CA2403170A1 - Extendable support for displaying a banner - Google Patents
Extendable support for displaying a banner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2403170A1 CA2403170A1 CA 2403170 CA2403170A CA2403170A1 CA 2403170 A1 CA2403170 A1 CA 2403170A1 CA 2403170 CA2403170 CA 2403170 CA 2403170 A CA2403170 A CA 2403170A CA 2403170 A1 CA2403170 A1 CA 2403170A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- longitudinal
- rail
- lateral
- sign
- support
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F15/00—Boards, hoardings, pillars, or like structures for notices, placards, posters, or the like
- G09F15/0006—Boards, hoardings, pillars, or like structures for notices, placards, posters, or the like planar structures comprising one or more panels
- G09F15/0025—Boards, hoardings, pillars, or like structures for notices, placards, posters, or the like planar structures comprising one or more panels display surface tensioning means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F17/00—Flags; Banners; Mountings therefor
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F7/00—Signs, name or number plates, letters, numerals, or symbols; Panels or boards
- G09F7/18—Means for attaching signs, plates, panels, or boards to a supporting structure
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
Abstract
A support for displaying a rectangular sign comprising: a first longitudinal rail; a second longitudinal rail being extendably connected to the first longitudinal rail by lateral rails and lateral extending elements, the extending elements cooperatively adjustable to change the lateral size of the support for accommodating signs of differing lateral dimensions; and a retainer on each of the longitudinal rails for fastening the sign. Each extending element includes a bolt adjustably mounted on a lateral rail and further mounted on the second longitudinal rail. Each retainer comprises an open-ended groove for securing a dowel disposed along each longitudinal side of the sign. In another embodiment, the retainer comprises a longitudinal notch defined by a first elongate jaw and an opposing second elongate jaw for engaging opposing sides of a portion of the sign.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
EXTENDABLE SUPPORT FOR DISPLAYING A BANNER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a support for displaying a banner or sign, more specifically for displaying a banner or sign in a substantially taut and flat state using extending members.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The display of a sign or banner made of a flexible material often requires the sign to be held against a frame that provides support to the sign. Reinforcing ribs or struts are used to maintain the flexible panels in a flat message-displaying condition.
Flexible sign panels must be stretched taut to maintain a flat position. That the sign or banner may be held tautly on the support presents certain advantages.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an objective of this invention to a support for displaying in a taut condition a banner or sign of varying dimensions.
According to the invention, the support, having two opposing longitudinal sides and two opposing lateral sides, comprises a first longitudinal rail; a second longitudinal rail being extendably connected by a first lateral extending element and a first lateral rail to the first longitudinal rail and extendably connected by a second lateral extending element and a second lateral rail to the first longitudinal rail, the first lateral extending element and the second lateral extending element cooperatively adjustable to dispose the second longitudinal rail in a plurality of positions substantially parallel to the first longitudinal rail;
a first longitudinal retainer on the first longitudinal rail for fastening the sign proximate to a first one of the two longitudinal sides of the sign; and a second longitudinal retainer on the second longitudinal rail for fastening the sign proximate to a second one of the two longitudinal sides of the sign.
The support may have an external lateral rail connected by lateral extending elements to the first lateral rail, retainers on the external lateral rail and the second lateral rails for accommodating signs of varying lateral dimensions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the invention for showing a sign or banner in the vertical orientation;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting shoe;
Figure 3 is a front view of a longitudinal extending element connecting the external lateral rail and the first lateral rail;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first longitudinal rail with grooves for attaching dowels of a sign as attached to a lateral rail;
Figure 5 is a perspective view the first longitudinal rail (with grooves for attaching dowels of a sign) and a lateral rail;
Figure 6 is a sectional view of a sign attached by two dowels to grooves of the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail;
Figure 7 is a front view of a longitudinal extending element connecting a lateral rail and a mounting shoe of the second longitudinal rail according to the invention.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a first longitudinal rail with a longitudinal notch for attaching a sign and two flanges; and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting piece shaped to fit inside joining segments of a first longitudinal rail with a longitudinal notch.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments. It will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments. It is instead intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, similar features have been given similar reference characters.
In this document, the word sign is used to denote a sign, a banner, or any such rail planar display made out of a flexible material such as plastic (e.g.
polyethylene or vinyl plastics), cloths, or cardboard.
A preferred embodiment of the invention can be seen in Fig.1 as a support for displaying a substantially rectangular sign in the vertical orientation (sign is not shown). The support comprises a first longitudinal rail 102, a second longitudinal rail 104 substantially parallel to the first longitudinal rail 102. The first longitudinal rail 102 is extendably connected to the second longitudinal rail 104 by a first lateral rail 106 and a first lateral extending element 110 and by a second lateral rail 154 and a second lateral extending element 114. Three other lateral rails 156 and extending elements 158 are shown in figure 1; these 156 158 add to the strength of the support. Preferably and as shown, the lateral rails 106 154 156 are substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal rail 102 and the second longitudinal rail 104. The first longitudinal rail 102 has a longitudinal retainer 140 for fastening the sign proximate to one longitudinal side of the sign; and the opposing longitudinal side of the sign is fastened onto a longitudinal retainer 140 of the second longitudinal rail 104.
The first and second lateral rails 106 154 (and any other lateral rails 156 if present) are attached to the first longitudinal rail 102, a preferred arrangement of which is shown in Fig. 4 as a nut and bolt fastening mechanism (discussed later).
The first and the second lateral rails 106 154 is connected to the second longitudinal rail 104 by lateral extending elements 110 114 respectively. The purpose of the lateral extending elements 110 114 acting collectively is to maintain the sign in a taut condition laterally by extending the distance between the lateral rails 106 154 and the second longitudinal rail 104 until the sign, attached to the first longitudinal rail 102 and the second longitudinal rail 104, is pulled taut laterally. In another words, the lateral extending elements 110 114 may be adjusted cooperatively to place the second longitudinal rail 104 in a plurality of positions substantially parallel to the first longitudinal rail 102 forming a rectangular frame of varying lateral dimensions (for accommodating signs of varying lateral dimensions and tautness).
In order to achieve tautness and accommodate signs of varying longitudinal dimensions, figure 1 illustrates the possible use of an external lateral rail 150 connected by a first and a second longitudinal extending element 116 118 to the first lateral rail 106 disposing the external lateral rail 150 in a number of positions substantially parallel to the first lateral rail 106. The external lateral rail 150 has a lateral retainer 160 (not shown) for fastening the sign proximate to one lateral side of the sigh; and the opposing lateral side of the sign is fastened onto a further lateral retainer 160 (not shown) of the second lateral rail 154.
In order to reduce the weight of the support, the various rails 102 104 106 150 154 156, are preferably hollow structures (either as a single piece or the collocation of pieces as with the second longitudinal rail 104 discussed below) which define or have an elongate inner channel running the length of each structure (see Figs. 4, 5, 8, and 9).
In the case of the second longitudinal rail and the external lateral rail, the structure preferably comprises a rail shell 108 defining the elongate inner channel. The cross section of such rails may be U- or C-shaped. Two or more mounting shoes 112 are received and secured in the longitudinal channel by screw or nut and bolt 170, which then form the surfaces for attachment to longitudinal extending elements or lateral extending elements.
In the alternative, these rails may be hollow beams with rectangular cross-sections. With the preferable use of light materials (whether metallic such as aluminum, or non-metallic such as rigid plastic) this results in structures having considerable strength but less weight than if the structures were solid. The rails 102 104 106 150 154 156 may be so shaped such that where two rails 102 104 106 150 154 156 are in physical contact, one rail 102 104 106 150 154 156 may be tightly fitted in part into the channel of the other 102 104 106 150 154 156 (see Figs. 4, 5, and 6). See later discussion on the use of extending connectors.
One embodiment, as shown in figure 7, uses as the first lateral extending element 110 a threaded bolt 132 (adjustable) mounted on the angle assembly 136 and the second longitudinal rail 104 approximately perpendicularly to the second longitudinal rail 104.
Preferably, the threaded bolt 132 is thread mounted through a threaded hole 138 of the angle assembly 136 and received in a hole defined in the second longitudinal rail 104. In a preferred embodiment, the hole is defined in a mounting shoe 112 and lock nuts 134 secure the threaded bolt 132 against movement on either side of the mounting shoe 112.
The angle assembly 136 is mounted on the lateral rail 106 154 156, preferably by bolt 166 and nut 168. The distance between the lateral rail 106 154 156 and the second longitudinal rail 104 may be adjusted easily by adjusting the distance between the threaded bolt 132 relative to the lateral rail 106 154 156 by rotating the threaded bolt 132, or less easily by changing the distance between the threaded bolt 132 relative to the second longitudinal rail 104 by using the two lock nuts 134.
The longitudinal extending elements 152 may be similar to the lateral extending elements 110 except that the threaded bolt 132 may be directly adjustably (thread) mounted on the first lateral rail 106 (as shown in figure 3) if the latter is not a shell-shoe assembly as with the second longitudinal rail 104. Flat plates 146 with holes may also be used. As with the lateral extending elements 110, the use of lock nuts 134 on either side of the external lateral rail 150 holds the threaded bolt 132 fast relative to the external lateral rail 150. The distance between the first lateral rail 106 and the external lateral rail 150 may be adjusted typically by rotating the threaded bolt 132.
A sign 120 to be displayed is attached to a longitudinal retainer 140 of the first longitudinal rail 102 along one longitudinal end 122 and a longitudinal retainer 140 of the second longitudinal rail 104 along the opposing longitudinal end 122. In a preferred embodiment as shown in figure 6, the sign further comprises two lateral ends 124, a tubular pocket 126 formed at each longitudinal end 122 of the sign 120, and a rod 128 received in each tubular pocket 126 forming together a dowel 172. As shown in figures 4, 5, and 6, the longitudinal retainers 140 are each formed by a groove 130 with an open end for inserting the dowel 172 when attaching the sign 120. The sign 120 is attached to the first longitudinal rail 102 by sliding the dowel 172 through the open end until the dowel 172 is received in the groove 130. As is clear to a person skilled in the art, the open side of the groove 130 has an opening less than the cross-sectional width of the dowel 172 to hold the dowel 172 in place. The second longitudinal rail 104 has a corresponding groove 132 for receiving the dowel 172 at the other longitudinal end 122.
The groove 132 of the longitudinal retainers 140 may be positioned in a number of places on the first longitudinal rail 102 and the second longitudinal rail 104. There may even be more than one groove 132 at a longitudinal rail 102 104: in Figure 6, each longitudinal rail 102 104 is shown with 2 grooves 132. A dowel 172 at the longitudinal end 122 of the sign 120 corresponding to the first longitudinal rail 102 may be placed in either groove of the first longitudinal rail 102. The same applies to the dowel 172 at the opposing longitudinal end 122. It is clear to the person skilled in the art how the configuration shown permits two signs 120 to be displayed simultaneously by the same support 100, or allow a sign to be attached by dowels 172 and grooves 132 at the longitudinal retainer 140 of only one longitudinal rail 102 104 while wrapped around the other longitudinal rail 102 104, thereby displaying elements of a sign 120 on both sides of the support.
In a further preferred embodiment shown in figure 8, instead of a groove132, the longitudinal retainer 140 comprises a longitudinal notch 178 defined by a pair of opposing elongate jaws 174. When a portion of a sign 120 is inserted into the region between the opposing elongate jaws 174, the elongate jaws 174 engage opposing sides of the sign 120 portion providing a friction on the portion and hindering the portion from movement. In a variation, the longitudinal notch 178 opens in a direction towards the second longitudinal rail 104. This afford a tighter grip if the sign 120 is wrapped around the longitudinal end of the longitudinal rail 102 104 (analogous to the way the sign is wrapped as indicated in figure 5 for a dowel and groove system).
In a preferred embodiment, the elongate jaws 174 comprises oppositely directed projections 176. These may be concave structures with a sharpened end, e.g.
tooth-like structures with possible serrated edges, and serve to provide more friction on portions of the sign 120 in the region between the elongate jaws 174.
It is clear to a person in the art how the longitudinal retainers 140 described above may be adapted to be used as the lateral retainers in order to stretch the sign taut in the lateral direction also.
For the purpose of constructing supports 100 of varying dimensions, rails 102 150 154 156 may be of extendible design. These rails 102 104 106 150 154 156 may each be joined coaxial segments defining hollow channels where the end of one segment may be tightly fitted (or fastened) into the channel of the other This allows the construction of supports of almost any useful dimensions. In a variation, rail connectors which fit either in part or in whole into the channel of abutting segments may also be used. Figure 9 shows one possible embodiment of a rail connector 142 for joining segments of a longitudinal rail 102 104 which has a longitudinal retainer 140 with a longitudinal notch 178. This rail connector 142 is shaped to fit within adjacent segments.
Figures 4 and 5 show a preferred embodiment with two flanges 162 being part of and running the length of the first longitudinal rail 102. Each flange 162 may be adapted so as to connect with the lateral rails 106 154 156, with the lateral rails 106 154 156 suitably adapted to be so connected. In figure 4 and 5, the adaptation is the existence of suitably placed co-axial holes on both the flange 162 and the lateral rails 106 154 for bolt and nut 148 connection. Figure 8 further shows the presence of the flanges 162; note that in figure 9, the rail connector has no region corresponding to the flanges 162 but is designed to fit completely within adjoining segments of the first longitudinal rail 102.
It should be understood that the above description is intended for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and applications shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention and the appended claims and their equivalents.
EXTENDABLE SUPPORT FOR DISPLAYING A BANNER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a support for displaying a banner or sign, more specifically for displaying a banner or sign in a substantially taut and flat state using extending members.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The display of a sign or banner made of a flexible material often requires the sign to be held against a frame that provides support to the sign. Reinforcing ribs or struts are used to maintain the flexible panels in a flat message-displaying condition.
Flexible sign panels must be stretched taut to maintain a flat position. That the sign or banner may be held tautly on the support presents certain advantages.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an objective of this invention to a support for displaying in a taut condition a banner or sign of varying dimensions.
According to the invention, the support, having two opposing longitudinal sides and two opposing lateral sides, comprises a first longitudinal rail; a second longitudinal rail being extendably connected by a first lateral extending element and a first lateral rail to the first longitudinal rail and extendably connected by a second lateral extending element and a second lateral rail to the first longitudinal rail, the first lateral extending element and the second lateral extending element cooperatively adjustable to dispose the second longitudinal rail in a plurality of positions substantially parallel to the first longitudinal rail;
a first longitudinal retainer on the first longitudinal rail for fastening the sign proximate to a first one of the two longitudinal sides of the sign; and a second longitudinal retainer on the second longitudinal rail for fastening the sign proximate to a second one of the two longitudinal sides of the sign.
The support may have an external lateral rail connected by lateral extending elements to the first lateral rail, retainers on the external lateral rail and the second lateral rails for accommodating signs of varying lateral dimensions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the invention for showing a sign or banner in the vertical orientation;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting shoe;
Figure 3 is a front view of a longitudinal extending element connecting the external lateral rail and the first lateral rail;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first longitudinal rail with grooves for attaching dowels of a sign as attached to a lateral rail;
Figure 5 is a perspective view the first longitudinal rail (with grooves for attaching dowels of a sign) and a lateral rail;
Figure 6 is a sectional view of a sign attached by two dowels to grooves of the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail;
Figure 7 is a front view of a longitudinal extending element connecting a lateral rail and a mounting shoe of the second longitudinal rail according to the invention.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a first longitudinal rail with a longitudinal notch for attaching a sign and two flanges; and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting piece shaped to fit inside joining segments of a first longitudinal rail with a longitudinal notch.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments. It will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments. It is instead intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, similar features have been given similar reference characters.
In this document, the word sign is used to denote a sign, a banner, or any such rail planar display made out of a flexible material such as plastic (e.g.
polyethylene or vinyl plastics), cloths, or cardboard.
A preferred embodiment of the invention can be seen in Fig.1 as a support for displaying a substantially rectangular sign in the vertical orientation (sign is not shown). The support comprises a first longitudinal rail 102, a second longitudinal rail 104 substantially parallel to the first longitudinal rail 102. The first longitudinal rail 102 is extendably connected to the second longitudinal rail 104 by a first lateral rail 106 and a first lateral extending element 110 and by a second lateral rail 154 and a second lateral extending element 114. Three other lateral rails 156 and extending elements 158 are shown in figure 1; these 156 158 add to the strength of the support. Preferably and as shown, the lateral rails 106 154 156 are substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal rail 102 and the second longitudinal rail 104. The first longitudinal rail 102 has a longitudinal retainer 140 for fastening the sign proximate to one longitudinal side of the sign; and the opposing longitudinal side of the sign is fastened onto a longitudinal retainer 140 of the second longitudinal rail 104.
The first and second lateral rails 106 154 (and any other lateral rails 156 if present) are attached to the first longitudinal rail 102, a preferred arrangement of which is shown in Fig. 4 as a nut and bolt fastening mechanism (discussed later).
The first and the second lateral rails 106 154 is connected to the second longitudinal rail 104 by lateral extending elements 110 114 respectively. The purpose of the lateral extending elements 110 114 acting collectively is to maintain the sign in a taut condition laterally by extending the distance between the lateral rails 106 154 and the second longitudinal rail 104 until the sign, attached to the first longitudinal rail 102 and the second longitudinal rail 104, is pulled taut laterally. In another words, the lateral extending elements 110 114 may be adjusted cooperatively to place the second longitudinal rail 104 in a plurality of positions substantially parallel to the first longitudinal rail 102 forming a rectangular frame of varying lateral dimensions (for accommodating signs of varying lateral dimensions and tautness).
In order to achieve tautness and accommodate signs of varying longitudinal dimensions, figure 1 illustrates the possible use of an external lateral rail 150 connected by a first and a second longitudinal extending element 116 118 to the first lateral rail 106 disposing the external lateral rail 150 in a number of positions substantially parallel to the first lateral rail 106. The external lateral rail 150 has a lateral retainer 160 (not shown) for fastening the sign proximate to one lateral side of the sigh; and the opposing lateral side of the sign is fastened onto a further lateral retainer 160 (not shown) of the second lateral rail 154.
In order to reduce the weight of the support, the various rails 102 104 106 150 154 156, are preferably hollow structures (either as a single piece or the collocation of pieces as with the second longitudinal rail 104 discussed below) which define or have an elongate inner channel running the length of each structure (see Figs. 4, 5, 8, and 9).
In the case of the second longitudinal rail and the external lateral rail, the structure preferably comprises a rail shell 108 defining the elongate inner channel. The cross section of such rails may be U- or C-shaped. Two or more mounting shoes 112 are received and secured in the longitudinal channel by screw or nut and bolt 170, which then form the surfaces for attachment to longitudinal extending elements or lateral extending elements.
In the alternative, these rails may be hollow beams with rectangular cross-sections. With the preferable use of light materials (whether metallic such as aluminum, or non-metallic such as rigid plastic) this results in structures having considerable strength but less weight than if the structures were solid. The rails 102 104 106 150 154 156 may be so shaped such that where two rails 102 104 106 150 154 156 are in physical contact, one rail 102 104 106 150 154 156 may be tightly fitted in part into the channel of the other 102 104 106 150 154 156 (see Figs. 4, 5, and 6). See later discussion on the use of extending connectors.
One embodiment, as shown in figure 7, uses as the first lateral extending element 110 a threaded bolt 132 (adjustable) mounted on the angle assembly 136 and the second longitudinal rail 104 approximately perpendicularly to the second longitudinal rail 104.
Preferably, the threaded bolt 132 is thread mounted through a threaded hole 138 of the angle assembly 136 and received in a hole defined in the second longitudinal rail 104. In a preferred embodiment, the hole is defined in a mounting shoe 112 and lock nuts 134 secure the threaded bolt 132 against movement on either side of the mounting shoe 112.
The angle assembly 136 is mounted on the lateral rail 106 154 156, preferably by bolt 166 and nut 168. The distance between the lateral rail 106 154 156 and the second longitudinal rail 104 may be adjusted easily by adjusting the distance between the threaded bolt 132 relative to the lateral rail 106 154 156 by rotating the threaded bolt 132, or less easily by changing the distance between the threaded bolt 132 relative to the second longitudinal rail 104 by using the two lock nuts 134.
The longitudinal extending elements 152 may be similar to the lateral extending elements 110 except that the threaded bolt 132 may be directly adjustably (thread) mounted on the first lateral rail 106 (as shown in figure 3) if the latter is not a shell-shoe assembly as with the second longitudinal rail 104. Flat plates 146 with holes may also be used. As with the lateral extending elements 110, the use of lock nuts 134 on either side of the external lateral rail 150 holds the threaded bolt 132 fast relative to the external lateral rail 150. The distance between the first lateral rail 106 and the external lateral rail 150 may be adjusted typically by rotating the threaded bolt 132.
A sign 120 to be displayed is attached to a longitudinal retainer 140 of the first longitudinal rail 102 along one longitudinal end 122 and a longitudinal retainer 140 of the second longitudinal rail 104 along the opposing longitudinal end 122. In a preferred embodiment as shown in figure 6, the sign further comprises two lateral ends 124, a tubular pocket 126 formed at each longitudinal end 122 of the sign 120, and a rod 128 received in each tubular pocket 126 forming together a dowel 172. As shown in figures 4, 5, and 6, the longitudinal retainers 140 are each formed by a groove 130 with an open end for inserting the dowel 172 when attaching the sign 120. The sign 120 is attached to the first longitudinal rail 102 by sliding the dowel 172 through the open end until the dowel 172 is received in the groove 130. As is clear to a person skilled in the art, the open side of the groove 130 has an opening less than the cross-sectional width of the dowel 172 to hold the dowel 172 in place. The second longitudinal rail 104 has a corresponding groove 132 for receiving the dowel 172 at the other longitudinal end 122.
The groove 132 of the longitudinal retainers 140 may be positioned in a number of places on the first longitudinal rail 102 and the second longitudinal rail 104. There may even be more than one groove 132 at a longitudinal rail 102 104: in Figure 6, each longitudinal rail 102 104 is shown with 2 grooves 132. A dowel 172 at the longitudinal end 122 of the sign 120 corresponding to the first longitudinal rail 102 may be placed in either groove of the first longitudinal rail 102. The same applies to the dowel 172 at the opposing longitudinal end 122. It is clear to the person skilled in the art how the configuration shown permits two signs 120 to be displayed simultaneously by the same support 100, or allow a sign to be attached by dowels 172 and grooves 132 at the longitudinal retainer 140 of only one longitudinal rail 102 104 while wrapped around the other longitudinal rail 102 104, thereby displaying elements of a sign 120 on both sides of the support.
In a further preferred embodiment shown in figure 8, instead of a groove132, the longitudinal retainer 140 comprises a longitudinal notch 178 defined by a pair of opposing elongate jaws 174. When a portion of a sign 120 is inserted into the region between the opposing elongate jaws 174, the elongate jaws 174 engage opposing sides of the sign 120 portion providing a friction on the portion and hindering the portion from movement. In a variation, the longitudinal notch 178 opens in a direction towards the second longitudinal rail 104. This afford a tighter grip if the sign 120 is wrapped around the longitudinal end of the longitudinal rail 102 104 (analogous to the way the sign is wrapped as indicated in figure 5 for a dowel and groove system).
In a preferred embodiment, the elongate jaws 174 comprises oppositely directed projections 176. These may be concave structures with a sharpened end, e.g.
tooth-like structures with possible serrated edges, and serve to provide more friction on portions of the sign 120 in the region between the elongate jaws 174.
It is clear to a person in the art how the longitudinal retainers 140 described above may be adapted to be used as the lateral retainers in order to stretch the sign taut in the lateral direction also.
For the purpose of constructing supports 100 of varying dimensions, rails 102 150 154 156 may be of extendible design. These rails 102 104 106 150 154 156 may each be joined coaxial segments defining hollow channels where the end of one segment may be tightly fitted (or fastened) into the channel of the other This allows the construction of supports of almost any useful dimensions. In a variation, rail connectors which fit either in part or in whole into the channel of abutting segments may also be used. Figure 9 shows one possible embodiment of a rail connector 142 for joining segments of a longitudinal rail 102 104 which has a longitudinal retainer 140 with a longitudinal notch 178. This rail connector 142 is shaped to fit within adjacent segments.
Figures 4 and 5 show a preferred embodiment with two flanges 162 being part of and running the length of the first longitudinal rail 102. Each flange 162 may be adapted so as to connect with the lateral rails 106 154 156, with the lateral rails 106 154 156 suitably adapted to be so connected. In figure 4 and 5, the adaptation is the existence of suitably placed co-axial holes on both the flange 162 and the lateral rails 106 154 for bolt and nut 148 connection. Figure 8 further shows the presence of the flanges 162; note that in figure 9, the rail connector has no region corresponding to the flanges 162 but is designed to fit completely within adjoining segments of the first longitudinal rail 102.
It should be understood that the above description is intended for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and applications shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention and the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (22)
1. A support for displaying a substantially rectangular sign having two opposing longitudinal sides and two opposing lateral sides, comprising:
.cndot. A first longitudinal rail;
.cndot. a second longitudinal rail being extendably connected by a first lateral extending element and a first lateral rail to the first longitudinal rail and extendably connected by a second lateral extending element and a second lateral rail to the first longitudinal rail, the first lateral extending element and the second lateral extending element cooperatively adjustable to dispose the second longitudinal rail in a plurality of positions substantially parallel to the first longitudinal rail;
.cndot. a first longitudinal retainer on the first longitudinal rail for fastening the sign proximate to a first one of the two longitudinal sides of the sign; and .cndot. a second longitudinal retainer on the second longitudinal rail for fastening the sign proximate to a second one of the two longitudinal sides of the sign.
.cndot. A first longitudinal rail;
.cndot. a second longitudinal rail being extendably connected by a first lateral extending element and a first lateral rail to the first longitudinal rail and extendably connected by a second lateral extending element and a second lateral rail to the first longitudinal rail, the first lateral extending element and the second lateral extending element cooperatively adjustable to dispose the second longitudinal rail in a plurality of positions substantially parallel to the first longitudinal rail;
.cndot. a first longitudinal retainer on the first longitudinal rail for fastening the sign proximate to a first one of the two longitudinal sides of the sign; and .cndot. a second longitudinal retainer on the second longitudinal rail for fastening the sign proximate to a second one of the two longitudinal sides of the sign.
2. The support of claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal rail, the second longitudinal rail, the first lateral rail, and the second lateral rail form a rectangular frame, and the support further comprising:
.cndot. an external lateral rail extendably connected by a first longitudinal extending element to the first lateral rail and a second longitudinal extending element to the first lateral rail, the first longitudinal extending element and the second longitudinal extending element cooperatively adjustable to dispose the external lateral rail in a plurality of positions substantially parallel to the first lateral rail;
.cndot. a first lateral retainer on the external lateral rail for fastening the sign proximate to a first one of the two lateral sides of the sign; and .cndot. a second lateral retainer on the second lateral rail for fastening the sign proximate to a second one of the two lateral sides of the sign
.cndot. an external lateral rail extendably connected by a first longitudinal extending element to the first lateral rail and a second longitudinal extending element to the first lateral rail, the first longitudinal extending element and the second longitudinal extending element cooperatively adjustable to dispose the external lateral rail in a plurality of positions substantially parallel to the first lateral rail;
.cndot. a first lateral retainer on the external lateral rail for fastening the sign proximate to a first one of the two lateral sides of the sign; and .cndot. a second lateral retainer on the second lateral rail for fastening the sign proximate to a second one of the two lateral sides of the sign
3. The support of claim 1, wherein the first lateral extending elements comprises:
.cndot.an angle assembly mounted on the first lateral rail; and .cndot. a bolt adjustably mounted on the angle assembly in an orientation perpendicular to the second longitudinal rail;
wherein the bolt is further mounted on the second longitudinal rail.
.cndot.an angle assembly mounted on the first lateral rail; and .cndot. a bolt adjustably mounted on the angle assembly in an orientation perpendicular to the second longitudinal rail;
wherein the bolt is further mounted on the second longitudinal rail.
4. The support of claim 3, wherein:
.cndot. the bold is thread mounted on the angle assembly; and .cndot. the bolt is received on the second longitudinal rail through a hole defined in the second longitudinal rail and held in place by two lock nuts on opposing sides of the hole.
.cndot. the bold is thread mounted on the angle assembly; and .cndot. the bolt is received on the second longitudinal rail through a hole defined in the second longitudinal rail and held in place by two lock nuts on opposing sides of the hole.
5. The support of claim 4, wherein the second longitudinal rail comprises:
.cndot. an rail shell having a longitudinal channel; and .cndot. a mounting shoe received in the longitudinal channel and secured to the rail shell having a mounting surface defining the hole for receiving the bolt.
.cndot. an rail shell having a longitudinal channel; and .cndot. a mounting shoe received in the longitudinal channel and secured to the rail shell having a mounting surface defining the hole for receiving the bolt.
6. The support of claim 5, wherein the cross-section of the rail shell is rectangular with an open end shaped to receive the mounting shoe.
7. The support of claim 2, wherein:
.cndot. Each of the first longitudinal extending element and the second longitudinal extending element comprises a bolt adjustably mounted on the first lateral rail in an orientation perpendicular to the external lateral rail; and .cndot. the bolt is further mounted on the external lateral rail.
.cndot. Each of the first longitudinal extending element and the second longitudinal extending element comprises a bolt adjustably mounted on the first lateral rail in an orientation perpendicular to the external lateral rail; and .cndot. the bolt is further mounted on the external lateral rail.
8. The support of claim 7, wherein:
.cndot. the bolt is threadably mounted on the first lateral rail through a hole defined in the first lateral rail; and .cndot. the bolt is mounted on the external lateral rail through a hole defined in the external lateral rail and held in place by two lock nuts on opposing sides of the hole.
.cndot. the bolt is threadably mounted on the first lateral rail through a hole defined in the first lateral rail; and .cndot. the bolt is mounted on the external lateral rail through a hole defined in the external lateral rail and held in place by two lock nuts on opposing sides of the hole.
9 9. The support of claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal retainer comprises an open-ended groove for securing a first dowel disposed along the first longitudinal side of the sign.
10. The support of claim 9, wherein the second longitudinal retainer comprises a open-ended groove for securing a second dowel disposed along the second longitudinal side of the sign.
11. The support of claim 9, wherein the first dowel comprises a rod and a tubular pocket for receiving the rod.
12. The support of claim 1, wherein:
.cndot. the first longitudinal rail comprises a third longitudinal retainer for fastening a second sign proximate to a first longitudinal side of the second sign; and .cndot. the second longitudinal rail comprises a fourth longitudinal retainer for fastening the second sign proximate to a second longitudinal side of the second sign;
wherein:
.cndot. the second sign comprises a first dowel disposed along the first longitudinal side of the second sign;
.cndot. the third longitudinal retainer comprises a groove for securing the first dowel of the second sign;
.cndot. the further sign comprising a second dowel disposed along the second longitudinal side of the second sign; and .cndot. the fourth longitudinal retainer comprises a groove for securing the second dowel of the second sign.
.cndot. the first longitudinal rail comprises a third longitudinal retainer for fastening a second sign proximate to a first longitudinal side of the second sign; and .cndot. the second longitudinal rail comprises a fourth longitudinal retainer for fastening the second sign proximate to a second longitudinal side of the second sign;
wherein:
.cndot. the second sign comprises a first dowel disposed along the first longitudinal side of the second sign;
.cndot. the third longitudinal retainer comprises a groove for securing the first dowel of the second sign;
.cndot. the further sign comprising a second dowel disposed along the second longitudinal side of the second sign; and .cndot. the fourth longitudinal retainer comprises a groove for securing the second dowel of the second sign.
13. The support of claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal retainer comprises a longitudinal notch defined by a first elongate jaw and an opposing second elongate jaw, the first elongate jaw and the second elongate jaw for engaging opposing sides of a portion of the sign providing a friction on the portion and hindering the portion from movement when the sign is displayed on a first display surface of the support.
14. The support of claim 13, wherein the longitudinal notch opens in a direction towards the second longitudinal rail and towards a second display surface of the support.
15. The support of claim 14, wherein the first elongate jaw and the second elongate jaw comprises oppositely directed projections.
16. The support of claim 15, wherein each of the oppositely directed projections is a concave structure with a sharpened end.
17. The support of claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal rail comprises a hollow rail shell.
18. The support of claim 17, wherein the hollow rail shell comprises:
.cndot. a plurality of co-axial hollow beam sections; and .cndot. a plurality of extending connectors for joining the plurality of co-axial hollow beam sections;
wherein adjacent beam sections are joined by an extending connector, the extending connector having opposing terminal ends, each terminal end shaped to fit securely against an inner surface of an adjacent external beam section.
.cndot. a plurality of co-axial hollow beam sections; and .cndot. a plurality of extending connectors for joining the plurality of co-axial hollow beam sections;
wherein adjacent beam sections are joined by an extending connector, the extending connector having opposing terminal ends, each terminal end shaped to fit securely against an inner surface of an adjacent external beam section.
19. The support of claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of extending connectors is shaped to rest completely within two adjacent beam sections when deployed to connect two adjacent beam sections.
20. The support of claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal rail comprises a flange for connecting to each of the first lateral rail and the second lateral rail.
21. The support of claim 20, wherein each of the first lateral rail and the second lateral rail is a hollow structure having a surface in abutment to the flange when the first longitudinal rail is connected to the first lateral rail and the second lateral rail.
22. The support of claim 21, wherein the first longitudinal rail is connected to the first lateral rail by a bolt through co-axial holes defined in the flange and the surface of the first lateral element and secured by a bolt.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2403170 CA2403170A1 (en) | 2002-09-11 | 2002-09-11 | Extendable support for displaying a banner |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2403170 CA2403170A1 (en) | 2002-09-11 | 2002-09-11 | Extendable support for displaying a banner |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2403170A1 true CA2403170A1 (en) | 2004-03-11 |
Family
ID=32046563
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2403170 Abandoned CA2403170A1 (en) | 2002-09-11 | 2002-09-11 | Extendable support for displaying a banner |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2403170A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2006063991A1 (en) * | 2004-12-14 | 2006-06-22 | Tensoforma Trading Srl | Textile panel and relative production method |
| FR3101967A1 (en) * | 2019-10-15 | 2021-04-16 | Duo Industrie | Frame structure of a display unit, and display unit comprising such a frame structure |
-
2002
- 2002-09-11 CA CA 2403170 patent/CA2403170A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2006063991A1 (en) * | 2004-12-14 | 2006-06-22 | Tensoforma Trading Srl | Textile panel and relative production method |
| FR3101967A1 (en) * | 2019-10-15 | 2021-04-16 | Duo Industrie | Frame structure of a display unit, and display unit comprising such a frame structure |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |