Abstract:
A panel fastening assembly comprising a frame member securable to a beam, an advertising track, a rod mating the frame member and the track, and a carrier for retaining an advertising panel therein. The carrier is secured to the track to display the advertising panel. A method of displaying an advertising panel comprising the steps of engaging an advertising panel with a carrier, attaching a frame member to a beam, attaching a rod to the frame, coupling an advertising track to the carrier, and securing the advertising track to the rod. The frame member comprises a cylindrical base which is securable to the beam. The rod extends through an aperture in the base and into the track. Upward movement of the rod locks the track and carrier together and tensions the panel. Downward movement of the rod releases the carrier from the track and the tension in the panel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/891,932 filed Sep. 28, 2010, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The invention relates generally to advertising materials or panels for display within a stadium or arena. More particularly, the invention relates to a panel fastening assembly that is secured to a support structure of a stadium bleacher. Specifically, the invention relates to a panel fastening assembly where advertising panels can be selectively secured to the bleacher support structure by way of adjustable fastening and tensioning components. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    Advertising is a large industry in the United States and includes both printed media and electronic formats. Printed media comes in a variety of forms and may include banners and advertising billboards. 
         [0006]    While advertising banners or panels are well known in the advertising industry, they are generally held in place with eyelets welded in the corners of the banner and string or yarn secured through the eyelet to a pole. The banner length then must be precise to fit within the area defined by the support poles or an unsightly amount of string will be necessary to secure the advertising panel to the pole. Advantageously, the use of string to secure the banner makes removal and replacement extremely easy for both the owner, as well as for, vandals or thieves. 
         [0007]    Banners are traditionally used in smaller venues such as high school football stadiums, along fences, or on the back of a bleacher. As discussed above, traditional eyelets are typically used to secure the banner to the fence or bleacher. While the advertising banners may adequately display an image, they do not appear professional or particularly pleasing to the audience. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention broadly comprises a panel fastening assembly that is used in an advertising display system. The panel fastening assembly includes a frame member that is secured to a support beam, an advertising track, a rod that couples the frame member and the advertising track together, and a carrier for securing an advertising panel to the advertising track. 
         [0009]    The present invention also broadly comprises a method of displaying an advertising panel including the steps of coupling an advertising panel to a carrier, attaching a frame member to a beam, attaching a rod to the frame member, and securing the advertising track to the frame member with the rod. 
         [0010]    The frame member comprises a cylindrical base which is securable to the beam. The rod extends through a first aperture in the base and into the track. A nut engages the rod adjacent the base and is rotated in a first direction to move the rod upwardly relative to the base, thereby drawing the advertising track toward the base. This upward movement of the rod locks the track and carrier together and tensions the panel. The nut is rotated in a second direction to cause downward movement of the rod. The downward movement of the rod enables the carrier to move away from the base and releases the carrier from the track. This also results in a decrease in the tension in the advertising panel. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated of the best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a panel fastening assembly used in an advertising display system in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the panel fastening assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a left side elevational view of the panel fastening assembly showing a frame member secured to a beam; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken through line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a panel fastening assembly for use in the advertising display system in accordance with the present invention shown prior to installation on a beam; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the panel fastening assembly of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a front elevational view of the panel fastening assembly shown secured to a beam; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view taken generally along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a partially exploded view of the panel fastening assembly with the carrier shown separated from the frame member and the advertising panel; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a perspective rear view of the panel fastening assembly retaining an advertising panel therein and showing the adjustability of the frame member; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a right side elevational view of the panel fastening assembly installed on the beam; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of a panel fastening assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of the third preferred embodiment of the panel fastening assembly shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a portion of the bleacher advertising display system in accordance with the present invention showing a fourth embodiment of a panel fastening assembly which includes a differently configured frame member; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional end view of the bleacher advertising display system and the fourth embodiment of the panel fastening assembly taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 . 
       
    
    
       [0027]    Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0028]    At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects. 
         [0029]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of the ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described. 
         [0030]    The advertising display system of the present invention is indicated generally at  20 , and is particularly shown in  FIGS. 1 through 11 . Display system  20  includes a panel fastening assembly and an advertising panel  32  that is selectively engageable therewith. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show a first preferred embodiment of a panel fastening assembly in accordance with the present invention, with the assembly being generally indicated at  22 . Panel fastening assembly  22  comprises a frame member  26 , a rod  28 , an advertising track  30 , and a carrier  68  configured to retain advertising panel  32  therein. 
         [0032]    Frame member  26  is generally C-shaped in profile and includes a top wall  86 , a rear wall  88 , and a bottom wall  90 . Top wall  86  defines top hole  34 , rear wall  88  defines a rear hole  36 , and bottom wall  90  defines a bottom hole  92 . Bottom hole  92  is arranged parallel to top hole  34  but preferably is offset relative thereto to allow for the removable attachment of frame member  26  to flange  80  of beam  78  as will be described hereafter. Each of the top hole  34 , rear hole  36 , and bottom hole  92  is threaded. Both of the top hole  34  and bottom hole  92  are threaded to receive mounting bolt  38  therein. Rear hole  36  is threaded to receive bolt  42  therein. Bolt  38  has threads  40  to mate with one of top and bottom holes  34 ,  92  and bolt  42  has threads  44  to mate with rear hole  36 . 
         [0033]    Rod  28  may include a head  46  having a generally circular portion  47  with an opening  48  sized to receive bolt  42  therethrough. Rod  28  includes threads  50  arranged to be mated with a hole  52  in advertising track  30 . Rod  28  is secured in a final position on advertising track  30  with a lock nut  54  which may be any traditional type of nut and does not require a specific nylon stop of a lock nut. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of washers  56  is used in conjunction with bolt  42  to secure rod head  46  to frame member  26  via rear hole  36 . Advertising track  30  is rotatable about rod  28  and therefore may be configured in a variety or orientations relative to frame member  26 . Furthermore, when rod  28  is rotated in a first direction the circular portion  47  thereof moves closer toward an exterior surface of advertising track  30 . When rod  28  is rotated in a second direction, the circular portion  47  thereof moves further away from the exterior surface of advertising track  30 . Thus, the distance between advertising track  30  and rod  28 , and therefore between advertising track  30  and frame member  26  is adjustable by rotating rod  28  in either of the first and second directions. 
         [0034]    In accordance with one of the main features of the invention, advertising track  30  preferably is generally tubular and has a chamber  58  which communicates with a longitudinally aligned slot  60  defined in advertising track  30  opposite threaded hole  52 . Advantageously, rod  28  can extend partially into chamber  58  of advertising track  30  to act as a locking mechanism for articles or devices that are disposed within chamber  58 . 
         [0035]    Advertising panel  32  preferably is composed of a sheet material, such as vinyl and may include a plurality of small holes therein that permit air to pass through panel  32  without damaging the material thereof. Although advertising panel  32  is shown and described as being composed of a vinyl material, any suitable material known in the art may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as claimed. Advertising panel  32  has a top end, a bottom end, and first and second sides extending between the top and bottom ends. The sheet material of panel  32  is folded back upon itself at the top end and is secured in place by a seam  82  ( FIG. 3 ) to form a ring  64 . Ring  64  defines an inner bore  66  therein. The sheet material of panel  32  preferably is also folded back upon itself at the bottom end and is secured in place by a seam to form a second ring. Alternatively or additionally, the sheet material at one or both of the first and second sides is folded back upon itself and secured in place by a seam to form additional rings  64 . The advertising panel  32  may therefore have one, two, three or four rings  64  around its perimeter. The area of the panel  32  disposed inwardly of these rings constitutes an advertising portion  62  upon which text and/or designs may be applied or incorporated. 
         [0036]    In accordance with one of the main features of the invention, a carrier  68  is provided to engage ring  64 . Carrier  68  preferably is generally tubular and defines an inner passage  70  which extends through the length of carrier  68 . Unlike advertising track  30 , inner passage  70  preferably does not include a slot, although one may be incorporated without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0037]    Although carrier  68  is shown and described as being generally tubular, it will be understood that any other cross-sectional configuration may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as claimed. Carrier  68  is received within bore  66  of ring  64  on advertising panel. An outer surface  72  of carrier  68  is disposed proximate an inner surface the ring  65  that defines bore  66 . Carrier  68  and ring  64  are complementary shaped and sized to have a tight fit but the components preferably do not have an interference fit and, consequently, carrier  68  can be removed from bore  66  if desired. 
         [0038]    Once carrier  68  is secured within bore  66 , advertising track  30  is slidably engaged with ring  64  such that advertising portion  62  of panel  32  extends outwardly through slot  60  of advertising track  30 . When this occurs, the outer surface  74  of ring  64  is located within chamber  58  of advertising track  30  and is disposed adjacent the interior surface of advertising track  30  that defines chamber  58 . Rod  28  is inserted into hole  52  and is rotated until the terminal end  76  of rod  28  contacts outer surface  74  of ring  64  and locks the same within advertising track  30 . Thus, advertising panel  32  extends outwardly from and is securely retained by advertising track  30 . 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 &amp; 4 , panel fastening assembly  22  is shown secured to a beam  78 , such as the type of beam that would be present on a bleacher. Beam  78  is illustrated as being disposed at an angle to the vertical. Specifically, beam  78  may be a top rail beam arranged at an angle similar to a bleacher seating surface. Beam  78  preferably is an I-beam that includes a web having a flange  80  at the top and bottom ends of the web. As will be discussed in greater detail below, frame member  26  is arranged to be secured to one of these flanges  80 .  FIG. 2  shows that advertising panel  32  includes a ring  64  disposed along at least one edge.  FIG. 3  shows that ring  64  is formed by folding a terminal edge of panel  32  back onto a section of panel  32  and creating a seam  82  therein. Thus, ring  64  and panel  32  are made from the same sheet material. It will be understood, however, that ring  64  may be made from a different material to panel  32  simply by securing a section of the different material to panel  32  by way of a seam. If panel  32  does not require the panel fastening assembly to be secured to a particular side of panel  32 , then a ring  64  would not be formed along that side or the ring could be formed and simply not be used. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  illustrates an enlarged cross sectional view of panel fastening assembly  22  secured to beam  78 , and to flange  80  of that beam  78 , in particular. Specifically, the installer of the advertising panel system may use either of the top and bottom holes  34 ,  92  to secure frame member  26  to flange  80 . Frame member  26  also includes an inner surface  94  of top wall  86 , and an inner surface  96  of bottom wall  90 . A cavity  98  is defined between inner surface  94  and inner surface  96 . Each of inner surfaces  94 ,  96  are adapted to abut flange  80 , depending on whether top hole  34  or bottom hole  92  are used to locate flange  80  within cavity  98 . Specifically, bolt  38  is threaded through either top hole  34  or bottom hole  92  to engage flange  80  and thereby wedge or secure frame member  26  in abutting contact with flange  80 . While the first preferred embodiment frame is shown with the inner surfaces  94 ,  96  being generally disposed at right angles relative to rear wall  88 , flat, it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention to incline the inner surface  94  and/or the inner surface  96  relative to rear wall  88  to match the angle of flange  80  as necessary. 
         [0041]    Having described the structure of the first preferred embodiment, a preferred method of operation will be described in detail and should be read in light of  FIGS. 1 through 4 . Advertising panel  32  is formed with seam  82  defining ring  64  which has inner bore  66 . Carrier  68  is inserted into inner bore  66  of ring  64  and the combination thereof is inserted into chamber  58  of advertising track  30 . Specifically, ring  64  is positioned within advertising track  30  such that the advertising portion  62  of panel  32  is aligned with slot  60  in advertising track  30  and extends outwardly therefrom. 
         [0042]    Bolt  38  is threaded through either of top hole  34  or bottom hole  92  of frame member  26 , depending on which side of the beam is most easily accessed. Frame member  26  is then positioned so that flange  80  extends into cavity  98 . Bolt  38  is rotated until either inner surface  94  of top wall  86  abuts the upper surface of flange  80  or inner surface  96  of bottom wall  90  engages the bottom surface of flange  80 . Bolt  38  is tightened to the point that frame member  26  cannot be pulled out of engagement with flange  80 . Nut  54  may either be threadably engaged with threads  50  on the shaft of rod  28  and rotated upwardly until a portion of the tip  76  thereof extends outwardly beyond nut  54  or nut  54  may be mounted on the outer surface of advertising track  30  adjacent hole  52  and the threaded shaft of rod  28  is screwed through into nut  54  and into hole  52 . 
         [0043]    Nut  54  is rotated to thread a length of rod  28  downwardly into chamber  58  of advertising track  30 . When a sufficient length of the shaft of rod  28  is received in chamber  58 , the tip  76  will engage the exterior surface of the combined ring  64  and carrier  68  and will lock the same in place within advertising track  30 . Rod  28  is secured to frame member  26  by inserting bolt  42  through washers  56 , through opening  48  and into rear hole  36  in rear wall  88  of frame member  26 . Bolt  42  is rotated until rod  28  is tightly retained against rear wall  88  of frame member  26 . Thus, advertising track  30  and advertising panel  32  are securely locked to frame member  26 . Frame member  26  is then secured to beam  78  as previously described. 
         [0044]    In a similar fashion, a second advertising track (not shown) and second frame member (not shown) may be secured to an opposite end of advertising panel  32  from that shown in  FIG. 1 . The second frame member may also be secured to a second beam that is spaced a distance from beam  78 . When the two frame members are secured to the two beams and the rods  28  of the two panel fastening assemblies retain advertising panel  32  in the two opposing advertising tracks  30  thereof, then the advertising panel  32  is tensioned between the two panel fastening assemblies and the graphics and text of any advertising displayed on panel  32  is clearly visible. 
         [0045]    Having described the structure and operation of the first preferred embodiment, only those portions of the second embodiment which are different from the first embodiment are described in detail. Likewise, similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the various embodiments. 
         [0046]      FIGS. 5 through 11  illustrate a second preferred embodiment of a panel fastening assembly in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by the number  24 . Referring specifically to  FIGS. 5 and 6  and in accordance with another main feature of the invention, advertising track  30  and rod  28  are similar to the panel fastening assembly  22 , but panel fastening assembly  24  further includes a second rod  100  that engages rod  28  and advertising track  30  and is operable to vary the distance between the same. Rod  100  includes a threaded portion  102  at a first end and a threaded portion  103  at a second end. Threaded portion  102  is engaged with advertising track  30  and lock nut  54  is used to secure that first end of rod  100  to advertising track  30  in a similar manner as bolt  42  is secured to rod  28  in panel fastening assembly  22 . Threaded portion  103  of rod  100  is received through opening  48  of rod  28 , and a washer  56  and nut  104  ( FIG. 6 ) are used to vary the distance between advertising track  30  and rod  28 , as will be described hereinafter. 
         [0047]    Panel fastening assembly  24  further includes a frame member  126  which is removably secured to a beam  138  ( FIG. 7 ). Frame member  126  comprises a first arm  106  and a second arm  118  that are connected to each other by way of a plurality of mounting bolts  122 . Rod  28  is secured to first arm  106  with a pair of washers  108  and a pair of nuts  110 . Specifically, rod  28  is inserted through an elongated slot  112  in first arm  106  and nuts  110  lock the same in position. The position of rod  28  in slot  112  is adjustable as indicated by the arrows  114 . In order to move rod  28  in slot  112 , nuts  110  are loosened and rod  28  is slid to the desired location. Nuts  110  are then tightened to lock rod  28  in place. Thus, the position of rod  100  and, therefore the advertising track  30  is adjustable along the length of elongated slot  112 . This enables the installer to locate the advertising panel (not shown in these figures) at a predetermined location relative to the beam  138 . 
         [0048]    In accordance with another feature of the present invention, first arm  106  includes a rear portion  116  that is complementary in shape and size to second arm  118 . Both of the rear portion  116  and second arm  118  include a plurality of elongated slots  120 . The slots  120  on rear portion  116  are aligned with the slots on second arm  118 . In the preferred embodiment, four elongated slots  120  are defined in rear portion  116  and four elongated slots  120  are defined in second arm  118 . Four mounting bolts  122  are provided to secure first arm  106  and second arm  118  together. Each mounting bolt  122  preferably includes a threaded portion  124  at each end and when bolts  122  are engaged through slots  120  in first and second arms  106 ,  118 , the threaded portion  124  extends beyond the outer surfaces  126 ,  128  of rear portion  116  and second arm  118 , respectively. Nuts  130  are engaged with mounting bolts  122  and abut outer surfaces  126 ,  128 . Once first and second arms  106 ,  118  are secured together with mounting bolts  122 , a cavity  132  is defined by an inner surface  134  of second arm  118 , an inner surface  136  of rear portion  116  of first arm  106 , and mounting bolts  122 . Since slots  120  are elongated longitudinally, the longitudinal position of mounting bolts  122  may be varied as necessary to secure frame member  126  to beam  138 , as will be hereinafter described. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate panel fastening assembly  24  secured around a vertical beam  138 . Vertical beam  138  is an I-beam having a central web with flanges  140  at either end. Frame member  126  is engaged with beam  138  in such a manner that inner surface  136  of first arm  106  abuts the terminal ends of the flanges  140  on a first side of the web and inner surface  134  of second arm  118  abuts the terminal ends of the flanges  140  on a second side of the web. Mounting bolts  122  are adjusted within slots  120  of first and second arms  106 ,  118  such that a first pair of bolts  122  are disposed in abutting contact along the length of a first one of the flanges  140  and a second pair of bolts  122  are disposed in abutting contact along the length of a second one of the flanges. Nuts  130  are tightened to secure frame member  126  in place on beam  138 . It will be understood that frame member  126  could be rotated through ninety degrees from the manner illustrated in  FIGS. 7 &amp; 8 . In this second instance, inner surface  136  of first arm  106  would abut the length of the first one of the flanges  140  and inner surface  134  of second arm  118  would abut the length of the second one of the flanges  140 . Mounting bolts  122  would engage the terminal ends of the flanges  140 . In either event, beam  138  is circumscribed by frame member  126  and frame member  126  is tightly locked into position along the vertical length of the beam  138  by the cooperating nuts  130  and bolts  122 . Advantageously, because mounting bolts  122  are secured with elongated slots  120 , panel fastening assembly  24  can easily fit beams of various sizes. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 7 and 8  further illustrate that the position of advertising track  30  relative to beam  138  may also be offset as desired. The distance between advertising track  30  and beam  138  is indicated by the dimension “A” ( FIG. 7 ). As will be evident, dimension “A” may be adjusted by sliding rod  28  along slot  112  toward or away from beam. This offset can be useful if the beam is spaced further apart from an upper beam or other attachment mechanism for the panel fastening assembly, as well as any overhanging objects that the advertising panel may cover. 
         [0051]    The distance between advertising track  30  and frame member  126  is indicated by the dimension “B”. As will be evident, dimension “B” may be adjusted by rotating nuts  54 ,  104  to change the length of the section of bolt  100  that extends between advertising track  30  and rod  28 .  FIG. 7  illustrates the panel fastening assembly  24  in the lower mounting position. This arrangement is used for securing the bottom edge of the advertising panel (not shown). The height of advertising track  30  and the tension within the advertising panel  32  are adjusted by either tightening or loosening nut  104  on lower threaded portion  102  of the rod  100  and then extending or shortening the section of rod  100  between advertising track  30  and rod  28 . 
         [0052]    The securement of a bottom end of an advertising panel  32  with panel fastening assembly  24  is illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Advertising panel  32  includes an advertising portion  62  and has a seam  82  formed along its lower end  142 . Seam  82  secures a folded region of the lower end of panel  32  back on itself to form ring  64 . Additionally, a skirt portion  144  of panel  62  is secured to advertising portion  62  along seam  82 . Ring  64  formed on lower end  142  of advertising portion  62  has an outer surface  74  and defines an inner bore  66 . As was the case with the first preferred embodiment of the invention, carrier  68  is inserted into inner bore  66  of ring  64  in such a manner that the outer surface  72  of carrier  68  abuts an interior surface of ring  64 . Carrier  68  defines a passage  70  therein. The combined carrier  68  and advertising panel  32  are engaged within chamber  58  of advertising track  30  as described with reference to the first preferred embodiment. Consequently, when advertising track  30  is so engaged, the advertising portion  62  of panel  32  extends outwardly and upwardly through slot  60  of advertising track  30 . Skirt panel  144  hands downwardly from lower end  142  of panel  62  and effectively hides all the components of panel fastening assembly  24  from view. Nut  54  is rotated to lock the combined carrier  68  and panel  32  to advertising track  30 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 10  illustrates advertising panel  32  engaged with panel fastening assembly  24 . Although not illustrated herein, it will be understood that beam  138  is disposed substantially parallel to advertising panel  32  and surrounded by the rear portion  116  of first arm  106  and second arm  118  (not shown in this figure) of frame member  126 . It should be noted that when panel fastening assembly  24  is being used to secure advertising panel  32  to a beam, the frame member  126  is positioned vertically beneath advertising track  30 . Advertising panel  32  may be drawn closer to the beam or moved further away therefrom by longitudinally adjusting the position of rod  28  in slot  112 , as indicated by arrows  114 . Additionally, the tension in advertising panel  32  may be adjusted in the directed indicated by arrows  146 . The tension is adjusted by changing the relative distance between advertising track  30  and rod  28  by rotating the nut  104  (not shown in these figures) as described with reference to the first preferred embodiment of the invention. Ideally, the tension is adjusted until the advertising panel  32  is pulled substantially taut and free of wrinkles. 
         [0054]      FIG. 11  illustrates panel fastening assembly  24  arranged to secure the top end of advertising panel  32  to the vertical beam  138 . In this instance, frame member  126  is positioned vertically above advertising track  30  and advertising panel  32  hangs downwardly from advertising track  30 . As was the case with respect to  FIGS. 9 &amp; 10 , this relative distance between panel  32  and beam  138  is adjusted by sliding rod  28  horizontally along slot  112  in the directions indicated by arrow  114 . The vertical distance of advertising panel  32  from frame member  126  is adjusted by rotating nut  104  to effectively lengthen or shorten rod  100  in the directions indicated by the arrows  146 . Thus the operator can adjust the tension in the advertising panel  32  by rotating nut  104 . 
         [0055]    Having described the structure of the second preferred embodiment of the panel fastening assembly  24  in accordance with the present invention, a preferred method of operation will be described in detail and should be read in light of  FIGS. 5 through 11 . Due to the fact that advertising panel  32  remains virtually identical within both of the first and second preferred embodiments of the invention, with the addition of skirt panel  144  (which does not change the operation of the panel fastening assembly), the attachment of the advertising panel  32  to the advertising track  30  will not be described again as it is identical to that discussed above. Further, the manner of tensioning and positioning of the second preferred embodiment is substantially identical to the first preferred embodiment. 
         [0056]    Panel fastening assembly  24  is secured to beam  138  in the following manner. First arm  106  and second arm  118  are arranged on opposite sides of vertical beam  138  and the plurality of mounting bolts  122  are inserted through elongated slots  120 . Mounting bolts  122  are secured in place around vertical beam  138  with nuts  130  to form a cavity  132 . Vertical beam  138  is retained within this cavity  132 . Rod  28  is inserted into elongated slot  112  in first arm  106  and washers  56  and nuts  110  are finger tightened. The position of rod  28  in slot  112  is adjusted and then nuts  110  are rotated to lock rod  28  against further movement in slot  112 . Rod  100  is inserted through opening  48  in rod  28 . Nut  104  is rotated to adjust the position between advertising track  30  and rod  28 . Nut  104  is rotated in a first direction to decrease the distance between advertising track  30  and rod  28  and thereby increase the tension on panel  32 . Nut  104  is rotated in a second direction to increase the distance between advertising track  30  and rod and thereby decrease the tension on panel  32 . The remainder of the installation is similar to that of the first preferred embodiment. Once again, carrier  68  is inserted within inner bore  66  of ring  64  and the combination is then engaged within advertising track  30  such that advertising portion  62  extends outwardly through slot  60  of advertising track  30 . In the installation of advertising track  30  at the bottom end of advertising panel  32 , skirt panel  144  hangs downwardly to hide ring  64  and frame member  26 . 
         [0057]      FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate a third preferred embodiment of a panel fastening assembly in accordance with the present invention, with the assembly being generally indicated at  23 . While the majority of the components are similar to those of panel fastening assembly  22 , assembly  23  includes an advertising track  31  that is differently shaped in cross-section to advertising track  30 . Advertising track  31  is an elongate member which includes an upper portion  33  and a lower portion  35 . As best seen in  FIG. 13 , lower portion  35  comprises a generally C-shaped wall when viewed in cross-section. The wall of lower portion  35  defines a longitudinal bore  39  therein and further defines a longitudinal slot  49  between the free ends of the wall. Slot  49  is substantially continuous with bore  39 . 
         [0058]    Upper portion  33  extends outwardly away from lower portion  35 . Upper portion  33  comprises two spaced apart parallel sidewalls  41  that extend vertically upwardly from an inward portion of the C-shaped wall of lower portion  35 . Sidewalls  41  extend longitudinally along substantially the entire length of lower portion  35 . 
         [0059]    Upper portion  33  further includes a pair of rails  43  that extend inwardly from the uppermost ends of sidewalls  41  and toward each other. Sidewalls  41  define a longitudinally extending slot  37  between them. Rails  43  are disposed at right angles to sidewalls  41  and define a longitudinally extending opening  45  between them. Opening  45  is substantially continuous with slot  37 . Opening  45  is sized to receive the shaft of rod  28  therethrough and slot  37  is sized to receive nut  54  therethrough. Nut  54  cannot pass vertically through opening  45  and thus is retained in the slot  37  by rails  43 . This locks rod  28  and upper portion  33  of advertising track  31  together. Slot  49  and located opening  45  are opposite each other. 
         [0060]    Carrier  69  is shaped like an inverted tear-drop with a wider portion thereof being complementary sized and shaped to be received in bore  39  of the lower portion  35  of advertising track  31 , and a narrower portion thereof being sized and shaped to extend downwardly through slot  49 . Carrier  69  is provided with one or more holes  71  that extend longitudinally therethrough. The holes  71  reduce the overall weight of carrier but sufficient material remains extending between the holes  71  so that the structural integrity of carrier  69  is maintained. Preferably, three of the holes  71  are substantially triangular in shape and the fourth hole is substantially diamond-shaped. Carrier  69  includes a substantially X-shaped crosswall that extends longitudinally through the interior of carrier  69 . The four arms of the crosswall and an interior surface of the outer wall define the holes  71  therebetween, as illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The shape and location of the crosswall serves to strengthen the outer wall of carrier  69 . The apex at the narrowest and lowermost end of carrier  69  is disposed some distance outwardly beyond the free ends of the lower portion  35  of advertising track  31  when carrier  69  is engaged in advertising track  31 . 
         [0061]    Advertising panel  32  is substantially identical to advertising panel  32  of the previous embodiments and is provided with a ring  64  along one or more of the side edges. Ring  64  has a longitudinal chamber  58  extending therethrough. However, because of the shape of exterior wall  73  of carrier  69 , when carrier  69  is inserted into chamber  58  of advertising panel  32 , chamber  58  is deformed to become substantially complementary to the shape of wall  73 . 
         [0062]    Panel fastening assembly  23  is used in the following manner. Carrier  69  is inserted into chamber  58  of the ring  64  of advertising panel  32  and then the combined carrier  69  and panel  32  are inserted into bore  39  of advertising track  31  in such a way that the advertising portion  62  of panel  32  extends outwardly from slot  49  of advertising track  31 . Rod  28  is engaged with advertising track  31  by sliding nut  54  into slot  37  and the shaft having threads  50  therein is received in opening  45 . When rod  28  is rotated, the terminal end  76  thereof engages the wall of lower portion  35  inside slot  37 . Nut  54  is caused to engage the interior surfaces of rails  43  and rod  28  is thereby locked to advertising track  31 . Thus, when rod  28  is secured to frame member  26  as previously described herein, advertising track  31  and therefore advertising panel  32  are engaged with frame member  26 . Frame member  26  is securable to a beam, also as previously described, and therefore advertising panel  32  is able to be displayed in a wide variety of settings in an aesthetically appealing way. 
         [0063]    Thus, the panel fastening assembly in accordance with the present invention provides the ability to mount advertising panels along beams, such as those that form part of a support structure for bleachers, in a wide variety of different arrangements. It will be evident to one skilled in the art that a variety of changes can be made that are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For instance, the advertising track utilized can be of various lengths such that only a single advertising track and panel may be used to secure one side of an advertising panel to a single frame member mounted on a single beam, or a plurality of shorter advertising track sections can be used along one side of an advertising panel, and those shorter advertising tracks may be engaged with a plurality of frame members that are secured to plurality of beams. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15  there is shown a portion of an advertising display system  320  in accordance with the present invention. System  320  includes an advertising panel  32 , a panel fastening assembly  323  and a frame member  326  which engages the panel fastening assembly  323  and secures panel  32  therein. 
         [0065]    Panel fastening assembly  323  is comprised of an advertising track  31  and a carrier  69 . Advertising track  31  and carrier  69  are substantially identical in structure and function to those described with reference to  FIGS. 12 and 13  above and are used to engage advertising panel  32  as previously described herein. 
         [0066]    Frame member  323  in accordance with the present invention comprises a base  381  and a rod  328 . Base  381  is secured to a bleacher support structure such as the I-beam  380 . Rod  328  secures base  381  to panel fastening assembly  323  and is used to tension advertising panel  32 . Rod  328  is differently configured to rod  28  previously described herein. Rod  328  is an elongate member that has a first end  328   a , a second end  328   b  and a mid-section  328   c  thereinbetween. A plurality of threads  339  are provided on rod  328 , preferably along its entire length from first end  328   a  to second end  328   b . A lock nut  354  is engaged with first end  328   a  and this lock nut  354  is configured to be received within slot  37  of advertising track  31  in the same manner as lock nut  54  is engageable in slot  37  on advertising track  30 . Although not illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , it will be understood that advertising track  31  includes a threaded aperture through which the first end  328   a  of rod  328  is receivable. This threaded aperture is similar to aperture  52  in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0067]    A second nut  355  and washer  357  are threadably engaged on second end  328   b  of rod  328  and are rotatably movable along the threaded mid-section  328   c  thereof. Second nut  355  is rotated in a first direction around rod  328  to move it close to lock nut  354  and is rotated in a second direction around rod  328  to move it further away from lock nut  354 . Second nut  355  secures base  381  and rod  328  together and is rotated around rod  328  in one of the first and second direction to adjust the tension on advertising panel  32 , as will be described later herein. 
         [0068]    As indicated above, frame member  326  is used to secure panel fastening assembly  323  to a suitable support on a bleacher.  FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate this support as I-beam  380 , although frame member  326  is able to be secured to any suitable support. I-beam  380  includes a web  377 , having a first and second face  377   a ,  377   b , and a pair of flanges  378  which are disposed at opposite ends of web  377 . I-beam  380  is secured to a vertical beam  390  by way of bolts  392 . In accordance with the present invention, a hole  379  is drilled through web  377 . Preferably, hole  379  is parallel to flanges  378  and extends from first face  377   a  through to second face  377   b.    
         [0069]    As indicated previously, frame member  326  includes base  381 . Base  381  preferably is a generally cylindrical member which has a first end  381   a , a second end  381   b , and a peripheral wall  381   c  extending thereinbetween. Base  381  has a longitudinal axis “Y” which extends between first and second ends  381   a ,  381   b  thereof and is disposed at right angles thereto. It will be understood that while base  381  preferably is circular in cross-sectional shape, any other suitable shape such as a square or hexagonal shape may be used for base  381  without departing from the scope of the present invention. Preferably, base  381  is also substantially solid throughout its length between first and second ends  381   a ,  381   b . It will be understood, however, that base  381  may, alternatively, be tubular and define a central bore therethrough. Still further, base  381  may be solid in sections along its length, such as adjacent one or both of the first and second ends  381   a ,  381   b.    
         [0070]    A first aperture  383  is defined in peripheral wall  381   c  of base  381  proximate first end  381   a  thereof. First aperture  383  preferably is disposed substantially at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y” and is spaced a distance inwardly from first end  381   a . First aperture  383  preferably is substantially complementary in diameter to rod  328 . Ideally, the portions of base  381  which bound and define first aperture  383  are smooth so that rod  328  may slide therethrough. The portions of base  381  which bound and defined first aperture  383  may, alternatively, be threaded in a manner complementary to rod  328  so that rod is rotatable through base  381 . 
         [0071]    A second aperture  385  is defined in second end  381   b  of base  381 . Second aperture  385  originates in second end  381   b  and extends longitudinally inwardly for a distance into base  381 . Preferably, second aperture  385  is centrally located in second end  381   b . Second aperture  385  is thus oriented at right angles to first aperture  383 . 
         [0072]    Frame member  326  is used in the following manner. Rod  328  is engaged with base  381  by inserting second end  328   b  thereof through an opening  383   a  of first aperture  383 . Washer  357  and second nut  355  are then threaded onto second end  328   b  of rod  328  and are rotated until they are fully engaged therewith. Lock nut  354  at first end  328   a  of rod  328  is then inserted into slot  37  of advertising track  31 . Carrier  69  is engaged in chamber  58  of ring  64  on advertising panel  32  and then the engaged ring and carrier  64 ,  69  are inserted into bore  39  of advertising track  31 . Lock nut  354  is rotated about rod  328  and as it does so, it causes rod  328  to rotate and thus moves the first end  328   a  thereof through the threaded aperture (not shown) in carrier  69 , into bore  39  of track  31  and into engagement with carrier  69 . Continued rotation of lock nut  354  causes first end  328   a  of rod  328  to lock carrier  69  within track  31  and substantially prevents subsequent movement of carrier  69  within track  31 . Lock nut  354  maintains this locking engagement of rod  328 , track  31  and carrier  69 . It will be understood that rod  328  releasably locks track  31  and carrier  69  together. Rotation of lock nut  354  in the opposite direction will withdraw first end  328   a  of rod  328  from its engagement with carrier  69 , and thereby allow carrier  69  to be removed from bore  39  of track  31 . 
         [0073]    The engagement between base  381  and rod  328  at this point is quite loose and advertising panel  32  is not tensioned and may therefore include wrinkles and folds. 
         [0074]    Frame member  323  further includes a bolt  387  and washer  389  which are engageable with base  381  to secure the same to beam  380 . This is accomplished by positioning second end  381   b  of base  381  in abutting contact with first face  377   a  of web  377  on beam  380 . Base  381  is moved along first face  377   a  until second aperture  385  is longitudinally aligned with hole  379  in web  377 . Bolt  387  is inserted through washer  389  and is then inserted into the aligned hole  379  and second aperture  385 . Bolt  387  is rotated about its longitudinal axis to draw base  381  toward web  377 . Once bolt  387  is fully engaged, as shown in  FIG. 15 , and is securing base  381  to web  377 , second nut  355  on rod  328  is rotated so that it moves upwardly along rod  328  toward the first end  328   a  thereof. When nut  355  and washer  357  contact the peripheral wall  381   c  of base  381 , continued rotation of nut  355  will draw portions of rod  328  downwardly in the direction of arrow “A” ( FIG. 15 ). The continued downward movement of rod  328  draws advertising track  31  downwardly in the direction of arrow “A”. The downward movement of advertising track  31  pulls the bottom end  32   a  of advertising panel  32  downwardly in the direction of arrow “A”. Since the top end (not shown) of panel  32  is fixed to an upper support by one of the panel fastening assemblies described herein, as the bottom end  32   a  of panel  32  moves downwardly, it is tensioned and substantially all of the wrinkles and folds therein are removed. If the tension in the advertising panel  32  is found to be too high, nut  355  is rotated in a direction which moves it downwardly somewhat along rod  328  and toward the second end  328   b  thereof. If the tension in the advertising panel  32  is found to be too low, nut  355  is rotated in a direction which moves it upwardly along rod  328  and toward the first end  328   a  thereof. Adverting panel  32  may be changed by loosening the tension on rod  328  to a sufficient degree that will permit carrier  69  to be withdrawn from advertising track  31 . The panel  32  can then be disengaged from carrier  69  and a new panel (not shown) will be engaged with carrier  69 . Carrier  69  is then re-engaged with advertising track  31  and the tension on rod  328  is increased once again as described above. 
         [0075]    When frame member  326  is fully engaged with I-beam  380  and with panel fastening assembly  323 , base  381  is disposed substantially at right angles to rod  328 . Rod  328  is aligned with advertising panel  32  and is disposed substantially parallel to the web  377  of I-beam  380 . In  FIG. 15 , rod  328  and panel  32  are disposed substantially vertical. However, it will be understood that frame member  326  could be secured in different orientations to that shown in  FIG. 15  and then panel  32  will be retained at a different angle on the bleacher. So, for example, if the bleacher support is disposed so that base  381  will be secured thereto in a substantially vertical orientation (i.e., at 90° relative to the way it is oriented in  FIG. 15 ), then panel  32  will be retained substantially horizontally. If the bleacher support is disposed at a 45° angle, the base  381  will be secured thereto in such a way that panel  32  will be retained at a 45° angle. 
         [0076]    It will be understood that the installer may be provided with a kit of different length bases  381  which may be used to secure the panel fastening assembly  323  to different configurations of support members. The length of the base  381  is that dimension as measured from first end  381   a  to second end  381   b  thereof. Additionally, different length rods  328  may be provided in the kit for the installer to utilize with different height advertising panels  32 . Again, the length of rod  328  is that dimension as measured from the rod&#39;s first end  328   a  to its second end  328   b  thereof. 
         [0077]    It will further be understood that the locations and orientations of first and second apertures  383 ,  385  on base  381  may be differently configured from that shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15  without departing from the scope of the present invention. First and second apertures  383 ,  385  may be drilled in these different locations and orientations on site so that a custom-fit advertising panel installation may be achieved. This custom-fitting may be necessary to accommodate unusually angled and configured support surfaces onto which base  381  may need to be secured. Alternatively, the custom-fitting may be necessary in order to display panel  32  at an unusual angle relative to the support surface. 
         [0078]    Accordingly, the panel fastening assembly in accordance with the present invention is an effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficient device that achieves all the enumerated objectives of the invention, provides for eliminating difficulties encountered with prior art devices, systems, and methods, and solves problems and obtains new results in the art. 
         [0079]    In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. 
         [0080]    Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. 
         [0081]    Having now described the features discoveries, and principles of the invention, the manner in which the system for fastening printed material is construed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and the advantageous new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangement, parts, and combinations are set forth in the appended claims.