of multiple messages and signs on both the front and back of said sheets.

Inventors: OLSON BRADLEY J, OLSON, BRADLEY, J.
Applicants: OLSON BRADLEY J, OLSON, BRADLEY, J.
Application year: 2001
Main classification: G09F21
IPC codes: G09F17, G09F21