Patent Publication Number: US-7213356-B2

Title: Banner display system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/930,330 filed Aug. 31, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,069,679, and entitled BANNER DISPLAY SYSTEM, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/616,616 filed Jul. 10, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,486, and entitled BANNER DISPLAY SYSTEM, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/881,496 filed Jun. 14, 2001, and entitled BANNER DISPLAY SYSTEM, now abandoned. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to displays. More particularly, the invention relates to systems for displaying banners, signage and the like. 
   BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Various devices for displaying signs and banners are known m the art. However, such devices desire improvement in that they are typically unduly heavy or awkward or difficult to assemble and use. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved system for displaying signs and banners and, particularly signs and banners made of non-rigid sheet materials. 
   The present invention relates to a display system. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the display system includes a banner made of a flexible, non-rigid sheet material, and including a plurality of elongate sleeves; and a frame system to support the banner. 
   The frame system includes a pair of horizontal frame members and a pair of vertical frame members, each slidably positionable within one of the sleeves, with each frame member having a length greater than the length of the sleeve into which it is positionable. The vertical frame members each include a pair of spaced apart receivers thereon for receiving ends of the horizontal frame members. 
   At least one of the receivers is a quick-release receiver having a blind bore portion adjacent one of the vertical frame members and configured to receive an end portion of one of the horizontal frame members, a partial sidewall portion which extends outwardly from the blind bore portion and away from the one of the vertical frame members so as to partially surround the one of the horizontal frame members when such frame member is received by the quick-release receiver when the system is assembled, and an opening provided in the partial sidewall portion so as to permit passage of the horizontal frame member. 
   To remove the one of the horizontal frame members from the quick-release the receiver, the frame member may be retracted away from the quick-release receiver a distance sufficient to position the end portion of the one of the horizontal frame members adjacent the opening such that the one of the horizontal frame members may then be moved laterally through the opening and removed from receivership with the quick-release receiver. 
   The structure of the quick-release receiver provides a stable receiver for maintaining the display system in an assembled state during use, yet facilitates desired disassembly and re-assembly of the system such as when changing out the banner. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Further aspects of the invention will become apparent by reference to the detailed description of preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale, wherein like reference number, indicate like elements through several views. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a display system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the display system of  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 2   a  is a front plan view of a blank used to make the banner portion of the display system. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a frame assembly used in the display system of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 3   a  is an enlarged view of a base assembly portion of the frame system of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 3   b  is an alternate embodiment of a base assembly. 
       FIG. 4  is a front plan view of an alternate embodiment of a display system in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a base assembly portion of the display system of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the assembled base assembly of  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6   a  is a top plan view thereof. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  show connection of the base assembly of  FIG. 6  to a frame portion of the display system of  FIG. 4  in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention. 
       FIGS. 9 ,  9   a ,  10 ,  10   a ,  11 , and  11   a  show alternate arrangements of the base systems in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention. 
       FIGS. 12 ,  12   a , and  12   b  show alternate configurations of the display system in accordance with the invention. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  an alternate embodiment of a display system in accordance with the invention for cooperation with a tube type trailer hitch. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  an alternate embodiment of a display system in accordance with the invention for cooperation with a roof or luggage rack of an automobile. 
       FIGS. 17 ,  18 , and  18   a  show incorporation of decorative elements onto frame systems of the display systems of the invention. 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a banner display system according to the invention. 
       FIG. 20  is an exploded view of the display system of  FIG. 19 . 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective side view of yet another embodiment of a banner display system according to the invention. 
       FIG. 22  shows vertical member of the display system of  FIG. 21 . 
       FIG. 23  is a close-up view of a vertical member portion of the display system of  FIG. 21 . 
       FIG. 24  is a close-up view showing a receiver of one of the vertical members of  FIG. 23  receiving a horizontal member. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   
     FIGS. 1–3 
     b  
   
   With initial reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  1   a ,  2  and  2   a , the invention relates to a display system  10  that is particularly suitable for displaying signs and banners on surfaces, such as on car and truck roofs as well as other forms of transportation while traveling at relatively low speeds, e.g., preferably less than about 40 miles per hour. The display system  10  preferably includes a banner  12 , a frame system  14  to support the banner member  12 , and a mounting system  16  for mounting the display system onto a surface, such as the roof of an automobile  18 . 
   The banner  12  is preferably substantially rectangular or square in configuration and made of a flexible, non-rigid sheet material  20  such as a solid or mesh-type vinyl or cloth material. With reference to  FIG. 2   a , the sheet material  20  is preferably provided as a one-piece blank  22  including a front surface  24  and an opposite back surface  26 , preferably having indicia or logo  28  located on one or both of the surfaces  24  and  26  ( FIG. 1 ). The indicia  28  is preferably applied to the banner  12  as by screen printing or the like. 
   The blank  22  also preferably includes end portions  30  and  32 , and side portions  34  and  36 . The blank  22  may preferably be made into the banner  12  as by folding each of the portions  30 ,  32 ,  34  and  36  about itself and securing free edges  30   a ,  32   a ,  34   a , and  36   a  of each of the portions  30 – 36  to the material  20 . The free edges may be secured to the material  20  as by stitches, hook and loop material or the like, at respective locations corresponding to that represented by dashed lines  38 , so as to form sleeves  40 ,  42 ,  44  and  46 . The resulting banner  12  may be of virtually any size, but preferably has a length of from about 4 to about 12 feet and a width of from about 1 to about 4 feet, for use on with an automobile. For other uses, such as for displaying a banner on the top of a computer monitor, the banner preferably has a length of from about 8 to about 14 inches and a width of from about 1 to about 4 inches. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the frame system  14  preferably includes elongate frame members  50 ,  52 ,  54  and  56 , preferably made of a wood or a plastic material. The members  50 – 56  are preferably round or square or X-shaped in cross-section. The frame member  50  has opposite ends  50   a  and  50   b . Likewise, the other frame members  52 – 56  have opposite ends designated with the suffixes a and b. The member  50  preferably has apertures  50   c  and  50   d  adjacent the ends  50   a  and  50   b  configured for receiving the ends  56   b  and  54   b  of the members  56  and  54 , respectively. Likewise, the member  52  preferably has apertures  52   c  and  52   d  adjacent the ends  52   a  and  52   b  and configured for receiving the ends  56   a  and  54   a  of the members  56  and  54 , respectively. 
   The sleeves  40 – 46  of the banner  12  are configured for slidably receiving the members  50 – 56 , respective. Accordingly, the members  50 – 56  are initially received within the sleeves  40 – 46  and the frame system  14  assembled by placing and securing the ends of the members  54  and  56  in the apertures  50   c ,  50   d ,  52   c , and  52   d . Securement is preferably achieved as by friction fit or adhesive. 
   The ends  50   b  and  52   b  of the members  50  and  52  are configured for connection with components of the mounting system  16 . In this regard, and with reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  3   a  and  3   b , each mounting system  16  preferably includes a suction cup  60 , a bolt  62  and a connector  64 . 
   Each suction cup  60  has a force cup  66  opposite a blind bore  68 . Each bolt  62  has a head  70  and a threaded shaft  72  extending from the head  70 . The bore  68  is configured for receiving and frictionally retaining the head  70  of the bolt. Additional securement of the head  70  within the bore  68  may be achieved as by adhesive. 
   Each connector  64  is preferably cylindrical, having fine, machine treads  74  on the interior sidewall thereof and wood type threads  76  on the exterior surface thereof. A preferred connector is a double-threaded insert available under the trade name HELI-COIL from Heli-Coil Corporation of Danbury, Conn. 
   A notch  78  is provided on end  80  of the connector  64  for receiving a tool, such as a screwdriver, for of turning the connector for threading opposite end  82  of the connector into a threaded bore  84  defined at the ends  50   b  and  52   b  of the members  50  and  52  and preferably extending substantially along the center line of the members  50  and  52 . As will be appreciated, each bore  84  is preferably configured for threadably receiving the threads  76  of the connector  64 . Likewise, the threads  74  are configured for receiving the threaded shaft  72  of the bolt  62 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 3   b , in an alternate embodiment, and in the case of molded plastic members  50  and  52 , the mounting system  16  may include only the cup  60  and bolt  62 , with the end  50   b  of the member (or the end  52   b  of the member  52 ) molded around the threaded shaft  72  during manufacture of the members  50  and  52 . 
   
     FIGS. 4–8 
   
   Turning now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown an alternate embodiment of a display system  110  having a banner  112 , a frame system  114  to support the banner member  112 , and a mounting system  116  for mounting the display system onto a surface, such as the roof of an automobile. The banner  112  and frame system  116  are preferably substantially identical to the previously described banner  12  and frame system  14 . 
   With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , each mounting system  116  includes a cup portion  118 , a magnet  120  and a bolt  122 . 
   The cup  118  is preferably either of a thin metal material, such as tin, or of molded plastic construction. The cup  118  preferably includes a substantially circular and continuous sidewall  124  and a substantially circular top  126  adjacent the sidewall  124  so as to define a blind bore  128  interior of the sidewall. An aperture  130  preferably extends through a center portion of the top  126 . 
   The magnet  120  is preferably substantially donut-shaped, having flat upper and lower surfaces  132 ,  134 , circular and continuous sidewall  136  there between. The bolt  122  includes a head  140  and a threaded shaft  142  extending therefrom. The magnet is preferably sized slightly smaller than the bore  128  of the cup. 
   The aperture  130  of the cup  118  is sized to permit passage of the threaded shaft  142 , but not the head  140 . The bore  138  is sized to receive the head  140  as well as the threaded shaft  142 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 6 . The mounting system  116  may be assembled by coating the interior of the bore  128  with an epoxy material  144  and then placing the magnet  120  within the bore  128  of the cup  118  so that the aperture  130  and the bore  138  are concentric. As noted above, the magnet  120  is slightly smaller in dimension than the bore  128 . Thus, a void area  146  exists that may be occupied by the epoxy  144 . The bolt  120  is then passed through the bore  138  and the aperture  130  and an additional amount of the epoxy  144  added to fill the bore  138  and to substantially encase the exterior of the cup  118  and the surface  134  of the magnet. The epoxy is then allowed to cure or set. As will be appreciated, the epoxy retains the components of the system  116  from relative movement with respect to one another and further provides an external coating that is generally suitable for placing on a painted metal body, such as an automobile roof, without scratching it. 
   Turning to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the end  50   b  of the member  50  (and the end  52   b  of the member  52 ) may be attached to the mounting system  116  in the same manner as described previously for the end  50   b  of the member  50  in connection with the mounting assembly  16  and with reference to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b . That is,  FIG. 7  shows use of a connector  80  and  FIG. 8  shows direct molding of the member  50  onto the threaded shaft  142 . 
   
     FIGS. 9–11 
     a  
   
   With reference now to  FIGS. 9–11   a , there are shown additional orientations of the mounting systems  16  and  116 . For example, as seen in  FIGS. 9 and 9   a , the mounting may be accomplished by each side of the display system  10  being supported by a plurality of the mounting systems  16  or  116  joined together as by a metal or rigid plastic tripod  150 . The tripod  150  includes apertures  152  for receiving the threaded bolts of the systems  16  or  116  (or combinations thereof) and may be secured thereto as by a nut threaded onto the bolt of the system  16  or  116 . Likewise, the center of the tripod has a threaded bolt  154  secured thereto and extending upwardly to cooperate with the ends of the members  50  and  52  in the manners previously described in connection with the threaded bolts of the systems  16  and  116 . Similarly, as seen in  FIGS. 10–11   a , other configurations of systems  16 / 116  may be utilized as by joining the systems  16 / 116  with straps  156  and  158 . Strap  156  has three apertures  160  for receiving the bolts of the systems  16 / 116 , with the bolt of the system  16 / 116  in the center position cooperating with the member  50  or  52 . Strap  158  has apertures  162  at the ends thereof for cooperating with the bolts of the system  16 / 116 . A center aperture  164  receives an additional bolt for cooperating with the member  50  or  52 . 
   
     FIGS. 12–12 
     b  
   
   Turning now to  FIG. 12 , there is shown an alternate embodiment of a display system  210  having banner members  212 ,  214 , and  216 , a frame system  218  to support banner members  212 – 216 , and a mounting system  220  for mounting the display system on a surface, such as the roof of an automobile. Each of the banner members  212 – 216  is preferably substantially identical to the previously described banner  12 , except that only one end of each of the banner members is configured to have a sleeve  215  for receiving a frame member. The other end of the banner member is attached, as by stitches  217 , to the adjacent sleeve  215  ( FIG. 12   a ). Mounting system  220  is preferably substantially identical to either previously described mounting systems  16  or  116 . 
   Frame system  218  preferably includes elongate frame members  222 ,  224 , and  226  which are substantially identical to frame members  50  and  52  of frame system  14 . Frame system  218  also includes elongate frame members  228 ,  230 ,  232 ,  234 ,  236 , and  238  which are substantially identical to frame members  54  and  56  of frame system  14 . 
   Now turning to  FIG. 12   b , there is shown an alternate embodiment of a display system  310  having banner member  312 , frame member  314  to support banner  312  and mounting system  316  for mounting the display system on a surface, such as a fender of an automobile. Frame member  314  is preferably substantially identical to frame member  52  of frame system  14 . Mounting system  316  is preferably substantially identical to either previously described mounting systems  16  or  116 . 
   Banner member  312  is preferably substantially identical to banner member  12  in configuration and construction. However, banner member  312  includes only one side configured with a sleeve  313  for slidably receiving frame member  314  in the same manner as previously described for banner member  12  receiving frame member  52 . 
   
     FIGS. 13–14 
   
   Turning to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , there is shown an alternate embodiment of a display system  410  including banner member  412  and frame member  414  to support banner  412  and to connect with a receiver-type trailer hitch. Banner member  412  is preferably substantially identical to banner member  312 , configured for slidably receiving frame member  414  in the same manner as previously described for banner member  12  receiving frame member  52 . 
   Frame member  414  is preferably made of a wood or plastic material. The frame member  414  is preferably L-shaped with a vertical component  416  and horizontal component  418 . An aperture  420  preferably extends through horizontal component  418 . Horizontal component  418  is sized slightly smaller in dimension than the receiver tube  422  of the trailer hitch, which has an aperture  424 . Trailer hitch  422  is sized to receive horizontal component  418  so that apertures  420  and  424  are concentric. Apertures  420  and  424  are sized to permit passage of the shaft of a hitch pin or bolt. 
   
     FIGS. 15–16 
   
   Turning to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , there is shown an alternate embodiment for mounting system  516  for mounting on a luggage rack of an automobile. 
   Mounting system  516  includes cylindrical member  518 , members  520  and  522 , bolt  524  with head  526  and threaded shaft  528 , and a wing nut  530 . The members  518 – 522  are preferably of metal or plastic construction. 
   Cylindrical member  518  preferably includes a substantially circular and continuous sidewall  532  as to define a bore  534  interior of the sidewall. Bore  534  is sized to receive frame member  52  of the banner system and is closed at end  535 . Apertures  536  and  538  preferably extend through a center portion of sidewall  532  so that apertures  536  and  538  are concentric. Aperture  536  is sized slightly larger than aperture  538 . The aperture  536  is sized to receive the head  526  as well as the threaded shaft  528 . The aperture  538  is sized to permit passage of the threaded shaft  528 , but not the head  526 . In this regard, it is noted that the bore  534  is sufficiently large to accommodate the frame member and the head of the bolt. 
   Member  520  is preferably L-shaped with aperture  540  extending through vertical portion  539  of the L-shape. Horizontal portion  541  is preferably perpendicular to the portion  539 . Aperture  540  is sized to permit passage of the threaded shaft  528 . Member  520  is positioned so that aperture  540  is concentric with aperture  538  of cylindrical member  518 . 
   Member  522  preferably includes a horizontal component  542  and two vertical components  544  and  546 . Vertical component  544  extends upwardly from one end of horizontal component  542  and vertical component  546  extends downwardly from the opposite end of horizontal component  542 . An aperture  548  preferably extends through the center of vertical component  544 . Aperture  548  is sized to permit passage of the threaded shaft  528  as well as contain wing nut  530  received on the threaded shaft. Member  522  is positioned so that aperture  548  is concentric with aperture  540  of L-shaped member  520 . Bolt  524  and wing nut  530  are used to connect cylindrical member  518 , L-shaped member  520  and member  522 . 
   As will be noted, the assembled system  516  provides a channel  550  for receiving luggage rack member  552 . If desired, the channel  550  may be lined with a conformable material, such as foam adhesively secured thereto, for cushioning to avoid scarring of the rack member, to provide a secure fit, and to inhibit rattling and the like. 
   
     FIGS. 17–18 
     a  
   
   Turning to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , decorative elements  610  and  612  are shown incorporated onto frame member  50  or  52  of frame assembly  14 . Decorative elements, such as elements  610  and  612 , can be attached to end  50   a  include a rectangular base  614  which is sized to slide into slot  616  located on  50   a / 52   a  of frame member  50 / 52  for frictional retention and ease of replacement and interchangeability ( FIG. 18   a ). Alternatively, the decorative elements may be otherwise affixed onto the frame as by fasteners or molded directly thereon. 
   
     FIGS. 19–20 
   
   With reference to  FIGS. 19–20 , there is shown a display system  700  that is particularly suitable for displaying a banner on a roof of an automobile. The system  700  preferably includes a banner  702  made of a flexible, non-rigid sheet material, and including a plurality of elongate sleeves  704 ,  705 ,  706 , and  707 . 
   A frame system for supporting the banner preferably includes a pair of horizontal frame members  708  and  710  and a pair of vertical frame members  712  and  714 . The frame members are each slidably positionable within one of the sleeves, with each frame member having a length greater than the length of the sleeve into which it is positionable. 
   The vertical frame members  712  and  714  each include a pair of spaced apart apertures  716  thereon for receiving ends of the horizontal frame vertical frame members. The banner and frame assembly are assembled by positioning each of the frame members within one of the sleeves and thereafter positioning the opposite ends of each horizontal frame member within one of the apertures of the vertical frame members. A mounting system for mounting the display system on the roof of the automobile is preferably provided by a pair of suction cups  720  and  722 , each being threadably mounted to one of the thread structures  718  of the vertical frame members. 
   
     FIGS. 21–24 
   
   With reference to  FIGS. 21–24 , there is shown a display system  800  that is particularly suitable for displaying a banner on a roof of an automobile and which is configured to be readily collapsed and then re-assembled to facilitate replacement of the banner. The system  800  preferably includes a banner  802  made of a flexible, non-rigid sheet material, and including a plurality of elongate sleeves  804 ,  805 ,  806 , and  807 . 
   A frame system for supporting the banner  802  preferably includes a pair of horizontal frame members  808  and  810  and a pair of vertical frame members  812  and  814 . The frame members are each slidably positionable within one of the sleeves, with each frame member having a length greater than the length of the sleeve into which it is positionable. 
   The vertical frame members  812  and  814  each include a pair of spaced apart receivers  816  and  817  thereon for receiving ends of the horizontal frame members and thread structure provided adjacent an end of each of the vertical frame members in the manner of the thread structure  718  described previously in connection with the vertical frame members  712  and  714 . 
   The banner and frame assembly are assembled by positioning each of the frame members within one of the sleeves of the banner and thereafter positioning the opposite ends of each horizontal frame member within one of the receivers of the vertical frame members. A mounting system for mounting the display system on the roof of the automobile is preferably provided by a pair of suction cups  820  and  822 , each being threadably mounted to one of the thread structures of the vertical frame members. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 22–24 , the vertical frame members  812  and  814  are configured to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the frame so as to facilitate changing of the banner. In this regard, the receivers  816  preferably correspond to the receivers  716  and are provided by apertures or blind bores defined on the vertical members for receiving the ends of the horizontal frame members. The receivers  816  have a sidewall which prevents lateral insertion or removal of the horizontal frame members such that the horizontal frame members may only be received or removed by aligning the length of the frame members with the length axis of the receivers  816 . 
   The receivers  817  are configured as quick-release receivers configured to facilitate removal of the frame members therefrom, yet which sufficiently retain the frame members during use. In this regard, the quick-release receivers  817  each include a blind bore portion  830  which may extend into the vertical frame member (such as frame member  814 ) and a partial sidewall portion  832  which extends outwardly from the blind bore and away from the vertical frame member so as to partially surround the horizontal frame member inserted into the receiver  817  (such as horizontal frame member  810  and provide structure for helping to maintain the frame member in a received orientation relative to the receiver  817 . However, an opening  834  is provided in the sidewall  832  so as to permit passage of the horizontal frame member. Thus, to remove the horizontal frame member  810  from the receiver  817 , the frame member  810  must only be retracted away from the receiver  817  a distance sufficient to align the end of the frame member  810  with the opening  834 . The frame member  810  may then be moved laterally through the opening  834  to be removed from receivership with the receiver  817 . 
   The frame assembly preferably includes the receivers  817  placed in alternating fashion, that is, one at the top of one of the vertical frame members and at the bottom of the opposite vertical frame member. It has been discovered that this arrangement provides better retention properties when the banner system encounters wind and other stresses. The receivers  817  may also be oriented on the vertical frame members to face in the same direction when the system is assembled, or in opposite directions. 
   The foregoing description of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been provided for purposes of illustration only. It is understood that numerous modifications or alterations may be made in and to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.