EP0282408B1 - Inflatable display - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an "inflatable poster", possibly removable and / or reusable, for tables of urban or rural billboards, which often have the property of not being fixed to their support over their entire surface. . An inflatable poster can also be used on a wall or on any display surface prepared for this purpose.

A poster is a sheet of paper or plastic, written or printed, which is applied by gluing or stapling against a wall or a table to transmit an advertising message to the public, and, in particular, to extol the merits of a product or 'a service. Such advertising posters are prepared in a high number of copies for display on a region or a country.

In the event of an advertising campaign having to be deployed region after region, it is necessary either to have a large stock of posters from the outset, or to reprint, resulting in a high financial burden.

If one wishes to carry out a rotating advertising campaign in the same locality, the cost of printing quickly becomes prohibitive.

It is also known to use large display panels to indicate the presence of a center of interest (hotel, factory, etc.). These panels, generally made of wood, try to give the illusion of relief by duplicating the surfaces which remain essentially vertical, namely a background in front of which is placed a stylized model of the center of interest to be recognized. The distance between the surfaces is of the order of a few tens of cm. When the observer moves, he becomes aware of the thickness of the surface advanced towards him and the void separating it from the background. This practice is mainly used at the edge of motorways. By their dimensions and their size, these panels can neither be transported (they are almost never removable), nor presented in town for lack of space. In addition, they could present a certain danger in the event of being torn off by the wind, for example.

We still know advertising volumes composed of a very enlarged model of the typical object manufactured by a factory (wheelbarrow, pressure cooker, etc.). These advertising volumes, however, require a trompe-l'oeil or a geometric distortion to take account of the distance of the observer. In addition, they cannot be considered as posters which can be placed on a display panel, if only because of their size.

Furthermore, US-A-4369591 discloses display panels made up of a self-supporting volume, kept expanding under the effect of an air pressure greater than that of the outside air. The problem of the mobility of the panel is solved by providing for the mobility of the support itself, integral with the advertising panel, the advertising message being printed on a flat surface.

WO-A-8002765 also discloses a foldable volume kept expanding under the effect of circulation uninterrupted air under pressure and able to escape through orifices. A permanent air circulation is necessary to allow the animation of the volume. It is self-supporting.

Another prior patent, US-A-4447974 relates to a self-supporting inflatable volume which takes a particular shape, reproducing for example a bottle.

Likewise, patent US-A-3451882 relates to a means of advertising animation constituted by an inflatable volume of predetermined shape, unique, self-supporting, which spurts out through an orifice to be erected on a horizontal plane surface when air is injected.

Taking up this technique of inflated volume in a particular shape, certain advertising campaigns, in particular on motor vehicles, have led to the creation of raised posters, of reduced size, in thermoformed material, therefore solid, and not or hardly removable. Despite their interest, such posters could not be generalized because they became very heavy and delicate to handle (risk of breakage during installation). In the event of partial breakage, due to bad weather or malice, the rigid pieces can cause injuries. Furthermore, even if they were carefully dismantled, the thermoformed posters, of predetermined dimensions, are not adaptable to a multitude of supports. They are mainly intended for standardized media and out of reach of malicious acts, such as vehicles.

The concept of a poster in relief is however very interesting for publicists because it facilitates the hanging of the eye on a determined object, projected spatially towards the observer. This projection complements traditional trompe-l'oeil techniques by facilitating their use and increasing their effectiveness.

In these conditions, it is necessary to make available to the publicists a poster presenting a relief, possibly removable, even reusable, and bringing all essential security for the populations being able to move near the poster, as need of very large dimensions. These posters must be light so as not to require reinforcement of the display panels serving as support. In addition, they must adapt to non-negligible dimensional variations from one display panel to another.

The present invention provides inflatable posters which are possibly removable and / or reusable, have a relief adapted to the wishes of the publicists and eliminate any danger for the populations. These posters present the usual dimensions of urban and rural billboard boards, while adapting to the inevitable differences from one billboard board to another. They are light and, at least partially repairable.

More specifically, the present invention relates to an inflatable poster which consists, on the one hand, of a flexible envelope on which is printed a message, having at least one preformed pocket, fixed on the table of the display panel and , on the other hand, a second flexible envelope or volume forming a cushion or an inflatable bag, which after inflation, is disposed between the flexible envelope and the panel of the display board in order to move said flexible envelope away from said table. display panel while being in substantial contact with the latter.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible envelope of the inflatable poster at least partially covers the edges of the table of the display panel to adapt to its dimensional variations compared to a standard.

According to another embodiment of the invention, hooking means, for example a lacing, connect the poster to hooks placed at the periphery of the table of the display panel.

Lacing is a method of hooking up to compensate for dimensional variations of the table on the display panel. This process is continuous and can be replaced by any other suitable attachment means without departing from the scope of the invention, for example by stapling the edge of the table of the display panel.

Thus, inflatable posters are not only removable but reusable. Their lightness allows easy transport after folding like a tarpaulin.

The inflatable volumes may have the form of inflated cushions of geometry adapted to the part of the flexible envelope that the publicist seeks to highlight, or of stiffeners supporting in particular the preformed edges or a drape. A ballast can be adapted to all or part of the flexible envelope of the inflatable poster.

An animation of the inflatable poster can be obtained by a permanent or periodic lighting device provided inside the inflatable poster, under the flexible envelope, possibly between or in the inflatable volumes.

• La figure 1 est une vue de face d'une affiche gonflable à poches préformées disposée sur un panneau d'affichage.
• La figure 2 est une vue en perspective d'une affiche gonflable avec un drapé conforme à l'invention.
• La figure 3 présente une coupe selon le plan B-B de l'affiche gonflable de la figure 2.
• La figure 4 montre une vue de côté du panneau d'affichage conforme à la figure 1 portant une affiche gonflable.
• La figure 5 représente une coupe selon A-A de l'affiche gonflable présentée à la figure 1.
• La figure 6 est un écorché montrant l'enveloppe souple et les coussins gonflés de l'affiche gonflable présentée à la figure 1.
• La figure 7 est une vue de derrière d'un panneau d'affichage portant une affiche gonflable conforme à l'invention.
• La figure 8 illustre une variante de réalisation d'une affiche gonflable conforme à l'invention.

The invention will be explained in a purely indicative manner using the accompanying drawings by way of nonlimiting example.

• Figure 1 is a front view of an inflatable poster with preformed pockets arranged on a display panel.
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of an inflatable poster with a drape according to the invention.
• FIG. 3 shows a section along plane BB of the inflatable poster in FIG. 2.
• Figure 4 shows a side view of the display panel according to Figure 1 carrying an inflatable poster.
• FIG. 5 represents a section along AA of the inflatable poster presented in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 6 is a cutaway showing the flexible envelope and the inflated cushions of the inflatable poster presented in FIG. 1.
• Figure 7 is a rear view of a display panel carrying an inflatable poster according to the invention.
• Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an inflatable poster according to the invention.

Finally, we will find a nomenclature of the various references used during the description. The same reference mark designates an element with identical functions whatever the figure.

In Figure 1 which shows a front view of the invention, one can see an inflatable poster (1) arranged on the table of a display panel comprising two legs (2), (3) to raise it. This type of display panel board is placed at a height such that passers-by cannot reach it easily. A standing man silhouette (4) is placed next to the display panel to give an impression of dimensions. The inflatable poster (1), in the example of Figure 1, has three surfaces (5), (6) and (7) located in different planes. This number is by no means limiting.

We can see in Figure 2 a perspective view of an inflatable poster made according to the invention. Figure 3 is a section along BB of FIG. 2. The two figures are commented on simultaneously.

The display panel has two legs (2), (3) supporting a table (17) fixed to said legs by spacers (16). The front face (22) of the table (17) of the display panel is substantially flat and vertical. It is normally on it that the traditional paper posters are stuck or stapled. According to the invention, the latter are replaced by an inflatable poster (1) which consists of a flexible envelope (13) and an inflated volume or cushion (14).

As the flexible envelope (13) is larger than that of the table (17) of the display panel, it hangs although no pocket has been preformed. A strap (24) applies part of the flexible envelope (13) to the lower part of the front face (22) of the table (17) of the display panel. Above this strap (24), the flexible envelope (13) is separated from the front face (22) of the table (17) of the display panel by the inflated cushion (14). The flexible envelope (13) is therefore partially projected towards the observer who acquires an impression of relief.

If the strap is not installed, the flexible envelope (13) of the inflatable poster (1) hangs on the lower edge of the table (17) of the display panel and the cushion (14) is in front of the part. lower of said panel (17).

The flexible envelope (13) has flaps (18) on the back (12) of the table (17) of the display panel. These flaps (18) are connected to each other and held by a lacing (19) to prevent the inflatable poster from escaping.

In FIG. 4 which is a side view of the display panel of FIG. 1, carrying an inflatable poster (1) conforming to the invention, we note the different front surfaces (5), (6) and (7) of the latter; they can have any angles relative to each other. Therefore connection flanges (8), (9) and (10) of said front surfaces (5), (6) and (7), give the impression of mass when the observer moves, unlike rigid panels made by splitting rigid, vertical, thin surfaces. Of course, the thickness (e) of the inflatable poster remains limited (of the order of a few tens of cm) in order to offer a low wind and weather resistance as to respect the various administrative regulations relating to the size of the display panels and their overhang. The thickness (e) of the inflatable poster (1) is usually small compared to its development.

The flexibility of the inflatable poster (1) leads to it being able to deform momentarily if a relatively large force is applied to one of the front surfaces (5), (6) or (7), or to the one of the connection flanges (8), (9) or (10). The edge (11) of the display panel table is partially covered by the inflatable poster (1).

5 shows a section along A-A of the inflatable poster (1) presented in Figure 1. The inflatable poster (1) consists of a flexible envelope (13) on which is printed the advertising message.

This flexible envelope (13) is not flat but has front surfaces (5), (6), (7) and connection flanges (8), (9) and (10), which are planar or left, protruding from each other. It is however possible to produce sharp protuberances with the potential malevolent disadvantage of seeking to hang objects from said protuberances. However, this possibility is not to be ruled out because it can meet a need born of the creativity of the publicist.

The flexible envelope (13) is subtended by volumes, here cushions, inflated (14), (15) whose shape is adapted to that of the flexible envelope (13). More specifically, they engage in the pockets of the latter to fill them.

The increase in volume carried out using the inflated cushions (14), (15) is light and can be obtained with a low inflation pressure, which reduces the risk of malice causing piercing. For example, a stone throw will not pierce either the flexible envelope (13) or the inflated cushions (14), (15), which only flatten locally under the effect of the force exerted. . The lightness of the inflatable poster prevents reinforcement of the display panels. In other words, the panels existing to date can be used without transformation.

The inflated cushions (14), (15) are held by any means known per se in the pockets of the flexible envelope (13). For example, they can engage tightly in the pockets of the flexible envelope. However, the use of pockets is not compulsory if the flexible envelope (13) is larger than that of the table (22) of the display panel on which the inflatable poster (1) is fixed; in this case, a drape of the flexible envelope (13) is to be expected. The inflated volumes are maintained by gluing or stapling or by the simple tension of the flexible canvas (13), preference being given to flexible and removable connections to allow possible replacement of the damaged cushions when moving the inflatable poster. (1) to another display panel.

Figure 6 is a sectional perspective view of an inflatable poster (1) according to the invention and mounted on a display panel. The table (17) of the latter is not fixed over its entire surface on its support for elevation relative to the ground (base or wall), using spacers (16), as can be seen in Figure 5, which allows the flexible envelope (13) to be at least partially folded around the edge (11) of the table (17) of the display panel as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The flexible envelope (13) thus has flaps (18), out of sight of passers-by since they are arranged behind the table (17) of the display panel. These flaps (18) can be stretched by zig-zag strands on the back (12) of the table (17) of the display panel due to spacer elements (16), as shown in FIG. 7. The flaps ( 18) can have a variable length according to the exact dimensions of the table (17) on which the inflatable poster (1) is adapted. The flexible envelope (13) is, as necessary, doubled by a bottom (21) in contact with the table (17). The inflated cushions (14), (15) are arranged between the flexible envelope (13) visible by passers-by to whom the advertising message is addressed and the bottom (21) in contact with the table (17). The bottom (21) serves as protection against possible incisal roughness of the front surface (22) of the table (17) of the display panel, and of wear surface in the event of movement, even of slight amplitude, of the inflatable poster (1) relative to the table (17) under the effect of the wind. Thus, the inflatable volumes are protected.

As can be seen in Figure 7 which is a rear view of a display panel carrying an inflatable poster (1) according to the invention, a lacing of the strands (19) engaging in eyelets (20 ) formed in the flaps (18) of the flexible envelope (13), allows a very precise adaptation, in particular preventing wind, snow or any other solid or liquid material accumulating between the bottom (21) of the inflatable poster (1) and the front surface (22) of the table (17) of the display panel. The lacing takes place on the back (12), not visible to passers-by, of the tables (17) of the display panels. Successive inflation and deflation of the inflatable volumes of an inflatable poster (1) according to the invention only changes its visible external appearance of the passers-by without reaching the holding of its fixing on the table (12) of the display panel since the bottom (21) is secured to said table (12) by lacing. Thus, an animation of the inflatable poster (1) is carried out without difficulty.

Figure 8 is a perspective view which illustrates with a cutaway an alternative embodiment of an inflatable poster according to the invention in which the reliefs are no longer supported by inflated cushions. The edges of the reliefs of the inflatable poster are supported by inflated tubes (23) having a certain rigidity due to their inflation pressure. The inflated tubes (23) either form a single or several inflatable volumes. It is possible to use stiffeners to maintain the shape of the left or flat surfaces. In this embodiment of the invention, the pressure of the inflated tubes (23) is generally higher than that of the inflated cushions. The advantage of this embodiment resides in a lower possibility of maliciousness because the inflated volumes are of less importance and require a greater skill of the malicious operators. It is also possible to have a lighting device (26) which illuminates by transparency all or part of the inflatable poster (1).

In all cases, the internal pressure of the inflated volumes is limited by safety valves, in particular to avoid overpressure in the event of a notable increase in the external temperature. In addition, inflation can be ensured using these valves, using an air compressor group or compressed air cylinders. Other gases can be used depending on their price and / or administrative constraints relating to public safety. For example, a gas lighter than air has the effect of raising a part of the inflatable poster (1) relative to its background. Similarly, a ballast of part of the inflatable poster (1) leads to the formation of a protruding purse and hanging, on a background, usually vertical. The easiest ballast to use is water that you slide into the inflatable volumes.

The valves are also used to drain the air or gas contained in the inflated volumes when the inflatable poster is dismantled. Liquid ballast can be discharged through these same valves. The valves are arranged at the end of sleeves, possibly retractable, easily accessible from the outside, but out of the reach of the population to avoid possible malicious acts.

The envelope (13) is made of flexible material capable of receiving an impression adapted to the advertising message to be transmitted. It is, for example, nylon coated with PCV. It is also possible to use canvas of different color and / or texture. Therefore, the choice of the material of the flexible envelope (13) is at least partially the responsibility of the publicist who has a wide range of materials likely to meet the needs of his creativity. As necessary, the straps (24) limiting the section of the inflatable poster (1) can be fixed on the flexible envelope (13). Autonomous inflatable volumes (25) are adaptable on these straps (24).

The installation of an inflatable poster (1) is carried out first by positioning the poster and essentially the bottom (21), and lacing the flaps (18) of the inflatable poster on the back (12 ) of the table (17) of the display panel. Then, the various inflatable volumes, cushions or tubes, are filled with air at a pressure little different from atmospheric pressure. The pockets of the flexible envelope (13) are occupied by the inflated volumes which are supported on the substantially plane table (17) of the display panel, and become protruding. If the flexible envelope does not have preformed pockets, a drape forms around the volume inflated. If inflated tubes (23) are used, the inflation pressure is generally higher than atmospheric pressure.

During storage, an inflatable poster (1) according to the invention consists of a flexible envelope (13) having at least one pocket, or devoid of pockets but then of dimensions greater than those of the bottom (21), and at least one inflatable volume (cushion or tube) attached to said flexible envelope (13). According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible envelope (13), with or without pockets, is lined with a bottom (21); the inflatable volumes are arranged between the bottom (21) and the envelope (13). The inflatable poster (1) with its flexible envelope, the bottom, the inflatable volumes and the hanging strands constitutes a folded whole, the bottom being outside, which protects the flexible envelope on which the message is printed. advertising, during storage or transport.

The inflatable posters can be used not only as a medium for advertising messages but also as elements of urban furniture for example, in particular because of the possibilities of volume or light animation.

NOMENCLATURE

1

inflatable poster

2, 3

display panel base

4

human silhouette

5, 6, 7

front surfaces of the inflatable poster

8, 9, 10

connecting edges of the front surfaces

11

edge of the display panel (17)

12

back of painting (17)

13

flexible envelope

14, 15

inflated volume or cushion

16

retractors

17

display board table

18

flexible envelope flaps

19

strand

20

eyelets

21

background

22

front panel surface (17)

23

tubes

24

strap

25

autonomous inflatable volume

26

lighting device

Claims (7)

1. An inflatable bill or poster for hoardings, characterized in that it is constituted firstly by a flexible envelope (13) on which a message is printed and preferably having at least one preformed pocket fixed on the support surface of the hoarding (17), and secondly by a second flexible envelope (14, 15) or volume constituting an inflatable bag or cushion which, once inflated, lies between the flexible envelope (13) and the support surface of the hoarding (17), being substantially in contact therewith to move the said flexible envelope (13) away from the said support surface of the hoarding (17).

2. An inflatable bill according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible envelope (13) is large in size than the support surface of the hoarding (17), and in that at least one inflatable volume (14) slid into its drape moves said flexible envelope (13) away from at least a portion of the support surface of the hoarding (17).

3. An inflatable bill according to either preceding claim, characterized in that some or all of the flexible envelope (13) is ballastable, in particular by ballasting at least one inflatable volume (14, 15).

4. An inflatable bill according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it is removable and/or reusable by virtue of a dismountable fastening method.

5. An inflatable bill according to any preceding claim, characterized by a fastening method for adjusting to various sizes of hoarding support surface (17).

6. An inflatable bill according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the flexible envelope includes flaps (18) held tight over the back of the support surface of the hoarding (17) by a zig-zag lacing of strands (19), e.g. loose-ended, passing through eyelets (20) formed through the said flaps, by sliding beneath a tunnel formed at the periphery of the inflatable bill.

7. An inflatable bill according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the inflatable bill is animated by permanent or periodic lighting (26) disposed beneath the flexible envelope (13), possibly in or between the inflatable volumes (14, 15).

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