WO2007078353A2

WO2007078353A2 - Graphics system

Info

Publication number: WO2007078353A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/035979
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hank Brian Ridless
Original assignee: Circle Graphics, Llc
Priority date: 2005-12-22
Filing date: 2006-09-14
Publication date: 2007-07-12
Also published as: WO2007078353A3

Abstract

A graphics installation system includes an elastic printable substrate. The substrate is stretched to a taut condition and mounted to a backing, supporting surface, or frame.

Description

GRAPHICS SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to advertising displays and more particularly to a graphics installation system for outdoor advertisements.

[0002] Many types of outdoor displays are too large to be economically produced as a single unit using prior art technology, and therefore must be separated into smaller sections. For example, roadside billboards are commonly created by assembling multiple panels side-by-side and one-over-another on a supporting surface to collectively define a display. The panels are attached to the face of the supporting surface with an adhesive.

[0003] While such prior art methods are effective in creating large displays, the use of adhesive is inconvenient and time consuming for both application and removal, and requires skill to align the individual panels. Furthermore, the display panels are relatively heavy and cumbersome, and must be applied carefully to avoid wrinkling. The use of multiple panels increases the time needed for installation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a lightweight mounting system for graphics.

[0005] It is another object of the invention to provide a system for mounting graphics without using adhesives.

[0006] These and other objects are met by the present invention, which in one aspect provides a graphics installation system, including: a sheet-like substrate adapted to display graphics disposed thereon; a supporting structure having a face for receiving the substrate; and a plurality of mounts engaging at least a portion of the perimeter of the substrate and positioning the substrate in a tensioned condition in front of the face.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one of the mounts includes a resilient member.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the graphics installation system further includes a hollow perimeter frame surrounding the supporting structure, wherein the mounts are at least partially disposed inside the frame.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, each of the mounts includes a hook which is connected to the supporting structure by an elastic member.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the substrate is an elastic material.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the substrate includes a print receptive surface.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, a perimeter reinforcement is attached to the substrate.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention,, the perimeter reinforcement exhibits substantially less stretch than the substrate.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the substrate comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film; and the perimeter reinforcement comprises polyester film. [0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the substrate comprises biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film ; and the perimeter reinforcement comprises polyester film.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the substrate comprises paper; and the perimeter reinforcement comprises polypropylene film.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the substrate comprises a woven polyethylene core layer having at least one side coated with a printable polyethylene layer.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, the substrate is stretched to a working length thereof, and the perimeter reinforcement is attached to the substrate so as to maintain the substrate at the working length.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, a graphics installation system includes: a sheet-like substrate adapted to display graphics disposed thereon; a billboard having a face for receiving the substrate; and a plurality of resilient mounts carried around a perimeter of the billboard, the mounts engaging the perimeter of the substrate and collectively positioning the substrate in a tensioned condition against the face.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, a mounting assembly for a graphics installation system includes: an elongated spring housing enclosing a resilient member; and a moveable cord having: a first portion disposed inside the spring housing and connected to the elastic member; and a second portion disposed outside the spring housing and adapted to be connected to a flexible substrate.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the resilient member extends in a first direction and the second portion of the moveable cord extends in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction. [0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the spring housing includes a curved boss over which the cord extends so as to allow the first and second portions thereof to move smoothly in different directions.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the mounting assembly further includes a mounting bracket adapted to be attached to a supporting structure and adapted to receive the spring housing in a snap-fit relationship.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, a clip adapted to engage an edge of a flexible substrate is connected to the cord. The clip includes: a hook for engaging a mounting hole of the substrate; and a finger ring adapted to receive a user's finger there to allow manipulation of the clip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a front view of an advertising display constructed according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of a substrate connected to the display of Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 3 is a front view of a billboard including a frame for mounting a substrate;

[0029] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the frame of Figure 3;

[0030] Figure 5 is front view of a substrate for use with the present invention; [0031] Figure 6 is a front view of an alternative advertising display constructed according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 is a front view of a mounting assembly of the display of

Figure 6;

[0033] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting assembly of

Figure 7;

[0034] Figure 9 is an end view of a spring housing for use with the present invention;

[0035] Figure 10 is a bottom view of a portion of the spring housing of

Figure 9;

[0036] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a spring housing; and

[0037] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 12-12 of

Figure 6;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views, Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary advertising display 10 constructed according to the present invention. The advertising display 10 includes a substrate 12 carrying graphics 16, attached to the face 18 of a billboard 20. The illustrated substrate 12 is a single component, but it may also be made up from a plurality of connected individual panels.

[0039] Figure 2 illustrates a portion of the substrate 12 connected to a mount 22. In this particular example, one or more of the mounts 22 comprises a hook 24 which is connected to the billboard 20 by an elastic cord 26. The specific construction of the mounts 22 is not critical, and they may comprise any structure or mechanism which provides tension to the perimeter of the substrate 12. For example, the elastic cords 26 could be attached to the substrate 12 without using a hook 24. Non-limiting examples of possible mounts include springs attached directly or indirectly to the substrate 12, clips, clamps, and adhesives. Some of the mounts 22 may be stationary, for example, the top and bottom edges of the substrate 12 may be attached to the billboard 20 using stationary hooks, while the left and right edges may be attached to the billboard 20 with resiliently-mounted hooks.

[0040] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate one specific example of a mounting structure which comprises a hollow-section perimeter frame 28 disposed around the perimeter of a billboard 120. A plurality of hooks 124 are connected to the frame 28 with elastic cords 126, springs, or other resilient or spring-like members anchored in the interior of the frame 28.

[0041] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary substrate 12. The substrate 12 is a sheet-like member having opposed top and bottom edges 30 and 32, and left and right edges 34 and 36. A front side 38 of the substrate has a graphic 16 applied thereto, for example by screen printing, painting, dying, or the like. The substrate 12 may be constructed from any sheet-like material which can be fabricated in the desired shape, which is capable of carrying graphics thereon, and which resists tearing when attached to the mounts 22. Examples of suitable materials include paper, fiberboard, or other similar fibrous materials, fabrics, plastics, thin sheet metal, and the like.

[0042] The substrate 12 may comprise an elastic material. By the term

"elastic" it is meant that the material exhibits recoverable deformation when stretched. Preferably, the material has a thermal expansivity small enough to avoid cracking on cold days or sagging on hot days, and also retains its elasticity on hot and cold days. Non-limiting examples of suitable elastic materials include Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, and biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film. Various additives and coatings may be added or applied to the substrate 12, such as ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers, flame retardants, print receptive coatings, and the like.

[0043] One suitable example of a material for the substrate 12 is a white

BOPP film approximately 0.2 mm (0.009 in.) thick with a print-receptive coating applied thereto. At approximately 82° C (180° F) and tension of 0.19 Kg per linear cm (1 Ib per linear inch), such film exhibits elongation of about 1%. At approximately 93° C (200° F), the elongation is about 1.5%. The shrinkage (no tension) of this film is less than about 1 %. The exact amount of elongation under load and elongation with temperature is not critical so long as some tension is maintained even at high ambient temperatures (i.e. sagging does not occur) and cracking does not occur at low ambient temperatures. Tentering of the BOPP film is found to be useful in achieving the desired properties.

[0044] Optionally, the substrate 12 may include a perimeter reinforcement

40. The substrate 12 is stretched to its working length in all directions and is attached to a perimeter reinforcement 40 while the substrate 12 is fully tensioned using a suitable method such as adhesive, thermal bonding, or the like.

[0045] The material and dimensions of the perimeter reinforcement 40 are selected to provide adequate tensile strength to resist the loads of the mounts 22, taking into consideration the overall size of the substrate 12. The perimeter reinforcement 40 may be attached to the substrate 12 with adhesive. The vertical and horizontal legs of the perimeter reinforcement 40 in the illustrated example are about 2.5 cm (1 in.) wide. Their size is not of particular importance, but the total amount of perimeter reinforcement 40 would generally be minimized, in order to minimize the resulting material costs. For example, the total area of the perimeter reinforcement 40 may be limited to about 30% or less of the total area of the substrate 12.

[0046] The perimeter reinforcement 40 is a material such as plastic film

(e.g. polyester, polypropylene), cloth, or the like which is not stretchable, or which exhibits very low stretch, relative to the substrate 12. A example of a suitable material is a polyester film about 0.2 mm (0.007 in.) thick. The perimeter reinforcement 40 can have a pocket, grommets or other such mounting elements included therein. In the illustrated example, grommets 42 are disposed along the perimeter of the substrate 12. When tension is released on the perimeter reinforcement 40, the substrate 12 contracts to its "resting state" which creates wrinkles around the perimeter. When the perimeter reinforcement 40 is then re- tensioned at its full length, the substrate 12 is again stretched taut.

[0047] It has been found that the incorporation of the above-described perimeter reinforcement 40 allows the use of a substrate 12 which is lighter and less expensive than would otherwise be required to provide the required tear resistance. Nonlimiting examples of suitable combinations include Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film substrate 12 with polyester film perimeter reinforcement 40, and paper substrate 12 with the polypropylene film perimeter reinforcement 40.

[0048] In the illustrated example, mounting holes 44 are formed around the perimeter of the substrate 12. They may be reinforced in a known manner, for example with grommets. Depending on the type of mounts 22 (see Figure X) used, the mounting 42 holes may be eliminated.

[0049] Because the substrate 12 is substantially stretched by its attachment to the perimeter reinforcement 40, neither a great degree of tension nor complete perimeter "coverage" is required to mount the substrate 12. [0050] Figure 6 illustrates another exemplary advertising display 210 constructed according to the present invention. The advertising display 210 is similar in construction to the display 10 described above, and includes a substrate 212 carrying graphics 216 on a front side 217 thereof, attached to the face 218 of a billboard 220 with a plurality of mount assemblies 222 and surrounded by flat trim 223, which is also attached to the face 218. The illustrated substrate 212 is a single component, but it may also be made up from a plurality of connected individual panels.

[0051] Figures 7-10 illustrate one of the mount assemblies 222 in more detail. Each of the mount assemblies 222 comprises a spring housing 224 which is connected to the billboard 220 by one or more brackets 226. In this example, the brackets 226 are screwed or otherwise fastened to the perimeter trim 223. The spring housings are a snap-fit in the brackets 226 and include recesses 228 which receive complementary tangs 230 of the brackets 226 to accomplish the snap-fit function.

[0052] The spring housings 224 may be molded from plastic or a similar material. Each of the spring housings 224 has one or more cords 232 resiliently suspended therefrom. In this particular example there are three cords 232 for each spring housing 224, and the cords 232 are constructed from plastic-coated stainless steel wire. Each of the cords 232 has a curved outer end 234 which carries a clip 236. As shown in Figure 8, the clip 236 may be formed from a single piece of flat stock and includes a loop 238 for joining the cord 232, a hook 240 for engaging the substrate 212, and an enlarged finger ring 242 for allowing a user to easily manipulate the cord 232 and clip 236.

[0053] Figure 11 illustrates the internal construction of the spring housing

224 in more detail. The interior of the spring housing 224 is hollow and receives the inner end 244 of the cord 232, which runs over a curved boss 246 or other similar structure to allow it to turn a 90-degree angle smoothly. The inner end 244 of the cord 232 is connected to a resilient member such as the illustrated coil spring 250, which is in turn anchored to the spring housing 224, for example by the illustrated anchor pin 252 and retainer 254. In this arrangement, extension of the cord 232 along its axis "A" causes the spring 250 to extend or retract while consuming far less space in the front of the billboard 220 than if a directly- mounted spring were to be used.

[0054] The substrate 212 (Figure 6) is mounted by engaging mounting holes 256 formed in its perimeter with the clips 236, and then allowing the cords 232 to retract, holding the substrate 212 in a tensioned position. The mounting holes 256 may be reinforced in a known manner, for example with grommets. It is noted that spring-loaded mounts 222 do not need to be used around the entire perimeter of the substrate 212. For example, the left and bottom edges of the substrate 212 may be attached to the billboard 220 using stationary hooks, while the top and right edges may be attached to the billboard 220 with the mounts 222. This provides the needed tension while minimizing the amount of materials and moving parts used.

[0055] The substrate 212 is a sheet-like member having top, bottom, left, and right edges. The front side 217 of the substrate has a graphic 216 applied thereto, for example by screen printing, painting, dying, or the like. The substrate 212 may be constructed from any sheet-like material which can be fabricated in the desired shape, which is capable of carrying graphics thereon, and which resists tearing when attached to the mount assemblies 222. Examples of suitable materials include paper, fiberboard, or other similar fibrous materials, fabrics, plastics, thin sheet metal, and the like.

[0056] Various additives and coatings may be added or applied to the substrate 12, such as ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers, flame retardants, print receptive coatings, and the like. [0057] In one particular example, the substrate 212 may be a laminar structure having a core layer such as woven polyethylene or other polymer, with a top layer bonded thereto defining the front side 217. Optionally, a backing layer, similar or identical in composition to the top layer, may be applied to the core layer opposite the top layer. While the composition and structure of the substrate 212 may vary, its key properties are that it be "printable" or "print- receptive" (i.e. that it will receive and hold inks or dyes applied thereto, for example solvent-based inks as used in known inkjet printing processes), resistant to creasing, and relatively light weight, for comparable uses. The substrate 10 should also be substantially opaque so that any printing thereon is clearly readable.

[0058] The top layer is a polymer which provides a smooth, print-receptive surface when coated. A wide variety of polymers may be used, for example polypropylene (PP), biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene terephalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene (PE). Preferably the polymer used is less dense than PVC, The top layer and optional backing layer may be produced by casting, molding, extrusion, film blowing, or similar methods.

[0059] In addition to the base polymer or polymers, the top layer may include various additives to improve suitability for various applications. Examples of specific additives include pigments such as titanium dioxide for color and opacity, fire retardants such as aluminum hydroxide, UV inhibitors, and additives such as metallocene or elastomers for flexibility.

[0060] The top layer may be joined to the core layer in a number of ways, and the exact method of construction is not critical. For example, the top layer may be extruded in a fluid state onto the core layer. The top layer could also be "laminated" to the core layer, i.e. provided as a sheet, and then pressed onto the core layer. If necessary, a tying layer such as adhesive may be interposed between the top layer and the core layer. Finally, depending on the characteristics of the core layer, the top layer and the core layer could be co- extruded simultaneously.

[0061] The dimensions of the substrate 212 are limited only by the size of the production equipment. For example, a substrate 212 could be laminated at approximately 5 m (200 in.) wide for use as a banner or billboard material. A final product could also be made by producing sections of substrate 212 and then attaching them together, for example using adhesives, sonic welding, thermal welding, fastening, crimping, or the like.

[0062] Optionally, the edge of the substrate 212 may be reinforced with a hem as shown in Figure 12 by folding a flap 258 over and securing it to the remainder of the substrate 212 with a bond 260 such as sewing stitches, a heat weld or sonic weld, adhesives, or fasteners.

[0063] The foregoing has described a graphics installation system. While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A graphics installation system, comprising: a sheet-like substrate adapted to display graphics disposed thereon; a supporting structure having a face for receiving the substrate; and a plurality of mounts engaging at least a portion of the perimeter of the substrate and positioning the substrate in a tensioned condition in front of the face.

2. The graphics installation system of claim 1 in which at least one of the mounts comprises a resilient member.

3. The graphics installation system of claim 1 further including a hollow perimeter frame surrounding the supporting structure, wherein the mounts are at least partially disposed inside the frame.

4. The graphics installation system of claim 1 wherein each of the mounts comprises a hook which is connected to the supporting structure by an elastic member.

5. The graphics installation system of claim 1 wherein the substrate is an elastic material.

6. The graphics installation system of claim 1 wherein the substrate includes a print receptive surface.

7. The graphics installation system of claim 1 wherein a perimeter reinforcement is attached to the substrate.

8. The graphics installation system of claim 7 in which the perimeter reinforcement exhibits substantially less stretch than the substrate.

9. The graphics installation system of claim 7 wherein: the substrate comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film; and the perimeter reinforcement comprises polyester film.

10. The graphics installation system of claim 7 wherein: the substrate comprises biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film ; and the perimeter reinforcement comprises polyester film.

11. The graphics installation system of claim 7 wherein the substrate comprises paper; and the perimeter reinforcement comprises polypropylene film.

12. The graphics installation system of claim 7 wherein the substrate comprises a woven polyethylene core layer having at least one side coated with a printable polyethylene layer.

13. The graphics installation system of claim 7 wherein the substrate is stretched to a working length thereof, and the perimeter reinforcement is attached to the substrate so as to maintain the substrate at the working length.

14. A graphics installation system, comprising: a sheet-like substrate adapted to display graphics disposed thereon; a billboard having a face for receiving the substrate; and a plurality of resilient mounts carried around a perimeter of the billboard, the mounts engaging the perimeter of the substrate and collectively positioning the substrate in a tensioned condition against the face.

15. The graphics installation system of claim 14 further including a hollow perimeter frame surrounding the billboard, wherein the mounts are at least partially disposed inside the frame.

16. The graphics installation system of claim 14 wherein each of the mounts comprises a hook which is connected to the billboard by an elastic member.

17. The graphics installation system of claim 14 wherein the substrate is an elastic material.

18. The graphics installation system of claim 14 wherein the substrate includes a print receptive surface.

19. The graphics installation system of claim 14 wherein a perimeter reinforcement is attached to the substrate.

20. The graphics installation system of claim 18 in which the perimeter reinforcement exhibits substantially less stretch than the substrate.

21. The graphics installation system of claim 18 wherein: the substrate comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film; and the perimeter reinforcement comprises polyester film.

22. The graphics installation system of claim 18 wherein: the substrate comprises biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film ; and the perimeter reinforcement comprises polyester film.

23. The graphics installation system of claim 18 wherein the substrate comprises paper; and the perimeter reinforcement comprises polypropylene film.

24. The graphics installation system of claim 18 wherein the substrate is stretched to a working length thereof, and the perimeter reinforcement is attached to the substrate so as to maintain the substrate at the working length.

25. The graphics installation system of claim 14 wherein the substrate comprises a woven polyethylene core layer having at least one side coated with a printable polyethylene layer.

26. The graphics installation system of claim 18 wherein at least one of the mounts carries a resiliently-mounted clip adapted to engage an edge of the substrate and apply a tension force thereto.

27. The graphics installation system of claim 26 wherein the at least one mount encloses an elastic member which is connected to the clip by a flexible cord.

28. A mounting assembly for a graphics installation system, comprising: an elongated spring housing enclosing a resilient member; and a moveable cord having: a first portion disposed inside the spring housing and connected to the elastic member; and a second portion disposed outside the spring housing and adapted to be connected to a flexible substrate.

29. The mounting assembly of claim 28 wherein the resilient member extends in a first direction and the second portion of the moveable cord extends in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction.

30. The mounting assembly of claim 28 wherein the spring housing includes a curved boss over which the cord extends so as to allow the first and second portions thereof to move smoothly in different directions.

31. The mounting assembly of claim 28 further including a mounting bracket adapted to be attached to a supporting structure and adapted to receive the spring housing in a snap-fit relationship.

32. The mounting assembly of claim 28 wherein a clip adapted to engage an edge of a flexible substrate is connected to the cord, the clip including: a hook for engaging a mounting hole of the substrate; and a finger ring adapted to receive a user's finger there to allow manipulation of the clip.