WO2009140740A1

WO2009140740A1 - Expanding advertising

Info

Publication number: WO2009140740A1
Application number: PCT/AU2009/000643
Authority: WO
Inventors: Armando Dos Santos Camacho
Original assignee: Armando Dos Santos Camacho
Priority date: 2008-05-22
Filing date: 2009-05-22
Publication date: 2009-11-26

Abstract

An advertising device (12) for a vehicle (10) has at least one panel (26) that carries advertising material (28), the device (12) having a first, closed configuration, in which the advertising material (28) is substantially hidden and in which the device (12) lies relatively close to the vehicle (10) and an open position in which the advertising material (28) is substantially visible (10).

Description

Expanding Advertising Field of Invention

This invention relates to advertising and display material and more particularly to roadside advertising. However the invention is not limited to roadside advertising.

Background

Many businesses are located in a shopping strip, area or the like so as to be conveniently located for customers. Ground floor shops command a rental premium and many service businesses, such as dentists and medical practitioners utilise first floor space above ground floor retail outlets.

Whilst the rent may be less, their presence at ground level is low. As such even when there is a reasonable amount of passing traffic, potential customers are unlikely to be aware of the existence of the business merely walking in the shopping area and so customers are usually sourced by word of mouth or other advertising means, such as telephone directories, adverts in local newspapers and the like.

Vehicle mounted advertising has been proposed but is usually permanently displayed or needs to be removed before driving the vehicle. Advertising that is permanently displayed has the advantage of not needing any setup time. However it suffers the drawback of making the vehicle a permanent advertising platform. Many small business owners may be willing to use their personal car for advertising during working hours but do not want to do so at other times. In addition a permanent display may create extra wind drag whilst driving and, if attached to a tall vehicle, may limit where the vehicle can go. In addition, in some jurisdictions such advertising structures may be illegal whilst driving.

Removable advertising does not have the disadvantage of always being on display but has the drawback of requiring the user to install and uninstall the advertising material. Unless it is a relatively easy and quick job to do, potential users are not interested.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention aims to overcome at least one of the above disadvantages by providing an advertising device for a vehicle, including at least one panel that carries advertising material, the device having a first, configuration, in which the advertising material is substantially hidden and in which substantially all of the device lies relatively close to the vehicle and a second configuration in which the advertising material is substantially visible.

The advertising device may be mounted on the roof of a vehicle (or roof racks) and may extend upwards in the open configuration.

The advertising device may have a first movable member to which the at least one panel is attached, the movable member being in a first position in the first configuration and a second position in the second configuration. The device may have a second member with the at least one panel extending between the first and second members. In the first configuration the members may define an enclosure in which the at least one panel is located. The enclosure may be substantially sealed. One or both of the members may be tub shaped, with a base and side walls. In one form the second member is adapted to be mounted on an existing roof of a vehicle. In another form the second member is adapted to form a roof for a roofless vehicle.

The device may include expanding means, to expand the device from the first to the second configuration. The expanding means may be a biasing means that expands and holds the device in the open position. The expanding means may include at least one inflatable bladder. The expanding means may be at least one spring. Where at least one inflatable bladder is utilised the device may include means to inflate the bladder(s), such as a compressor.

The at least one panel may be part of the at least one inflatable bladder. The expanding means may include one or more movable arms, which move from a first position to a second position to change the device from the first to the second configuration. The movable arm(s) may include scissored arms that extend between the two members of the device.

The device may include collapsing means to collapse the device from the second to the first configuration. The collapsing means may include one or more ropes, cords, strings or the like that is connected to the first member, whereby first member may be drawn toward the first position.

The device may have two or more self supporting panels. This may be achieved by adjacent panels supporting each other. In one form in the open position, side edges of adjacent panels are connected to each other. This may be by way of zippers, hook and loop fastener material, press studs or other fasteners.

The device in preferred forms has the panels extending vertically, either upwards or downwards. However the device may be configured so the panel or panels extend horizontally in the open position or both vertically and horizontally. The panels may extend along or across the vehicle.

These and other features of the invention shall be apparent from the following non-limiting description of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle carrying an advertising device according to a first embodiment of the invention in a collapsed state. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the vehicle of figure 1 with the advertising device in a raised state.

Figure 3 shows an axial cross sectional view of a first raising mechanism for the first embodiment.

Figure 4 shows an axial cross sectional view of a second raising mechanism for the first embodiment.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a vehicle carrying an advertising device according to a second embodiment of the invention in a raised state.

Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a vehicle carrying an advertising device according to a variation of the invention in a raised state. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a vehicle carrying an advertising device according to a third embodiment of the invention in a raised state.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a vehicle carrying an advertising device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in a raised state.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an advertising device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9 shows an end view of the fifth embodiment of the invention. Figure 10 shows an end view of a sixth embodiment of the invention. Figure 11 shows a plan view of the sixth embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description of Preferred and other Embodiments Referring to figures 1 and 2 there is shown a vehicle 10 carrying an advertising device 12 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

The advertising device 12 is mounted on a roof rack 14 mounted to the vehicle 10, but may incorporate suitable mountings to attach directly to the vehicle.

In the first embodiment the advertising device 12 comprises a clam shell case or cover 16 having upper and lower parts 18 and 20 respectively. Each part 18, 20 has a base 22 and surrounding side walls 24. - A -

The case has a closed configuration, shown in figure 1 , in which the upper part 18 is close to or engages the lower part 20 and an open configuration, shown in figure 2, in which the two parts are separated. The two parts 18, 20 are not hinged together but remain generally parallel to each other in the open position. In the closed position the two parts may be retained together by clips 23 or the like so as to present a short and relatively slim case on the roof of the vehicle. The closed configuration thus does not extend the vehicle's overall height any more than a conventional roof box or roof tray.

Attached to the upper and lower parts 18, 20 are advertising panels 26. These panels are flexible and may be formed of a fabric or plastics sheet or the like. The panels carry advertising material 28 on their surface. The panels are located within the two parts 18, 20 and extend between the two parts inside of the side walls. When closed the panels 26 fold within the case and are not exposed or visible. Thus in the closed configuration the vehicle may be driven with a relatively short box or case like structure on its roof with relatively little wind drag and without it being apparent that the case carries advertising material. Thus there are no issues for the driver or the authorities regarding advertising material or the structure whilst driving.

The vehicle may thus be driven, for example, from the driver's home, with the case closed, to the driver's place of work. The vehicle is parked and the driver releases the catches 23, allowing the upper part 18 to rise (as explained later) upwards relative to the lower part 20. This draws the advertising panels 26 to a vertical configuration where they are visible to passing persons. The vehicle may be left with the advertising showing during the day. When the driver wishes to leave, the upper part 18 is lowered to close the case, hiding the advertising material, the clips 23 are closed and the vehicle driven off.

Raising and lowering of the upper part preferably takes in the order of one minute, but this is not critical to the invention. Various means of raising and lowering the upper part may be used. As shown in figure 3, one or more pneumatic bladders 30 may be placed between the upper and lower parts 18, 20, with an onboard compressor 32 expanding the bladders to raise the upper part. Once expanded the bladders may be sealed by valves (not shown) in the inflated state. Alternatively the compressor may be activated by suitable sensors to maintain the bladders within a preset range of pressures to maintain the bladders inflated. When the time comes to close the case, the valves are opened, allowing the bladders to deflate and lower the upper part 18.

A scissor arrangement, such as shown in figure 4, may be used. Scissor arms 40, 42 are pivotally mounted on the lower part 20 at pivot points 44 and to each other at 46. The upper ends 48 slide in slots 50 on upper part 18. The slots may have locking means to retain the arms in the raised position. The upper part may be manually raised and lowered by manipulating the upper part 18. Alternatively, the device may have a raising means, such as a spring or a sealed pneumatic bladder that raises the upper part.

When a spring or bladder is used to raise the upper part, lowering of the upper part may be assisted by use of cords 52 that extend from the upper part to the lower part and exit via opening 54. The upper part may be lowered by pulling on the cords 52.

The device according to the first embodiment may be used with a Taxi and provided with a conventional "Taxi" sign 56 that is mounted on the top of the case. The taxi sign is used to indicate to potential customers the availability or other wise of the taxi for hire. During normal taxi operations the vehicle is driven with the case closed. When the vehicle is parked the case may be expanded as described before.

The device 12 may also have one or more storage hooks or loops 57 attached to the upper part 18. The user may drive the vehicle into a garage with the device 12 attached to the car in a lowered state. The device 12 is raised and one or ropes, cables or other supports connected to the loop(s) 57 so as to support the device. The device 12 is detached from the vehicle and the lowering mechanism, such as the scissor mechanism or bladders previously described moved to the lowered position. However, because the upper part 18 is supported and cannot lower, this raises the device from the vehicle for storage. The vehicle may then be driven away without the device.

Placement on the vehicle is the reverse of the above procedure.

An expandable advertising device 60 according to second embodiment of the invention is shown in figure 5. The device 60 is mounted on a vehicle 61 and comprises an expandable cylinder having top and bottom walls 62, 63 and side wall 62. The side wall carries advertising material. The device may move between a closed position (not shown), in which the top and bottom walls are close together adjacent the vehicle's roof and an open position, as shown in figure 5. The top wall 62 may be raised by an internal coiled spring, 66.

Lowering occurs by pushing down on the top wall or by use of internal cords, in a manner similar to that shown in figure 4.

The device may be shapes other than a cylinder and may be a polygon, such as a triangle, rectangle, square, pentagon etc. The device may have more than five sides. Figure 5A shows a triangular device 63 on a vehicle.

The device 60 may be a pneumatic bladder that is expanded by a compressor (and deflated) in a similar manner to that shown in figure 3.

The top wall may be stiff whilst the side wall is preferably flexible fabric or the like.

Figure 6 shows an advertising device 70 similar to that of figure 5 but instead of extending upwards the device extends along the roof of the vehicle. In this situation the base 72 is affixed to the vehicle or roof racks whilst the other end 74 is free. The device may be pivotally mounted on the vehicle so that when closed the device may be laid as a disc or short cylinder extending a small amount upwards. The lower part of the device may include lugs that engage in a horizontal guide rail (not shown) running lengthways along the vehicle to retain the extended device in the orientation shown. Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention comprising an elongate triangular advertising device 80. The device 80 is mounted on the vehicle or roof racks and two side walls 84 that meet at ridge line 86. The two side walls 84 carry advertising material. The device 80 may be similar to the device of figure 6 in expanding along a horizontal axis from a collapsed state to the expanded state as shown in the drawing. Alternatively, the device 80 may have internal supports or the like that raise the ridge line 86 upwards from the base 82. These struts may be pneumatic bladders, telescoping or folding members or other suitable raising means. Bladders may be incorporated into the side walls 84. To collapse the device these supports are lowered, bringing the ridge line 86 to lie against the base 82. Fasteners maybe provided to enable the two side walls 84 to be folded and secured to each other or the base 82. As an example, one side wall 82 may have one half of a zipper running along its length that engages with the other half of the zipper running along or next to the junction of the side wall and the base 82. Referring to figures 8 & 9 there is shown an advertising device 90 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The device 90 has a base 92 that is intended to be placed directly on the roof of the vehicle (not shown). The underside 94 of the base 92 is, accordingly, a material or fabric that will not damage the vehicle. The base 92 may be rigid or may be flexible. The device is attached to the vehicle using straps 96 that are attached to the longitudinal sides 98. These are each provided with buckles for attachment to a corresponding strap extending from the other side and are length adjustable. The straps are passed through the open windows of the vehicle, joined together and then tightened to firmly hold the device to the roof of the vehicle. The windows may then be raised to be closed or substantially closed.

Mounted on the base 92 are end panels 100 and side panels 102 intended to carry advertising. The panels are attached to the base along their bottom edges 104 and may fold about this join between a raised position, as shown, and a folded position, in which the panels lie horizontally over the base. The adjacent edges 106 of the panels are provided with a zipper 108. Each edge has one half of the zipper. When vertical the edges 106 of adjacent panels extend next to each other vertically and may be connected to the adjacent panel using the zipper. Once connected the zippers prevent the panels folding down. To fold down the panels the zippers are undone, so allowing each panel to fold independently of the adjacent panels and folded to the horizontal position.

Figures 10 & 11 show a device 108 being a further embodiment of the invention, comprising a base 110 similar to the base 92 of figures 8 & 9 intended to be placed on the roof of a vehicle (not shown). The base has two side panels 112 that carry advertising. The panels 112 are intended to hang down from the roof of the vehicle rather than extend upwards. Accordingly, each panel 112 has straps 114 for connection to straps on the other panel to secure the device to the vehicle and prevent the panels 114 moving significantly with the wind or other airflows. These may pass under the vehicle to be connected to each other. If desired the base 110 may be provided with straps as in the figure 8 & 9 embodiment that are passed through the vehicle cabin to secure the base top the vehicle.

All of the embodiments may be provided with integral, internal or external lighting. As examples, LED strip lighting may be attached to the fabric of the device, either internally or externally. LED strip lighting is relatively flexible and does not occupy much space and so does not significantly affect the ability to collapse the devices to a relatively low profile. The fabric of the device may be "self illuminating". One such self illuminating fabric is that sold under the brand Luminex (http: //www.luminex.it/) that is created with fibre optic threads and may emit light in different colours. A flashing light may also be provides to draw attention to the advertising or the vehicle.

When used to advertise a shop or other promises a separate sign may also be provided to point viewers toward the premises. Thus, for example, a separate sign with an arrow may be provided that may be attached to the device so as top point toward the premises.

The preferred forms of the invention are intended to be mounted on a vehicle with an existing roof and, generally, have a base that is adapted to be mounted on the roof of the vehicle or roof racks or the like. However, the invention also includes devices for use with vehicles that have no roof or in which the roof is replaced by the device of the invention.

One such example is a device for a golf buggy. Golf buggies typically have a plastics roof mounted of a framework. In one form the device may be provided with a base unit that is adapted to replace the existing roof of a golf buggy and is adapted to mount on the framework, rather than on the roof. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and any claims the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many obvious modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

The Claims

1. An advertising device for a vehicle, including at least one panel that carries advertising material, the device having a first configuration, in which the advertising material is substantially hidden and in which substantially all of the device lies relatively close to the vehicle and a second position in which the advertising material is substantially visible.

2. The advertising device of claim 1 including at least one first movable member to which the at least one panel is attached, the movable member being in a first position in the first configuration and a second position in the second configuration.

3. The advertising device of any one of the preceding claims including moving means, to change the configuration of the device from the first to the second configuration.

4. The advertising device of claim 3 wherein the moving means includes biasing means.

5. The advertising device of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the moving means includes at least one inflatable bladder.

6. The advertising device of claim 6 wherein the at least one panel is part of the at least one inflatable bladder.

7. The advertising device of any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein the moving means includes scissored arms connected to the first member.

8. The advertising device of any one of claims 3 to 6 when dependent on claim 2 wherein the moving means moves the first member from the first to the second position.

9. The advertising device of any one of the preceding claims including collapsing means to change the configuration of the device from second to the first configuration.

10. The advertising device of claim 9 when dependent on claim 2 wherein the collapsing means comprises at least one flexible member connected to the first member, whereby the first member may be drawn toward the closed position.

11. The advertising device of any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 2 including a second member opposed to said first member, wherein the at least one panel extends between the first and second members.

12. The advertising device of claim 11 wherein the second member is adapted to form a roof for a roofless vehicle or replace a roof of a roofed vehicle.

13. The advertising device of claim 11 or claim 12 wherein, in the closed configuration, the first and second members define an enclosure in which the at least one panel is located when in the closed configuration.

14. The advertising device of any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein at least one of the members is tub shaped, with a base and side walls.

15. The advertising device of claim 1 including at least two panels and wherein, in the second configuration, adjacent panels support each other.

16. The advertising device of claim 15 wherein, in the second configuration, side edges of adjacent panels are connected to each other.

17. The advertising device of any one of the preceding claims including mounting means for mounting on the roof of a vehicle or roof racks mounted on a vehicle.

18. The advertising device of any one of the preceding claims wherein in the second configuration the at least one panel extends vertically, horizontally or both vertically and horizontally.