GB2467806A

GB2467806A - Display panel tensioning apparatus, in particular for lorry side advertisements

Info

Publication number: GB2467806A
Application number: GB0908655A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Natasha Thomas; Kevin David Thomas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-02-14
Filing date: 2009-05-20
Publication date: 2010-08-18
Also published as: GB0902503D0; GB0905926D0; GB0908655D0

Abstract

A display panel mounting apparatus comprises at least one frame member 12a and coupling means 15 for detachably coupling a display panel 16, e.g. an advertisement, to the frame member. The coupling means provides biasing for tensioning the display panel toward the frame member such that the display panel is held in a taught configuration. The coupling means may be in the form of a spring 15, elastic tethers (29, Fig. 6), or a continuous elastic tether (31, Fig. 7), which cooperate with eyelets 26 in the display panel. The frame preferably includes mounting means, e.g. holes 24 for bolts 23, for mounting the frame to a support, in particular, the side of a vehicle, e.g. a lorry. The frame may be provided a with a detachable fascia / façade 17 that clips to the frame members. The fascia is designed to cover the frame members and the coupling means. The fascia may be provided with an arm 27c that is arranged to force the display panel towards the support to further tension the panel and reduce wind resistance effects when the panel is mounted to a vehicle. The display panel may be made from a mesh material.

Description

Display Panel Mountiq Apparatus The present invention relates to display panel mounting apparatus and particularly, but not exclusively to display panel mounting apparatus for mounting a display panel to a side of a vehicle.

It is common to exhibit advertisements on the sides of vehicles, such as vans, buses and lorries. These displays are typically painted directly on the surface of the vehicle, or by applying sign panels to the surface using adhesives or by applying an adhesive film containing an advertisement, for example. These displays are often expensive, difficult to install, and difficult to change in timely fashion. In addition, their useful life is limited by their constant exposure to the elements.

Accordingly, it is desirable to readily change the advert to suit a particular advertising campaign or simply update an existing advertisement.

We have now devised display panel mounting apparatus which facilitates a rapid replacement of advertising signs to the sides of vehicles.

In accordance with the present invention, as seen from a first aspect, there is provided display panel mounting apparatus, the apparatus comprising a frame comprising at least one frame member and coupling means for detachably coupling a display panel to the frame member, wherein the coupling means comprises biasing means for biasing the display panel toward the frame member.

The coupling means thus enables display panels to be readily replaced to the frame member and the biasing means ensures that the display panel is held in a taught configuration with respect to the frame member.

Preferably, the coupling means further comprises adjustment means for adjusting the bias of the biasing means and thus the tension in the panel.

The coupling means is preferably disposed upon the at least one frame member and comprises a plurality of springs. Preferably, a proximal end of each spring is rigidly secured to the at least one frame member and a distal end of each spring comprises a hook for cooperating with an eyelet disposed around a periphery of the panel.

The plurality of springs are preferably separated along the at least one frame member.

Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the coupling means preferably comprises a plurality of elastic tethers that are separately looped through one of a plurality of eyelets disposed around a periphery of the panel. Preferably, each tether is secured to a toggle. Preferably, each toggle is elongate and is arranged to pass through an aperture formed within the frame member.

Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the coupling means preferably comprises an elastic tether that is alternately and successively looped through one of a plurality of eyelets disposed around a periphery of the panel and the frame member.

Preferably, the tether comprises a pair of free ends, which are arranged to pass through a clamp disposed upon the frame member. The at least one frame member preferably comprises a clamp disposed a opposite ends thereof. The or each clamp preferably comprises a pair of cams that are biased to rotate toward each other.

The at least one frame member preferably comprises means for securing the frame to a frame support. Preferably, the means for securing the frame to a frame support comprises a plurality of apertures formed in the at least one frame member for receiving a screw, or bolt or similar fastener. Preferably, the frame support comprises a side of a vehicle.

The display panel mounting. apparatus preferably further comprises a façade that is detachably coupled to the at least one frame member. The façade is arranged to substantially cover the at least one frame member and the coupling means, and preferably comprises a pair of resiliently flexible barbs that are arranged to engage with the at least one frame member.

The façade is preferably arranged to partially cover an outer region of the display panel.

Preferably, the façade further comprises an arm that is arranged to abut the panel when the façade is coupled to the at least one frame member, to further tension the panel.

The arm is preferably arranged to re-position the panel in close proximity with the side of the vehicle, when the façade is coupled to the at least one frame member, to reduce wind resistance associated with the panel when the vehicle is in motion.

Preferably, the at least one frame member is substantially F-shaped in cross-section.

Preferably, the display panel mounting apparatus comprises at least two frame members arranged substantially opposite each other and coupling means disposed upon the at least two frame members, such that the coupling means is arranged to hold the display panel taught between the frame members.

More preferably, the display panel mounting apparatus comprises a first and second pair of frame members with the members of each pair being arranged substantially opposite each other such that the frame is arranged to extend substantially around a periphery of the display panel, and coupling means disposed upon each frame member, such that the coupling means is arranged to hold the display panel taught between the frame members.

In accordance with the present invention, as seen from a second aspect, there is provided a display panel for mounting to a vehicle, the display panel comprising a sheet of tyvek� material upon which an advert may be displayed and a plurality of eyelets disposed around a periphery of the sheet.

Preferably, the sheet comprises a mesh material.

Preferably, the sheet comprises coupling means for mounting to the display panel mounting apparatus of the first aspect.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a display panel mounting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention supported upon a side of a lorry; Figure 2 is a front view of a display panel mounting apparatus of figure 1 with the façade secured in place; Figure 3 is a sectional view of the display panel mounting apparatus of figure 2, taken along line A-A; Figure 4 is a magnified view of the upper frame member of figure 3; Figure 5 is a front view of a display panel mounting apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the façade removed; Figure 6 is a side view of the display panel mounting apparatus according to figure 5, with the façade secured to the frame member; Figure 7 is a front view of a display panel mounting apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with the façade removed; and, Figure 8 is a side view of the display panel mounting apparatus according to figure 7, with the façade secured to the frame member.

Referring to figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is illustrated display panel mounting apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, secured to a side of a vehicle 11. The apparatus 10 comprises a first and second pair 12, 13 of frame members 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b, with the frame members 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b of each pair 12, 13 being arranged substantially opposite each other. The ends of frame members 12a, 12b of the first pair 12 are arranged substantially adjacent the ends of frame members 13a, 13b of the second pair 13 and orientated to form a substantially rectangular frame 14.

The apparatus 10 further comprises coupling means, for example a plurality of springs 15, that are spaced along each frame member 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b and at the corner regions of the frame 14, which depend inwardly of the frame 14 to support a display panel 16. A façade 17 is also provided that snap-fits onto the frame members 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b to cover the frame members 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b and the coupling means, which may otherwise detract from the overall appearance of the display panel 16.

Referring to figure 3 of the drawings there is shown a sectional view through upper and lower frame members 12a, 12b of the mounting apparatus 10 of figure 2, as viewed along line A-A. A sectional view along line B-B would illustrate a similar view. Each frame member 12a, 12b is substantially F-shaped in cross-section and comprises a base plate 18 and a first and second wall 19a, 19b which extend substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the base plate 18 to form a channel region 20. The distal end of the first and second walls 19a, 19b of each frame member 12a, 12b is turned outwardly of the channel 20 to define a first and second lip 21a, 21b, respectively. The first wall I 9a extends from one lateral side of the base plate 18 and the second wall 19b extends from a position on the base plate 18 that is intermediate opposite lateral sides thereof. Accordingly, the channel 20 is formed at one lateral side of the base plate 18, with the section of the base plate 18 that extends away from the channel 20 forming a tail section 22.

Each frame member 1 2a, 1 2b, I 3a, 1 3b is secured to the side of a lorry 11 by passing fasteners 23, for example screws or bolts or similar, through a plurality of apertures 24 (only one of which is illustrated in the drawings) that are formed within the base plate 18 of the frame member and which are spaced along the frame member within the channel region 20 thereof, into the side of the vehicle 11. The upper and lower frame members 12a, 12b of the pair (and similarly, the left and right frame members 13a, 13b, as viewed in figure 1) are arranged substantially opposite each other with the tail section 22 of one frame member extending substantially toward the other frame member of the pair.

The façade 17 is formed of a resiliently deformable plastic and comprises a cover 27 having a face surface 27a on which may be printed an image or other markings, and a rear surface 27b from which extend a pair of barbs 28a, 28b. The barbs 28a, 28b are spaced apart a distance that substantially corresponds to the separation of the first and second wall 1 9a, I 9b and the resiliently deformable nature of the façade 17 permits the barbs 28a, 28b to snap-fit around the lips 21a, 21b formed on the first and second walls 19a, 19b to secure the façade 17 to the respective frame member.

The façade 27 further comprises an arm 27c that extends along a side edge of the façade that is arranged innermost of the frame 14, and which extends from the façade in a direction toward the panel 16. The length of the arm is such that when the façade is coupled to the frame members 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b, the arm abuts the panel 16 to further tension the panel and re-position the panel in close proximity with the side of the vehicle 11. Holding the panel in close proximity to the side of the vehicle 11 is found to reduce air resistance associated with the panel when the vehicle 11 is in motion.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in figures 1 to 4 of the drawings, the coupling means comprises a plurality of springs 15. The springs 15 are separately, rigidly secured at a proximal end thereof to the second wall I 9b of each frame member 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b and extend substantially inwardly of the frame 14, along the respective tail section 22. Each spring 15 further comprises adjustment means (not shown) for adjusting the tension in the respective spring 15. The distal end of each spring 15 comprises a hook 25 for cooperating with one of a plurality of eyelets 26 disposed around a periphery of the display panel 16.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in figures 5 and 6 of the drawings, the coupling means comprises a plurality of elastic tethers 29 (only one of which is shown in figures 5 and 6). Each tether 29 is separately looped through one of the plurality of eyelets 26 disposed around the periphery of the panel 16 and the free ends of each tether 29 are separately secured to an elongate toggle 30 that is arranged to pass through one of a plurality of apertures (not shown) formed in the frame members 12, 13 (only frame member 12a is illustrated in figures 5 and 6).

Each toggle 30 comprises a long axis that extends substantially longitudinally of the toggle 30 and a short axis that extends substantially laterally of the toggle 30. The apertures (not shown) formed in the frame members 12, 13 are dimensioned to receive and pass the short axis of the toggle 30 but not the long axis. Accordingly, the panel 16 is secured to the frame members 12, 13 by separately orientating each toggle 30 such that the respective short axis extends substantially parallel with the plane of the respective aperture (not shown) and then moving the toggle 30 in a direction that is substantially along the long axis to pass the toggle 30 through the aperture (not shown). The respective toggle 30 is then rotated to present its long axis to the aperture (not shown) and thus prevent the removal of the toggle 30 from the frame member.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in figures 7 and 8, the coupling means comprises an elastic tether 31 that is successively and alternately looped through one of the plurality of eyelets 26 disposed around the periphery of the panel 16 and the frame members (only frame member 12a is illustrated in figure 7 and 8). Each frame member 12, 13 comprises a clamp 32 disposed at opposite longitudinal ends thereof for receiving a free end of the tether 31.

Each clamp 32 comprises a pair of cams 33, each comprising a jaw 34 that are rotationally biased to abut each other. The tether 31 can pass through the respective clamp 32 in a direction that causes the cams 33 to rotate against the bias, but is inhibited from being pulled from between the abutted jaws 34, namely in a direction which urges the jaws 34 against each other. Accordingly, each side of the panel 16 is secured to the adjacent frame member 12, 13 by a single tether 31.

Alternatively however, the panel 16 may be secured to the frame 14 by a single tether 31 that passes around the frame 14 and panel 16. In this case, the free ends of the tether 31 may be arranged to pass through a common single clamp 32 disposed upon one frame member of the frame 14.

The display panel 16 comprises a flexible sheet of tyvek� material for example, and is formed with a plurality of eyelets 26 disposed around a periphery of the sheet 16. The eyelets 26 are arranged to receive the hooked end of one of the plurality of springs 15 of the first embodiment and/or the elastic tethers 29, 31 of the second and/or third embodiments, as described above. Alternatively, the display panel 16 may be formed with springs 15 of the first embodiment, or the elastic tethers 29, 31 of the second embodiment already secured thereto.

The tyvek� material is lightweight and resistant to tearing. In addition, tyvek� is a substantially recyclable material. The display panel 16 may comprise a mesh material to allow air to pass through, to thereby reduce any stresses upon the panel 16 created by the wind or airflow when the vehicle 11 is in motion.

In use, the frame members 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b of the mounting apparatus 10 are secured to the side of a vehicle 11 in a substantially rectangular configuration, by passing fasteners 23 through the apertures 24 formed in the base plate 18 of the frame members 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b, into the side of the vehicle 11. A display panel 16 emblazoned with the desired sign or advert or similar is then secured within the frame 14 by separately passing the hooked end 25 of each spring 15 that is secured to the frame members 1 2a, 12b, 1 3a, I 3b, through one of the plurality of eyelets 26, such that the display panel 16 becomes supported within the frame 14. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the elastic tethers 29 of the second embodiment may be looped through the plurality of eyelets 26, and the respective toggle 30 passed through the respective aperture (not shown). In yet a further alternative or as a further addition, the elastic tether 31 of the third embodiment may be looped successively and alternately through the eyelets 26 on the display panel 16 and the frame member or members 12, 13. The free ends of the tether 31 are then passed through the clamp 32 or clamps disposed on the frame members 12, 13 to secure the tether 31 in place.

The display panel 16 is sized such that when the panel 16 is secured within the frame 14, the springs 15 and/or tethers 29, 31 are extended slightly to hold the panel 16 under tension. Alternatively, the panel 16 can be secured within the frame 14 using the springs 15 and then the tension in the springs 15 can be adjusted using the adjustment means (not shown) to pull the panel 16 taught. In a further alternative, the effective length of elastic tethers 29 of the second embodiment may be shortened by securing the respective toggle 30 to the respective tether 29 closer to the respective eyelet 26, to thus increase the tension in the display panel 16. In yet a further alternative, the free ends of the elastic tether 31 or tethers of the third embodiment may be pulled through the appropriate clamp 32 to suitably tension the tether 31 and thus the display panel 16.

Once the panel 16 has been suitably positioned within the frame 14, the façade 17 is then snap-fitted to each frame member 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b to cover the frame 14 and springs 15 and or tethers from view, and to re-position the panel in close proximity with the side of the vehicle 11.

The springs 15 and tethers 29, 31 can extend and retract under the force of the wind (or airflow when the vehicle 11 is in motion, for example) acting upon the panel 16, to thereby reduce the stresses acting upon the panel 16 near the eyelets regions, for example, and thus minimise any tearing of the panel 16.

When it is required to change the display panel 16, the panel 16 can simply be unhooked from the springs 15 and/or disconnected from the tethers 29, 31 and a replacement panel secured. From the foregoing therefore, it is evident that the display panel mounting apparatus 10 enables display panels 16 to be readily replaced to the sides of vehicles as required.

Claims

Claims 1. A display panel mounting apparatus, the apparatus comprising a frame comprising at least one frame member and coupling means for detachably coupling a display panel to the frame member, wherein the coupling means comprises biasing means for biasing the display panel toward the frame member.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coupling means further comprises adjustment means for adjusting the bias of the biasing means and thus the tension in the panel.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling means is disposed upon the at least one frame member
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the coupling means comprises a plurality of springs.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a proximal end of each spring is rigidly secured to the at least one frame member and a distal end of each spring comprises a hook for cooperating with an eyelet disposed around a periphery of the panel.
6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the plurality of springs are separated along the at least one frame member. *.s. 25
7. Apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the coupling means * comprises or further comprises a plurality of elastic tethers that are separately looped through one of a plurality of eyelets disposed around a periphery of the panel. S..
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each tether is secured to a toggle.*....: 30 * S
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein each toggle is elongate and is arranged to pass through an aperture formed within the frame member.
10. Apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 9, wherein the coupling means comprises or further comprises an elastic tether that is alternately and successively looped through one of a plurality of eyelets disposed around a periphery of the panel and the frame member.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the tether comprises a pair of free ends, which are arranged to pass through a clamp disposed upon the frame member.
12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one frame member preferably comprises a clamp disposed a opposite ends thereof.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the clamp comprises a pair of cams that are biased to rotate toward each other.
14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one frame member comprises means for securing the frame to a frame support.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the means for securing the frame to a frame support comprises a plurality of apertures formed in the at least one frame member for receiving a screw, or bolt or similar fastener.
16. Apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the frame support comprises a side of a vehicle.
17. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a façade that is detachably coupled to the at least one frame member. S...S.....*
18. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the façade is arranged to substantially cover the at least one frame member and the coupling means. **.
19. Apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the façade comprises a pair of *:sS 30 resiliently flexible barbs that are arranged to engage with the at least one frame member.
20. Apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the façade is arranged to partially cover an outer region of the display panel.
21. Apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the façade further comprises an arm that is arranged to abut the panel when the façade is coupled to the at least one frame member, to further tension the panel.
22. Apparatus according to claim 21 as appended to claim 16, wherein the arm is arranged to re-position the panel in close proximity with the side of the vehicle, when the façade is coupled to the at least one frame member, to reduce wind resistance associated with the panel when the vehicle is in motion.
23. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one frame member is substantially F-shaped in cross-section.
24. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising at least two frame members arranged substantially opposite each other and coupling means disposed upon the at least two frame members, such that the coupling means is arranged to hold the display panel taught between the frame members.
25. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the display panel mounting apparatus comprises a first and second pair of frame members with the members of each pair being arranged substantially opposite each other such that the frame is arranged to extend substantially around a periphery of the display panel, and coupling means disposed upon each frame member, such that the coupling means is arranged to hold the display panel taught between the frame members. S..
26. A display panel for mounting to a vehicle, the display panel comprising a sheet * of tyvek� material upon which an advert may be displayed and a plurality of eyelets disposed around a periphery of the sheet.S *.
27. A display panel according to claim 26, wherein the sheet comprises a mesh material.*I.**S * .
28. A display panel according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the sheet comprises coupling means for mounting to the display panel mounting apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 25.