CA2362624A1 - Aerodynamic flag and advertiser - Google Patents

Abstract

The Invention is aerodynamically constructed and designed structure with pair of wings or sets of winglets on both sides and streamlined panel resulting to aerodynamic function created by wind velocity and direction thereby creating lifting effect on the structure.

The aerodynamics on wings or winglets and the streaming effect of the wind on display panel on vertical axis sustains lifting capability to stay aerial and stability without wind beating and flapping effects that normally results to the disintegration and ultimately the destruction of flags, outdoor signs and the like.

The Invention may be illuminated from outside power source to display images placed on display surface i.e. flag, advertising or announcements during darkness.
The display panel is made of clear durable plastics to allow non-obstructed view of display and illumination. It is lightweight to stay aerial, and durable to hold the structure together withstanding weather elements on all seasons.

Description

II - DESCRIPTION:
II-A. BACKGROUND OF TH _F. INVENTION:
Whereas, the demand for the business community to get public attention to promote or sell respective products has increased the demand for outdoor advertising, radio, television, print, audio (telephone) and recently, the Internet Web.
Every businesses that has products to sell or promote wants the primetime spot to get noticed and public exposure in any media possible, as evidenced in the recently concluded Super Bowl last January 2003, in San Diego, CA. Well-known products paid millions of dollars to get the primetime spot of the year's biggest public exposure for a matter of seconds or a minute of airtime or in a skimpy banner in a matter of hours.
Henceforth, the advertising business is thriving simply because of the basic law of economics, "the law of supply and demand ", wherein the demand has outgrown the supply.
'Therefore, it is in the interest of the Advertising industry and the Business companies public and private that the Invention was conceived. To "Get Noticed", the primetime way.
The Invention, Aerodynamic Flag and Advertiser, as the name implies, is an outdoor attention-drawer. It draws the attention in a form of a flag, a banner or simply an aerial advertiser. It draws attention in a day or nighttime by its illumination, all seasons, any weather, 365 days a year.

II-B. DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART:
It is a known fact that outdoor advertising has been with the Advertising industry since marketing was conceived. It has develop from a simple Outdoor Billboard advertising to the neon lighted signs, billboard and lately to Digitized Illuminated Outdoor Signs. Though, most of them are fixed in a rigid stand or buildings, some are mobile due transported and carried along by public or private conveyances, few are rotational on vertical axis and seldom are rotational and lighted at the same time.
To mentioned few of those prior Arts;
1. Canadian Patent# CA02010947 issued to Michael Laprise of Canada filed in 1990 which presented Advertising sign in a fxed/rigid stand model.
2. Canadian Patent# CA608070 issued to Greg Huey filed in 1960 (country unknown) which presented Rotatable Advertising Sign. It was constructed to rotate its signs from its adjustable holders from the base and designed with practical purpose to get noticed for being mobile to the observer.
All of which are an early predecessor in Advertising signs in each field, as rigid or mobile category.

II-C. SUMMARY OF THF.' INVEN710N:
The Invention was conceptualized to develop the outdoor Advertising industry through "get noticed" mentality and get notice well in day or night, rain or shine or in short words, in all seasons.
Through the years, the development of rotational and illuminated signs are limited due to technical difficulties and high cost of maintenance.
The Invention is a revolutionized development from the rigid stand and rotational illuminated outdoor signs combined. It works primarily based on the basic principles of aerodynamics and principally the same principles why airplanes fly (Fig. l ) and Fig.2 (B). The only difference is that airplanes fly and moves from point A to point B. The Invention never moves from point A to point B, except that it rotates around point A, in all directions (360 degrees) on its vertical axis but never moves out of point A. The wings are located at the aft point, (Fig. l . l ), as the wind blows it creates pressure difference on the lower and upper surface of the wings. The result of the pressure difference due to wing design is that the lower surface is always stronger against the upper surface (Fig.2 (B) and you have a lifting effect on the aft side of the structure (Fig.l.2b). The stronger wind blowing, the better Its construction is rigid from its vertical stand up to a point to maintain strength on its vertical axis to counter the strength of the strongest wind velocity. On the same note, the display panel with its wings (Fig. l . I ) or winglets (Fig.S. l 9) will aerodynamically respond with the wind velocity and direction that instead of counter acting the wind, the invention will face into the direction of the wind and utilizes wind speeds and direction to create lift on the display panel on the aft side creating aerial effect (Fig.l.2b) . . . . .(over) The Invention is cost effective due most of earlier rotational and illuminated models spend most of its electricity on its rotational power especially if its built top heavy and with so much vertical surface area that during strong winds it has to counter the high wind velocity by consuming more electricity to overcome and rotate its vertical axis.
It is cost effective because the construction is simplified with few moving parts for easy maintenance and repair but strongly built to withstand strong winds and the harshest Canadian weather.
Most importantly, except for the wings construction and application on the aft side of the display panel, (Fig.l.l), most features built-in have been for a while existing technologies incorporated into other products but have been improved and revised application to work with this Invention.

_6_ I1-D DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
Fig.l.l, the pair of w~ or winglets (Fig.5.19) is the main feature of this invention. The design and construction is similar to aircraft's wings, the function of which is to provide lift of aircraft in flight. In this invention the wings derive its lifting force through the passing of wind on top and the bottom. The pressure difference created by wind velocity creates resultant positive force acting upward against the lower surface (Fig.2B), creating lift. Lift translates another vertical support acting on the aft side, as a second leg (Fig.l.2b). Wings are designed and patterned from NACA airfoil design. As researched and evaluated, NACA 4415 and NACA 4412 are the most suitable and adaptable for this Invention, Fig.2(B). The wings (Fig. l . l ) have no define measurement in this document due they are the variables but are always in direct proportion with its load structure. In the same manner, aircraft design is always in direct proportion to its body and designed payload.
Fig.1.2, the shell holds the display structure together including the wings, display surfaces and into its rigid stand or post, (Fig.1.4). The shell is made of aluminum alloy designed to withstand extreme (hot or cold) outdoor weather. It is constructed strong enough to withstand wind beating and flapping and heavy rainfall in the unforgiving outdoors. It is streamlined designed to allow wind passing smoothly without resisting the wind blowing through its surface, (Fig.4A). In aircraft construction and design, it is the vertical rudder. The shell construction is solid core aluminum alloy around the metal structure except; the wings (Fig. l . l ), the display panel (Fig.1.3), and stand or post (Fig.1.4). . .(over) > The whole panel (Figl) is constructed watertight to prevent rain and moisture inside but allows a breather to release pressure build-up especially during winter when heat is allowed to build up to defrost the whole structure and prevent ice build-up anywhere in the structure, especially on the wings and display surfaces.
Fig.1.2a, the spike is the third leg of the structure. (As in the tail of the Kangaroo). It allows its weight to rest on it when wind velocity is between 0 to 5 mph (calm wind). When the wind is blowing, its wings act as the second leg on the aft side {Fig.1.2b) due to its lifting force on its lower surface acting upwards. The spike (Fig.l.2a) takes over as the alternative leg to support its weight during calm wind conditions. It is made of aluminum alloy and is an integral part of the shell (Fig.l.2) structure. The spike extends two-thirds (2/3) from its post, (Fig. 1.4), towards the aft side and curving and phasing out, (Fig.1.2a).
Fig.l.3, the dispdaY surfaces on both sides of the structure allows the display of images, i.e., advertisements, flag, color or a banner, on both sides of its surface. The images are replaceable from its display, periodically as possible. Similar to replacing regular ads signs, slip it inside and pull it out. Except that, in this invention, either you climb in mechanical ladder or bring down the structure for replacements and or maintenance, as shown in (Fig.3) and (Fig.5.20) for the removal of plastic display (Fig.l.3). The display surface is made of clear Acrylic plastics that allow clear view of images on the display and is compose of two (2) layers. The outer layer which is a clear Acrylic plastic to allow clear view of display and protector from the outdoor elements including breakage. The inner layer is a translucent Acrylic plastic to diffuse and even distribution of illumination to the display. And in-between, is the slip in/out materials for the images; ads, flag, color, banner and the like.>
. . (over please) g Fig. 1.4, the stand is the first support or the first leg of the structure. The entire weight of the structure is supported on this stand when the wind is calm (less than 5 knots) and subsequently becomes on the aft side (Fig.5.2b) lighter as wind blows greater than 5 knots. Until it literally floats as wind blows stronger because of the lifting effects of its wings, (Fig.l.l) and the streamlining of its shell, (Fig.l.2). The stand may be constructed rigidly on stand-alone post, Fig.l.4) or mobile in automobiles. And may be also be constructed in a folding post, similar to airport's windcone stand. Which allows maintenance by folding it down opened the ground level. The post has to be constructed on strong materials like steel to support its all up weight of the panel structure and considering its continuous exposure to all outdoor elements.
Fig.2.6, the trusses support the upper and lower curvature of the wing structure. It reinforces the horizontal plane of the wing without it, the wing structure will crumple. Trusses are made from Aluminum alloy and are lightweight and strong and do not corrode easily.
Fig.2.7, the ribs are the longitudinal reinforcer of the wing structure. It connects the trusses together from the shell side (Fig.4.2) to the last set of truss. It is an aluminum alloy wire. Most metals in the display panel structure are made of aluminum alloy for strength and lightweight. The wing interior is hollow to allow heat circulation during winter and prevent ice formations anywhere on its surface. During summer months, natwal airflow on its surfaces will provide self cooling effect to prevent overheating when lights are on.
Fig.2(8), the camberline will determine the correct angle attack settings of the wings thereby creating the maximum lifting effect necessary for each wing. (over please). . >

Fig.3.9, the acrylic plastic ribs, reinforces the display panel and are glued together to the inner side of the clear acrylic plastic. It strengthens the display panel during wind streaming along its display surfaces (Fig.4.3) and (Fig.1.3) from the crunching effect of the blowing wind. The exact number of plastic ribs and dimensions (Fig.3.9) is proportionate to the size and weight of the display panel placed on each side.
Fig.3.10, the Fluorescent bulbs are the illuminator of the display panel at both sides. The bulbs are placed vertically to allow maximum illumination to the display and easy maintenance and are spaced accordingly. Proper wattage and length of bulbs are determined with respective size of display panel, (Fig.1.3).
Fig.3.l 1, the sealed bearin s are the pivotal point on its vertical axis. It allows unimpeded rotation at all directions (360 degrees) on its vertical post (Fig.1.4), its first leg. Bearings are located at top and bottom to restrict its vertical movement (play). Bearings allow rotational movement on its vertical axis but confine the movement to maintain stability when rotating.
Fig.3. l2, the slip rims are the mobile contact points that are attached permanently from its post or stand (Fig.l.4). It is the point of contact from the main power source to the display panel (Fig.l.3). The Inventor cannot over emphasize enough the significance of insulation layer and correct wire gauge at this point and onwards to the last electrical connection (not shown).
Fig.3.13, the brushes are the contact point relay of the electrical power from the post (Fig.l.4), to the display panel (Fig.l.3), which are mobile on the vertical axis. Electrical power supply from this point is dependent on the brushes. Correct contact pressure is essential between these points, the brushes and the slip rings (Fig.3.12). . (over) >

- l~ -Fig.3.14, the s rin s make sure that the proper contact pressure is applied to allow needed electricity across from the slip rings (Fig.3.12) to the brushes (Fig.3.13). Springs are set to the correct elasticity to maintain correct pressure contact every time and have to be replaced at first sign of dissipating elasticity.
Fig.3.15, the connectors are the power lines to the panels (Fig.1.3) electrical supply and other electrical outlets (not shown).
Fig.4.16, the angle o~'attack adjuster, allows adjustment for the correct angle of attack into the blowing wind. The correct angle of attack is essential for the aft side of the display panel (Fig.l.3) and (Fig.4.3) to create lifting effect for correct aerial position resulting to second leg effect in the aft position (Fig.l.2b). Adjustments are introduced from the inside the shell (Fig.l .2) and (Fig.4.2) just between the joints of both wings.
Fig.4.17, the wings point sealer, seals the joint between the wing side and shell side and on both wings. (Fig.4.17) Sealers are made of soft metal alloy copper, or the like, that allows being airtight but strong enough to withstand the pressure difference (flapping effect) on the upper and lower surface of the wings (Fig.4.1 ).
Fig.4. I 8, the wing ad buster guide, will make sure the adjustments are correctly calibrated to the correct angle of attack with its guided calibration and coincide with the other wing (Fig.4.1 ). Both wings have to be calibrated exactly at the same moment to ensure wing stability.

Claims (8)

1. An Aerodynamics Flag and Advertiser for the purpose but not limited to outdoor signs and display including flags, color, banners, symbolic colors, advertising signs and the like, and illuminated or not illuminated.

2. An Aerodynamics Flag and Advertiser design and construction as recited in Claim#1, whose measurements, sizes or weight are variables but rather (Fig. 1) is designed and constructed in direct proportion accordingly, in order to arrive at a working product.

3. An Aerodynamics Flag and Advertiser as recited in Claim#1 and Claim#2, are constructed and designed with pair of wings (Fig.1.1) and or several numbers sets of winglets (Fig.5.19) as creator for, but not limited to, wind lift, dampener or streamer.

4. An Aerodynamics Flag and Advertiser as recited in Claim#1, Claim#2, and Claim#3 the purpose of which are various, but not limited to, can installed on a ground level, buildings, mobile transport including vehicles and the like, aircraft on the ground and public or private.

5. An Aerodynamics Flag and Advertiser as recited in Claim#4, (Fig.1.2) the shell is constructed and designed, but not limited to, in solid core in aluminum alloy encompassing the metallic panel including the spike (Fig.1.2a) but excluding; post or stand (Fig.1.4), display panel (Fig.1.3) and wings (Fig.1.1).

6. An Aerodynamics Flag and Advertiser as recited in Claim#4 (Fig.4.16) the angle of attack adjuster is constructed and designed, but not limited to, allow adjustments for the correct angle of attack into the blowing wind to create lifting effect on the aft side of the panel (Fig.1) resulting to the second leg effect.

7. An Aerodynamics Flag and Advertiser as recited in Claim#4, (Fig. 4.17) the wing joint sealer is constructed and designed, but not limited to, seals the joint between the wing side and shell side and on both wings and are made of soft metal alloy, copper and the like to seal the joints (Fig.4.17) airtight inside out and strong enough to withstand pressure difference along the wings joints.

8. An Aerodynamics Flag and Advertiser as recited in Claim#4, and described in (Fig.4.18) the wing adjuster guide is constructed and designed, but not limited to, make certain the adjustments are correctly calibrated to the correct angle of attack coinciding the calibration with the wing on the opposite side (Fig.4.1).